How to Customize Screenshot Settings on macOS

Step by step

1. 15 sec

   Open the Screenshot utility

   Press Command + Shift + 5 simultaneously on your keyboard. This opens the system-wide screenshot toolbar interface at the bottom of your screen.

   Note: Command + Shift + 5
2. 30 sec

   Adjust save destination

   Click the Options button in the toolbar. Under the Save to section, select your preferred destination folder, such as Desktop, Documents, or Clipboard for immediate pasting.

   Note: Select Other Location to create a dedicated folder for all future screenshots.
3. 30 sec

   Set a delay timer

   Within the same Options menu, locate the Timer section. Choose between None, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds to allow time for positioning menus or windows before the capture occurs.

4. 30 sec

   Change file format via Terminal

   Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Type 'defaults write com.apple.screencapture type [format]' replacing [format] with jpg, tiff, or png, then press Enter and run 'killall SystemUIServer' to apply changes.

   Note: PNG is the default, but JPG provides smaller file sizes for web usage.
5. 30 sec

   Toggle floating thumbnails

   In the Screenshot toolbar Options menu, uncheck Show Floating Thumbnail to stop the preview window from appearing after you take a shot. This prevents immediate clutter in your workspace.

6. 15 sec

   Confirm configuration

   Take a test screenshot using Command + Shift + 3. Verify that the file saves to your newly designated location and adheres to your chosen delay and format settings.

   Note: Command + Shift + 3