How to Change Screenshot Location on Mac

If you’re wondering how to change screenshot location Mac, you’re not alone. Many Mac users prefer keeping their screenshots organized in a particular folder. Luckily, changing the screenshot location on your Mac is a straightforward process. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to do it.

What Do You Need to Know About Screenshot Default Location on Mac?

By default, macOS saves screenshots on the desktop. While this may seem convenient, it can lead to a cluttered workspace, especially if you take numerous screenshots daily. Knowing how to change screenshot location Mac allows you to manage your files effectively.

To change the default location for your screenshots, you’ll utilize a simple command in the Terminal app, or you can use built-in options in macOS Mojave (10.14) and later versions.

How Do You Change the Screenshot Location Using Terminal?

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   – You can find Terminal through Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Space and typing “Terminal”.
   – Alternatively, navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

2. Enter the Command:
   – In the Terminal window, type the following command:
   defaults write com.apple.screencapture location
   – After the command, add a space, and then drag and drop the desired folder into the Terminal window to auto-fill the path.

3. Complete The Command:
   – Your final command should look similar to this:
   defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /Users/YourUsername/Pictures/Screenshots
   – Replace /Users/YourUsername/Pictures/Screenshots with the path to your selected folder.

4. Reset the System UI:
   – To apply the changes, type the following command and press Enter:
   killall SystemUIServer

5. Check Your New Screenshot Location:
   – Take a new screenshot with the shortcut Command + Shift + 4 (or your preferred method) and see if it saves to the new location.

Tips for Using Terminal

• Use drag and drop to avoid errors in typing the folder path.
• If you’re unsure about the folder you’re aiming for, you can create a new folder before making the change.

Can You Change Screenshot Location via Screenshot Toolbar?

For users on macOS Mojave (10.14) and later, you can also change your screenshot location using the Screenshot Toolbar:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Screenshot Toolbar:
   – Press Command + Shift + 5 to bring up the screenshot options.

2. Choose Options:
   – You’ll see options to capture the entire screen, record your screen, or capture a selected portion. Look for the “Options” button at the bottom of the window.

3. Select the New Location:
   – Under the “Save to” section, select one of the predefined locations or select “Other Location…” to pick a different folder.

4. Confirm Your Selection:
   – After selecting a folder, your screenshots will now be saved in the new location.

Advantages of Using the Screenshot Toolbar

• User-friendly interface: The Screenshot Toolbar is an easy and visual way to manage your screenshots.
• Quick access: You can grab your screenshots and configure other settings all at once.

What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Screenshot Location on Mac?

1. Organization: Keeping screenshots in a dedicated folder prevents your desktop from becoming cluttered.
2. Efficiency: Quickly find your screenshots without sifting through other desktop files.
3. Better File Management: Choose locations that fit your workflow—like organizing them by project or date.

What If You Want to Reset to Default Location?

Should you ever wish to revert back to the default location (the desktop), you can easily do this by repeating the steps in the Terminal:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command:
   defaults delete com.apple.screencapture location
3. Hit Enter and then reset the system UI with:
   killall SystemUIServer

How Can You Use Third-Party Apps to Manage Screenshots?

If you’re looking for even more features or customization options, consider third-party screenshot management apps. These applications often come with advanced functionalities such as:

• Screenshot editing
• Annotation tools
• Organizational features like sorting or tagging

Some popular options you may want to explore include:

• Snagit
• Lightshot
• Greenshot

Experiment with these tools to find the right fit for your needs. They can provide a wider array of features than the built-in macOS options, especially if you frequently create and share visual content.

Conclusion

Changing the screenshot location on your Mac is a relatively simple process that can lead to significant improvements in how you manage your files.

Whether you use Terminal or the Screenshot Toolbar, knowing how to change screenshot location Mac can help you create a more organized and efficient workspace.

By following the guides above, you can create a screenshot-saving strategy that works best for you. Don’t forget, you can always explore third-party solutions for even more customization and functionality. Happy screenshotting!