macOS · Apps
Configure capture shortcuts and save location
The Screenshot toolbar (opened with Shift-Command-5) controls where captures are saved, whether the pointer is included, a capture timer, and lets you record all or part of the screen as a video.
How to open Screenshots & Screen Recording
- Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot toolbar
- Choose a capture or recording mode from the toolbar buttons
- Click Options to set save location, timer, and microphone
- Click Capture or Record to begin
What you should know
- Choose to save captures to the Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, Mail, or Preview
- Set a 5 or 10 second timer before capture for menu interactions
- Toggle whether floating thumbnails appear after a capture
- Record the full screen or a selected portion as a video with or without audio
Why it matters
Screenshots and screen recordings are one of the most frequently used features for support requests, tutorials, and quick sharing, so having the save location and shortcuts set up correctly removes friction from something done many times a day. Changing the default save location from Desktop, for example, keeps a fast-typing user's desktop from filling up with stray screenshot files. The floating thumbnail can also be a helpful quick-edit shortcut, or an unwanted distraction depending on workflow.
Best practices
- Set captures to save directly to the Clipboard if you mostly paste screenshots into chat apps rather than saving files.
- Disable the floating thumbnail if you find it distracting during multi-step workflows.
- Use the timer option to capture menus or tooltips that disappear when you click.
Common problems and fixes
- Screenshots pile up on the Desktop.
- Change the save location to a dedicated Screenshots folder from the Options menu in the Screenshot toolbar.
- Screen recordings have no audio.
- Select a microphone under the Options menu before starting the recording; audio isn't captured by default.
Tips and tricks
- Press Control along with a capture shortcut to copy directly to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
Frequently asked questions
What shortcut opens the screenshot toolbar?
Shift-Command-5 opens the toolbar with all capture options.
Can I record just one window?
Yes, choose 'Record Selected Portion' or the window capture option from the toolbar.
Related settings
- Mission Control & SpacesMission Control gives you a bird's-eye view of every open window and virtual desktop (called a Space) on your Mac, so you can quickly find a window or switch contexts. Spaces let you group apps by project or activity instead of piling every window onto one desktop.
- Storage ManagementStorage settings show a visual breakdown of exactly what's using space on your Mac's disk, plus built-in recommendations — like storing files in iCloud or automatically emptying the Trash — to free up space without manually hunting for large files yourself.
- iCloud DriveiCloud Drive keeps your files in sync across every device signed into the same Apple ID, and can automatically include your Desktop and Documents folders so they're backed up and accessible from any Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Files sync in the background and are accessible from the Finder sidebar or iCloud.com.
More Apps guides for macOS
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