You can assign a programmable controller button to send Shift–Command–3, the built-in macOS shortcut for capturing the entire screen. You do not need extra hardware to take the screenshot: the Mac keyboard shortcut works on its own.
What Shift–Command–3 does
Press and release Shift, Command and 3 together to capture the full screen. Apple says screenshots save to the desktop by default; use the thumbnail that appears to open the capture for editing, or leave it to save. The Screenshot app also provides options for changing the save location. Apple Support: Take a screenshot on Mac.
To copy the full-screen capture to the Clipboard instead, add Control: press Control–Shift–Command–3. Apple’s screenshot guide lists the Clipboard shortcut.
Use macOS controls if you do not need a physical button
Press Shift–Command–5 to open Screenshot and choose capture controls and options. macOS also has keyboard shortcuts for capturing a selected portion or a window. These built-in options are the simplest route if you only want to take screenshots occasionally. Apple Support.
The Tool Desk
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- 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.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Assign the shortcut to a programmable button
In the controller’s companion software, add a hotkey or keyboard-shortcut action to a key, then enter Shift–Command–3 as the key combination. Save or apply the configuration and press the physical key to try it. The exact setup depends on the controller and its software.
Elgato Stream Deck
Elgato documents assigning hotkeys to Stream Deck keys and lists macOS support for the cited model. If macOS blocks the action, Elgato says to enable Stream Deck under macOS Accessibility settings. Follow Elgato’s Hotkey Actions guide for the setup. The cited Stream Deck product page lists USB-C connectivity and macOS 13 or newer for that model; check the requirements for the exact model you are considering, since they can differ and change.
Rank #2
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
Logitech MX Creative Console
Logitech’s guide explains how to record a keyboard combination and assign it to an MX Creative Console key or button. See Logitech’s shortcut-assignment instructions for its procedure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before choosing a controller
- How many controls you need: A single dedicated key is different from a larger programmable control surface with additional creative controls.
- Compatibility: Confirm that the specific device and its companion software support your macOS version and fit the ports available on your Mac.
- Permissions and software: Decide whether installing companion software and granting Accessibility permission, if requested, suits your setup.
- Value for your workflow: Consider whether extra buttons, labels or displays will be useful beyond this one shortcut.
These manufacturer documents describe setup and compatibility, not a comparative performance or value test. A programmable controller is an optional convenience, not a requirement for taking screenshots.
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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.
Rank #4
- Ultra Thin Wired Keyboard: Constructed with aluminum backing, the slim keyboard's height is less than that of a penny.
- Broad Compatibility: Able to work with Apple and compatible with Windows PC operating systems
- Full Sized Extended Keyboard: Easy access to media with 20 Apple shortcut keys (cut/copy/paste, iTunes control, Volume up/down, etc.) and multimedia shortcuts for Windows PC. Also, contains a ten-key numeric keypad for easy data entry.
- Plug and Play (No Drivers Required): No need to continually change or recharge batteries of wireless keyboards
- Long Cord: 4'7" (140 cm) USB cable to connect your external keyboard to the computer
Rank #3
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
