Mac screenshots normally use Command + Shift + 3 for the whole screen and Command + Shift + 4 for a selected area. If nothing happens, a shortcut conflict, permission issue, or full drive is often responsible.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if screenshot shortcuts make no sound, create no file, do not open the toolbar, or save somewhere unexpected.
Check Screenshot Shortcuts
- Open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Screenshots.
- Confirm the screenshot actions are enabled.
- Check that full-screen and selected-area shortcuts are assigned to Command + Shift + 3 and Command + Shift + 4, or to your preferred shortcuts.
- Reassign missing shortcuts by clicking the shortcut field and pressing the desired keys.
- Check third-party screen capture, clipboard, game, or note apps for conflicts.
Check Screen Recording Permission
- Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording.
- Review any screenshot or screen capture apps listed there.
- Open the Screenshot toolbar with Command + Shift + 5 to trigger any needed permission prompt.
- Allow permission if macOS asks.
- Restart the Mac after changing permissions if screenshots still fail.
Check Available Storage
- Open Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage, or Storage settings.
- If the disk is nearly full, remove large files or empty Trash.
- Free at least a little working room, then try another screenshot.
Screenshot Tips
Change Save Location
Press Command + Shift + 5, open Options, and choose Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, or another location.
Copy Instead of Save
Add Control to a screenshot shortcut, such as Command + Control + Shift + 4, to copy to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
Record Video
The Command + Shift + 5 toolbar also records the whole screen or a selected portion and can include microphone audio.
Multiple Displays
Command + Shift + 3 captures every connected display as separate files. Check the configured save location if you expected only one image.
Sources
- Apple Support: Take a screenshot on your Mac
- Apple Support: Change keyboard shortcuts on Mac
- Apple Support: Free up storage space on your Mac