Essential Tech: Mac Screenshoting Basics

How to Capture a Screenshot or Video of What’s Showing On Your Mac Computer

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Capturing screenshots on Mac computers is something many users are interested in learning, for a variety of reasons. Screenshots are the perfect visual accompaniment for tutorials, ideal for training and for guides, can be used to illustrate lessons in teaching tools, and more.

For simple applications, the Mac screenshot keyboard shortcuts are sufficient for the job. Here is a quick review of the built-in screenshot capability using the Mac OS:

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Tip 1. Mac OS Keyboard shortcut screenshots

• To print screen on mac (the entire screen), press [COMMAND] + [SHIFT] + 3

• To screenshot a portion of your screen, press [COMMAND] + [SHIFT] + 4; notice the cursor changes into a crosshair pointer; move the crosshair pointer where you want the screenshot to begin and drag to select; to adjust, hold [SHIFT], [OPTION] or [SPACE BAR] while you drag

For more advanced Mac screenshot applications, including the capability to edit, caption, and export to a variety of formats, you will need a more powerful screen capture tool to help you in taking a screenshot.

These applications can help you improve your screen captures and recordings with advanced tools and professional capabilities.

Tip 2.Free screen capture tools for Mac

QuickTime – PROS: free and included with your Mac, easy to use, exports to popular Mac formats; CONS: a limited toolset for advanced editing.

Captur – PROS: adds menubar functionality for common screenshot tasks; CONS: not a full-fledged screenshot tool.

Jing – PROS: optimized for online and social sharing of screenshots, allows video capture; CONS: limited advanced feature list.

Tip 3. More advanced all-in-one video capture & editing tools for Mac

Movavi Screen Capture Studio – PROS: extensive editing tools, helpful interface; CONS: no video zoom or crop options.

Camtasia – PROS: professional editing tools, very helpful support options; CONS: limited export formats, not suitable for recording gaming videos.

ScreenFlow 4 – PROS: good balance of advanced features and ease of use; CONS: limited export formats, cannot capture only portions of your screen.

Screenium 2.1 – PROS: a full roster of advanced editing tools; CONS: steep learning curve and poor support.

Tip 4.Bonus Tip Wondershare Filmora for Mac

One all-in-one video capture & editing tool for Mac that is getting a lot of attention recently in Wondershare. Users are enthusiastic about this program’s blend of advanced features and more versatile and professional performance.

If you are using Windows, check this tutorial instead

Wondershare Filmora for Mac supports all formats (including .mov) shot on any digital camera, mobile phone, or camcorder. It also has an extensive list of advanced video editing and screen capture tools, including:

• Convenient, easy-to-use interface
• Extensive roster of special effects and video editing features, including overlays, filters, and elements
• Multiple export options, including burn-to-DVD
• Text & titles editor
• Advanced audio editing features
• Music library feature
• Speed control
• Picture-in-picture capability, split screen, green screen, tilt-shift, and more

Another point in its favor: Wondershare Filmora for Mac is one of the least expensive options for users who want a robust video editing tool for Mac. Low price combined with ease of use, shallow learning curve, and extensive features makes Filmora a title to watch among the crowded field of all-in-one video capture & editing tools for Mac.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

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