Where Do Screenshots Go on Mac?
Took a screenshot and can't find it? Here's where Mac screenshots go by default, and how to change where they save.
Where do screenshots save on a Mac?
By default, macOS saves screenshots to your Desktop, named "Screenshot [date] at [time].png". If your Desktop uses Stacks, they may be grouped under a Screenshots stack in the corner.
How to change the screenshot save location
- 1 Open the screenshot toolbar
Press Shift + Cmd + 5.
- 2 Click Options
The Options menu appears in the toolbar.
- 3 Choose a location
Under "Save to," pick Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, or Other Location.
- 4 Done
New screenshots now save where you chose.
Keep them organized automatically
If your Desktop fills up with screenshots, Shotstrix keeps every capture in a tidy history with its time and size, so you can find, re-open, or clear them without digging through folders — or copy straight to the clipboard instead of saving a file at all.
Get Shotstrix — free
Shotstrix is a free screenshot and screen-recording tool for macOS — scrolling capture, OCR, annotation, blur, GIF recording, and share-ready backdrops, with no account and no watermark.
Free · Universal (Apple Silicon + Intel) · macOS 14 Sonoma or later
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I find my screenshot on my Mac? +
It's probably on your Desktop (the default). If your Desktop uses Stacks, look for a Screenshots stack. You can change the location via Shift + Cmd + 5 → Options.
Can I save screenshots straight to the clipboard? +
Yes — in the Shift + Cmd + 5 Options, choose Clipboard; or use Shotstrix to copy on capture.
How do I stop screenshots cluttering my Desktop? +
Change the save folder in Options, or use Shotstrix's capture history so shots don't pile up on the Desktop.