How To Crop A Screenshot Mac [Solution] 2024

Why Cropping Screenshots on Mac is Important

Cropping screenshots on a Mac is a valuable skill to have, especially for experts who deal with images and screenshots regularly. Cropping allows you to trim unnecessary parts of a screenshot, focusing on the specific area you want to highlight or share. It helps to eliminate any distractions and create a more visually appealing image.

When capturing a screenshot, you may often end up with a larger image that includes unwanted background elements or sensitive information. By cropping the screenshot, you can protect your privacy and only share the relevant content. Cropping also helps improve image composition, ensuring that the subject or area of interest is prominently featured.

In addition, cropped screenshots can be more effective for instructional purposes. By cropping out unnecessary parts, you can create a clearer and more focused visual guide, making it easier for viewers to follow your instructions. Whether you need to demonstrate a specific feature, provide step-by-step guidance, or showcase a particular section of a webpage or document, cropping allows you to present the information in a concise and visually appealing format.

In this article, we will explore various methods to crop screenshots on a Mac. Whether you are using macOS Mojave, Catalina, or the latest version, these solutions will help you achieve the desired results. So let’s dive in and discover the different ways to crop screenshots on your Mac.

Method 1: Using the Preview App

One of the easiest ways to crop a screenshot on a Mac is by using the built-in Preview app. Preview has a range of image editing tools, including the ability to crop images.

To crop a screenshot using Preview, follow these steps:

• Open the screenshot you want to crop in the Preview app. You can do this by double-clicking the screenshot file on your Mac.
• Click on the “Show Markup Toolbar” button, which looks like a toolbox, at the top of the Preview window.
• From the toolbar, click on the “Crop” button, which is represented by a square with dotted lines.
• Click and drag on the screenshot to select the area you want to keep. You can adjust the selection by dragging the handles on the edges of the selection rectangle.
• Once you are satisfied with the selection, click on the “Crop” button in the toolbar.
• Finally, go to the “File” menu and choose “Save” to save the cropped screenshot to your desired location.

By following these steps, you can easily crop a screenshot using the Preview app on your Mac. The cropped image will be saved as a separate file, and you can use it however you like.

Method 2: Utilizing the Screenshot Toolbar

If you prefer a quicker way to crop screenshots without opening any applications, you can take advantage of the Screenshot Toolbar available on macOS Mojave and later versions.

Here’s how you can crop a screenshot using the Screenshot Toolbar:

• Press the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot Toolbar. Alternatively, you can also access the toolbar by pressing Command + Shift + 3 to capture a full-screen screenshot or Command + Shift + 4 to capture a custom area screenshot.
• In the Screenshot Toolbar, click on the “Options” button, which looks like a gear icon.
• Choose the “Capture Selected Portion” option from the drop-down menu.
• Your cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to crop.
• Once you have made the selection, release the mouse button.
• The screenshot will automatically be saved to your desktop. To access the cropped screenshot, go to your desktop and look for the file with the name “Screen Shot [date and time].png.”

By using the Screenshot Toolbar, you can quickly crop a screenshot without the need to open any additional applications. This method is especially useful when you want to capture and crop screenshots on the go.

Method 3: Employing Third-Party Apps

If the built-in options don’t meet your requirements or if you prefer more advanced features, you can explore third-party apps specifically designed for capturing and editing screenshots.

Some popular third-party apps for cropping screenshots on a Mac include Snagit, Skitch, and Lightshot. These apps provide additional editing capabilities, such as annotations, highlighting, and resizing, alongside the ability to crop screenshots.

When using third-party apps, you will need to install them on your Mac and familiarize yourself with their specific features and user interfaces. Most of these apps offer intuitive interfaces and a wide range of editing options to enhance your screenshots.

Remember to choose reputable apps from trusted sources to ensure the security and reliability of the software.

Conclusion

Cropping screenshots on a Mac is an essential skill for experts who frequently work with images and screenshots. By cropping screenshots, you can eliminate unnecessary information, protect your privacy, and create visually appealing visuals for instructional purposes. In this article, we explored three different methods to crop screenshots on a Mac:

• Using the Preview app
• Utilizing the Screenshot Toolbar
• Employing third-party apps

Each method offers its own advantages and may cater to different preferences and requirements. Choose the method that suits your needs and try it out to crop screenshots effectively on your Mac.