Key Commands: Print Screen Shortcuts within OS X

April 25, 2009 in Tips & Tricks by Mark

Ever wonder where the PrintScreen key is on your Mac? PrintScreen isn’t found on Mac keyboards, that’s because with a few extra clicks you get the functionality needed for whatever screen capture situation you might be in.

Step 1: Notes

The keys below will automatically create a PNG file on your desktop called Picture #.png

If you hold down the Control key with any of these actions below the image will be copied to your clipboard.

Step 2: Entire Screen: CMD + Shift + 3

Command + Shift + 3

You will hear a camera shutter and a Picture #.png will be placed on your desktop. This will capure the entire screen(s).

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Step 3: Manual Selection: CMD + Shift + 4

Command + Shift + 4

The cursor will change to a hairpin and allow you to make a rectangular selection of the screen.

When complete a snapshot of the selection will be placed on your desktop.

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Step 4: Window Selection: CMD + Shift + 4 + Space Bar

Command + Shift + 4 + Space Bar

The cursor will change into a camera icon. Use the camera to take a picture of the desired window, without the background desktop or windows.

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