---
tags:
  - macOS
  - Tahoe
  - screenshots
  - toolbar
  - interface
  - productivity
title: Using the Screenshot Toolbar on macOS Tahoe
---

# 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.

## Related Guides
*   [Master Guide to macOS Tahoe](macos-tahoe-master-guide.md)
*   [Getting Started with Finder on macOS Tahoe](finder-basics.md)