Capturing a screenshot on a Mac is a simple process that can be useful for a variety of tasks, from creating tutorials to saving a memorable conversation. macOS provides built-in shortcuts to take screenshots in different ways. You can capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected portion. Once taken, the screenshot can be found as a .png file on the desktop or in a specified folder, ready for viewing, editing, or printing.
Printing the captured screenshot involves opening the image file, typically with the Preview app that comes installed on all Macs. The file can also be opened with other image-editing applications if needed. After opening the image, the print option within the application allows you to print the screenshot with your connected printer.
How to Print a Screenshot on Mac
You can’t print a screenshot directly with a keyboard shortcut on macOS, but you can easily capture the screenshot and then print it.
Step 1: Take a Screenshot
Use one of these keyboard shortcuts:
Capture the Entire Screen
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 3
- Saves the screenshot to your desktop (by default).
Capture a Selected Area
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4
- Drag to select the area you want to capture.
Capture a Window
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar
- Click the window you want to capture.
Screenshot Toolbar (All Options)
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 5
- Choose capture options, timers, and save locations.
Step 2: Open the Screenshot
- Click the screenshot thumbnail that appears in the bottom‑right corner, or
- Double‑click the screenshot file on your Desktop or in Finder.
The screenshot will open in Preview by default.
Step 3: Print the Screenshot
- With the screenshot open in Preview, click File in the menu bar.
- Select Print (or press Command ⌘ + P).
- Choose your printer.
- Adjust settings such as:
- Paper size
- Orientation
- Scale
- Color or black & white
- Click Print.
Optional: Resize or Crop Before Printing
Crop the Screenshot
- In Preview, click the Selection Tool.
- Drag to select the area you want.
- Click Tools → Crop.
Resize the Image
- Go to Tools → Adjust Size.
- Change dimensions or resolution for better print quality.
Printing Without Saving the Screenshot
If you want faster printing:
- Take a screenshot.
- Click the thumbnail immediately.
- Click File → Print before closing it.
Troubleshooting Tips
Screenshot is too large or small
- Adjust the Scale option in the Print dialog.
Print looks blurry
- Use a larger capture area.
- Avoid excessive resizing.
- Check printer quality settings.
Can’t find the screenshot
- Default location is Desktop.
- Check Command ⌘ + Shift + 5 → Options to see or change the save location.
Summary
- Take a screenshot (⌘ + Shift + 3 / 4 / 5)
- Open it in Preview
- Press ⌘ + P to print
Key Takeaways
- Macs offer various shortcuts to take screenshots.
- Screenshots are automatically saved as image files.
- Use Preview or another image viewer to print screenshots.
Taking Screenshots on a Mac
Mac users have various options for taking screenshots, whether capturing the entire screen, a portion of it, or a specific window. Simple keyboard shortcuts enable these functions, which store images on the desktop by default.
Capturing the Entire Screen
To take a snapshot of everything on your Mac’s display, press Shift-Command-3. This command captures the entire screen. If you use multiple screens, it will take a separate screenshot for each display.
Capturing a Selected Portion
For more control, press Shift-Command-4. This turns the cursor into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you wish to capture. Upon releasing the mouse or trackpad button, the Mac saves the selected portion as an image file.
Capturing a Specific Window or Menu
To capture just one window or menu, press Shift-Command-4 and then tap the Spacebar. The cursor changes to a camera icon. Hover over the window or menu, and click to take the shot. This function highlights the chosen area, ensuring only the selected window or menu is captured.
Managing and Editing Screenshots
When using a Mac, taking screenshots is a simple task but managing them requires knowledge of system preferences and editing tools. This section will guide you through adjusting settings, editing captures with precision, and sharing your screenshots efficiently.
Accessing and Changing Screenshot Settings
Mac allows you to configure screenshot settings through System Preferences. You can set options like save location, choosing between saving to the desktop, clipboard, or a designated folder. To change these settings, one must go to System Preferences, click on Keyboard, choose the Shortcuts tab, and select Screenshots. Here, you can assign where screenshots are saved and even set a timer for delayed captures.
Editing and Annotating Screenshots
After capturing, screenshots open directly in the Preview app where detailed edits can be made. Use Markup tools to add text boxes, shapes, and draw on your screenshot. To further customize, change the font style, size, and color. If more advanced tools are needed, third-party apps like Monosnap, Skitch, or Snagit offer enhanced features for annotation and editing.
File Management and Sharing
Upon editing, one can save the screenshot as a PNG file or convert it to another file format using the Save As option. This is important for situations where different formats are required for sharing purposes. For quick sharing, use the Share button within Preview to send screenshots via email, messages, or social media. Additionally, consider organizing screenshots in folders within Finder to keep your files sorted for easy access.
