How to screenshot on MacBook Air 2021?

Capturing screenshots on a MacBook Air 2021 is a breeze with the intuitive macOS interface. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to take screenshots, whether you’re capturing the entire screen, a specific window, or a customized area.

Learn how to take amazing screenshots on your MacBook Air 2021!

Taking screenshots on a MacBook Air 2021 is straightforward and can be accomplished using a few key commands. Here’s a detailed guide on different methods:

1. Capturing the Entire Screen:
   • Press the Shift + Command (⌘) + 3 ( ⇧ + ⌘ + 3 ) keys simultaneously.
   • You’ll hear a camera shutter sound, and the screenshot will be saved as a .png file on your desktop.
2. Capturing a Specific Window:
   • Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4 ( ⇧ + ⌘ + 4 ) keys together. Your cursor will turn into a crosshair.
   • Press the Spacebar. The cursor will change into a camera icon.
   • Move the camera icon over the window you want to capture and click on it.
   • The screenshot will be saved on your desktop.
3. Capturing a Customized Area:
   • Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4 ( ⇧ + ⌘ + 4 ) keys.
   • Use your mouse to drag and select the specific area you want to capture.
   • Release the mouse button. The screenshot will be saved on your desktop.
4. Copying Screenshot to Clipboard:
   • Add Control (Ctrl) to any of the above commands (e.g., Shift + Command (⌘) + Control (Ctrl) + 3 ( ⇧ + ⌘ + ⌃ + 3 ) for entire screen).
   • The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard instead of being saved to your desktop.
5. Using the Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Big Sur and later):
   • Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 5 (⇧ + ⌘ + 5 ) keys.
   • A screenshot toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen, allowing you to choose various screenshot options.

Remember, if you make a mistake, you can press the Esc (Escape) key to cancel the screenshot.

These methods should cover most of your screenshot needs on a MacBook Air 2021. If you’re running an older macOS version, the key combinations may be slightly different, but the general process is the same.

What’s the method for taking a customized screenshot of a specific area on the screen?

To take a customized screenshot of a specific area on your MacBook Air 2021, you can use the built-in screenshot tools provided by macOS. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
   • Press Shift + Command + 4 ( ⇧ + ⌘ + 4 ) on your keyboard. This action will turn your cursor into a crosshair.
   • Position the crosshair at one corner of the area you want to capture, then click and drag to create a selection box around the desired portion of the screen.
   • As you drag, you’ll see dimensions showing the width and height of your selection. Adjust until you have the area you want.
   • Release the mouse button or trackpad to take the screenshot. When you take a screenshot, a camera shutter sound will be heard and the screenshot will be saved to your desktop by default.

2. Using the Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Big Sur and later):

   • Press Shift + Command + 5 ( ⇧ + ⌘ + 5 ) to open the Screenshot Toolbar. This is a menu that appears at the bottom of the screen.
   • Click on the “Capture Selected Portion” button, which looks like a square with a dashed outline. This will turn your cursor into a crosshair.
   • Position the crosshair to select the area you want to capture, then click to take the screenshot. Again, you’ll hear a shutter sound, and the screenshot will be saved to the default location.

These methods allow you to precisely capture a specific portion of the screen on your MacBook Air 2021. You can then find and access your screenshots on the desktop or in the designated folder. Remember, macOS provides these built-in tools, but there are also third-party apps available for more advanced screenshot capabilities if needed.

How can I access and manage my saved screenshots on my MacBook Air 2021?

Accessing and managing your saved screenshots on a MacBook Air 2021 is straightforward, thanks to macOS’s built-in features and tools. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Accessing Saved Screenshots:
   • By default, your screenshots are saved to your desktop. You can quickly access them by minimizing or closing any open windows or applications that may be covering your desktop.
   • Alternatively, you can click on the desktop to make sure Finder is the active application in the menu bar. Then, go to the “Go” menu in the menu bar and select “Home.” You’ll find your screenshots in the “Desktop” folder.
   • For screenshots taken using the Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Big Sur and later), they are usually saved to a “Screenshots” folder in your “Documents” folder by default.
2. Managing Screenshots:
   • To manage your screenshots, you can perform various actions, such as renaming, moving, or deleting them. Simply right-click on a screenshot icon on your desktop or in Finder to access these options.
   • If you want to change the default location where screenshots are saved, you can do so by using the Terminal app and entering specific commands to adjust the save location.
   • Additionally, you can use third-party screenshot apps, which may offer more advanced features for organizing and editing your screenshots, as well as options to change the file format and quality of your captures.

In summary, managing and accessing your saved screenshots on your MacBook Air 2021 is intuitive, with the default save location being the desktop or a designated folder. You can further organize and manipulate your screenshots as needed, and there are third-party apps available if you require additional functionality beyond what macOS provides.

Are there any additional screenshot options or settings I should be aware of on my MacBook Air 2021?

Absolutely! Your MacBook Air 2021 offers a range of screenshot options and settings to cater to various needs. Here are some additional features you should be aware of:

1. Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Big Sur and later): The Screenshot Toolbar is a convenient addition that allows you to take screenshots with ease. It appears at the bottom of your screen when you press the designated keyboard shortcut (Shift + Command + 5). This toolbar provides options for capturing the entire screen, a selected window, or a custom portion of the screen. It also lets you record your screen, making it a versatile tool for various screenshot and screen recording needs.
2. Advanced Screenshot Options:
   • Delay Timer: You can set a delay before a screenshot is captured, which can be useful for capturing menus or tooltips that disappear quickly.
   • Cursor Visibility: You can choose to include or exclude the mouse pointer from your screenshots.
   • File Format and Quality: Using third-party screenshot apps or terminal commands, you can customize the file format and quality of your screenshots. This is handy if you have specific preferences or need high-quality captures for professional use.
3. Touch Bar Integration (MacBook Pro): For MacBook Pro users, the Touch Bar offers a streamlined way to take screenshots. It provides quick access to screenshot options, including capturing the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific window.
4. Third-party Screenshot Apps: There are various third-party apps available in the Mac App Store that provide additional features for capturing and managing screenshots. These apps can offer more advanced editing and annotation tools, as well as organizational options.

In conclusion, your MacBook Air 2021 offers a range of powerful screenshot options and settings through both built-in features and third-party applications. Familiarizing yourself with these tools can greatly enhance your productivity and creativity when it comes to capturing and managing screenshots.