"[Updated] 2024 Approved Step-by-Step Changing File Types for Mac Snapshots"
Step-by-Step: Changing File Types for Mac Snapshots
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:
- "\"[New] Premium Top 11 List - Audio Recording Essentials\""
- "[New] Expert Tips for PC Gamer's Ideal Snapshots"
- "\"2024 Approved Thorough Examination An In-Depth Review of Gecata Log\""
- "[New] In 2024, The Complete OBS Toolkit for Flawless Instagram Streams"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Snap-Worthy Success Logging Galaxy Gaming Stories\""
- "[Updated] HDMI Legacy Package"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Exploring the World of Desktop Capturing - A Sprout Review\""
- "\"[New] Bridging Gaps Using Markers for Smooth Transition Sequences\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Prime Naturalist Screen Recording Systems Explained\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Mastering Video Capture A Review of Recmeister's Capabilities\""
- "\"In 2024, Broadcast Platform Showdown OBS or Twitch Studio?\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Reviewing Cybernetic Tools for Live Video Capture\""
- "\"[Updated] Top 20 Budget-Conscious Video Editing Applications\""
- "[New] In 2024, Top Picks for Effortless Video Editing on PC"
- "5 Simple Steps to Upping Your Mac Cam Game"
- "[Updated] Digital Memory Keeping for Your PS3 Experiences for 2024"
- "In 2024, CloudSafe Experts Opinion"
- "\"VDY Pro Recorder Summary Detailed Analysis for 2024\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Beyond FaceTime Transformative Webcam Uses\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved From Download to Implementation Installing OBS on a MacPC\""
- "In 2024, Spectacular Top Liquid Physics Gaming"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved The Complete Ginger Island in Stardew\""
- "\"2024 Approved Expert Methods for Capturing and Streaming Sports Gems\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Premium Recording Solutions Windows Edition\""
- "[New] In 2024, First Choice Firefox Recording Packages"
- "[New] In 2024, Ideal Fullscreen Recorder with Mac/PC Support"
- "[New] Optimal Techniques for Capturing PPT Sessions"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Tech-Savvy Gaming Windows 10 Video Capture Tactics\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Easier Cinematography Perfecting Fade Effects\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Techniques for Saving Teams Meetings (Desktop/Mobile)\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Master List of 10 Best Video Chat Programs Today"
- "[New] Unending Screen Documentation Sites for 2024"
- "[New] Master the Art of GamEye and WebCam Recordings for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Leading Free Non-Commercial Android Recorders\""
- "[New] Top 5 HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitors You Can Find"
- "\"In 2024, Step-by-Step OBS Skype Screen Recording\""
- "[Updated] NewFrontiersInCameraTech"
- "[Updated] In 2024, A Comprehensive List of Mac Methods to Record Minecraft Play"
- "[Updated] Celebrating the #10 Best MOBA Games on Android for 2024"
- "\"In 2024, Mac's ScreenFlow Insights - Complete Coverage\""
- "\"In 2024, Logitech’s 4K Webcam Masterclass - A Complete Review\""
- "\"[Updated] Affordable Android Chat Top Free App Alternatives\""
- Ways To Find Unlocking Codes For Oppo F23 5G Phones
- 11 Ways to Fix it When My Realme Note 50 Wont Charge | Dr.fone
- Updated 2024 Approved Leading Audio Impersonation Tools The Ultimate Guide
- Updated 2024 Approved Featured List of Best-Sounding Pop Melodies and Lyrics for Video Production
- Play Store Stuck on Downloading Of Motorola Razr 40? 7 Ways to Resolve | Dr.fone
- Play Store Not Working On Realme 11 Pro? 8 Solutions Inside | Dr.fone
- How to Cast Vivo Y100t Screen to PC Using WiFi | Dr.fone
- How to Fix Error 495 While Download/Updating Android Apps On Oppo A78 | Dr.fone
- New Speed Up Your Videos Top Time-Lapse Apps for Mobile Devices for 2024
- Updated 2024 Approved Winning Lineup of Most Popular Digital Music Capture Tools for Windows Users
- New 10 Best Reaper Plugins You Need to Know for 2024
- In 2024, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Backup Password Never Set But Still Asking? Heres the Fix | Dr.fone
- 2 Ways to Transfer Text Messages from Poco X5 Pro to iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X/8/ | Dr.fone
- Repair damaged, unplayable video files of Realme on Mac
- A Perfect Guide To Remove or Disable Google Smart Lock On Vivo Y100A
- How to Unlock Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G Bootloader Easily
- Remove Google FRP lock on Poco C51
- New Comprehensive Guide to Accessible, No-Cost Speech Recognition Apps and Services
- Getting the Pokemon Go GPS Signal Not Found 11 Error in Vivo V30 Pro | Dr.fone
- New The Future of Entertainment Is Here Ranking the Premiere AV Mixers
- Easy Steps on How To Create a New Apple ID Account On Apple iPhone 7 | Dr.fone
- Updated This Article Will Address Your Questions About the Easiest Way to Turn a Blog Into a Podcast. Lets Begin with the Reasons Why You Should Do a Podcast
- How to Get and Use Pokemon Go Promo Codes On Poco F5 5G | Dr.fone
- 5 Easy Ways to Copy Contacts from Vivo Y100 to iPhone 14 and 15 | Dr.fone
- New Dont Make These Mistakes How to Choose the Best Video to Audio Converter
- In 2024, Complete Tutorial Sending Photos From Apple iPhone 13 to iPad | Dr.fone
- Updated Local Video Streaming Made Easy Chromecast Setup for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS for 2024
- New Understanding Amplitude Adjustments in Audacity A Comprehensive Overview for 2024
- Top 15 Augmented Reality Games Like Pokémon GO To Play On Vivo T2 5G | Dr.fone
- New Spring Into Action Exclusive Wondershare Filmora Coupon for Easter 2024
- How To Do Realme Narzo N55 Screen Sharing | Dr.fone
- The Best Android SIM Unlock Code Generators Unlock Your OnePlus 11R Phone Hassle-Free
- How to Change/Fake Your Apple iPhone 15 Plus Location on Viber | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Does Life360 Notify When You Log Out On Motorola Razr 40? | Dr.fone
- 2024 Approved Silencing the Sharp Methods for Banishing Excessive Hiss in Music Production
- How to rescue lost call logs from Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- What You Need To Know To Improve Your Realme C33 2023 Hard Reset | Dr.fone
- Designing for Thumb-Friendly Screens Aspect Ratio Essentials for 2024
- New The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Film Editing Software for 2024
- Title: "[Updated] 2024 Approved Step-by-Step Changing File Types for Mac Snapshots"
- Author: Emma
- Created at : 2024-05-20 07:23:52
- Updated at : 2024-05-21 07:23:52
- Link: https://on-screen-recording.techidaily.com/updated-2024-approved-step-by-step-changing-file-types-for-mac-snapshots/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.