!["[New] 2024 Approved How to Alter Your Mac's Snapshot Format"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/TKoUz7zi8lw5cyOA93bOwDLfNYs=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/the_room-56cc7f225f9b5879cc590941.png)
"[New] 2024 Approved How to Alter Your Mac's Snapshot Format"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
How to Alter Your Mac’s Snapshot Format
How to Change Screenshot File Formats on a Mac
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Also read:
- "\"Cutting-Edge Techniques for Improved Ram in Minecraft for 2024\""
- "The 4 Fastest Lenovo Record Methods for 2024"
- "[New] Solve Invisible Frames in Video Capture Software for 2024"
- "\"Revolutionizing Virtual Meetings Hacks for Effective Zoom Chats\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Swift Seize Video with Soundtracking\""
- "\"In 2024, Mastering Webinar Capture Straightforward Steps for OS X/Windows\""
- "[New] Elevate Your Twitch Stream Game with These 5 Steps for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Streamlining Adobe Presentation Videos in Adobe\""
- "\"[New] Investigating Screenshots’ Best Tools Fraps Vs OBS Studio for 2024\""
- "[Updated] How to Optimize Video Production with Adobe Presenter"
- "[Updated] The Essential Guide to Using VSDC & Comparing It with Others"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved The Ultimate Guide to Setting up a Group Conversation that Caters to All Systems in Skype.\""
- "\"[Updated] Master the Craft Streamlining Your Online Television Recordings for 2024\""
- "Embark on a Digital Communication Adventure with Google Meet"
- "[New] Audio Log Analysis Guidebook for 2024"
- "Strategies for Effective OBS Live Feeds on Facebook for 2024"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved VideoCaptureElite 10 Expert Technical Review\""
- "Enhanced Game Recorders Beyond FBX Frameworks"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Elevate Your Videogame Experience - Record on Steam\""
- "\"In 2024, High-Quality Sound Capture Top 10 for Spotify Lovers\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Distance Not a Barrier Expert Podcast Recording Advice\""
- "In 2024, Optimal Sound Systems Under $100 for Immersive Gameplay"
- "[New] Seamless Screen Capture Software, W10 Edition"
- "[Updated] Ancient Roguelike Tactics Vs. Innovative Approaches"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Warriors' Epic Valhalla's Endgame\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Perfect Tools to Enhance Google Meet Experiences (Free/Paid)"
- "[New] Leading Green Filmmaking Software"
- "[New] In 2024, Apex Guide to Selecting Premium 3Ds PC Experiences"
- "\"2024 Approved Nintendo Switch Capturing Your Playtime\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Essential PS2 Emulators for IOS Devices"
- "[Updated] Covert Composition of Private Recordings for 2024"
- "The Prime Collection of PC Screen Capture Tools (Win11)"
- "\"In 2024, The Ultimate Hunt Cut to 7 FPS Giants\""
- "\"Vanguard's Choice Top 7 FPS Wonders\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, The Lore of Roguelites Amidst Classic RPGs"
- "[New] Ultimate Online Call & Group Communication Hubs for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Integrating OBS Recording Capabilities Into Zoom Sessions\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved The Ultimate Guide to Android Video Calls\""
- "[New] Educational Excellence Through Effective Lecture Audio Documentation (Mac)"
- "\"In 2024, No-Cost Android FaceTime Replacements Ranked\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Perfect Your Xbox Footage 4 Recording Strategies Revealed\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, How to Use ScreenRec"
- "In 2024, Capture Live Camera Feed in VLC Media Player"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Perfecting Live Steam Playback A Step-by-Step Approach\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Gaming on Record The Pro's Perspective\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Mastering ScreenCapture Essential Techniques\""
- "In 2024, The Verdict on Using ITop for Screen Capture?"
- "[New] The Essentials of Sims 4 Gameplay Recording for 2024"
- How To Unlock Any Samsung Galaxy M34 5G Phone Password Using Emergency Call
- How To Transfer Data From Apple iPhone 13 To Other iPhone 12 Pro devices? | Dr.fone
- Updated The Ultimate Backward Beat Playlist for 2024
- Discover the Most Trending Podcast Recorders of the Year
- In 2024, 3 Ways to Unlock Apple iPhone 12 without Passcode or Face ID
- Ways to trade pokemon go from far away On Nokia C12 Plus? | Dr.fone
- Guide on VHS Technology and Its Influence on Video Editing
- Updated Slow-Motion Edits Are Pretty Mesmerizing, and Weve All Imagined Ourselves in One of Those Visually Appealing, Slowed-Down Movies. Well Teach You How to Make a Smooth Slo-Mo Video Using Twixtor in This Article. Stay Tuned Until the End
- Updated Windows 11 Video Editor Roundup Best Free and Paid Choices
- Lava Storm 5G Not Receiving Texts? 10 Hassle-Free Solutions Here | Dr.fone
- Top 7 Phone Number Locators To Track Sony Xperia 1 V Location | Dr.fone
- A Working Guide For Pachirisu Pokemon Go Map On Realme GT 5 (240W) | Dr.fone
- The Best 8 VPN Hardware Devices Reviewed On Nokia C32 | Dr.fone
- In 2024, A Step-by-Step Guide on Using ADB and Fastboot to Remove FRP Lock on your Oppo A78 5G
- In 2024, Dose Life360 Notify Me When Someone Checks My Location On Poco X5 Pro? | Dr.fone
- 8 Workable Fixes to the SIM not provisioned MM#2 Error on Vivo S18e | Dr.fone
- How to Easily Hard reset my Oppo A78 | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved The Social Sphere Selecting the Best Marketing-Focused Podcasts for Todays Businesses
- Updated 2024 Approved Beginners Guideline for Stop Motion Studio and Its Alternatives
- Still Using Pattern Locks with Samsung Galaxy S23 FE? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice
- In 2024, Top 10 Lava Blaze 2 5G Android SIM Unlock APK
- In 2024, How to Cast Xiaomi 14 Pro Screen to PC Using WiFi | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Track WhatsApp Messages on Lava Blaze Curve 5G Without Them Knowing? | Dr.fone
- Want to Uninstall Google Play Service from Vivo Y27s? Here is How | Dr.fone
- Updated 2024 Approved Craft Unique Invites with These Top Video Maker Apps
- In 2024, How to Transfer Contacts from Lava Yuva 3 to iPhone XS/11 | Dr.fone
- How to insert sign in .dot file
- In 2024, How to Use Pokémon Emerald Master Ball Cheat On Motorola Moto G13 | Dr.fone
- How to Remove Activation Lock On the iPhone X Without Previous Owner?
- What You Need To Know To Improve Your Honor X9a Hard Reset | Dr.fone
- 11 Ways to Fix it When My Motorola Moto G84 5G Wont Charge | Dr.fone
- Android Unlock Code Sim Unlock Your Vivo T2x 5G Phone and Remove Locked Screen
- How to Factory Reset Vivo X Fold 2 in 5 Easy Ways | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Cast Honor Magic 5 Screen to PC Using WiFi | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How Can I Use a Fake GPS Without Mock Location On Vivo Y78 5G? | Dr.fone
- New In 2024, Experience Unparalleled Audio-Visual Sync in the Best AV Mixers
- How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Pattern Lock if Forgotten? 6 Ways
- 2024 Approved The Art of Freezing Time A Comprehensive Guide to Video Freeze Frames
- Title: "[New] 2024 Approved How to Alter Your Mac's Snapshot Format"
- Author: Emma
- Created at : 2024-05-18 20:33:04
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 20:33:04
- Link: https://on-screen-recording.techidaily.com/new-2024-approved-how-to-alter-your-macs-snapshot-format/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.