Quick Screenshot Key Commands in Mac OS X

by Nate Croft

Every designer knows that at some point during a project there will screenshots, and lots of them. Third party applications often get this job, but if you are a Mac user (10.3 and later), you have another option built right into the OS. That option comes in the form of key commands, and the key commands come in three flavors:

1. If you want a file saved to the desktop for later editing use Shift+Command(Apple)+3 for the whole screen and Shift+Command(Apple)+4 for a selection.

2. If you want a screenshot that can be pasted directly into Photoshop/Illustrator/Etc. use Shift+Control+Command(Apple)+3 for the whole screen and Shift+Control+Command(Apple)+4 for a selection. Then go back to your application and paste it right in!

3. If your want just a window and need to be precise press Shift+Command+4 just like you would for a selection, then hit the space bar. Your cursor will turn into a camera. From there just click on the window you want. It can even be covered by another window and it will only include the window you picked. This also works with the control key added if you want to past it directly into an application.

I don’t know when I ran across these, but they are such a time saver.

For all the Windows users out there, is there anything like this for Windows? We’d love to know. Leave us a comment with your tips and tricks.

Comments

1

allan branch - Feb 13, 2008

Whoa! Great Tip - Copy & Paste to PS/AI, Awesome!

2

maria - Feb 22, 2008

You asked if there was a Windows way to do this? Well as far as I know you can press the “Print Screen” button on the top right of the keyboard, this takes a snapshot of your entire screen. Then you can just go to Edit>Paste if you are in Photoshop, if you don’t have Photoshop you can also use the generic Paint program and Edit>Paste it there. If you want to do a screen grab of just the highlighted window, you can use “alt” along with “print screen” to just get a picture of the highlighted window.
Hope this helps,

3

JP - Mar 03, 2008

How long have you been using a Mac? Those screen shot keys have been around as long as I can remember, predating OS X, OS 9… way back in the days on MacOS 6.0.x (and earlier). And Windows has had their equivalent almost as long, too.

But thanks for posting it, though… I needed a reminder after being away from a Mac for so long…

4

Mike - Nov 28, 2008

Thanks for sharing. I normally use windows and screenshots are easy.

5

Jon Thomas - Dec 11, 2008

I too have been spoiled by these shortcuts, but I use both platforms at work. So, I went on a desperate search for something FREE that would do a similar job on Windows. Once the program is running, I’m sure you could set up shortcuts, but it’s not nearly as simple as the mac version.

Check it out at: http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/mwsnap.html

Again, FREE was my goal. I’m sure you could buy some fancy screen capture software, but this one’s simple and free.

6

jeff - Jan 20, 2009

The screen shot image tip is awesome. Thanks!

7

Cathy - May 04, 2009

I use windows mostly instead of a mac but for screenshots within the browser fireshot is my favorite addon. It has so many additional features besides the capture. Love firefox.

8

Bands - Sep 18, 2009

screenshots are easy To capture in Windows I am using Vista Home Edition.

9

film izle - Sep 20, 2009

Thank you for your effort ..

10

Reglan - Sep 23, 2009

Then you can just go to Edit>Paste if you are in Photoshop, if you don’t have Photoshop you can also use the generic Paint program and Edit>Paste it there. If you want to do a screen grab of just the highlighted window

11

oyunlar - Oct 10, 2009

I am terrible when it comes to remembering keyboard short cuts! My brother jokingly tells me I’m stupid becuase of this.

12

villash - Aug 20, 2010

I have thinkt hird party applications often get this job, but if you are a Mac user you have another option built right into the OS. That option comes in the form of key commands, and the key commands come in three flavors…Transfer Test Northern Ireland

13

helena - Dec 09, 2010

Thanks for sharing. I normally use

14

Youryu - Jan 07, 2011

Thank you for shraing. I N?CE GOOD Thnaks.

15

photographer - Jan 23, 2011

I love using my Mac shortcuts. I would be lost without them. Everything goes much quicker when you don’t have to use your mouse and point and click all of the time. I love finding other Mac lovers!

16

www.searchmarketinggroup.co.uk - Jan 27, 2011

Then you can just go to Edit>Paste if you are in Photoshop, if you don’t accept Photoshop you can as well use the all-encompassing Paint affairs and Edit>Paste it there. If you wish to do a awning grab of just the accent window, you can use “alt” forth with “print screen” to just get a account of the accent window.

17

craps strategies - Feb 18, 2011

Thanks for this information with the visitors and i more ting that Every designer knows that at some point during a project there will screen shots, and lots of them. Third party applications often get this job, but if you are a Mac user (10.3 and later), you have another option built right into the OS.

18

ugur - Mar 24, 2011

thanx :D

19

FilmDizi ?zletiriz Biz - May 02, 2011

Online Film Dizi ?zleme Portal?. filmdiziizletiriz.com

20

Acompanhantes - May 21, 2011

yea, I would be lost without them. Everything goes much quicker when you don’t have to use your mouse and point and click all of the time. I love finding other Mac lovers! ...thanks!

21

trilastin sr - Jun 21, 2011

Impressive stuff here. The information and the aspect were just wonderful. I think that your viewpoint is deep, it’s just well thought out and truly incredible to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts so well. Good job!

22

Peny@cherokee workwear - Jul 06, 2011

“I don’t know when I ran across these, but they are such a time saver.”

Indeed they are. And they are great tips. Thanks, eh.

23

mnckgemg - Feb 28, 2012

rockrwee

24

Martim La Pietra - Mar 12, 2012

I love finding other Mac lovers! ...thanks!

25

Martin - Apr 13, 2012

The information and the aspect were just wonderful. I think that your viewpoint is deep

26

GottoutsibMop - Jul 10, 2012

Спасибо за новость! <a >видео на DSLR камеры</a>. Интересно было почитать.

27

free bets - Aug 21, 2012

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michael kors iphone wristlet - Oct 18, 2012

They in no way out of fashion. Buy this useful accessories will provide you with a gorgeous appearance. This would include the general huge appearance. Them in your arms or weapons, you can be satisfied with a large number of design concepts.

29

ukash - Jan 03, 2013

Thanks for sharing. I normally use windows and screenshots are easy.

30

Aix-en-Provence call girls - Feb 01, 2013

How much money have you earned by blogging on the internet?

31

Steve Goossens - Mar 26, 2013

In Windows you can press PrintScreen to copy the entire screen(s) to the clipboard, or Alt + PrintScreen to copy the currently focused window to the clipboard. The clipboard can then be Pasted in Photoshop etc.

In Windows (7 definitely, Vista probably, 8 most probably) you can open the Snipping Tool (I just hit the Start button or Windows key and type “snip” in the start search. This built-in app lets you do full-screen, window, and selection screen captures, and then automatically produces an image, and gives you image format options, e.g. jpeg, png, etc. to save the image as a file.

32

ageless male review - Apr 02, 2013

For a professional the speed of his job depends on how are uses the shortcuts in computer. The shortcut keys for Windows are very much known for us. The quick screen short key commands for Mac operating system is very useful. Thanks for the step by step explanation.

33

Saude - Apr 03, 2013

Yea, i agree in Once the program is running, I’m sure you could set up shortcuts, but it’s not nearly as simple as the mac version. Thanks for sharing!

34

vvklmbwbl - May 22, 2013

<a >cheap gucci purses from china</a> I very favourite looks like outlet

35

mili - Jun 03, 2013

It took me studying art in college to really learn the fact that all people have different ideas of what art is and of what beauty is.Go Pro

36

Go ProName - Jun 03, 2013

it is a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful. I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply I wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely

37

Subjektif Yazar - Jun 05, 2013

Thank you for shraing. I N?CE GOOD Thnaks

38

Tarkan - Jun 12, 2013

thanks for the tip

39

denas - Jul 19, 2013

Thanks for this information with the visitors and i more ting that Every designer knows that at some point during a project there will screen shots, and lots of them. Thanks posting for share a lot. how to write definition essay

40

hamza Gürgü - Jul 24, 2013

Accesories Painting

41

hamza Gürgü - Jul 24, 2013

http:www.merterboya.com

42

çiçek - Jul 31, 2013

good topic thanks admin ))

43

Doris - Aug 17, 2013

Really useful! I can recommend using FireShot for taking screenshots in Firefox

44

Deneme - Aug 26, 2013

Good topic admin, thanks you

45

Ayka Temizlik - Aug 29, 2013

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46

Ayka Temizlik - Aug 29, 2013

Ayka Temizlik

47

istanbul hostel - Oct 17, 2013

thank you very nice. great!

48

Mike - Jan 21, 2014

Good article on Mac screenshots. When I got my first mac some time ago, I found this page to be just as helpful. Has everything you could ever need to know about screenshots -> http://tinyurl.com/laxzkjk

49

Ozan - Mar 26, 2014

thank good ..

50

Sonali Bhaumik - Apr 26, 2014

Simple steps to take a screenshot useing your Macbook Pro.
Plase like my videos and subscribe to my youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nozDQIAxCQ

51

winning the one robert ford system - May 19, 2014

I am very happy to be here because this is a very good site that provides lots of information about the topics covered in depth. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next. winning the one robert ford system

52

izmir temizlik firması - Jun 21, 2014

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55

madhusudhan - Jan 08, 2015

Its really a nice and informative post. i really loved to read. Thanks for sharing this excellent post with us.

56

gökce bilisim - Jan 19, 2015

web tasarım

57

Dima - Feb 04, 2015

OMG you are going to save me from now on hours of work. Didn’t know about these tricks.
Sometimes you just need to ask the right question by the way to google.

Thanks a lot.
Dima

58

Techiegen - Feb 05, 2015

The complicated stuff become simpler with the help of Mac Shortcut Keys. You can also utilize the same for sending emails effectively..

59

sahin usta batman - Jul 31, 2015

i love you! thanks…

60

VitrinTemizlik - Oct 03, 2015

thank good ..
http://www.vitrintemizlik.com/
http://www.vitrintemizlik.net/

61

omer demır - Jun 18, 2016

hanks for sharing. I normally use windows and screenshots are easy.

1
allan branch - Feb 13, 2008
Whoa! Great Tip - Copy & Paste to PS/AI, Awesome!
2
maria - Feb 22, 2008
You asked if there was a Windows way to do this? Well as far as I know you can press the “Print Screen” button on the top right of the keyboard, this takes a snapshot of your entire screen. Then you can just go to Edit>Paste if you are in Photoshop, if you don’t have Photoshop you can also use the generic Paint program and Edit>Paste it there. If you want to do a screen grab of just the highlighted window, you can use “alt” along with “print screen” to just get a picture of the highlighted window.
Hope this helps,
3
JP - Mar 03, 2008
How long have you been using a Mac? Those screen shot keys have been around as long as I can remember, predating OS X, OS 9… way back in the days on MacOS 6.0.x (and earlier). And Windows has had their equivalent almost as long, too.

But thanks for posting it, though… I needed a reminder after being away from a Mac for so long…
4
Mike - Nov 28, 2008
Thanks for sharing. I normally use windows and screenshots are easy.
5
Jon Thomas - Dec 11, 2008
I too have been spoiled by these shortcuts, but I use both platforms at work. So, I went on a desperate search for something FREE that would do a similar job on Windows. Once the program is running, I’m sure you could set up shortcuts, but it’s not nearly as simple as the mac version.

Check it out at: http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/mwsnap.html

Again, FREE was my goal. I’m sure you could buy some fancy screen capture software, but this one’s simple and free.
6
jeff - Jan 20, 2009
The screen shot image tip is awesome. Thanks!
7
Cathy - May 04, 2009
I use windows mostly instead of a mac but for screenshots within the browser fireshot is my favorite addon. It has so many additional features besides the capture. Love firefox.
8
Bands - Sep 18, 2009
screenshots are easy To capture in Windows I am using Vista Home Edition.
9
film izle - Sep 20, 2009
Thank you for your effort ..
10
Reglan - Sep 23, 2009
Then you can just go to Edit>Paste if you are in Photoshop, if you don’t have Photoshop you can also use the generic Paint program and Edit>Paste it there. If you want to do a screen grab of just the highlighted window
11
oyunlar - Oct 10, 2009
I am terrible when it comes to remembering keyboard short cuts! My brother jokingly tells me I’m stupid becuase of this.
12
villash - Aug 20, 2010
I have thinkt hird party applications often get this job, but if you are a Mac user you have another option built right into the OS. That option comes in the form of key commands, and the key commands come in three flavors…Transfer Test Northern Ireland
13
helena - Dec 09, 2010
Thanks for sharing. I normally use
14
Youryu - Jan 07, 2011
Thank you for shraing. I N?CE GOOD Thnaks.
15
photographer - Jan 23, 2011
I love using my Mac shortcuts. I would be lost without them. Everything goes much quicker when you don’t have to use your mouse and point and click all of the time. I love finding other Mac lovers!
16
www.searchmarketinggroup.co.uk - Jan 27, 2011
Then you can just go to Edit>Paste if you are in Photoshop, if you don’t accept Photoshop you can as well use the all-encompassing Paint affairs and Edit>Paste it there. If you wish to do a awning grab of just the accent window, you can use “alt” forth with “print screen” to just get a account of the accent window.
17
craps strategies - Feb 18, 2011
Thanks for this information with the visitors and i more ting that Every designer knows that at some point during a project there will screen shots, and lots of them. Third party applications often get this job, but if you are a Mac user (10.3 and later), you have another option built right into the OS.
18
ugur - Mar 24, 2011
thanx :D
19
FilmDizi ?zletiriz Biz - May 02, 2011
Online Film Dizi ?zleme Portal?. filmdiziizletiriz.com
20
Acompanhantes - May 21, 2011
yea, I would be lost without them. Everything goes much quicker when you don’t have to use your mouse and point and click all of the time. I love finding other Mac lovers! ...thanks!
21
trilastin sr - Jun 21, 2011
Impressive stuff here. The information and the aspect were just wonderful. I think that your viewpoint is deep, it’s just well thought out and truly incredible to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts so well. Good job!
22
Peny@cherokee workwear - Jul 06, 2011
“I don’t know when I ran across these, but they are such a time saver.”

Indeed they are. And they are great tips. Thanks, eh.
23
mnckgemg - Feb 28, 2012
rockrwee
24
Martim La Pietra - Mar 12, 2012
I love finding other Mac lovers! ...thanks!
25
Martin - Apr 13, 2012
The information and the aspect were just wonderful. I think that your viewpoint is deep
26
GottoutsibMop - Jul 10, 2012
Спасибо за новость! <a >видео на DSLR камеры</a>. Интересно было почитать.
27
free bets - Aug 21, 2012
We undertake such investigation studies in regards to hcg shots. We discovered that your write-ups on teethgrinder acquired our recognition for it happens to be very attractive. It’s certainly not a hesitation why numerous on the web users go to your webpage daily. Have a pleasant day and you did a wonderful career!
28
michael kors iphone wristlet - Oct 18, 2012
They in no way out of fashion. Buy this useful accessories will provide you with a gorgeous appearance. This would include the general huge appearance. Them in your arms or weapons, you can be satisfied with a large number of design concepts.
29
ukash - Jan 03, 2013
Thanks for sharing. I normally use windows and screenshots are easy.
30
Aix-en-Provence call girls - Feb 01, 2013
How much money have you earned by blogging on the internet?
31
Steve Goossens - Mar 26, 2013
In Windows you can press PrintScreen to copy the entire screen(s) to the clipboard, or Alt + PrintScreen to copy the currently focused window to the clipboard. The clipboard can then be Pasted in Photoshop etc.

In Windows (7 definitely, Vista probably, 8 most probably) you can open the Snipping Tool (I just hit the Start button or Windows key and type “snip” in the start search. This built-in app lets you do full-screen, window, and selection screen captures, and then automatically produces an image, and gives you image format options, e.g. jpeg, png, etc. to save the image as a file.
32
ageless male review - Apr 02, 2013
For a professional the speed of his job depends on how are uses the shortcuts in computer. The shortcut keys for Windows are very much known for us. The quick screen short key commands for Mac operating system is very useful. Thanks for the step by step explanation.
33
Saude - Apr 03, 2013
Yea, i agree in Once the program is running, I’m sure you could set up shortcuts, but it’s not nearly as simple as the mac version. Thanks for sharing!
34
vvklmbwbl - May 22, 2013
<a >cheap gucci purses from china</a> I very favourite looks like outlet
35
mili - Jun 03, 2013
It took me studying art in college to really learn the fact that all people have different ideas of what art is and of what beauty is.Go Pro
36
Go ProName - Jun 03, 2013
it is a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful. I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply I wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely
37
Subjektif Yazar - Jun 05, 2013
Thank you for shraing. I N?CE GOOD Thnaks
38
Tarkan - Jun 12, 2013
thanks for the tip
39
denas - Jul 19, 2013
Thanks for this information with the visitors and i more ting that Every designer knows that at some point during a project there will screen shots, and lots of them. Thanks posting for share a lot. how to write definition essay
40
hamza Gürgü - Jul 24, 2013
Accesories Painting
41
hamza Gürgü - Jul 24, 2013
http:www.merterboya.com
42
çiçek - Jul 31, 2013
good topic thanks admin ))
43
Doris - Aug 17, 2013
Really useful! I can recommend using FireShot for taking screenshots in Firefox
44
Deneme - Aug 26, 2013
Good topic admin, thanks you
45
Ayka Temizlik - Aug 29, 2013
istanbul temizlik şirketleri, kocaeli temizlik firmaları
46
Ayka Temizlik - Aug 29, 2013
Ayka Temizlik
47
istanbul hostel - Oct 17, 2013
thank you very nice. great!
48
Mike - Jan 21, 2014
Good article on Mac screenshots. When I got my first mac some time ago, I found this page to be just as helpful. Has everything you could ever need to know about screenshots -> http://tinyurl.com/laxzkjk
49
Ozan - Mar 26, 2014
thank good ..
50
Sonali Bhaumik - Apr 26, 2014
Simple steps to take a screenshot useing your Macbook Pro.
Plase like my videos and subscribe to my youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nozDQIAxCQ
51
winning the one robert ford system - May 19, 2014
I am very happy to be here because this is a very good site that provides lots of information about the topics covered in depth. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next. winning the one robert ford system
52
izmir temizlik firması - Jun 21, 2014
İzmir Temizlik en iyisi
53
High School Diploma Online - Sep 06, 2014
Nice Site really Your work is really great and too useful. I enjoyed visiting your site. You have done a truly excellent Job. I have also found a great website now want to share with you.
Visit: http://www.onlinefreegedcourse.com/
54
Temizlik Şirketleri - Dec 25, 2014
Degerli Bilgiler ama biraz yetersiz gibi
55
madhusudhan - Jan 08, 2015
Its really a nice and informative post. i really loved to read. Thanks for sharing this excellent post with us.
56
gökce bilisim - Jan 19, 2015
web tasarım
57
Dima - Feb 04, 2015
OMG you are going to save me from now on hours of work. Didn’t know about these tricks.
Sometimes you just need to ask the right question by the way to google.

Thanks a lot.
Dima
58
Techiegen - Feb 05, 2015
The complicated stuff become simpler with the help of Mac Shortcut Keys. You can also utilize the same for sending emails effectively..
59
sahin usta batman - Jul 31, 2015
i love you! thanks…
60
VitrinTemizlik - Oct 03, 2015
thank good ..
http://www.vitrintemizlik.com/
http://www.vitrintemizlik.net/
61
omer demır - Jun 18, 2016
hanks for sharing. I normally use windows and screenshots are easy.

Quick Screenshot Key Commands in Mac OS X

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