Taking a screenshot is often necessary while we are in the middle of different tasks. It is quite difficult to note down each and every detail instantly on a piece of paper. This is hectic, time consuming, and sometimes, we might miss out important details.
On the other hand, if you take a screenshot then you will be able to capture every detail easily. You will be able to store these screenshots safely, and then refer to them later. So, you must know how to take screenshot in macbook using different methods.
Here, we will be going through the different methods that can be employed for capturing a screenshot easily on your macbook. You can go through the methods to find out the one that is most convenient for you.
1. Use Shift + Command + 3
- If you want to take a picture of your entire screen, then you should use the keyboard shortcut – Shift + Command + 3. It will instantly capture the whole screen for you. Upon pressing the keyboard shortcut, you will hear a camera shutter sound. This sound indicates that the screenshot has been captured.
- Followed by that, you will also see the thumbnail of the screenshot on the lower right corner of the screen. If you want to edit your screenshot, then all you have to do is simply click on this thumbnail. This will open a set of editing tools that you will be able to use.
2. How to Take Screenshot in Macbook Using Shift + Command + 4?
- This method can also be used for taking a screenshot on a macbook. However, here you will not be able to capture the entire screen. Shift + Command + 4 will help you to capture a certain part of the screen. Once you press this keyboard shortcut, the cursor will instantly become a pointer. This pointer will also have crosshairs.
- Here, you will have to click and drag the pointer to select the area of the screen that you want to capture. After selecting the area, you need to release the mouse or trackpad button to capture the screenshot. If you want to move the selection then you will have to hold down the spacebar as you drag the pointer.
- In this case too, you will be able to see a thumbnail of your screenshot on the lower right side of the screen. So, if you want to edit the screenshot, then you can click on this thumbnail.
3. Use The Shortcut: Shift + Command + 4 + Spacebar
- Here, we need to use four keys, and the shortcut will help you to capture a menu or window. So, if you want to know how to take screenshot in macbook by omitting the background, then you should follow this method. Once you press the shortcut, you will notice that your cursor has turned into a camera icon.
- You have to place the camera over the menu or window that you want to capture. This will help you in selecting the menu or window. If you successfully selected the menu or window, then it will become blue in color. Followed by that, you have to click on it to take the screenshot.
- It should be noted that the captured image will contain the window’s drop shadow. This can be avoided by pressing and holding the Option button. If you want to cancel taking the screenshot, then you will have to press the Esc button.
4. How to Take Screenshot in Macbook Using Shift + Command + 5?
- By using this keyboard shortcut, you will be able to access the screenshot toolbar. You will be able to use this method only if your MacBook is running macOS 10.14 or later versions.
- Using this toolbar, you will be able to carry out a number of tasks, such as-
- Capture a highlighted window or menu
- Capture a selected portion of the screen
- Capture the entire screen
- Record a selected portion of the screen
- Record the whole screen
- After choosing the appropriate task, you have to click on the Capture option to save the concerned screenshot.
- You can use the drop-down Options menu for customizing the available screenshot options.
5. Use Shift + Command + 6
This keyboard shortcut can also be used for the purpose of capturing a screenshot. However, there is a slight exception. This shortcut will only capture what’s present on the Touch Bar. This indicates that this method is only applicable in the case of the MacBook Pro models that have a Touch Bar.
6. How to Take Screenshot in Macbook Using Preview?
The Preview application can also be used for the purpose of taking screenshots. Lets see how to carry out this task on Preview.
- In order to take a screenshot through this application, you have to launch it.
- Then, you have to open the File menu, and click on the option, Take Screenshot.
- Followed by that, you have to choose the type of screenshot that you want. For instance, you can choose From Entire Screen, From Window, or From Selection.
- After capturing the screenshot, you will be able to see it as an untitled image file in Preview. Here, you can edit the image, rename it, save it, or share it.
7. Use Third Party Screen Capture Applications
You will be able to download a number of screen capture applications from the App Store. These applications will offer you several options that are normally absent in the built-in screenshot features. The majority of these applications are free, and you will not have to make any kind of payments. Some of the most efficient ones are listed below:
- Record It
- Snip My
- iScreen Shooter
We have seen how to take screenshot in macbook using different methods. Though all these methods can be used for the purpose of taking screenshots, they are slightly different from each other. So, you have to identify your task correctly, and then choose the method that is applicable in your case. All of them are quite easy, and will help you to capture and save the required image. With time, you will be able to master these methods and use them whenever required.