Print Screen on Mac: Shortcuts for Windows Switchers
Press Command-Shift-3 to capture the screen on a Mac. To copy the image to the clipboard, use Control-Command-Shift-3. The extra Control key is the distinction to remember when switching from Windows.
| What you need | Keys | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Full screen | Command-Shift-3 | Save a file |
| Full screen to clipboard | Control-Command-Shift-3 | Paste with Command-V |
| Selected area | Command-Shift-4 | Drag to choose the area |
| One window | Command-Shift-4, then Space | Click the window |
1. Where Is Print Screen on Mac?
If you're coming from Windows, you're used to pressing PrtSc to capture your screen. Mac keyboards don't have a Print Screen key.
Instead, macOS uses a combination of the ⌘ Command, ⇧ Shift, and number keys. Choose a shortcut for the screen, a selected area or a window.
Quick translation from Windows:
- • PrtSc → ⌘⇧3 (full screen)
- • Alt + PrtSc → ⌘⇧4 + Space (choose a window)
- • Win + Shift + S → ⌘⇧4 (select area)
2. Print Screen Equivalent: Full Screen (⌘⇧3)
Shift + 3This captures the full screen and saves a file to the Desktop by default. Click the thumbnail to edit it, or drag it into an app that accepts images. SDR captures use PNG; supported Macs running macOS Tahoe 26 or later can also capture HDR in HEIF.
💡 Multiple monitors? macOS captures each display as a separate file.
3. Print Screen a Specific Area (⌘⇧4)
Shift + 4Your cursor turns into a crosshair. Drag to select exactly what you want to capture. This is like Win + Shift + S on Windows — but it saves directly to a file instead of just the clipboard.
- Hold Space to reposition the selection
- Press Esc to cancel
After capturing, import your image into NexSnap to adjust its background, padding and shadow before sharing.
4. Print Screen a Window (⌘⇧4 + Space)
This is the Mac equivalent of Alt + PrtSc on Windows:
macOS adds a nice drop shadow automatically. Hold Option while clicking to skip the shadow.
5. Print Screen to Clipboard (Like Windows)
If you want a clipboard image to paste into a message, add Control to the Mac shortcut. The usual Mac shortcuts save a file; Windows Print Screen behavior can depend on Windows settings. To copy to clipboard instead, add Control:
Now you can ⌘V to paste — just like Windows Print Screen.
6. The Screenshot Toolbar (⌘⇧5)
Shift + 5macOS Mojave and later include a full screenshot toolbar — capture modes, screen recording, timer options, save location settings, and more. Use Options to choose a save location before capturing.
After capturing, import your image into NexSnap to adjust its background, padding and shadow before sharing.
7. Windows vs Mac: Screenshot Shortcut Comparison
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Full screen | PrtSc | ⌘ ⇧ 3 |
| One window | Alt + PrtSc (active window) | ⌘ ⇧ 4 + Space (choose a window) |
| Select area | Win + Shift + S | ⌘ ⇧ 4 |
| Full → clipboard | PrtSc | ⌘ ⌃ ⇧ 3 |
| Area → clipboard | Win + Shift + S | ⌘ ⌃ ⇧ 4 |
| Screenshot tool | Win + Shift + S | ⌘ ⇧ 5 |
Windows keys depend on configuration: Print Screen can open Snipping Tool. See Microsoft’s Snipping Tool guidance. Mac window capture asks you to choose a window rather than automatically capturing the active one.
Why did the shortcut not work?
Open System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Screenshots and check that the shortcut is enabled. You can also open Screenshot from Applications → Utilities.
If you cannot find the file, check Command-Shift-5 → Options → Save to. A clipboard capture creates no Desktop file. Some apps restrict screenshots of protected content; use an image you have permission to share.
Make Your Screenshots Look Pro with NexSnap
Add a background and layout after capturing
For a product update or presentation, import the capture into NexSnap. Use a background and padding to separate it from the slide, then add an arrow to direct attention to the relevant control.
Background styles
Choose gradients, wallpapers or solid colors to frame your screenshot
Mac app
Available on the Mac App Store for macOS 10.15 or later
Layout controls
Adjust padding, corner radius and shadows around your image
Annotations
Add text, arrows and step markers to explain what matters
Free download · Offers in-app purchases
Also available on iOS, Android, Windows & Web
Print Screen on Mac is easy once you know the shortcuts. Now make those captures look incredible.
Sources and related guides
Instructions checked October 9, 2026 against Apple’s screenshot instructions and Mac User Guide. NexSnap features and purchases are described in its App Store listing. This guide is published by NexSnap.