How to Use the Snipping Tool on Mac: Screenshot & Screen Recording Guide

Looking for a snipping tool on your Mac? While macOS doesn't have a tool by that exact name, it includes advanced screenshot and screen recording features. This guide covers everything you need to know.

How to Access Snipping Tool on Mac

macOS doesn't have a tool named "Snipping Tool" like Windows, but it offers several built in features that serve the same purpose. Below are the different methods to capture screenshots and use snipping like tools on any mac, regardless of the macOs version.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots

macOS provides a variety of keyboard shortcuts for snipping parts of your screen:

Capture Entire Screen

Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen.
The screenshot will be saved on your desktop by default.

Capture Selected Portion of the Screen

Press Command + Shift + 4 to activate crosshairs.
Drag to select the area you want to capture, then release the mouse/trackpad.

Capture a Specific Window

Press Command + Shift + 4, then press Space.
Hover over the window you want to capture and click.

Tips and Tricks:
To copy the screenshot to your clipboard instead of saving it, hold Control while pressing the shortcut. Example: Command + Shift + Control + 4

Capture-a-Specific-Window — Capture a Specific Window

macOS includes a Screenshot Toolbar that provides enhanced control over how you capture or record your screen.

Use the Snipping Tool Shortcut Mac by pressing Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar

Step 2: Choose from these options

Capture the entire screen.
Capture a selected window.
Capture a selected portion.
Record your screen (entire or selected portion).

Step 3: Click Options

Click Options in the toolbar to:

Change the save location.
Enable/disable the floating thumbnail preview.
Set a timer for screenshots.

Step 4: Click the desired option to capture or record.

Using Preview for Snipping

The Preview app also allows basic snipping and annotation tools.

Step 1: Open Preview

Open Preview from the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.

Step 2: Access Screenshot Options

From the Preview menu, click File > Take Screenshot.
You’ll have three options:
- From Entire Screen
- From Window
- From Selection

Step 3: Save Your Screenshot

Once you’ve taken the screenshot, save it by choosing File > Save.

Using Grab for Advanced Snipping

For older macOS versions (pre-Mojave), you can use Grab:

Open Grab from Applications > Utilities.

Use the menu to select Capture > Selection, Window, or Screen.

Using Third-Party Snipping Tools

If you need advanced features like scrolling screenshots, consider third-party apps:

Snagit: Offers annotation, editing, and video capture.
Lightshot: Lightweight tool for quick snips and uploads.
Greenshot: Free and simple tool for Mac users.

Explore other best snipping tool alternatives for MacBook if you're looking for features beyond what macOS provides such as scrolling capture, cloud integration, or advanced annotation capabilities.

Adding Snipping Tool to the Touch Bar

If you have a MacBook with a Touch Bar, you can add a shortcut for taking screenshots directly on the Touch Bar for quick access.

Step 1: Open System Preferences

Go to System Preferences and click on Keyboard.

Step 2: Customize the Touch Bar

In the Keyboard settings, click on Customize Control Strip.
Drag the Screenshot icon from the available items to the Touch Bar area.

Step 3: Use the Touch Bar

Now, anytime you want to take a screenshot, just tap the Screenshot icon on the Touch Bar for quick access to screen capture options.

Tips and Tricks for Snipping on Mac

Change Save Location: Open Screenshot Toolbar (Command + Shift + 5), click Options, and choose a new location like a folder or clipboard.
Edit Screenshots: Click the floating thumbnail after taking a screenshot to annotate or crop it.
Timer Option: Use the toolbar to set a timer (5 or 10 seconds) for better preparation before capturing.

Snipping Tool Mac Help (Optional)

Screenshots Not Saving on Desktop

Check if the save location has been changed in the Screenshot Toolbar Options.
Reset the save location to Desktop by pressing Command + Shift + 5, clicking Options, and selecting Desktop.

Restart your Mac, as it may resolve temporary issues.
Ensure that shortcuts are enabled:
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Screenshots and verify the settings.

How to Reset Screenshot Settings on Mac (Using Terminal)

If you encounter any persistent issues, reset screenshot settings using Terminal:

defaults delete com.apple.screencapture
killall SystemUIServer

Conclusion

Whether you’re using keyboard shortcuts, the Screenshot Toolbar, or third-party apps, macOS provides adaptable snipping tools for all your screenshot needs. With these tips, tricks, and troubleshooting steps, you can capture and customize your screenshots like a pro on any Mac device.