This article details how to capture static images or record video of your screen on a Mac. You can utilize the built-in Screenshot utility for a graphical interface with advanced options, or use keyboard shortcuts for quick captures.

Part 1: Using the Screenshot Utility

The Screenshot utility provides a floating panel with tools to capture the entire screen, specific windows, or selected portions, as well as record video.

Step 1: Open the Screenshot Panel

1. Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard.
   • Alternatively, open Spotlight Search (Command + Space) and type Screenshot.
2. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen.

Figure 1: The Screenshot utility toolbar.

Step 2: Select a Capture Mode

Click the icon on the toolbar corresponding to your goal:

Icon Action	Description	Icon
Capture Entire Screen	Takes a picture of the full desktop.
Capture Selected Window	Takes a picture of a specific app window or menu.
Capture Selected Portion	Takes a picture of an area you define by dragging a frame.
Record Entire Screen	Records a video of the full desktop.
Record Selected Portion	Records a video inside a frame you define.

Step 3: Configure Options

Before capturing, click the Options menu on the toolbar to customize your settings:

• Save to: Choose where the file saves (e.g., Desktop, Documents, or Clipboard).
• Timer: Set a 5 or 10-second delay to set up your screen before the capture triggers.
• Microphone: (Video only) Select an audio input to record voiceovers.
• Show Mouse Pointer: Toggle this to include or hide your cursor in the image/video.
• Show Floating Thumbnail: Toggle the preview that appears in the bottom-right corner after capturing.
• Remember Last Selection: Keeps the same selection area active for the next time you open the tool.

Step 4: Capture or Record

1. For Images: Click Capture.
   • If capturing a window, the cursor will change to a camera icon; click the specific window you want to capture.
2. For Video: Click Record.
   • To stop recording, look for the Stop button (a square inside a circle) in the top-right menu bar near the clock, or press Command + Control + Esc.

Note: If Show Floating Thumbnail is enabled, a preview appears in the bottom-right corner immediately after capturing. You can click it to markup/trim, drag it to a document, or swipe it right to save it immediately.

Part 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For faster workflows, use specific key combinations to bypass the graphical menu. By default, files are saved to the Desktop.

Step 1: Shortcut Reference List

Use the following combinations to capture immediately:

• Capture Entire Screen: Press Command + Shift + 3.
• Capture a Portion of the Screen:
  1. Press Command + Shift + 4.
  2. The cursor changes to a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area.
  3. Release the mouse/trackpad to capture.
• Capture a Specific Window:
  1. Press Command + Shift + 4.
  2. Press the Space bar. The cursor changes to a camera icon.
  3. Click the window or menu you wish to capture.

Step 2: Copy Directly to Clipboard

If you want to paste the screenshot directly into a document or email without saving a file to the Desktop:

1. Press and hold Control in addition to the shortcuts above.
   • Example: Press Control + Command + Shift + 3 to copy the entire screen to the clipboard.
2. Open your document or email and press Command + V to paste.

Part 3: Managing Files and Settings

File Formats

• Screenshots: Saved as .png files.
• Recordings: Saved as .mov files.
• Naming Convention: Files are automatically named "Screenshot [Date] at [Time]" or "Screen Recording [Date] at [Time]."