Snipping Tool on Mac: Capture, Annotate and Copy
The Mac equivalent of Snipping Tool is Screenshot. Press Command-Shift-4 to select an area, or Command-Shift-5 to open the toolbar. Click the capture thumbnail to mark up the image before sharing it.
1. Does Mac Have a Snipping Tool?
macOS includes the Screenshot app. Snipping Tool is the Windows app name. On macOS, screenshot functionality is built directly into the operating system through keyboard shortcuts and a dedicated Screenshot app.
Use the built-in app for a selected area, a window or a screen recording. Its Options menu includes a timer and save destination. The toolbar is available in macOS Mojave 10.14 and later.
The Mac equivalent of Snipping Tool:
- • ⌘⇧4 — Select and snip any area (most like Snipping Tool)
- • ⌘⇧5 — Full screenshot toolbar with all options
- • ⌘⇧4 + Space — Snip a specific window
2. Method 1: Snip a Selected Area (⌘⇧4)
This is the closest equivalent to Windows Snipping Tool's "Rectangular Snip" mode. Press:
Shift + 4Your cursor becomes a crosshair. Click and drag to select the exact area you want to capture. Pro tips:
- Hold Space while dragging to move the selection
- Hold Shift to lock one axis while resizing
- Hold Option to resize from the center
- Press Esc to cancel
After capturing, import your image into NexSnap to adjust its background, padding and shadow before sharing.
3. Method 2: Snip a Window (⌘⇧4 + Space)
Want to capture a single window with its drop shadow? This is like Snipping Tool's "Window Snip" mode:
Hold Option while clicking to capture without the shadow. Works on menus, the Dock, and the menu bar too.
4. Method 3: The Screenshot Toolbar (⌘⇧5)
Available since macOS Mojave, this is the most full-featured snipping tool on Mac:
Shift + 5A toolbar appears with five modes: capture entire screen, capture window, capture selection, record entire screen, or record selection. Click Options to set timers, change save location, and toggle the floating thumbnail.
💡 This is the closest experience to Windows 11's updated Snipping Tool — but built right into macOS.
5. Method 4: Full Screen Capture (⌘⇧3)
Shift + 3Captures the full display. If you have multiple monitors, macOS captures each one as a separate file.
6. Snip to Clipboard Instead of File
Add Control to any shortcut to copy the snip to your clipboard instead of saving a file:
Then ⌘V to paste into an app that accepts images, such as a message or document.
After capturing, import your image into NexSnap to adjust its background, padding and shadow before sharing.
7. Which Tool Do You Need After a Snip?
Choose the tool for the step you need. Capturing an area, drawing an arrow and preparing a presentation image are different tasks.
| Task | Tool | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Capture a region or window | macOS Screenshot | Command-Shift-4 or Command-Shift-5 |
| Draw an arrow or add text | macOS Markup | Click the capture thumbnail |
| Add a background, padding or shadow | NexSnap | Import the saved image |
For a delayed snip of a menu, open Command-Shift-5 and choose a timer under Options. Set the capture area, start the timer, then open the menu before the capture.
To annotate, click the floating thumbnail and use the Markup tools. Apple documents text, shapes and drawing tools. Save the result, then attach it to your message.
Screenshot captures the visible screen; its toolbar does not provide a scrolling-page capture mode. If that is your main need, compare capture-focused tools in our Mac screenshot app guide.
Style a Snip with NexSnap
Prepare a snip for a slide or product update
Import the saved snip into NexSnap to add a gradient background, adjust the spacing around it, and point out a detail with an annotation. Check the store listing for purchase options before choosing a plan.
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
Quick Reference: Mac Snipping Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ⌘ ⇧ 4 | Snip selected area |
| ⌘ ⇧ 4 + Space | Snip a window |
| ⌘ ⇧ 5 | Open Screenshot toolbar |
| ⌘ ⇧ 3 | Full screen capture |
| ⌘ ⌃ ⇧ 4 | Snip area → clipboard |
| ⌘ ⌃ ⇧ 3 | Full screen → clipboard |
You've got the snipping tools. Now make your snips 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.