How to copy and save Mac screenshots to clipboard

How to save Mac screenshots directly to the Clipboard

Let’s dive into a nifty Mac hack that revolutionizes how you handle screenshots. Say goodbye to cluttered desktops and simplify your workflow by learning to copy and save screenshots to the clipboard on Mac. So, you can directly paste the screenshots from the Mac clipboard and don’t need to save them.

How to copy screenshot to clipboard on Mac without saving

Before we get down to the steps, familiarize yourself with the Universal Clipboard feature on your Mac. Once you successfully enabled Handoff for your devices, consider the steps below to take screenshots and copy them to the clipboard on your MacBook.

Method 1: Via Keyboard shortcuts

  1. Head over to the screen you seek to capture on your Mac.
  2. Use any one of the following keyboard combinations:
    • Control + Command + Shift + 3: Captures the entire screen.
    • Control + Command + Shift + 4: Allows you to select a section of the screen.

      Using these key combinations will copy the screenshot directly to your clipboard.
  3. Now, head over to any other app or page that supports keyboard input.
  4. Press Command + V to paste the screenshot.

It works flawlessly for every device running with the same Apple ID. For instance, I directly paste screenshots from the Mac clipboard on my iPhone.

Method 2: Using the Screenshot app

  1. Access your desired screen on Mac.
  2. Press Command + Shift + 5 altogether.
  3. Click Options → Select Clipboard from the Save to menu.
  4. Set the screenshot parameters as you desire → Click Capture.
    Alternatively, you can press Return to copy the screenshot to your clipboard.
  5. Now, simply paste the screenshot on your Mac.

You may also paste the screenshot on your iPhone with the same Apple ID.

How to customize your Mac screenshot shortcuts

We’re not done here. You can customize keyboard shortcuts for your convenience to copy and save screenshots to a clipboard in a jiffy. Here’s how:

  1. Click the Apple logo ()System Settings.

    go-to-apple-logo-system-settings
  2. Select Keyboard from the left pane → Click Keyboard Shortcuts.

    Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts
  3. Choose Screenshots → Select the clipboard options.
  4. Double-click the key combinations → Enter the new keys.
    You can use a maximum of four keys for a shortcut.
  5. Hit Done to save your preferences.

    Customize Shortcut keys for Screenshots

FAQs

Can I edit the screenshot before copying it to the clipboard on Mac?

Unfortunately, the built-in shortcut doesn’t allow for direct editing. However, you can open the screenshot in Preview or other image editing software after copying it to the clipboard.

Is there a way to change the default format of the screenshot?

By default, screenshots are saved as PNG files. If you want a different format, you’ll need to change it manually after capturing. There isn’t a direct clipboard shortcut for different formats.

Elevate your screenshot game! 🌟🖥️

And there you have it, folks! No more navigating through folders to find that elusive image; it’s now at your fingertips, thanks to the clipboard wizardry. May your screenshots be swift, your clipboard be handy, and your tech adventures be extraordinary.

Thank you for reading. If you have any, please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

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