!["[New] 2024 Approved Transforming Mac Screenshot File Extensions"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/LSRhv9V0PxzBAHOqiakqf0M89LI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1302402871-ea3debd2e3c64ec5a78a99e580b6a8d1.jpg)
"[New] 2024 Approved Transforming Mac Screenshot File Extensions"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Transforming Mac Screenshot File Extensions
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:
- "Essential Guide to Saving TV Broadcasts Online"
- "QuickScreenCapture Mastery for Everyday Use"
- "[New] Free Guide to Capturing Windows (3 Quick Steps) for 2024"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Exemplary 6 Skyline Minecraft Abodes\""
- "In 2024, Getting Ahead with Professional iTunes Capture Methods"
- "\"2024 Approved High-Res Gaming The Best Screen Capture Options\""
- "Evaluating Tunefab for Video Capture Excellence"
- "\"Window Into the World A Complete Guide to Live TV Recording on Your PC\""
- "\"[New] Restored Full Screen in OBS\""
- "\"[Updated] Essential Tips for Game-Recording on Windows 11\""
- "[New] Perfecting Online Presentations with Google's Whiteboard Tools on Multiple Platforms for 2024"
- "[New] Comprehensive Tips for YouTube Video Capture for 2024"
- "[Updated] Top 10 Android Compatible GBA Games Simulators for 2024"
- "[New] The Ultimate Song Guide for Newbies"
- "\"Top-Rated Apps for Taking Screenshots in Windows 8 for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Unleash Speed Prime Biking Games List\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Restoring OBS Full Screen Display\""
- "\"In 2024, Restored Full Screen in OBS\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, The Streaming Showdown OBS vs Twitch\""
- "[New] Secrets to Flawless Video Capture Techniques for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Ultimate Game Gathering Best 7 Shooter Experiences\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Android's Playground of Dreams The Favorite 15 Games\""
- "\"[Updated] Revolutionize Your Recordings with Cutting-Edge Techniques\""
- "\"[Updated] Pursuing Perfection on Track Compiling Top 5 Simulators\""
- "Preparing to Engage in Google's Video Meetings for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved How to Activate and Customize Zoom's Virtual Screen Mode\""
- "[Updated] Optimal Practices for Archiving Interactive Online Workshops for 2024"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved OBS Setup Guide for macOS Downloading & Setting Up\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Screencastify Recorder - A Complete Step-Wise How-To Guide\""
- "In 2024, Innovating Presentations Using Adobe Captivate"
- "[Updated] Unlocking the Power of Capturing FaceTime Calls"
- "[New] Proven Strategies to Upgrade Your Facecam Videos"
- "[Updated] Superior Economical Live Camera Snapper for 2024"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Digital Diary The Art of Screen Recording on MacBook Air\""
- "[New] Comprehensive Reference for Efficient Screenshotting with ZD Software's Tools"
- "\"[New] Expert Tips for Capturing Desktop Activity - The Ezvide Way\""
- "[Updated] Top 15 Screen Recorder Software Reviews & Ranks on Windows 11"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Screen Recorder Pro for Windows 11\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Direct Compare OBS and Twitch Studio Benefits\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved SwiftRecord - The Quick Windows 11 Recorder\""
- "[Updated] Essential Knowledge for Optimal Valheim Harvest for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] Optimizing Techniques Broadcasting via OBS to Facebook\""
- "\"2024 Approved Virtual Space Clearing Perfecting Your Backdrop in Zoom & Google Meet\""
- "\"[New] Capture Your Gaming Moments Xbox One Screenshots Made Simple\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Streamlining Adobe Presentation Videos in Adobe\""
- "\"Uniting Visuals The Art of Video Sequence Composition\""
- "\"[New] Step-by-Step Username Modification Guide for Meet Sessions\""
- "[Updated] Navigating the World of Screen Capture with Bandicam for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Online Streaming Capture A Comprehensive Guide\""
- In 2024, Easy Ways to Manage Your Honor Magic Vs 2 Location Settings | Dr.fone
- In 2024, The Updated Method to Bypass Sony Xperia 5 V FRP
- In 2024, 2 Ways to Transfer Text Messages from Xiaomi 14 Ultra to iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X/8/ | Dr.fone
- Bypass iCloud Activation Lock with IMEI Code From Apple iPhone 15 Pro
- Top 10 AirPlay Apps in Oppo A78 5G for Streaming | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Does Airplane Mode Turn off GPS Location On Itel A70? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Unlock iCloud Activation Lock and iCloud Account From iPhone 14?
- Step-by-Step Tutorial How To Bypass Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition FRP
- Updated In 2024, Strategies for Slowing Music Beats While Preserving Harmonic Quality
- New 2024 Approved The Silence Shift A Comprehensive Look at How to Strip Sound From Digital Videos on the Web
- New 2024 Approved The Ultimate Guide to Creating Stop Motion Videos for Instagram
- How to Transfer Text Messages from Realme V30 to New Phone | Dr.fone
- Why Apple Account Disabled On your Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max? How to Fix
- How to restore wiped messages on Infinix Note 30i
- New How to Download and Install KineMaster on Your Mac for 2024
- Update drivers with Device Manager on Windows 7
- New The Art of Stability FCPX Techniques for Smoother Video
- How to Cast Realme 12 Pro 5G Screen to PC Using WiFi | Dr.fone
- New How To Make Your Memoji Talk? Get Creative With Your Messaging for 2024
- In 2024, The Ultimate Guide to Best Podcast Platforms
- In 2024, Process of Screen Sharing Oppo A1 5G to PC- Detailed Steps | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved Final Cut Pro Tutorial Building a Stunning Video Slideshow
- In 2024, How To Unlock Any Xiaomi Redmi K70 Phone Password Using Emergency Call
- In 2024, Top-Notch Solutions for Disabled Apple ID On Apple iPhone SE Making It Possible
- Possible solutions to restore deleted call logs from Tecno
- In 2024, How to Turn Yourself Into WhatsApp Cartoon
- In 2024, Top 7 Skype Hacker to Hack Any Skype Account On your Realme 11 5G | Dr.fone
- Updated What to Look for in a Video to Audio Converter My Expert Advice for 2024
- How to Upgrade Apple iPhone 12 without Data Loss? | Dr.fone
- Do You Want to Make Your Photos and Videos Look Different From Others? There Are Many Lightroom LUTs Free, and They Make Your Media Content Stand Out From Others for 2024
- New 2024 Approved The Ultimate List of Free Face Generator Tools Online
- 4 Most-Known Ways to Find Someone on Tinder For Nokia 150 (2023) by Name | Dr.fone
- New In 2024, Edit Like a Pro for Free Top Online Video Editor Options
- New Best Audio Editing Apps for iPhone and iPad
- In 2024, Can I use iTools gpx file to catch the rare Pokemon On Oppo Reno 11F 5G | Dr.fone
- How to Downgrade Apple iPhone X without Losing Data? | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved Swift Soundscape Shifts A Practical Approach to Changing Audio Speeds
- In 2024, Still Using Pattern Locks with Vivo T2 Pro 5G? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice
- Capturing the Essence of Cricket Soundscape
- How to 90 Pro Get Deleted Phone Number Back with Ease and Safety
- In 2024, 9 Mind-Blowing Tricks to Hatch Eggs in Pokemon Go Without Walking On Samsung Galaxy F14 5G | Dr.fone
- New In 2024, Orchestrating Artificial Intelligence Spotlight on Future Musical Innovators
- New The Ultimate Image Size Calculator Find and Fix Your Ratios
- A Detailed VPNa Fake GPS Location Free Review On Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Ultimate Guide on Samsung Galaxy A14 5G FRP Bypass
- Title: "[New] 2024 Approved Transforming Mac Screenshot File Extensions"
- Author: Emma
- Created at : 2024-05-18 20:18:14
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 20:18:14
- Link: https://on-screen-recording.techidaily.com/new-2024-approved-transforming-mac-screenshot-file-extensions/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.