Cropping a screenshot on a Mac is a simple process. You can crop immediately after taking the screenshot or edit an existing image. This guide will show you how to crop a screenshot using built-in macOS tools.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Crop Immediately After Taking a Screenshot
When you take a screenshot on macOS, a thumbnail appears briefly in the bottom-right corner of the screen. You can use this thumbnail to crop the image right away.
Steps:
- Take a Screenshot:
- Full screen: Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 3.
- Selected portion: Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4 and drag to select the area.
- Specific window: Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 4, then press Spacebar, and click the desired window.
- Click the Thumbnail:
- After capturing the screenshot, a small thumbnail will appear in the bottom-right corner.
- Click on it before it disappears.
- Edit the Screenshot:
- The screenshot will open in the Markup tool.
- Use the cropping tool by dragging the handles of the selection box to the desired area.
- Save the Cropped Screenshot:
- Click Done in the top-right corner to save your changes.
Method 2: Crop an Existing Screenshot with Preview
If you want to crop a previously taken screenshot, you can use the Preview app.
Steps:
- Open the Screenshot in Preview:
- Locate your screenshot (usually saved to the Desktop).
- Right-click on the file and select Open With > Preview.
- Select the Crop Area:
- Click and drag your cursor to create a selection box around the area you want to keep.
- Adjust the edges of the selection as needed.
- Crop the Image:
- Go to the menu bar and click Tools > Crop.
- The screenshot will be cropped to the selected area.
- Save the Cropped Screenshot:
- Click File > Save to overwrite the file, or File > Save As to save it as a new file.
Method 3: Use the Photos App to Crop
If your screenshot is saved in the Photos app, you can crop it using the app’s editing tools.
Steps:
- Open the Photos App:
- Launch the Photos app from your Dock or Applications folder.
- Find and select your screenshot in the app.
- Edit the Screenshot:
- Click Edit in the top-right corner.
- Select the Crop tool from the toolbar.
- Adjust the Crop:
- Drag the handles of the cropping frame to select the area you want to keep.
- Click Done to save your changes.
Method 4: Crop with Third-Party Tools
For more advanced cropping or editing options, you can use third-party apps like:
- Canva: Ideal for online cropping and additional design features.
- Photoscape X: Great for advanced image editing.
- Snagit: A paid tool for screenshot and video editing.
Tips for Cropping Screenshots
- Undo Mistakes: If you make a mistake while cropping, press Command (⌘) + Z to undo your action.
- Save a Copy: Always save a copy of the original screenshot if you might need it later.
- Use Shift for Proportions: Hold the Shift key while dragging to maintain aspect ratio during cropping.
FAQs
1. Can I crop a screenshot directly while taking it?
Yes, by using Shift + Command (⌘) + 4, you can select the exact portion of the screen you want to capture, eliminating the need for cropping later.
2. Where are screenshots saved on a Mac?
By default, screenshots are saved to the Desktop. You can change this by pressing Shift + Command (⌘) + 5, selecting Options, and choosing a new save location.
3. Can I crop screenshots without saving them?
Yes, use the thumbnail that appears after taking a screenshot to crop and edit before saving.
4. Does macOS Preview reduce image quality when cropping?
No, cropping in Preview does not significantly affect the quality of the image.
5. Can I resize the screenshot while cropping?
Yes, after cropping, use tools in Preview or Photos to adjust the image size if needed.
With these methods, you can easily crop screenshots on your Mac for any purpose, whether it’s for work, school, or personal use!
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