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On a Mac, “Print Screen” means taking a screenshot. There is no dedicated Print Screen key. macOS uses built-in keyboard shortcuts that all begin with Shift-Command, and Apple’s support instructions describe these as standard features that need no extra hardware or software.
What “Print Screen” means on a Mac
Windows keyboards have a Print Screen key that copies the display to the clipboard. Mac keyboards do not have that key. The equivalent task, capturing what is on the display as an image, is handled by three keyboard shortcuts. Apple’s official support article “Take a screenshot on Mac” lists them, and it notes that you can capture the entire screen, a window, or just a portion of the screen.
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The keyboard shortcuts
Each shortcut captures a different scope. The table below shows what each one does.
| What you want to capture | Shortcut | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Entire screen | Shift-Command-3 | Captures the full screen immediately. |
| Part of the screen | Shift-Command-4 | The pointer becomes a crosshair. Drag to select an area and release to capture it. Press Esc to cancel. Hold Space while dragging to move the selection without changing its size. |
| A window or menu | Shift-Command-4, then Space | The pointer becomes a camera icon. Click a window or menu to capture it. Hold Option while clicking to leave out the window’s shadow. |
| Screenshot controls and screen recording | Shift-Command-5 | Opens the Screenshot controls bar, which offers capture options and screen recording. Apple lists macOS Mojave 10.14 or later as the version that supports this shortcut. |
| Touch Bar (supported MacBook Pro models only) | Shift-Command-6 | Captures the Touch Bar. This shortcut applies only to Macs that have a Touch Bar. |
Where screenshots go and how to use them
By default, screenshots save to the desktop. When the small floating thumbnail appears in the corner, click it to open the markup tools. If you do not click it, the file saves automatically after a moment.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
To copy a screenshot to the Clipboard instead of saving a file, hold Control with the shortcut. For example, Control-Shift-Command-3 copies a full-screen capture. You can then paste it into a document or message.
To change where screenshots are saved or to turn on a timer or pointer display, open the Screenshot app and use its Options menu. You can also change the shortcuts themselves in System Settings under Keyboard, then Keyboard Shortcuts, then Screenshots.
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.
Limits to know about
- Some apps block screenshots of their windows, so the capture may come out blank or without that content. Apple acknowledges this limitation.
- Shift-Command-6 works only on Macs with a Touch Bar. On other models, the shortcut does nothing.
- Shift-Command-5 requires macOS Mojave 10.14 or later, according to Apple. Older versions use only the Shift-Command-3 and Shift-Command-4 shortcuts.
Which capture method to use
- If you need the whole display quickly, press Shift-Command-3.
- If you need only part of the screen, press Shift-Command-4 and drag across the area.
- If you need a single window or a menu open on screen, press Shift-Command-4, press Space, then click the window or menu.
- If you want timers, a save location, or a screen recording, press Shift-Command-5 and choose from the controls.
Common search phrasings
Readers often search for this topic using other phrases, such as “How do I print screen on a Mac?”, “What is the Mac equivalent of Print Screen?”, or “What keys take a screenshot on Mac?” All of these refer to the same built-in screenshot function described above.
Relevant facts at a glance
- Mac screenshots use the Shift-Command key combination rather than a Print Screen key.
- Shift-Command-3 captures the entire screen.
- Shift-Command-4 captures a selected area, and adding Space switches to window or menu capture.
- Shift-Command-5 opens the Screenshot controls, including screen recording.
- Screenshots save to the desktop by default, and Control sends a capture to the Clipboard.
The Bottom Line
On a Mac, Shift-Command-3 captures everything, Shift-Command-4 captures an area or window, and Shift-Command-5 opens the full set of options. No separate Print Screen key or software is required.
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.
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.
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