Is there a Snipping Tool on Mac? The shortcuts that replace it
The Mac's Snipping Tool is built in: Command Shift 4 to snip an area, Command Shift 5 for the full toolbar. Print Screen and Windows Shift S, translated.
What is the Snipping Tool on a Mac?
It is built into macOS as a set of shortcuts and an app called Screenshot, in Applications, Utilities. You do not need to install anything.
| On Windows | On a Mac |
|---|---|
| Windows Shift S, rectangle | ⌘ ⇧ 4, then drag |
| Window snip | ⌘ ⇧ 4, then Space, then click |
| Print Screen, full screen | ⌘ ⇧ 3 |
| Snipping Tool app | ⌘ ⇧ 5, or open Screenshot |
| Snip to clipboard | Add ⌃ to any of the above |
How do I snip to the clipboard like on Windows?
Windows copies a snip to the clipboard; a Mac saves it to a file. Add ⌃ to the shortcut to copy instead: ⌘ ⌃ ⇧ 4 copies a dragged area, ready to paste with ⌘ V. Keyboard settings list these as Copy picture of selected area to the clipboard.
How do I draw on a screenshot?
Click the floating thumbnail that appears in the corner after you take one. It opens Markup, where you can draw, add text, crop and sign, then click Done. If no thumbnail appears, turn on Show Floating Thumbnail under Options in the ⌘ ⇧ 5 toolbar.
Is there a timer, like Snipping Tool's delay?
Yes. In the ⌘ ⇧ 5 toolbar, open Options and choose a timer of 5 or 10 seconds. That gives you time to open a menu before the picture is taken.
More for people coming from Windows: Task Manager on a Mac, File Explorer on a Mac and the Windows taskbar on a Mac.
Questions
Does Mac have a Snipping Tool?
Yes, built in. Press Command Shift 4 to snip an area, or Command Shift 5 for the full toolbar.
What is Print Screen on a Mac?
Command Shift 3 takes the whole screen. Add Control to copy it to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
What is Windows Shift S on a Mac?
Command Control Shift 4 copies a dragged area to the clipboard, which is the closest match.
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