How to Crop a Screenshot on Mac [Video]

Looking to crop a screenshot on your Mac? Here are clear-cut simple steps on how to crop a screenshot on Mac using tools already included with macOS, or if you prefer, more advanced third-party software. Cropping your screenshots is easy and this article will show you the best way how.

Key Takeaways

● The built-in Screenshot app on Mac allows users to capture, crop, and directly open screenshots in Preview for further editing.
● Mac users have a variety of keyboard shortcuts for different screenshot needs and the ability to customize them through the System Settings / System Preferences.
● The Preview and Photos apps on Mac offer user-friendly cropping and editing features, while third-party apps like Photoshop provide advanced editing options.

USING THE SCREENSHOT APP

Step into the world of taking a screenshot on a Mac with the built-in Screenshot app, including scrolling screenshots. Ever noticed that camera icon in your Utilities folder? That's your gateway to taking screenshots.

Step One

Launch the Screenshot app from your Applications > Utilities folder.



Alternatively, you can activate the Screenshot app by pressing the Shift, Command, and 5 keys simultaneously.

Step Two

Click to select the Capture Selected Portion icon to crop the screenshot while taking it, or choose Capture Entire Screen or Capture Selected Window to crop the screenshot after taking it.

Step Three

Select the area of the screen you want to capture then click the Capture button.

Step Four

A floating thumbnail appears in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Clicking on this thumbnail opens up a realm of editing options.


Click the Show Markup Toolbar button at the top right.


Select the Crop button from the toolbar.


Adjust the crop marks to select the area of the image you want, then click Done at the top right to save your changes.

USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

If you're a fan of speed and convenience, you'll love using keyboard shortcuts for your screenshotting needs on Mac. Keyboard shortcuts allow for quick and seamless screenshot capture, giving you the power to take a screenshot without the need for additional software.

To capture a specific portion of the screen, use the Command + Shift + 4 shortcut and select the desired area.




For capturing a particular active window or menu, the shortcut is Command + Shift + 4 followed by Space Bar. After pressing Space Bar, the cursor will turn into a camera icon. Then, all you need to do is click on a window to capture it.




Need a full-screen screenshot? The Command + Shift + 3 shortcut has got you covered.




For those who like to keep things personalized, Mac allows you to customize your screenshot keyboard shortcuts. Simply navigate to Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Screenshots to create your own key combination.

USING THE PREVIEW APP

The Preview app on Mac isn't just for viewing files. It's a surprisingly handy tool for cropping screenshots too.

Step One

To crop a screenshot using the Preview app, open the image in Preview and click the Show Markup Toolbar button.

Step Two

Then, select the Rectangular Selection tool.

Step Three

Drag the cursor to select an area of the image.


When you're satisfied with your selected area, apply the crop by clicking the Crop To Selection button in the Markup toolbar or press Command + K on your keyboard.


Mistakes happen, and the Preview app is forgiving. If you're not entirely happy with the crop, it can be undone immediately by choosing Edit > Undo Crop. If you want to revert to a previous version of your image, choose File > Revert To > Browse All Versions.

USING THE PHOTOS APP

Not just for storing your memories, Mac's built-in Photos app is also a handy tool for managing images and basic photo editing, including cropping your Mac screenshot and organizing your Mac screenshots.


Cropping images in the Photos app is a breeze. Here's how:

Step One
Open the app and select the screenshot that needs to be cropped.

Step Two

Click on Edit.

Step Three

Choose the Crop tab.

Step Four

The Crop tab allows you to use preset aspect ratios or manually adjust the sides to get the perfect crop. The power is in your hands.


After cropping the screenshot to your desired dimensions, click Done to save the edited image within the Photos app. In just a few clicks and drags, you've got your perfectly cropped screenshot ready. Shouldn't all screenshot cropping be this simple?

Additional Editing Features

The Photos app isn't just about cropping. It's packed with additional editing features that can come in handy when you need to edit screenshots. For instance, images can be resized by accessing the editing features and choosing to adjust the size, while maintaining proportions to avoid distortion.

Got a bunch of images that need resizing? The Photos app has got you covered with its bulk editing tools. Now you can resize and compress several images at once, saving you time and effort.

The Photos app also offers a range of adjustable filters to enhance your screenshots or photos. Some of the filters available include: Vivid, Dramatic, Mono, Noir, and Silvertone.

And don't worry about losing your original image - any adjustments made with filters are saved automatically, but can be easily undone or returned to the original version if needed.

USING THIRD PARTY APPS

While Mac's built-in apps offer a variety of tools for cropping screenshots, third-party apps bring in a wider range of editing options. Popular apps like Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator, and Affinity Photo can be used to crop screenshots and offer more features and capabilities than Preview or Photos.

Whether you need advanced editing options or specialized tools, these apps have got you covered. They're perfect for professionals who need more control over their editing, or for anyone looking to experiment with more complex photo editing techniques than possible with a basic photo editing tool.

While these apps might require a learning curve compared to the built-in options, they offer more in terms of capabilities. So if you're looking to take your screenshot editing to the next level, third-party apps might just be the answer.

SUMMARY

We've taken a journey through the world of cropping screenshots on a Mac, from using the built-in Screenshot app and handy keyboard shortcuts, to exploring the editing tools in the Preview and Photos apps, and even touched on third-party app options for advanced users.

Cropping a screenshot on your Mac doesn't have to be a challenge. With a variety of options at your fingertips, you can choose the method that best suits your needs and skill level. Whether it's a quick crop for a social media post or a precise edit for a professional presentation, Mac has got you covered.

So next time you need to capture a moment or create a visual guide, remember these tools and tips. With a bit of practice, you'll be cropping screenshots like a pro in no time!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to crop screenshot on Mac?

To crop a screenshot on a Mac, open the image with Preview, use the rectangular selection tool to choose the area, then go to 'Tools' on the menu bar and select 'Crop.' It's that easy!

How do you take a screenshot of a specific area on a Mac?

To take a screenshot of a specific area on a Mac, you can press Shift-Command-4, and then use the crosshair pointer to select the area you want to capture before releasing the mouse or trackpad button. Try it out!

Are there any third-party apps I can use to crop screenshots on my Mac?

Yes, you can use third-party apps like Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator, and Affinity Photo for more advanced cropping features on your Mac.