Screenshots are today’s digital sticky notes – handy for quick references, sharing information, or capturing memories. For Mac users, the snipping tool isn’t just a feature, it’s a daily driver. Dive in to explore the world of Mac snipping tools!
What is the Snipping Tool?
The snipping tool is like the digital scissors of your computer, letting you ‘cut out’ and capture sections of your display. Want to share that hilarious meme? Or maybe an important graph for work? Snipping tool to the rescue!
Mac’s Built-in Snipping Tools
Apple knows a thing or two about user convenience. And when it comes to screenshots, they’ve got you covered.
Screenshot (Command + Shift + 5): Introduced in macOS Mojave, this is the swiss-army knife of snipping. With an intuitive toolbar, you can capture the entire screen, a window, or just a portion. Plus, there are added options to record videos too!
Grab: The older, yet reliable tool for Mac, Grab offers four types of screenshots. It’s like the wise old sage of snipping on macOS.
Preview’s Capture Feature: Yes, your PDF reader can take screenshots too! Under Preview’s File menu, you’ll find options to capture selected portions, windows, and more.
Benefits of Using a Snipping Tool
Why scribble when you can snip? Here’s why these tools are a game-changer:
- Efficiency: Quick and precise captures.
- Versatility: Grab anything from your digital workspace.
- Clarity: High-resolution captures ensure nothing is lost in translation.
Third-Party Snipping Tools for Mac
Sometimes, you want a bit extra. For those occasions, third-party apps come to the rescue.
LightShot: Light, simple, yet powerful. LightShot offers easy-to-use editing tools right after you take a snip. It’s like having a mini Photoshop at your snipping fingertips!
Snagit: Beyond just snipping, Snagit offers advanced screen recording, editing, and more. A professional tool for those who mean business.
Tips for Effective Snipping
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn them, love them. They make snipping a breeze.
- Edit Right Away: Some tools offer immediate editing. Use it to highlight or annotate.
- Organize: Keep your screenshots in dedicated folders for easy access.
Conclusion
The digital era is all about swift communication, and what’s swifter than a screenshot? With the plethora of snipping tools available for Mac, capturing the perfect screenshot is just a click (or shortcut) away!
FAQs
- Are there free versions of third-party snipping tools?
- Yes, both LightShot and Snagit offer free versions with essential features.
- Can I set a timer for screenshots on Mac?
- Absolutely! Both the built-in tools and third-party apps often come with timed capture options.
- Is there a way to capture the Touch Bar using a snipping tool?
- Yes, with the built-in screenshot tool on macOS, you can capture the Touch Bar by using Command + Shift + 6.
- Do snipping tools also capture the cursor?
- It varies by tool. Some do capture the cursor by default, while others have an option to include or exclude it.
- How can I quickly save a screenshot to the clipboard?
- After taking a screenshot using the Command + Shift + 4 or 5 shortcuts, simply add the Control key to save it directly to the clipboard.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
