Change Screenshot Location on Mac Easily [2024 Guide]

Mac automatically saves screenshots in a specified location, it’s their default way of storing screenshots. However, the default location might not always offer convenience for some users. Fortunately, Mac offers a simple solution to change the screenshot location to one that better suits your workflow and organizational preferences. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to easily change screenshot location on Mac, ensuring effortless access and organization of your captured images.

Part 1: Where are Screenshots Saved on Mac

When you take a screenshot on a Mac, it will automatically be saved in one specific location on its desktop. It’s their default way.

Also, the file is named after a time stamp indicating the date and time it was taken. Now, if you're using Desktop Stacks, you have the option to organize your Desktop. This feature allows you to put screenshots neatly into a folder so that they do not clutter up your Desktop. But if you want to change screenshot location on Mac, choosing or making any specific folder of choice would work best for this purpose. This helps keep your Desktop tidy and ensures that your screenshots are stored in a designated location.

Meanwhile, MacOS Mojave users had access to the screenshot app Grab. This app saves all screenshots to the Documents folder by default after you take a screenshot. If you didn't rename the file, it would be saved as Untitled.

Part 2: How to Change Screenshot Location on Mac

Many Mac users often find their desktops cluttered with screenshots, as they're automatically saved there by default. But not everyone knows how to change this. Luckily, depending on the macOS version you have, there are different ways to do it. Each version offers its method, so you can pick what works best for you.

Method 1: Changing the Screenshot Location on macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura

Step 1. Press Command + Shift + 5. This brings up a dotted-line screenshot placement.

Step 2. Now, on the bottom, you will see the Options menu, just click on it.

Step 3. Then, under the Options menu, you can select an existing folder or specify a custom folder by designating a location, like desktop, documents, Mail, etc.

Note: You can make a new folder or go to a particular folder if you'd like.

Step 4. Once you've selected the desired location, all future screenshots will be saved there by default until you choose to change the location again.

Step 5. To close the screenshot placement tool, simply tap the Esc key on your keyboard.

Method 2: Changing the screenshot location on Mac's older versions, like macOS High Sierra and earlier

Step 1. Open the Mac Terminal on your macOS High Sierra or older version operating system.

Step 2. Next, enter the command defaults write com.apple.screencapture location in your Terminal window.

Note: Ensure accuracy in typing the command line.

Step 3. Next, input the desired folder path where you want your screenshots to be saved. Alternatively, you can directly drag the folder to the Terminal window.

Step 4. Press the Return key after inputting the folder path. Then, type in killall SystemUIServer to activate the command.

Step 5. Once you press Return again, the command will take effect, and your screenshots will be saved in the specified folder from the next time you capture a screenshot.

With these two methods, it would now be easy for you to change screenshot locations on Mac. But please take note that each method differs depending on your macOS version. So, it’s really important to

Part 3: The Direct Way to Save Screenshots to Any Location on Mac

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a direct way to change the screenshot location on Mac, FVC Screen Recorder is a promising solution for you. This tool allows and enables you to customize your preferred screenshot location on Mac easily. With this tool, you are in control of what location you want to save them, either to a specific folder, desktop, documents, or any other location on your Mac. This screen recording tool gives you the flexibility to do it effortlessly.

Moreover, you can enjoy its various features to enhance the screenshots you’ve taken if you want to. Lastly, this tool ensures that your screenshots are saved in high quality.

Step 1. First, download and install the FVC Screen Recorder on your Mac.

Step 2. Now, open the tool and click the Screen Capture button in the main interface to take a screenshot. You can either choose to take a full screen, a fixed region, or a custom region based on your needs.

Step 3. Finally, if you want to save the image to your Mac, click on the Save icon and choose or create a folder for you to save the screenshot directly to the location of your choice.

FVC Screen Recorder is the best choice for saving screenshots directly to any location on your Mac. With its user-friendly interface and reliable functionality, it's your go-to tool for all your screenshot needs.

Part 4: FAQs about Changing Screenshot Location on Mac

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing the screenshot location on Macs is a very easy yet powerful way to improve the structure of your workflow. By changing and personalizing the location where your screenshots are saved, you may easily retrieve your captured screenshots and maintain a clutter-free desktop.

So, would you like to modify the location of the screenshot? Get started now to maximize your Mac's flow!

So, do you want to change the screenshot location? Start today and optimize flow on your Mac!