Mac Screenshot Toolbar Guide
Use the Mac Screenshot toolbar to capture, record, change save location, set timers, and control the floating thumbnail.
The Mac Screenshot toolbar is the visual control center for screenshots and screen recordings. It is slower than memorized shortcuts, but it is easier when you want options.
Open the toolbar
Press Command + Shift + 5.
The toolbar appears near the bottom of the screen with capture and recording choices.
What the toolbar can do
You can choose:
- capture entire screen
- capture selected window
- capture selected portion
- record entire screen
- record selected portion
You can also open Options for save location, timer, microphone, and floating thumbnail settings.
Change where screenshots save
Click Options, then look under Save To.
Common choices include:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Clipboard
- Preview
- Messages
- Other Location
This is the easiest way to stop screenshots from saving to the Desktop.
Set a screenshot timer
The timer is useful when you need to capture a menu, hover state, or temporary UI state.
Choose a delay in Options, then start the capture. macOS waits before taking the screenshot.
Control the floating thumbnail
The floating thumbnail appears after a screenshot. You can click it to mark up or share the screenshot.
If it gets in the way, open Options and turn off Show Floating Thumbnail.
If it disappears too quickly, the screenshot is usually still saved to the selected location.
When to use toolbar vs shortcuts
Use the toolbar when:
- you need a timer
- you need recording
- you want to change save location
- you are not sure which capture mode to use
Use shortcuts when:
- you need speed
- you know the capture type
- you are taking many screenshots
Where CommandShot fits
The toolbar controls capture. CommandShot improves what happens after capture by keeping recent screenshots visible and ready for action.
Final takeaway
Use Command + Shift + 5 when you need screenshot options. Use Command + Shift + 4 when you just need a fast snip.
