10 / SCREENSHOTS · 5 min read
How to Copy a Screenshot to Clipboard on Mac
Add Control to the regular screenshot shortcut, then paste the image directly where you need it.
To copy a Mac screenshot to the clipboard, hold Control with the normal screenshot keys: Control + Shift + Command + 3 for the full screen, or Control + Shift + Command + 4 to select an area. Open an app and press Command + V to paste the image. The next copy replaces the clipboard item.
A regular Mac screenshot usually saves to the desktop. When you need to paste an image into a chat, document or bug report, add Control to the shortcut so the image goes to the clipboard instead.
Copy the whole screen
Press Control + Shift + Command + 3. The image is copied to the clipboard rather than saved as a new desktop file. Move to the receiving app and press Command + V.
Copy part of the screen
- Press
Control + Shift + Command + 4. - Drag to select the area you need.
- Release the pointer to copy that area to the clipboard.
- Paste with
Command + Vin the destination app.
Press Esc before releasing the pointer if you want to cancel. This is useful when a private notification appears in the selected area.
Copy a window
Press Control + Shift + Command + 4, then press Space. The pointer becomes a camera. Click the window you want to capture. Hold Option as you click if you want to exclude its shadow. Apple documents these shortcuts and the clipboard behavior in its screenshot guide.
Set Clipboard in the Screenshot app
Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot app. Choose Options, then set the save destination to Clipboard when that choice is available. This is convenient for several captures in a row; check the options panel first because macOS versions can present controls differently.
Know the clipboard limit
macOS keeps the current clipboard item for a normal copy-and-paste workflow. If you copy another item before pasting the screenshot, the screenshot is replaced. Paste it immediately, or save it as a file when you need to keep it.
When you need markup or redaction
The built-in thumbnail can open a quick markup view. For capture, markup and blurring private details in one local workflow, see Tegaro Screenshots. If you need to retain several copied items, use a dedicated history tool such as Tegaro Clipboard; do not treat a temporary system clipboard as an archive.
Review the image at full size. Screenshots can include notifications, account names, browser tabs or location details that were not part of the intended message.
Frequently asked questions
What shortcut copies a screenshot to clipboard on Mac?
Use Control-Shift-Command-3 for the full screen or Control-Shift-Command-4 for a selected area.
How do I paste a copied screenshot?
Click in an app that accepts images and press Command-V.
Why did my screenshot disappear from the clipboard?
The normal clipboard is replaced when you copy another item. Paste the screenshot before making another copy or save it as a file.