Have you ever taken a screenshot on your Mac and found that the image captured more than you needed? If so, you need to learn how to take a cropped screenshot on Mac. Cropping an image means to trim it down to a specific size or shape, removing unwanted parts of the picture. This article will guide you through the process of taking a cropped screenshot on Mac, in 12 simple steps.
Steps
Step 1: Open the screen you want to capture
Before you can take a screenshot, you need to open the screen that you want to capture. It could be a webpage, a document, or an application. Make sure everything you want to capture is visible on your screen.
Step 2: Press Command + Shift + 4
Pressing Command + Shift + 4 is the quickest way to take a screenshot on Mac. It will bring up a crosshair pointer that you can use to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
Step 3: Select the area you want to capture
Click and drag the crosshair pointer to select the part of the screen you want to capture. You can also adjust the size of the selection by using the spacebar to move the selection around.
Step 4: Release the mouse button
Once you have selected the area you want to capture, release the mouse button. A screenshot of the selected area will be saved to your desktop as a .png file.
Step 5: Open the screenshot using Preview
Click on the screenshot to open it using the Preview application. Preview is a built-in Mac application that allows you to view and edit images.
Step 6: Click on the Crop tool
Click on the Crop tool in the toolbar. It looks like a square with dotted lines around it.
Step 7: Select the area you want to keep
Click and drag the Crop tool pointer to select the area of the image you want to keep. Anything outside the selection will be removed.
Step 8: Press Enter
Press Enter to crop the image. The cropped image will replace the original screenshot in Preview.
Step 9: Save the cropped image
Click on File in the upper left corner and select Save. Choose a name and location for the cropped image and click Save.
Step 10: Use keyboard shortcuts to crop quicker
You can save time by using keyboard shortcuts to access the Crop tool. Press Command + K to bring up the Markup toolbar, then select the Crop tool.
Step 11: Use third-party applications to crop
If you prefer to use a third-party application to crop your screenshots, there are many options available on the Mac App Store. Check out Skitch, Snagit, or Lightshot.
Step 12: Practice makes perfect!
The more you practice taking cropped screenshots on Mac, the easier it will become. Try different keyboard shortcuts, explore new tools, and experiment with your images.
Explanation
Cropping an image is a useful skill to have when taking screenshots on Mac. By removing unwanted parts of an image, you can focus on what’s important and create a more professional-looking picture. The steps outlined above show you how to take an initial screenshot, open it in Preview, and crop it down to its desired size.
Using the keyboard shortcuts to access the Crop tool can save time, especially if you take a lot of screenshots. And if you prefer to use a third-party application to crop your images, there are many options available on the Mac App Store.
By practicing and experimenting with your screenshots, you’ll become more proficient at taking cropped screenshots on Mac in no time.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use the Preview application to edit your images
Preview is a powerful image editing tool that allows you to make simple adjustments to your images. Experiment with changing the contrast, brightness, and saturation to make your screenshots stand out.
2. Take screenshots of different parts of your screen
You can use the Command + Shift + 4 shortcut to capture different parts of your screen, including an entire window, a specific menu, or a selected area. Try out different options to see what works best for you.
3. Use Command + Shift + 3 to take a full-screen screenshot
If you need to take a screenshot of your entire screen, use the Command + Shift + 3 shortcut instead of the Command + Shift + 4 shortcut. This will capture everything on your screen, including the dock and menu bar.
4. Customize your keyboard shortcuts
You can customize your keyboard shortcuts by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts. Click on Screenshots to see the available options.
5. Use the Markup toolbar to annotate your images
You can use the Markup toolbar to add text, shapes, and even your signature to your screenshots. Press Command + Shift + A to bring up the Markup toolbar.
6. Use the Spotlight search to find your screenshots
If you can’t find your screenshots, use the Spotlight search to locate them. Press Command + Spacebar to bring up the Spotlight search, then search for .png or the name of the screenshot.
7. Use the Terminal to change the default screenshot format
You can change the default screenshot format from .png to .jpg or .pdf by using the Terminal. Open the Terminal, type “defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg” (or pdf) and press Enter.
8. Allocate more space to the screenshot feature
You can allocate more space to the screenshot feature by setting a larger maximum size limit. Open the Terminal, type “defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg” followed by “-size 10000” and press Enter.
9. Use the Grab application to take timed screenshots
The Grab application is a built-in Mac application that allows you to take timed screenshots, which can be useful if you need to capture a menu that disappears quickly.
10. Use the Move tool to adjust the position of your crop
If you need to adjust the position of your crop, use the Move tool in Preview. Click on the Move tool in the toolbar, then click and drag the cropped image to its new position.
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Take a Cropped Screenshot on Mac
Advantages
1. It’s a quick and easy way to share part of your screen with others.
2. You can crop out sensitive information before sharing the screenshot.
3. It’s built-in to the Mac operating system, so you don’t need to install any additional software.
4. You can easily annotate the screenshot using Mac’s Preview app.
5. Cropped screenshots can be useful for tutorials, troubleshooting, and documentation.
6. It’s a useful feature for designers and developers who need to share design elements or code snippets.
7. You can save cropped screenshots in a variety of file formats.
8. You can use shortcuts to speed up the process of taking a cropped screenshot.
9. The cropped screenshot tool is available on all of Apple’s devices, so it’s easy to use across your ecosystem.
10. Cropped screenshots can be very helpful for social media and blog posts, making your content stand out.
Disadvantages
1. Cropped screenshots may not capture the entire context of what you are sharing, leading to misunderstanding.
2. If you need to share a larger section of your screen, you will need to use a different screenshot method.
3. If you are not familiar with the keyboard shortcuts, taking a cropped screenshot can be time-consuming.
4. Cropping a screenshot can reduce the image quality, particularly if you need to crop a small section of the screen.
5. If you need to take multiple cropped screenshots, it may become confusing to keep track of them all.
6. Cropped screenshots can take up space on your device if you don’t organize them properly.
7. You may accidentally crop out important information if you are not careful.
8. Cropping a screenshot may not work if you are experiencing software or hardware issues on your Mac.
9. The cropped screenshot tool may not be as advanced as third-party screenshot software.
10. Some users may prefer to take full screenshots instead of cropped ones, leaving this feature unused.
FAQ
1. What is a cropped screenshot on Mac?
A cropped screenshot is a captured image of a specific area on your Mac screen that you have selected using the snipping tool.
2. How can I take a cropped screenshot on my Mac?
To take a cropped screenshot on your Mac, hold down the command, shift, and 4 keys simultaneously. A crosshair icon will appear, drag it over the area you want to capture and release the keys.
3. Can I customize the area I want to capture when taking a cropped screenshot?
Yes, you can customize the area you want to capture by pressing the space bar after pressing the command, shift, and 4 keys. This will change the cursor icon to a camera icon, which you can then move over a window to capture that exact area.
4. How can I change the default location for my saved screenshots?
You can change the default location for saved screenshots by opening the Terminal app and typing “defaults write com.apple.screencapture location” followed by the new path for the screenshots.
5. How do I edit a cropped screenshot on Mac?
After capturing a screenshot, it will appear as a small thumbnail in the corner of your screen, click on it to open it in preview mode. You can then use the Markup tools in Preview to edit the screenshot further.
6. Can I take multiple screenshots at once?
Yes, you can take multiple screenshots at once by holding down the Command, Shift, and 5 keys simultaneously. This will open the screenshot toolbar where you can choose the type of screenshot you need.
7. Can I take a screenshot of a specific window only?
Yes, you can take a screenshot of a specific window only by pressing the Command, Shift, and 4 keys together, followed by pressing the Spacebar. This will change the cursor to a camera icon, which you can then move over the window to capture a screenshot of only that window.
8. How do I take a screenshot of a menu on a Mac?
To take a screenshot of a menu on a Mac, press Command, Shift, and 4 keys simultaneously, drag the crosshair to select the area of the menu you want to capture, and then press the Spacebar. Finally, click the menu and the screenshot will be taken.
9. How can I rename my screenshot on a Mac?
You can rename your screenshot on a Mac by selecting the screenshot and pressing the Return key, typing the new name, and then pressing Return again.
10. How can I share a cropped screenshot with others?
You can share a cropped screenshot with others by opening the screenshot in Preview mode and clicking on the Share icon to send it directly via email, AirDrop, or other options.
11. Can I take screenshots while in Safe mode?
No, the screenshot feature is not available in Safe mode on Mac.
12. Can I take a screenshot while watching a video on Mac?
Yes, you can take a screenshot while watching a video by pausing the video at the desired moment and then taking the screenshot as usual.
13. How do I know if my screenshot has been successfully taken?
When you take a screenshot on your Mac, you will hear a camera shutter sound, and a small thumbnail preview of the screenshot will be displayed in the bottom right corner of your screen.
How to Take a Cropped Screenshot on Mac
Take it from a Mac user – taking a screenshot is a useful skill to have, whether you’re trying to capture an important conversation or an image you can’t save. However, you don’t always need to capture the entire screen. In some cases, you may need to screenshot only a part of it. Fortunately, Macs have a built-in tool that allows you to capture screenshots with ease, including cropped screenshots. In this article, we will show you how to take a cropped screenshot on Mac.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking a cropped screenshot on Mac is easy and efficient. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can take a cropped screenshot in no time. Keep in mind that cropping a screenshot is a useful skill to have, especially if you’re trying to convey specific information to someone. Just remember to use this tool responsibly and to respect other people’s privacy. With that said, we hope that this article has been helpful to you. Happy screenshotting!
Alright, that’s all we have for you today. We hope that this article has given you everything you need to know about taking a cropped screenshot on Mac. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them down below. We’ll be happy to help you out. Thanks for reading, and until next time!