Mac screenshots save as PNG by default. The Screenshot toolbar does not include a format menu, but macOS stores the setting in a preference you can change with Terminal.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions, including Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want smaller JPG screenshots, PDF captures, TIFF files, or another supported format for every future screenshot until you change it again.
Change the Screenshot Format with Terminal
- Open Terminal from Spotlight or Applications.
- Run
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg, replacingjpgwith the format you want. - Run
killall SystemUIServerso macOS applies the change immediately. - Take a test screenshot with Shift + Command + 4 and check the new file extension.
Supported values include png, jpg, pdf, tiff, gif, and bmp. Type them in lowercase.
Switch Back to PNG
- Open Terminal.
- Run
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type png. - Run
killall SystemUIServer. - Take a test screenshot to confirm PNG is restored.
Related Screenshot Settings
PNG vs JPG
PNG preserves every pixel and is often larger. JPG is smaller and easier to email or upload, but it uses compression that can soften fine details.
Change Screenshot Folder
Use defaults write com.apple.screencapture location ~/Desktop/Screenshots after creating the folder, then run killall SystemUIServer.
Hide the Floating Thumbnail
Run defaults write com.apple.screencapture show-thumbnail -bool false, then restart SystemUIServer, if the corner preview gets in the way.
Reset a Custom Setting
Use defaults delete com.apple.screencapture type to remove the custom format and return to Apple’s default behavior.
Sources
- Apple Support: Take a screenshot on your Mac
- Apple Developer: screencapture command-line tool reference
- Apple Support: Use Terminal on Mac