Using the Screenshot Toolbar on macOS Tahoe
macOS Tahoe features a comprehensive Screenshot Toolbar that unifies screen capture and screen recording into a single interface. This tool replaces the need to memorize complex key combinations, though the old shortcuts still work.
Opening the Toolbar
To open the Screenshot Toolbar, press:
Command + Shift + 5
A floating control bar will appear at the bottom of your screen.
The Controls
The toolbar is divided into three sections: Screenshots, Recordings, and Options.
1. Screen Capture Tools (Left)
The first three icons control static screenshots:
- Capture Entire Screen: Takes a picture of the whole display immediately upon clicking.
- Capture Selected Window: The cursor turns into a camera. Click any open window to capture just that window (with a nice drop shadow).
- Capture Selected Portion: A selection box appears. Drag the edges to frame the area you want, then click Capture.
2. Screen Recording Tools (Middle)
The next two icons control video recording:
- Record Entire Screen: Records everything on the display.
- Record Selected Portion: Records only activity within the selection box.
3. Options Menu (Right)
The Options dropdown allows you to configure behavior before capturing:
- Save to: Choose where files go (Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, Mail, Messages, etc.).
- Timer: Set a 5 or 10-second delay (useful for capturing menus that close when you press keys).
- Microphone: Choose an audio source if you are recording a voiceover.
- Other Options:
- Show Floating Thumbnail: Toggle the preview that appears in the corner.
- Remember Last Selection: Keeps the selection box in the same place next time.
- Show Mouse Clicks: Visualizes clicks in screen recordings.
Legacy Shortcuts
While the toolbar is powerful, the classic shortcuts are faster for quick snaps:
- Command + Shift + 3: Instantly capture the entire screen.
- Command + Shift + 4: Select an area to capture.
- Command + Shift + 4 then Spacebar: Capture a specific window.