Cropping a screenshot on a Mac is a simple task that can be done in a few quick steps. First, take your screenshot using the ‘Command + Shift + 4’ keys, which will turn your cursor into a crosshair. Then, click and drag to select the area you want to keep. Release the mouse or trackpad button to capture the screenshot. Finally, find the screenshot on your desktop and use the ‘Preview’ app to make any further edits, such as cropping or resizing.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Crop a Screenshot on Mac
Before you can crop a screenshot on your Mac, you need to take one. The following steps will guide you through the process from capturing the screen to cropping it to your desired size.
Step 1: Capture the screenshot
To take a screenshot on a Mac, press the ‘Command + Shift + 4’ keys simultaneously. Your cursor will change to a crosshair symbol.
After pressing the key combination, your screen will dim slightly and your cursor will turn into a crosshair. You can then click and drag to select the portion of the screen you want to capture. When you release the mouse or trackpad button, the screenshot will be taken and saved to your desktop by default.
Step 2: Open the screenshot
Locate the screenshot on your desktop, which is usually labeled with the date and time it was taken. Double-click the file to open it in the ‘Preview’ app.
The ‘Preview’ app is the default image viewer on Mac computers. It’s not just for viewing images, though; it also has a range of editing tools, including the ability to crop screenshots.
Step 3: Select the crop tool
In the ‘Preview’ app, click the ‘Show Markup Toolbar’ button (it looks like a little pencil). Then, select the ‘Rectangular Selection’ tool from the toolbar.
The ‘Rectangular Selection’ tool allows you to click and drag to create a box around the area of the image you want to keep. Once you’ve made your selection, you can move or adjust it as needed.
Step 4: Crop the screenshot
After making your selection with the ‘Rectangular Selection’ tool, click the ‘Crop’ button (it looks like two overlapping right angles) to crop the screenshot to the selected area.
The ‘Crop’ button is also located in the ‘Markup Toolbar’. Once you’ve clicked it, everything outside the selection box will be removed, and you’ll be left with just the part of the screenshot you want to keep.
Step 5: Save the cropped screenshot
To save the changes you’ve made, go to ‘File’ in the menu bar and select ‘Save’. You can also choose ‘Save As’ if you want to keep the original screenshot and save the cropped version as a new file.
Remember to save your edited screenshot, or all your hard work will be for nothing! You can save it in a variety of formats, including JPEG, PNG, and PDF.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a neatly cropped screenshot ready to be used however you need. Whether it’s for a presentation, a report, or just to share with friends, your Mac makes it easy to capture and edit screenshots.
Tips for Cropping a Screenshot on Mac
- To take a screenshot of an entire window, press ‘Command + Shift + 4’ followed by the ‘Spacebar’, then click on the window.
- If you want to cancel a screenshot while in the middle of dragging, simply press the ‘Escape’ key.
- You can also take a screenshot of a specific portion of the window by holding down the ‘Command’ key while dragging.
- To quickly save a cropped screenshot, use the keyboard shortcut ‘Command + S’.
- For more precise cropping, zoom in on the image by pinching with two fingers on your trackpad or by using the ‘Zoom’ tool in the ‘Preview’ app’s ‘Toolbar’.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?
To take a screenshot on a Mac, press ‘Command + Shift + 4’. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair, and you can select the area of the screen you want to capture.
Where do screenshots go on Mac?
By default, screenshots on Mac are saved to the desktop. Look for a file named ‘Screen Shot’ followed by the date and time it was taken.
Can I edit my screenshot after taking it?
Yes, you can edit your screenshot after taking it by opening it in the ‘Preview’ app. This app provides various editing tools, including cropping, rotating, and resizing.
What if I want to save my screenshot in a different format?
You can save your screenshot in different formats such as JPEG, PNG, and PDF by using the ‘Export’ feature in the ‘Preview’ app’s ‘File’ menu.
Is it possible to crop a screenshot without using the ‘Preview’ app?
Yes, you can crop a screenshot directly after taking it by dragging the corners of the selection before releasing the mouse or trackpad button. However, for more precise editing, it’s recommended to use the ‘Preview’ app.
Summary
- Capture the screenshot using ‘Command + Shift + 4’.
- Open the screenshot in the ‘Preview’ app.
- Select the crop tool from the ‘Markup Toolbar’.
- Crop the screenshot to the desired area.
- Save the cropped screenshot.
Conclusion
Cropping a screenshot on your Mac is a breeze once you know the steps. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to keep things organized, knowing how to capture and edit your screen can be incredibly handy. With the built-in ‘Preview’ app, you have all the tools you need right at your fingertips. No need for extra software or complicated procedures. Just a few simple clicks and voilà, you’ve got yourself a perfectly cropped screenshot ready to go. So next time you find yourself needing to capture a portion of your screen, remember these easy steps and you’ll be all set. Happy cropping!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.