How do I take a screenshot on a Mac or MacBook?
Direct Answer
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 together, then drag the crosshair over the part of your screen you want to save. The screenshot automatically saves directly onto your Mac desktop.
⚡ 10-Second Quick Answer
Follow the fast 1-2 button instructions below. No extra setup required.
How to Do It in 1 or 2 Taps
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1
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 together
Hold down the Command key and Shift key with your left hand, then tap the number "4" key with your right hand. Let go of all keys.
👀 Keyboard shortcut: ⌘ + Shift + 4.
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2
Drag the crosshair over the area to save
Your mouse pointer turns into a circular crosshair with coordinates. Click and hold your mouse or trackpad, drag a box over the desired area, and release.
👀 Crosshair icon with gray selection rectangle.
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3
Hear the camera shutter sound
You will hear a brief camera shutter sound effect, and a small thumbnail preview will appear in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
👀 Camera click sound + corner preview thumbnail.
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4
Find the picture on your Desktop
Look at your Desktop wallpaper. You will see a new image file named "Screenshot [Date] at [Time].png" ready to open or attach to an email.
👀 Image icon on desktop labeled "Screenshot...."
Still Not Working? 2 Quick Things to Check
Want to capture the ENTIRE full screen at once?
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 instead. It will instantly snap your entire monitor without needing to drag.
Good to Know
- Using a Windows PC instead? Read our companion guide on [How to Take a Screenshot on Windows PC](/guide/how-to-take-screenshot-windows-pc).
- You can also press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 to open Apple's full screenshot control bar with screen recording options.
- Want to share the picture with family on your phone? Check out [How to AirDrop Photos from iPhone to Mac](/guide/how-to-airdrop-photos-iphone-to-mac).
- You can drag the desktop screenshot file directly into an email or text message in the Messages app.