Everyone got a #2 pencil? Then we're ready for more Mac 101, tips and tricks for novices and "I forgot how to do that!" veterans alike. Today we're talking screenshots, an essential tool whenever you need to document or display something for posterity. While there are lots of third-party tools for screenshot capture, the basic functions included with Mac OS X are nothing to sneeze at.The original, held-over-from-Classic method for screen capture is the venerable keyboard shortcut (sometimes referred to as an 'F-key'), Command-Shift-3. Hitting this key combo creates a 'Picture 1.jpg' (or .png, .pdf or .tiff file, depending on your OS version and whether you've fiddled with your settings via Terminal or AppleScript utility) that includes your entire desktop, multiple displays and all. Too much of a good thing? Try Command-Shift-4, and drag the crosshairs over the target area (hit Spacebar to toggle a 'camera' icon that will capture a full window with a click; hit Esc to get out of capture mode). As you use these keys, and a collection of 'Picture N.jpg' files begins to accumulate on your desktop, try adding the
Control key to the combo -- Ctrl-Cmd-Shift-3/4 sends the captured image to the Clipboard, rather than a file. Personally, I use the clipboard version of the 4 key all the time to copy snippets of my iPhoto images into outgoing mail. It's faster & easier than exporting the full-size image.Sometimes, unfortunately, a command key is not quite good enough; for example, it's tricky to capture a pull-down menu onscreen. For this, there is Apple's Grab application, hiding out in your Utilities folder (also available as a Service in many applications). In addition to basic capture acrobatics, Grab offers a Timed Capture tool that works exactly like the timer button on a camera: hit the Capture menu/Timed Screen (or Command-Shift-Z), start the timer, get your ducks in a row and wait ten seconds. You can even Cmd-Shift-4 the resulting full-screen image to snag a small section if that's what you need. Happy snapping!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-23-2007 @ 3:24PM
Michael Rose said...
Just added links (under 'fiddled with your settings') for those who want to change the default screenshot file format to .PDF, .PNG etc.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 3:39PM
Tyler said...
How do I change my settings to have my screenshots take .jpgs instead of the default .pngs?
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 4:00PM
HandyMac said...
You can use OnyX, TinkerTool or any of numerous other utilities to easily change the screenshot format.
I often use ctrl-cmd-shift-4 to send the screenshot directly to the Clipboard, then go to Preview and press cmd-N, which makes a new document from the Clipboard, ready to name and save.
The basic functions of Grab are also available under the File menu in Preview.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 4:02PM
beecee said...
Save yourself the trouble and install instantshot at: http://projects.digitalwaters.net/index.php?q=instantshot
then have it placed on your top dropdown menu bar for instant screen caps its much much quicker!
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 4:10PM
Ed said...
What's a #2 pencil?
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 4:26PM
Scott said...
For more control over your screenshots, read a recent piece at MacApper reviewing four free Mac screen capture programs:
http://macapper.com/2007/05/04/shootout-free-screenshot-apps-reviewed/
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 5:03PM
stefan K said...
I really like the Capture widget, as it is one of the apps that enables you to also take screen shots of DVDs.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 5:17PM
Harbinger said...
Excellent screen capture rundown.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 5:53PM
Tomahawk said...
What about utilities for Screen Recordings and Presentations? Something that records your actions and outputs it to a movie (.mov) file.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 6:49PM
Michael Rose said...
#9 -- Tomahawk, most utils that can do movie capture are not free. We did mention one that is:
http://www.tuaw.com/2007/07/20/jing-makes-screen-captures-slick-and-easy/
Note that Jing saves as .SWF by default. For true screencasting, check out
http://www.tuaw.com/2006/05/16/capture-audio-and-anything-on-screen-as-a-movie-with-ishowu/
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 9:38PM
niclet said...
I personally use Snapz Pro X from Ambrosia (http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox/) it has a lot of settings and works flawlessly. Unfortunately, it is a bit expensive but worth the cost: you can capture practically anything from still to animated screens including audio.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 10:10PM
Tomahawk said...
Did anyone get their Skitch invite from http://www.tuaw.com/2007/07/03/tuaw-has-1000-skitch-invites-to-give-away/
? I requested an invite a couple weeks before that July 3rd post, and then again on that July 3rd post, but still haven't got an invite.
Reply
7-23-2007 @ 10:18PM
Catt said...
Between Jing & Skitch I'm covered.
Reply
7-24-2007 @ 1:54AM
Petri said...
Preview, included with OS X, can also do screengrabs. There's Grab Selection / Window / Timed Screen option in the File menu.
By default it will save the grab as TIFF but with the Save As .. command you can save it pretty much any format you like.
Reply
7-26-2007 @ 7:23PM
uros said...
Since this is a Mac 101, I think some switchers might really like a built-in screenshot feature of OS X that wasn't mentioned: Cmd-Shift-4-Space. It turns your cursor into a very NEXTSTEP-like camera, that can not only take a shot of an individual window, but any other element on your screen, like an icon on your desktop (not including the desktop picture) or your dock, without its icons showing. I discovered this one by accident ^^
Reply
7-26-2007 @ 8:59PM
Michael Rose said...
#15 -- Uros, the spacebar tip with the key is in the original post:
Too much of a good thing? Try Command-Shift-4, and drag the crosshairs over the target area (hit Spacebar to toggle a 'camera' icon that will capture a full window with a click; hit Esc to get out of capture mode).
Reply