How to Take Capture on Mac Computer


Campus Guides
2023-08-26T04:34:13+00:00

How to Take Screenshot on Mac Computer

How to Take Capture on Mac Computer

The ability to take screenshots in a computer Mac is an invaluable tool for all users. Have you ever wondered how to do it efficiently and accurate? In this article, we will explore the process Step by Step to take screenshots on your Mac computer, from basic options to more advanced techniques. Get ready to discover all the functionality your Mac has to offer in terms of screenshots.

1. Methods to take screenshot on Mac computer

A screenshot is a useful way to save visual information from your Mac computer screen. There are several methods you can use to take a screenshot on your Mac, depending on your needs and preferences. Below are some of the most common methods:

Method 1: Use the hotkey
– Press the keys Command + Shift + 3 simultaneously to take a screenshot of the entire screen. The capture is automatically saved to your desktop.
– If you only want to capture a specific part of the screen, press the keys Command + Shift + 4. The cursor will turn into a crosshair and you can select the area you want to capture by dragging the cursor over it. The capture is also saved to your desktop.
– To capture a single window or menu, press the keys Command + Shift + 4 and then press the space bar. The cursor will transform into a camera and you can click on the window or menu you want to capture. The capture is saved to your desktop as a file in PNG format.

Method 2: Use the Capture app
– Open the Capture application on your Mac. You can find it in the “Utilities” folder within the “Applications” folder.
– Click the “File” menu and select “New Screenshot”. A drop-down menu will appear with different capture options.
– Choose the option you want, such as capturing the entire screen, a specific window, or a custom selection. Once you have selected the option, click "Capture." The capture will automatically save to your desktop.

Method 3: Use third-party tools
– There are many third-party apps and tools available for taking screenshots on your Mac. Some of the most popular options include Skitch, Lightshot, and Snagit.
– These tools offer additional features such as highlighting specific areas, adding annotations, and sharing screenshots directly from the app. You can download these apps from their official websites or through the Mac App Store.
– Once you have installed the tool of your choice, simply open it and follow the provided instructions to capture your Mac screen according to your needs.

2. System options to capture screen on a Mac

There are several. Next, we will show you three different methods to perform this action simply and quickly.

Method 1: Use the hotkeys

An easy way to capture the screen on a Mac is by using hotkeys. You can capture the entire screen by simultaneously pressing the keys Command + Shift + 3. If you only want to capture part of the screen, you can use the keys Command + Shift + 4 and drag the cursor to select the desired area.

Method 2: Use the built-in “Capture” app

The Mac also has an application called “Capture” that allows you to take screenshots. To access it, open the "Utilities" folder in the "Applications" folder. Once inside, you will find the “Capture” application. Open it and select the capture option you want: “Full Screen”, “Area Selection” or “Window”. Then, save the capture to the desired location.

Method 3: Use third-party tools

If you want more options and advanced features to capture the screen on your Mac, you can use third-party tools. Some popular apps include Snagit, Skitch y Monosnap. These tools offer additional features such as the ability to edit the capture, make annotations, and easily share it. You can download these applications from their respective websites and follow the installation instructions to start using them.

3. The keyboard shortcut to take a screenshot on a Mac

To take a screenshot on a Mac, there are different keyboard shortcuts that will make this task easier for you. Next, we will show you the main methods you can use:

1. Capture the fullscreen: Press the key combination Shift+Command+3. This will take a screenshot of the entire screen and save it automatically on the desk as a PNG file.

2. Capture only part of the screen: If you only need to capture a specific section of the screen, use Shift+Command+4. When you do this, the cursor will turn into a cross icon and you can drag the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot will be saved to the desktop as a PNG file as well.

3. Capture a specific window or menu: If you only want to capture a particular window or menu, press Shift+Command+4, then press the space bar and the cursor will turn into a camera. Next, hover over the window or menu you want to capture and click on it. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.

4. Capturing the full screen on a Mac

Ideally, to capture the full screen on a Mac, one can use the built-in keyboard feature. Just press the combination Command + Shift + 3 and the screenshot will be automatically saved to your desktop as an image file. It is important to note that this combination will capture the entire screen, including any connected external monitors.

If the screenshot is not saved to the desktop or if a more specific screenshot is required, the screenshot function built into the Preview application can be used. First, open the “Preview” app from the “Applications” folder on your Mac. Then, click “File” in the menu bar and select “New from Screenshot.” A pop-up window will appear with options to capture a specific part of the screen or the entire screen.

If you prefer a more advanced screenshot tool, you may consider downloading third-party apps like Snagit, Skitch, or Lightshot. These apps offer additional features, such as the ability to annotate screenshots, highlight specific sections, and make basic edits. Some of these apps even allow you to schedule screenshots or scrolling screenshots to capture entire web pages or long documents. Make sure you do your research and choose an app that suits your needs.

5. How to take screenshots of a specific window on Mac

Taking screenshots is a very useful feature on a Mac. However, sometimes you only need to capture a specific window instead of the entire screen. Fortunately, there are several quick ways to do this.

One option is to use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 4 followed by the space bar. This changes the cursor to a camera and allows you to capture the specific window you want. Just click on the window and it will automatically save as a file on your desktop.

Another way to do it is through the native Mac application called Preview. Open the window you want to capture and go to the Preview app. Click "File" in the menu bar and then select "Screenshot." You can choose to capture the entire window, a specific selection, or even make a screen recording.

6. Using the Snipping Tool to Capture on a Mac

The snipping tool is a feature built into Mac computers that allows you to capture and edit images and screenshots. With this tool, you can select a specific part of your screen, crop it, and save it in the format of your choice. Here we will show you how to use this handy tool on your Mac.

To use the snipping tool on your Mac, follow these simple steps:

  • 1. Open the app or window you want to capture from.
  • 2. Click the “Crop” icon on the toolbar, which looks like scissors.
  • 3. A new cropping window will appear on your screen. Now, use the cursor to drag and select the part you want to capture.
  • 4. Once you have selected the desired part, you can adjust the borders by dragging them and you can also use the annotation tools to highlight or add text.
  • 5. When you're done editing your screenshot, click "File" in the menu bar and select "Save" to save it to your Mac.

The crop tool on a Mac is an efficient way to capture and edit images on your computer. You can use it to take quick screenshots, capture app content, or edit existing images. Additionally, you can save your screenshots in various formats such as PNG, JPEG or PDF to suit your needs. Don't hesitate to try this useful and versatile tool on your Mac!

7. Capturing a specific section of the screen on a Mac

To capture a specific section of the screen on a Mac, there are several options available that will allow you to accomplish this task quickly and easily. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Use the built-in screenshot tool: On your Mac, press Command + Spacebar to open the search tool. Then, type “Capture” and select “Screenshot” from the list of results. Once the tool opens, click on the “Capture Selection” option located at the bottom. A crosshair cursor will be displayed. Click and drag the cursor to select the section of the screen you want to capture. Once selected, release the click and a file with the screenshot will automatically be created on your desktop.

2. Use a third-party app: There are several applications available on the mac App Store that allow you to capture specific sections of the screen with more advanced options. Some of these apps include editing and annotation tools, as well as options to quickly share screenshots. Popular examples of these applications are Snagit, Skitch and Capto. These applications are usually paid, but offer additional functionality and a more intuitive interface.

3. Custom keyboard shortcuts: If you prefer to use custom keyboard shortcuts to capture specific sections of the screen, you can do so through the “Shortcuts” feature in system preferences. Go to "System Preferences" in the Apple menu and select "Keyboard." Then, go to the “Shortcuts” tab and click “Screenshots” in the left panel. Here you can set your own keyboard shortcuts to capture the screen according to your preferences.

Capturing a specific section of the screen on a Mac is a simple and practical process that will allow you to share relevant information effectively. By following these steps, you will be able to take accurate screenshots and save them in the format you want. Experiment with the different options mentioned to find the one that best suits your needs. Try these alternatives and improve your workflow on your Mac!

8. Saving and organizing captures on a Mac

When taking screenshots on your Mac, it's important to know how to save and organize them properly so you can easily find them in the future. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. When you take a screenshot, it will automatically be saved to your desktop with a name indicating the date and time it was taken. If you want to rename the screenshot, simply right-click on it and select “Rename.” Enter the new name and press Enter.

2. If you want to save the screenshot to a specific folder, simply drag and drop the file to the desired folder. You can also use the “Save As” command from the “File” menu in the screenshot window to select the location where you want to save the screenshot.

9. Different file formats to save screenshots on a Mac

When saving screenshots on a Mac, it is important to know the different file formats available to choose the most appropriate one according to our needs. Some of the most common formats and their characteristics are listed below:

1. JPEG/JPG: This format is widely used due to its lossless compression capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of applications. Image resolution and quality can be adjusted during the saving process. However, it is important to note that by compressing the image, some details may be lost.

2.PNG: This format is ideal for screenshots or images with transparent backgrounds. Unlike JPEG, the PNG format preserves all image details, resulting in larger files. Additionally, it supports the alpha transparency feature, allowing you to overlay the image on other visual elements seamlessly.

3.TIFF: The TIFF format is an excellent option if you want to maintain maximum uncompressed image quality. It is perfect for screenshots or images that require further editing, as it preserves all the details and does not introduce compression artifacts. However, TIFF files tend to be larger compared to other formats.

10. Using third-party apps to take screenshots on a Mac

There are several third-party applications available for taking screenshots on a Mac. These applications offer additional options and advanced functionality compared to the built-in screenshot tool on the Mac. operating system. Below are some popular options to consider:

1. Snagit: This application allows you to capture images and record videos of your Mac screen. With Snagit, you can select a specific area, capture the entire screen, or even take automatic screenshots at predefined time intervals. Additionally, this tool also offers advanced editing options such as cropping, highlighting, and adding annotations to your captures.

2. Skitch: Developed by Evernote, Skitch is a simple, easy-to-use app for taking screenshots on your Mac. In addition to basic screenshot features, Skitch lets you add annotations, highlight specific areas, and quickly share your screenshots via email or in social media.

3. Monosnap: Monosnap is a free app that offers advanced screenshot options and also allows you to record screen videos. You can select specific areas, take window shots, and use drawing tools to highlight important information in your shots. Additionally, Monosnap offers storage in the cloud so you can easily access your captures from any device.

In short, these third-party apps provide additional options and advanced functionality for taking screenshots on a Mac. From selecting specific areas to editing tools and cloud storage, these apps offer a more flexible and customizable way to capture and share visual information on your Mac.

11. Sharing screenshots taken on a Mac

In an increasingly digital world, sharing the screenshots we take on our Macs has become a common and necessary task. Whether it's sending an image to a work colleague, sharing a tutorial, or simply capturing a fun moment, it's important to know how to accomplish this task effectively and quickly. Fortunately, there are several ways to share screenshots taken on a Mac, and in this section we'll show you how.

An easy way to share a screenshot on a Mac is by using the built-in “Share” feature in the image's context menu. To do this, simply right-click on the screenshot image and select the “Share” option from the drop-down menu. A list of applications and services through which you can share the image will appear. Choose the option you want and follow the instructions to send the screenshot.

Another option is to use the native "Mail" application on your Mac to share screenshots. After taking the screenshot, open it in the “Preview” app. Next, click the “Share” option in the menu bar and select “Mail.” A new email window will automatically open with the image attached. Simply fill in the recipient and subject, and send the email.

If you prefer to use cloud services to share your screenshots, you can use applications such as Dropbox, Google Drive or iCloud. After taking the screenshot, save it to a shared folder on one of these services or use the sync feature to upload it automatically. You can then share the screenshot link with anyone via email, text, or other messaging platforms.

Remember that sharing screenshots on a Mac is an easy and practical task, and that there are several options available to do so. From the integrated “Share” function in the context menu, to using email applications or cloud services, you will find the option that best suits your needs. Feel free to use these methods to share your screenshots quickly and efficiently!

12. How to take a screenshot on a Mac with Touch Bar

Take a screenshot on a mac with Touch Bar it is very simple and practical. Follow these steps to capture any image or part of your screen in seconds:

  1. Simultaneously press the Shift + Command + 3 keys. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it to your desktop.
  2. If you only want to capture a specific part of your screen, press Shift + Command + 4. This will change your cursor to a crosshair so you can select the area you want to capture. Click and drag to select the desired part and release the mouse button to save the screenshot.
  3. If you prefer to capture a specific window, press Shift + Command + 4 and then press the space bar. The cursor will turn into a camera and you can click on the window you want to capture. The image will be automatically saved to your desktop.

Remember that you can also take these screenshots using different key combinations depending on your personal preferences. Additionally, you can find third-party tools and apps that offer even more options and functionality for your screenshots on a Mac with Touch Bar.

13. Customizing capture options on a Mac

Customizing capture options on a Mac is a useful way to maximize efficiency and tailor the device to your specific needs. Here we will provide you with a step-by-step guide so you can learn how to customize these capture options.

1. Access the capture options menu: Start by opening the “System Preferences” application from the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen. Then, select “Keyboard” and click on the “Shortcuts” tab. Next, choose “Screenshots” in the left side menu.

2. Customize key combinations: Once you have accessed the capture options menu, you can customize the key combinations for the different capture functions available, such as capturing the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected part. Simply click the capture function you want to customize and then press the new key combination you want to assign. Remember to choose key combinations that are not being used by other functions to avoid conflicts!

14. Solving common problems when taking screenshots on a Mac

If you are experiencing problems taking screenshots on your Mac, don't worry, there are solutions available. Follow these steps to resolve the most common problems:

1. Check the keyboard shortcut: Make sure you're using the correct keyboard shortcut to take screenshots on your Mac. The default shortcut is Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen, and Command + Shift + 4 to select a portion of the screen. If it doesn't work, try using other key combinations.

2. Free up space in your HDD: If you have little available space on your hard drive, you may experience problems taking screenshots. Delete unnecessary files or transfer files to an external drive to free up space. This will help improve the performance of your Mac and prevent problems when capturing screens.

3. Restart your Mac: Sometimes restarting the system solves many technical problems, including those related to capturing screenshots. Close all open applications and restart your Mac. Then, try taking screenshots again. This can fix any temporary bugs or software conflicts that may be affecting screenshots on your Mac.

In conclusion, taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a simple but essential task to work efficiently. Through this article, we have explored the different options available in the macOS operating system for taking screenshots, from basic methods to more advanced features.

Whether you need to capture a static image, a specific window, or even record a video of your screen, the options built into your Mac allow you to perform these tasks without problems. Plus, we've highlighted key combinations that streamline the process and help you maintain a smooth workflow.

Remember that these features are designed to fit your individual needs, so we encourage you to explore and experiment with the various options that macOS offers. Don't hesitate to take screenshots regularly, as they can be useful in work, study situations, or simply to share information with others.

Having the ability to take screenshots on your Mac computer not only makes visual communication easier, but also improves your productivity and organization. Make the most of these tools and feel free to consult Apple's official documentation for more information on how to use the screenshot features.

In short, never underestimate the power of taking a screenshot on your Mac. From simple screenshots to illustrate a technical problem, to recording an entire tutorial to teach others, these features give you a valuable resource to share information and optimize your computing experience on macOS. So don't hesitate to use this skill and take advantage of all the potential that your Mac computer has to offer you.

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