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How to Print Screen on Mac

Learn how to print screen on Mac using screenshot shortcuts, capture part of the screen, copy to clipboard, change save options, troubleshoot, and use FAQs.

TechnologyEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To print screen on Mac, press Shift + Command + 3 to capture the full screen, Shift + Command + 4 to capture a selected area, or Shift + Command + 5 to open screenshot controls.

What You Need

  • Mac keyboard
  • Screen or window to capture
  • Enough storage for screenshots
  • Clipboard access if copying instead of saving

Safety Precautions

  • Do not capture private passwords, personal messages, or sensitive work data by accident.
  • Review screenshots before sharing.
  • Use Command + Control with screenshot shortcuts when you want to copy instead of save.
  • Check workplace rules before capturing restricted content.
  • Delete screenshots you no longer need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Capture full screen

    Press Shift + Command + 3 to save a screenshot of the entire screen.

  2. Step 2

    Capture selected area

    Press Shift + Command + 4, drag over the area, then release.

  3. Step 3

    Capture a window

    Press Shift + Command + 4, press Space, then click a window.

  4. Step 4

    Open screenshot controls

    Press Shift + Command + 5 to choose capture, recording, timer, and save options.

  5. Step 5

    Copy instead of save

    Hold Control with the shortcut to copy the screenshot to the clipboard.

  6. Step 6

    Find the file

    By default, screenshots usually save to the desktop unless settings were changed.

  7. Step 7

    Edit or share

    Use the thumbnail preview or open the file to crop, mark up, or share.

Practical Example

Example: To capture only an error message, press Shift + Command + 4, drag around the message, release, and share the saved screenshot.

Common Mistakes

  • Using Windows Print Screen key expectations
  • Capturing sensitive information
  • Not knowing where screenshots save
  • Forgetting the Space key for window capture
  • Copying to clipboard then thinking nothing happened
  • Ignoring multiple monitors

Troubleshooting

Screenshot did not save

Check screenshot options with Shift + Command + 5 and confirm the save location.

Shortcut does not work

Check keyboard shortcuts in System Settings and try an external keyboard if needed.

Screenshot is on clipboard only

Paste it into an app, or repeat without holding Control.

Screenshot includes too much

Use Shift + Command + 4 to select a smaller area.

FAQs

What is the Mac equivalent of Print Screen?

Shift + Command + 3 captures the full screen.

How do I screenshot part of the screen?

Use Shift + Command + 4 and drag over the area.

Where do Mac screenshots go?

Usually the desktop, unless changed in Screenshot options.

Can I record the screen too?

Yes. Shift + Command + 5 includes screen recording options.

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