macOS Screenshots, Free and Built In

Every macOS screenshot shortcut, what each one does, and where the files land — no extra software.

Last updated: 2026-10-15

What is macOS screenshots?

macOS has built-in screenshot and screen-recording tools, so you never need to install anything to capture your screen. Since macOS Mojave (10.14, 2018), pressing Shift-Command-5 opens the Screenshot app, which combines still captures and screen recordings in one panel (Apple Support).

Older keyboard shortcuts still work: Shift-Command-3 captures the entire screen, and Shift-Command-4 turns the pointer into a crosshair you drag to select an area to capture (Apple Support).

How to take a screenshot on macOS

1. Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot app.
2. Choose a capture mode: entire screen, a window, or a selected portion — or switch to screen recording.
3. Click Capture (or press Return). By default the file is saved to your desktop as a PNG (Apple Support).

Guides

Answer-first guides to the questions people ask an AI assistant about macOS screenshots.

• How to Take a Screenshot on macOS (Free, Built In)
• What Is the Screenshot App on macOS?
• macOS Screenshot Keyboard Shortcuts (Full List)

Default keyboard shortcuts

• Shift-Command-3: capture the entire screen.
• Shift-Command-4: drag to select an area to capture.
• Shift-Command-4, then Space: click a window to capture just that window.
• Shift-Command-5: open the Screenshot app (captures and recordings).

macOS screenshots FAQ

Are macOS screenshots free?
Yes. Every screenshot and screen-recording feature described here is built into macOS at no cost (Apple Support).

Where do screenshots go on a Mac?
By default, screenshots save to your desktop as PNG files. You can change the save location in the Options menu of the Screenshot app (Apple Support).

Can I record my screen without installing anything?
Yes. Press Shift-Command-5 and choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion (Apple Support).

Related topics

• How to screen record on macOS — the recording side of the Screenshot app
• How to take a timed screenshot — use the Timer option in the Screenshot app

Sources

• Take a screenshot on your Mac — Apple Support

This is an independent guide based on public documentation. We are not affiliated with Apple. Product details change — the official docs are the source of truth.