The best snipping tool for your Mac

Screenshots are everywhere, yet we rarely think about their power to show, explain, and communicate. From reporting software bugs to sharing quick how-tos or funny images, screenshots enrich our daily interactions. While Windows users rely on the Snipping Tool, Mac users often wonder about equivalent functionality.

Does macOS have a Snipping Tool?

Absolutely! macOS's built-in screenshot functionality rivals the Snipping Tool, offering various capture methods without needing a separate download. However, macOS goes beyond a single tool, offering numerous options and third-party apps for enhanced capabilities. This article compares the default macOS screenshot tools to Windows alternatives and introduces powerful third-party options like CleanShot X, Dropshare, and Capto.

Mastering macOS Screenshot Techniques

Even without extensive keyboard shortcut knowledge, taking screenshots on a Mac is straightforward. Different shortcuts capture specific areas: the entire screen, a selected window, or a custom region. Alternatively, a menu provides various capture options.

Key Considerations:

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn essential shortcuts for efficient screenshot capture.
• Distraction-Free Captures: Discover how to minimize on-screen clutter for cleaner screenshots.
• Text Extraction: Explore tools for extracting text from screenshots, PDFs, and more.
• Seamless Sharing: Utilize tools for quick and easy screenshot sharing.
• Freehand Selection: Learn to capture freeform regions for flexible screenshot creation.
• Optimal Tool Selection: Determine the best tool for your specific needs.

Screenshot Storage: Screenshots are saved to your Desktop by default. This location can be customized through the screenshot menu's options. Let's examine the default macOS screenshot shortcuts.

Default macOS Screenshot Shortcuts

The primary shortcut, ⇧⌘5, opens a menu with several options:

• Capture Entire Screen
• Capture Selected Window
• Capture Selected Portion (area)
• Record Entire Screen
• Record Selected Portion (area)

This menu, introduced in macOS Mojave (2018), enhances previous shortcuts (⇧⌘3 for full screen, ⇧⌘4 for area selection, which still function). Update to the latest macOS for full functionality. The options menu also allows for customization of save location, timers, and mouse pointer visibility.

Did you know you can also capture your Touch Bar?

• ⇧⌘6 saves a Touch Bar screenshot to your desktop.
• ⌃⇧⌘6 copies the Touch Bar content to your clipboard.

Keyboard shortcuts are customizable via System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Screenshots.

Comparing macOS and Windows Screenshot Capabilities:

Feature	macOS	Windows
Full Screen	Yes	Yes
Single Window	Yes	Yes
Area Selection	Yes	Yes
Freeform	No	Yes
Video Recording	Yes	No
Delay	5 or 10 seconds	1 to 5 seconds
Editing	Extensive	Limited

While macOS lacks freeform capture, Windows lacks video recording and offers limited annotation. However, the default macOS tool suffices for most needs. For advanced features or freehand selection, third-party apps are recommended.

Third-Party Screenshot Alternatives

Enhance your screenshot experience with these powerful apps:

CleanShot X: Distraction-Free Screenshots

CleanShot X surpasses the default tool, offering features like hiding desktop icons, wallpaper changes, pre-save previews, clipboard copying, easy annotation, scrolling captures, GIF and video recording.

Custom hotkeys further streamline workflow.

TextSniper: Text Extraction from Images and Videos

TextSniper excels at OCR, extracting text from various sources like YouTube videos, presentations, images, and PDFs.

">TextSniper Video

1. Open the app.
2. Click "Capture text" and select the area.
3. Text is automatically copied to your clipboard.

Dropshare: Instant Screenshot Sharing

Dropshare prioritizes sharing, capturing and uploading screenshots to the cloud, providing short links for easy distribution. It supports various cloud providers.

">Dropshare Video

Capto: Comprehensive Screenshot and Screen Recording

Capto offers extensive capture options (full screen, area selection, freeform, single window, menus, webpages) and a powerful editor. It also allows for seamless long webpage captures.

">Capto Video

Choosing the Right Tool

The best tool depends on your needs. CleanShot X offers enhanced functionality and a user-friendly experience. Dropshare excels at sharing. TextSniper is ideal for OCR. Capto provides comprehensive capture and editing capabilities. Consider trying these apps to determine your preference.

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