Cropping a screenshot on a Mac is a straightforward process, thanks to its built-in tools. Whether you want to highlight specific content or trim unnecessary parts, this guide will walk you through the steps.
Step 1: Take a Screenshot
First, capture the screenshot:
- Shift + Command + 3: Captures the entire screen.
- Shift + Command + 4: Lets you select a specific area to capture.
- Shift + Command + 5: Brings up the screenshot toolbar for more options.
The screenshot will save to your desktop or chosen location.
Step 2: Open the Screenshot in Preview
To crop your screenshot, follow these steps:
- Locate the screenshot file and double-click it. This opens the image in Preview by default.
- If it doesn’t open in Preview, right-click the file, select Open With, and choose Preview.
Step 3: Select the Area to Crop
- In Preview, click on the Markup Toolbar (a pen icon).
- Use the Rectangular Selection Tool to draw a box around the area you want to keep. Adjust the selection as needed.
Step 4: Crop the Image
- Once your selection is perfect, go to the menu bar and click Tools > Crop.
- Alternatively, press Command + K to crop instantly.
Step 5: Save Your Cropped Screenshot
After cropping, save your image:
- Use Command + S to save over the existing file.
- Or select File > Save As to create a new file without altering the original screenshot.
Bonus Tip: Quick Cropping Without Preview
If you’re using Shift + Command + 4 to take a screenshot, you can select the desired area before taking the screenshot, effectively cropping it beforehand.
With these simple steps, you’ll master how to crop a screenshot on Mac and create professional-looking images effortlessly!
