To change the prefix on new Mac screenshot filenames, open Terminal and run defaults write com.apple.screencapture name "My Screenshots". Replace the text in quotation marks with your preferred prefix. New screenshots retain a date-and-time portion after the prefix; this command does not create a fully custom filename template.
Change the screenshot filename prefix in Terminal
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Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities, or find Terminal with Spotlight.
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defaults write com.apple.screencapture name "My Screenshots", replacingMy Screenshotswith the prefix you want. Keep the quotation marks if your prefix contains spaces, then press Return. Apple documentsdefaultsas a way to write preference values; the screenshot-specific key and command are documented by MacRumors.Quick wins for a faster PC:
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Take a new screenshot to check the result. Use Shift-Command-3 for the full screen, Shift-Command-4 to select an area, or Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot app, as described in Apple’s screenshot instructions.
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Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - White- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
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The cited MacRumors instructions do not call for a separate reload step. Apple’s general Terminal guidance notes that a relevant app or process may need restarting for preference changes to apply, but it does not establish that this is always necessary for the screenshot prefix. Do not treat restarting SystemUIServer as a required step on every macOS version.
What the command changes
Apple describes the standard filename as “Screen Shot [date] at [time]” and says screenshots are saved to the Desktop by default. The Terminal command changes the prefix; it does not remove the date and time or let you choose their format. The exact prefix command is documented by MacRumors, not Apple’s current screenshot support page, so behavior across every macOS release is not established.
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- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
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Change the save location without Terminal
If you want to change where screenshots go rather than how their filenames begin, press Shift-Command-5, select Options, and choose a save location. Apple’s Screenshot options include this location control, but do not list a graphical setting for the filename prefix. On supported Mac models running macOS Tahoe 26 or later, Options also includes SDR (PNG) and HDR (HEIF) capture formats; these affect image format, not naming.
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Restore the default date-and-time naming
MacRumors gives this command to restore the date portion of the screenshot name:
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- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
defaults write com.apple.screencapture "include-date" 1; killall SystemUIServer
This reset is documented by MacRumors rather than Apple’s screenshot support page. Apple’s Terminal guidance says a process restart may be needed when applying preference changes, but the cited material does not establish that this reset command is required for every current macOS version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
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- Ultra Thin Wired Keyboard: Constructed with aluminum backing, the slim keyboard's height is less than that of a penny.
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- Long Cord: 4'7" (140 cm) USB cable to connect your external keyboard to the computer
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