What Is a Screenshot? The term “Screenshot” also known as a snapshot or screen capture, or print. By default, Apple’s methods save your screenshot to the desktop, but if you want to copy the screenshot to the clipboard, there’s a keyboard shortcut you can use instead. Capture the entire screen. Note: This method to take a screenshot on MacBook Air works with all native apps and most second party apps. Related: Screenshot on Apple iPhone X; How to take screenshot of a menu? Click on the menu to reveal the menu items. Press Shift + Command + 4. The cursor will change to a crosshair. Tap Spacebar to change the cursor into a camera icon.

• Apple Macbook Screenshot Windows 10
• Apple Screenshot Macbook Air
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Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

There is no doubt that taking a screenshot on Mac is quite straightforward because Apple has given an easy way to do that. However, a lot of users have complained that they have encountered a 'screenshot on Mac not working' problem. If you are also one of those users who are going through this same issue, then you might be looking for methods to fix it.

Well, you have come to the right place. Here, in this article, we have mentioned several ways you can try to come out of this problem without much hassle.

Part 1. What Is a Screenshot?

The term 'Screenshot' also known as a snapshot or screen capture, or print screen. It is a picture that shows the contents of your computer display. In simple words, it allows you to capture whatever you are seeing on your device screen. Once a screenshot is taken, you can save it as an image file where you can open it to edit.

At present, the screenshot feature is quite helpful and that's it is present in all electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. The feature is very useful in many situations, such as when you have to share the screen picture with others or to provide software reviews.

Part 2. How to Take a Screenshot on Mac?

Before you go for a solution to fix the 'screenshot on Mac not working' issue, you need to first learn how to take a screenshot on Mac in the right way. It might be the case that you are capturing your system screen using wrong commands and that's why you met with this annoying problem.

1. Screenshot a window

To screen capture for a window on Man, you need to follow the below steps:

1. Use 'Command + Shift + 4' at the same time. As you see crosshairs on your screen, use the 'Space' key to hover the cursor over the window. Next, click either on the trackpad or mouse. Don't forget to hold the Space bar when you are dragging.
2. Now, you will see the Camera icon, and your window will turn into a grey color. If you end up opening multiple windows, then select the one you like to capture. Finally, tap on the mouse, and you are done with capturing the screenshot for the window.
3. After that, you can either right-click on the application icon and choose 'Move to Trash' option or you can simply drag the program icon to the Trash.

2. Screenshot the entire screen

To capture the entire screen, follow the steps:

1. To start with, you have to use 'Command + Shift+ 3' keys at the same time.
2. Next, you'll the camera shutter sound, and your screenshot will be saved on the desktop.

3. Screenshot a portion of the screen

Follow the below steps to capture a part of your screen:

1. Use 'Command + Shift + 4' Keys at the same time. Using this shortcut, you will be able to take a screenshot of a specific portion.
2. After pressing the keys, you will see a cross with some numbers. So, drag the cross across the region that you like to capture.

4. Screenshot a dropdown menu

Follow the steps to capture a dropdown menu on Mac:

1. First, open the menu and then, use 'Command + Shift + 4' keys at the same time, and next, drag the cross to the region of the menu.
2. Now, release the mouse to screenshot the region, and next, use the Space key to alter the pointer to a camera. Finally, press the menu to take a screenshot.

That's how you can take a screenshot on Mac. If the above steps didn't work to take and save a screenshot on your Mac, then check out the next section where we have mentioned some solutions that can fix the problem you're going through.

Video Guide on How To Take A Screenshot on Mac

Part 3. How to Fix 'Screenshot on Mac Not Working'?

Well, you now got an idea about how to take a screenshot on Mac in the right way. But, if you still met with a 'screenshot on Mac not working' problem, then try below methods that can probably help you to fix the issue with ease.

1. Check the Keyboard Shortcut Settings

You can use the keyboard shortcut 'Command + Shift + 3' to take a full-screen screenshot and shortcut 'Command + Shift + 4' to capture selected area unless you've activated the screenshots shortcuts.

By default, the screenshot keyboard shortcuts are activated. But, it might be the case that you have configured the settings and don't remember at all. Thus, in this case, all you have to do is to check if the screenshot shortcut is active on your Mac.

Here are simple steps on how you can check:

1. To start with, go to the 'Apple' menu and then, navigate to 'System Preferences'.
2. Next, tap on 'Keyboard' and next, tap on the 'Shortcuts' tab.
3. After that, tap on the 'Screenshots' option from the left side of the window.
4. Finally, make sure that all options here are check or active.

Once you ensure keyboard shortcuts for screenshots on your Mac are active, try again to take a screenshot and see whether the problem is gone. If no, then don't be panic as you can try the following solutions to fix it.

2. Restart the Mac

Another thing you can try is simply restarting your Mac. Applications and programs won't work perfectly if you've not restarted your system for a long time. Thus, in such cases, a simple restart on Mac can probably fix the problem without many efforts. Luckily, many users have fixed the problem with this method and so, you must try it too.

There are three ways you can try to restart your Mac, which include:

1. Press and hold down the 'Power' button and choose the 'Restart' option. Alternatively, you can use 'Control + Eject' and choose 'Restart'.
2. Go to the 'Apple' menu and next, choose 'Restart'.
3. Use 'Control + Command + Eject' or 'Control + Command + Power' and next, choose 'Restart'.

After restarting your Mac, the problem should be fixed now. But, if not, then go for the next solutions to fix the 'screenshot on Mac not working' issue.

3. Use Grab to Screenshot on Mac

There are also other ways to take a screenshot on Mac you might don't aware of them. So, instead of taking screenshots using keyboard shortcuts, use Grab to capture screen on your system. Grab is a pre-installed application for Mac OS X and macOS that allows you to take screenshots of the entire screen, the whole window, or only a specified area of your screen.

Here are the simple steps on how to use Grab utility to take screenshots on Mac:

1. To start with, you need to open 'Applications' and next, tap on 'Utilities'.
2. After that, look for 'Grab' and select it.
3. Now, click on 'Capture'.

As per your requirements, you can choose any one option and take a screenshot.

4. Use Preview to Screenshot on Mac

If you encounter a problem like a screenshot on Mac not working, then you can use Preview to capture screenshots. Well, Preview is nothing, but default utility that lets you open and modifies or edit images. Besides this, you can also take a screenshot on Mac using the Preview tool.

Here are simple steps on how to use Preview to screenshot on Mac:

1. To begin with, navigate to 'Preview'.
2. Next, tap on 'File' and after that, select 'Take Screenshot'.
3. Now, choose any one option as per your need.

As you can see there are many alternatives to take a screenshot on Mac. Hopefully, the above methods help you to resolve the problem for you.

Part 4. How to Recover Lost Screenshots on Mac?

Apple Macbook Screenshot Windows 10

In some cases, although screenshots are saved by resolving the problem 'screenshot on Mac not working', there are chances that you still lost them due to unknown reason. But, don't be panic if this situation happens to you because you still have a powerful method to recover your lost screenshots on your Mac. And that method is using Recoverit data recovery for Mac.

Luckily, Recoverit Data Recovery software is primarily designed to help those users who accidentally lost their files, such as photos, videos, audio, and documents. No matter how you lost your screenshots whether deleting by mistake, virus attack, or sudden power failure, the tool is powerful enough to work under numerous data loss scenarios.

Recovering media files with this tool takes a few minutes and three easy steps. In order to get back lost screenshots using Recoverit, you need to first download and install the software on your computer. Once you installed the software, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Select the screenshot drive

To start with, run Recoverit. Now, you need to choose a hard drive location from where you have lost your screenshots and click the Start button.

Step 2: Scan the Location

Now, the program will start looking for lost files by performing a scan on your selected hard drive location. Here, it may take several minutes to complete the entire scan process.

Step 3: Preview and Recover

Finally, preview the files and choose the desired files you want to get back after the scan is complete. And click on the 'Recover' button to save recovered screenshots on your Mac.

So, you now know what you can do if you ever lost your important files on Mac. However, while you are saving recovered screenshots on Mac, don't save them to the location from where they get lost.

Part 5. Tips against 'Screenshot on Mac Not Working'

Hopefully, the problem 'screenshot on Mac not working' is fixed for you with the help of the above-mentioned methods. However, here are some more tips and tricks you can try to avoid facing the same problem again in the future.

• If you're not good at remembering keyboard shortcuts, then use Grab or Preview to take a screenshot on your system.
• It might be the case that keyboard shortcuts of your Mac are damaged and that's why you are not able to capture a screen using keys.
• You may have changed the default location for saving screenshots and that's why it seems to you that screenshots aren't working on your Mac. So, check the location where your Mac screenshots are saved.
• Sometimes, third-party applications installed on your system prevent the proper functioning of other Mac utilities or programs. So, uninstall or get rid of third-party apps if you've on your system.
• Mac systems are also susceptible to bugs and viruses, which can corrupt your system. As a result, you can face a screenshot, not a working issue. Thus, use anti-virus to protect your system from bugs.

The problem 'screenshot on Mac not working' can be easily resolved if you know the right solutions for this. Luckily, here we have listed all probable methods that can help you to fix the issue with ease. Plus, if you ever end up losing your important screenshots on Mac, then we have also provided the solution to this problem too. It is Recoverit data recovery for Mac. With the help of this tool, you can easily rescue your lost screenshots.

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To grab various information from your computer quickly, you can take a screenshot or save it as a document. Well, the first choice saves more time. You can keep images and texts from webpages or streaming videos on your Mac freely. Sadly, many people ask the question like “Why can’t I take a screenshot on my MacBook”.

The truth is that you do not find the correct MacBook screenshot methods. But do not worry about that. From this article, you can learn how to take a screenshot on a MacBook Pro and other models with shortcuts or programs for free. All Mac products and operating systems are supported.

Guide List

1. 3 Common Ways to Screenshot on a MacBook

All portable computers can be called laptop. To be more specific, a laptop is a computer with all parts integrated. You can see many laptop brands, like IBM, Lenovo, HP, Acer, Dell, etc. Well, the main difference between a desktop and a laptop is that you can take a laptop wherever you want. To some degree, it is kind of similar to the battle between a landline and a cellphone.

As for a MacBook, it is a brand of laptops developed by Apple. MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops are best-selling Macintoshes. Well, you can see MacBook Retina and MacBook Core series in the MacBook family too. In a word, MacBook is a branch of laptop.

If you want to keep the moment of a live streaming video forever, you can take a screenshot on a Mac to catch it. Many people screenshot movies, films, TV shows and other online and offline videos to save the most attractive moment. As for gamers, recording and sharing the best achievement in a gameplay is quite common. Moreover, you can also take screenshots on webpages to save something important without taking notes. Generally speaking, you can keep everything appearing on your MacBook as offline references.

If your previous computer is a Windows PC, then you may wonder how to screenshot on a MacBook. Different from screenshot on a Windows, you can get 2 representative MacBook screenshot solutions. Just read and learn.

At present, the latest version of the Mac operating system is macOS Majave. If you have upgraded your MacBook to macOS Mojave, you can get not only the traditional MacBook screenshot keys but also the macOS Majave screenshot shortcuts.

Method 1. Use MacBook Screenshot Shortcuts

Capture the whole screen

For macOS Mojave: Press Shift, Command and 5 keys on your keyboard. Later, choose the first thumbnail to take a screenshot on MacBook.

For other macOS versions: Hold and press Shift, Command and 3 keys to save the screenshot on desktop.

Capture a window

For macOS Mojave: Press Shift, Command and 5 keys on your keyboard. Then choose the second icon and select the window you want to capture.

For other macOS versions: Hold and press Shift, Command and 4 keys. Later, press the Space bar on your keyboard. When the pointer changes to a camera, you can set the window.

Capture the selected portion

For macOS Mojave: Press Shift, Command and 5 keys on your keyboard. Choose the third icon and draw on the MacBook’s screen.

For other macOS versions: Hold and press Shift, Command and 4 keys. Use the left-click mouse trackpad to take a MacBook screenshot.

Capture a menu

For macOS Mojave: Extend the menu to get its contents. Press Shift, Command and 5 keys on your keyboard. Use any icon on the floating toolbar to screenshot a MacBook menu.

For other macOS versions: Reveal the contents of the menu first. Hold and press Shift, Command and 4 keys. You can use the trackpad button or mouse to capture the menu. In addition, you can press Space bar to achieve the MacBook screenshot.

Note:

1. So where do screenshots go on Mac? Well, you can find MacBook screenshots on Mac’s desktop screen. The default screenshot format is PNG.
2. If you want to save the Mac screenshot to clipboard, you can add the Control key to above Mac screenshot key combinations. Later, you can paste the screenshot on your Mac freely.

Method 2. Run Grab to Screenshot on A MacBook

Grab is the pre-installed program on all MacBook notebook computers. If you encounter the screenshot on Mac not working problem, you can take screenshots with Grab for free too. What’s more, you can also take a screenshot on a MacBook Air or Pro with Preview.

Find the Utilities folder and access the Grab tool.

Choose the Capture option on the top menu bar.

Select Selection, Window, Screen and Timed Screen based on your need.

Note:

1. There is no such a user interface of Grab. Once you open Grab, you can see the Grab icon in the dock.
2. You can take a screenshot on a MacBook after the 10-second delay by using the Timed Screen feature.

Method 3. Use Preview to Screenshot on A MacBook

You can double-click a PDF or image file to open Preview.

Click File > Take Screenshot and choose From Selection, From Window or From Entire Screen on Mac.

2. Best Way to Screenshot Macbook with FoneLab Screen Recorder

Apple Screenshot Macbook Air

Though you can take a screenshot on your MacBook with default shortcuts or programs. You cannot capture the screen area you need accurately. Fortunately, you can achieve this goal by using Mac FoneLab Screen Recorder. Well, it is also supported to use MacBook screenshot shortcuts too.

About Apple Macbook

Read about how to screenshot Facetime.

1. Set the width and length accurately to take screenshots on Mac.
2. Drag and drop the screen area around the mouse or trackpad.
3. Set hotkeys to take screenshots and start/stop recording instantly.
4. Access all your MacBook screenshots for sharing and editing.

FoneLab Screen Recorder

FoneLab Screen Recorder allows you to capture video, audio, online tutorial, etc on Windows/Mac, and you can easily customize size, edit the video or audio, and more.

• Record video, audio, webcam and take screenshots on Windows/Mac.
• Preview data before saving.
• It is safe and easy to use.

Launch the MacBook screenshot software.

Disable Microphone and Webcam options in the main interface.

Adjust the screenshot hotkey, destination folder and other preferences in the More Settings. (optional)

Set the screen area you want to capture manually.

Click the Camera icon to take a screenshot on a MacBook Air or Pro.

Go the Media Manager to find your screenshots.

Thus, you can get more choices while taking screenshots with FoneLab. In addition, you can have a good time for video and audio recording too. If you have any other question about how to take a screenshot on a MacBook, just feel free to contact us.

FoneLab Screen Recorder

FoneLab Screen Recorder allows you to capture video, audio, online tutorial, etc on Windows/Mac, and you can easily customize size, edit the video or audio, and more.

• Record video, audio, webcam and take screenshots on Windows/Mac.
• Preview data before saving.
• It is safe and easy to use.

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