How to Use Default Keyboard Shortcut for Screenshot in MacOS

Introduction

In this article, we will focus on how to take screenshots on MacOS using the default keyboard shortcut, rather than relying on the built-in tool or third-party applications. This method uses the physical buttons on the keyboard, specifically the Shift, Command, and 4 keys.

Taking a Screenshot with the Default Keyboard Shortcut

To take a screenshot on MacOS using the default keyboard shortcut, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold down the Shift, Command, and 4 keys simultaneously.

2. While holding down these keys, press the Spacebar to capture the entire screen. Alternatively, release the Spacebar and drag the cursor to select a specific area of the screen to capture.

3. Release the mouse button or trackpad to capture the screenshot. The screenshot will be automatically saved to the desktop.

Keyboard Shortcut for Selecting a Specific Area

If you only want to capture a specific area of the screen, you can do so by releasing the Shift, Command, and 4 keys and then clicking and dragging the cursor to select the desired area. The selected area will be highlighted, and you can release the mouse button or trackpad to capture the screenshot.

Keyboard Shortcut for Capturing a Window

To capture a specific window, press and hold down the Shift, Command, and 4 keys simultaneously, and then press the Spacebar. The cursor will change to a camera icon. Move the camera icon over the window you want to capture, and then click the mouse button or trackpad to capture the screenshot.

Keyboard Shortcut for Capturing a Menu

To capture a menu, click on the menu to display it, and then press and hold down the Shift, Command, and 4 keys simultaneously. While holding down these keys, press the Spacebar and then move the camera icon over the menu. Click the mouse button or trackpad to capture the screenshot.

Taking screenshots on MacOS is easy and convenient with the default keyboard shortcut. By using the Shift, Command, and 4 keys, you can quickly capture the entire screen, a specific area, a window, or a menu. This method is a great alternative to using the built-in tool or third-party applications, and it allows you to take screenshots quickly and efficiently.

References

• Apple Inc. (2021). Take a screenshot on Mac. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201361

• Apple Inc. (2021). Use keyboard shortcuts to take screenshots on Mac. https://support.apple.com/en-us/guide/mac-help/mh23695/mac