How to Change Where Screenshots are Saved in macOS

Are you tired of having your screenshots taking over your Mac's desktop? Do you want to save them in a different location or format? Look no further! In this article, we'll show you how to change where screenshots are saved on your Mac and the formats they're saved in.

By default, Macs save screenshots as PNG files on the desktop. However, there are several other options available, including saving them as GIF files for quick loading on the web or TIFF files to retain their original image data. You can also choose to save your screenshots as other formats by default.

To change where screenshots are saved, you need to use the Screenshot app in macOS Mojave or later. Here's how:

1. Open the Screenshot app by pressing Command + Shift + 5.

2. Click on 'Options' and select the location where you want to save your screenshots. You can choose from a variety of options, including Documents, Desktop, Clipboard, Mail, Messages, Preview, and Other Location.

3. If you want to save your screenshots in a different format, click on 'Format' and select JPG or another format that suits your needs.

If you're using an earlier version of macOS, such as Sierra or earlier, you'll need to use Terminal to change where screenshots are saved. Here's how:

1. Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or finding it in the Utilities folder.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: `defaults write type jpg`

3. This will override the default format setting and save your screenshots as JPG files.

Regardless of whether you're using macOS Mojave or an earlier version, you can also right-click on the floating thumbnail to save the screenshot to Documents or Clipboard.

In addition to changing where screenshots are saved, you may also want to consider saving them in a different format. While PNG files are generally accepted, JPG files are more universally accepted and take up less space. You can use Terminal to override the default format setting and save your screenshots as JPG files.

By following these simple steps, you can change where screenshots are saved on your Mac and the formats they're saved in. This will help keep your desktop clutter-free and make it easier to share your screenshots with others.

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