Taking screenshots is a fundamental part of using any computer, and the MacBook Pro 2020 is no exception. While the standard keyboard shortcuts are generally straightforward, knowing some clever workarounds can significantly boost your efficiency and expand your screenshotting capabilities. This guide explores those clever methods to help you master the art of screenshotting on your MacBook Pro 2020.
Mastering the Basics: Standard Screenshot Methods
Before diving into the clever workarounds, let's quickly recap the standard ways to take screenshots on your MacBook Pro 2020:
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Taking a Screenshot of Your Entire Screen: Press Shift + Command + 3. This will save a full-screen screenshot to your desktop.
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Taking a Screenshot of a Specific Area: Press Shift + Command + 4. Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Drag the crosshair to select the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button to save the screenshot to your desktop.
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Taking a Screenshot of a Specific Window: Press Shift + Command + 4, then press the Spacebar. Your cursor will change to a camera icon. Click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.
Clever Workarounds to Supercharge Your Screenshot Game
Now, let's explore some less-known but incredibly useful techniques that can make screenshotting on your MacBook Pro 2020 a breeze:
1. Using the Screenshot Utility for Advanced Options
Did you know your MacBook Pro has a built-in screenshot utility with advanced features? It's more than just keyboard shortcuts! You can access it by:
- System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts > Screenshots.
From here, you can customize your screenshot shortcuts, choose the save location, and even automatically copy the screenshot to your clipboard, saving you extra steps. This is particularly handy for frequently sharing screenshots.
2. Leveraging the Screenshot's Clipboard Functionality
Remember that Shift + Command + 4 and Shift + Command + 3 both save screenshots directly to your desktop. But, you can also instantly copy the screenshot to your clipboard using a slight modification.
- Copy to Clipboard: Add the Control key to any of the above shortcuts (e.g., Control + Shift + Command + 3). This puts the screenshot on your clipboard, perfect for instantly pasting into emails, messages, or documents.
This is a fantastic time-saver for quick sharing without the extra step of locating the file on your desktop.
3. Using Preview for Basic Editing
Once you’ve taken your screenshot, the built-in Preview app offers some surprisingly useful editing capabilities. You can quickly crop, resize, annotate (add text or shapes), and even add a signature to your screenshots directly in Preview.
4. Third-Party Screenshot Tools: Exploring the Alternatives
While the built-in tools are excellent, several third-party screenshot apps offer advanced features like screen recording, scrolling screenshots (capturing long web pages), and more sophisticated editing options. Researching options like these can unlock further productivity if your needs extend beyond basic screenshotting.
Conclusion: Screenshot Mastery on Your MacBook Pro 2020
Mastering screenshots is about more than just knowing the basic shortcuts. By implementing these clever workarounds, you can streamline your workflow, save time, and significantly improve your overall productivity when using your MacBook Pro 2020. Remember to experiment and find the methods that best fit your individual needs and preferences!
