How to Show the Mouse Pointer in Screen Shots on Mac

By default, macOS screenshots do not include the mouse pointer. However, there are ways to capture your screen along with the mouse pointer for tutorials, presentations, or troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the steps to show the mouse pointer in screenshots on your Mac.

Method 1: Use Preview’s Screenshot Tool

Preview, the default macOS app, can include the mouse pointer when capturing a screenshot.

Steps:

1. Open Preview:
   • Go to Applications or use Spotlight Search (Command ⌘ + Space) and search for Preview.
2. Activate the Screenshot Tool:
   • In Preview, go to File > Take Screenshot.
   • Choose one of the following options:
     • From Selection
     • From Window
     • From Entire Screen
3. Enable Mouse Pointer (Optional):
   • If you’re using an older macOS version or additional settings, ensure that capturing the pointer is enabled in preferences.
4. Capture the Screen:
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to capture the desired screenshot.
   • The mouse pointer will be included automatically.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps

Since the default macOS tool does not natively support capturing the mouse pointer in all scenarios, third-party apps provide an easy solution.

1. Snagit

Snagit is a powerful screen-capturing tool that allows you to include the mouse pointer in screenshots.

Steps:

1. Download and install Snagit from TechSmith.
2. Open Snagit and choose Image Capture Mode.
3. Go to Preferences > Capture Options and enable Include Mouse Pointer.
4. Capture your screenshot, and the pointer will appear in the final image.

2. ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is a professional tool that supports advanced screen recording and screenshot capabilities, including mouse pointer visibility.

Method 3: Record Screen with Mouse Pointer

If you are screen recording and need to capture the pointer:

1. Press Shift + Command (⌘) + 5 to open the Screenshot Toolbar.
2. Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
3. Make your actions on the screen with the mouse pointer visible.
4. Use a screenshot tool to extract a frame from the video that includes the pointer.

Example: Capturing a Screenshot with Mouse Pointer

Suppose you’re creating a tutorial to guide users on clicking a specific button:

1. Open the application or screen where you want to capture.
2. Use Snagit or another app to take the screenshot.
3. Ensure that the pointer is positioned where you want it to appear.
4. Capture the screen and save the image.

Tips for Better Mouse Pointer Screenshots

• Highlight the Pointer: Use apps like Snagit to add effects like a circle or spotlight around the pointer.
• Use Hotkeys: Configure your tools for quick access while capturing.
• Test Settings: Before capturing the final screenshot, ensure the pointer is correctly placed.

FAQs

1. Why doesn’t the default macOS tool capture the mouse pointer?

macOS does not include the pointer in screenshots to keep them clean and focused. Third-party tools are needed for this feature.

2. Can I edit the mouse pointer after capturing?

Yes, with tools like Snagit or Photoshop, you can add or adjust the mouse pointer in your screenshot.

3. Are there free apps to include the mouse pointer in screenshots?

Apps like Monosnap and Lightshot are free alternatives that may support capturing the pointer.

Conclusion

To include the mouse pointer in Mac screenshots, you can use Preview, third-party tools like Snagit, or extract frames from screen recordings. These methods allow you to create more detailed and instructional visuals for tutorials or presentations.