How to Take a Screenshot on a Mac Computer?

Ever since the first version of Mac OS X was rolled out for public consumption all the way back in 2001, iPhones and Mac computers have made Apple, Steve Job’s vision for a more technologically advanced future, a household name. If you are here, you, too, must be the proud owner of a Mac computer, except that the rules on how to take screenshots on it are still kind of a blur.

What Are TheReasons For The Confusion?

The thing about advanced technology is that laymen s are not really into all the specificities and nuances within it. All we want is to get our job done on our computers, and maybe kick back with a few movies.Despite MacBooks doing exceptionally well in the market, quite a few users are still quite clueless about how to get around the iOS, especially those who have not owned Apple products prior to that. Simple enough, the reason is that people are finding it hard to keep up with the updated versions of the iOS and the new interfaces.

Types of screenshots

Yes, you heard that right; unlike on your phones, there is more than one kind of screenshot that you can take on your Mac computers. On the basis of the type of screenshot that you would like to take, the method to be followed varies. These varieties of Mac computer screenshots are as follows:

• Screenshotting the complete screen
• How to screenshot a particular section of the computer screen
• How to screenshot the current window
• How to get a screenshot on the clipboard
• The Grab Utility Tool and how to use it, and
• Screenshotting the Touch Bar of the computer.

Screenshotting The Entire Screen

Firstly, ensure that everything that you want within the screenshot exists in the frame of the screen. This includes icons, windows, task bars, and all the works. Simultaneously, press on the Command button, Shift button and “3”. Typically, if the screenshot has been captured, a sound like a shutter going off will be heard. You can find the saved version of the screenshot on your desktop, bearing the default name, “Picture (the number of the screenshot which has been taken)”.

How To Screenshot A Particular Section Of The Computer Screen?

This will require you to press on the Command button, the Shift button, and “4” at the same time. You will notice that your cursor has taken the form of a tiny cross that will help you to select the portion of the screen that you want to screenshot by clicking and moving it across the area. The area that you have selected will appear within a greyed square or rectangle. Releasing your grip on the mouse will capture the screenshot with the aforementioned sound of the shutter. If at any point you want the cursor to return to its original state, just press on the Escape button.

How To Screenshot The Current Window?

The same Command, then Shift, then “4” method is also applicable for this and once the cursor has assumed the shape of the cross, hit the Space Bar. The cross will now become a camera. The next step is to select the window that you would like to screenshot. The blue window is the one being highlighted so make sure that you choose the right one. Once you click on the desired window, the screenshot will be saved in the same manner as before.

How To Get A Screenshot On The Clipboard?

Remember how you have to press Command, Shift and “3” simultaneously to screenshot the entirety of the computer screen? Well, pressing on the Control button right after the Command button and then following the same method ensures that the screenshot that is taken is not saved on the computer as a file, but instead is copied to the clipboard. If at any point, you wish to paste that screenshot, all you need to do is press the Command button then “V”, or choose the Paste option from the Edit menu.

The Grab Utility Tool And How To Use It

Click on the Applications menu, and then select the Utilities option. The Grab application option is right there and you need to click on it. The options will listed on the upper left side of the screen. However, there will be no open windows. The Capture option allows you to take a screenshot of any kind, the types having been clearly listed as sub-options. Click on the one that you would like. A window will pop open, where you are required to click on the Save option, or Save As (if you wish to give the file a new name).

Screenshotting the Touch Bar Of The Computer

Certain MacBooks come equipped with Touch Bar as well, and they can also be captured through screenshots. Press down on the Shift button, the Command button and “6” at the same time. Alternatively, you can also alter the settings of your Touch Bar so that the screenshot option is easily accessible through the Touch Bar itself without the hassle of key commands.

Alternative Methods

Using the keyboard to take screenshots is only one of the many ways available for a Mac computer. Some of the other ways are as follows:

• By making use of the Screen Capture Utility tool that some Mac computers come equipped with.
• By downloading and installing apps (there are quite a few good ones that are free if you do not want to burn a hole in your pocket) that help screenshotting.
• Downloading and using the best tool that was cut out for taking screenshots on Mac computers, i.e., Apowersoft Mac Screenshot.

Apowersoft Mac Screenshot

Downloading this will allow you to take the premium quality screenshots on your Mac computer that you have always wanted. It is compatible with most Mac computers, including the new MacBook Air Retina, so you need not be worried. It has all the provisions to capture every sort of screenshots, and as soon as one is clicked, the image editor that comes alongside the app becomes active so that you can easily alter the screenshot in any way you would like to.

Concluding remarks

Since there are quite a few methods of taking screenshots on MacBooks, it is normal to get confused. If you feel like you are muddling up the methods, just remember the one that you are the most comfortable with using.