!["[Updated] The Essential Step-by-Step for Mac File Formats"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/eyPEW_zh-5Xw0J7hoJ-kChdCQ1M=/360x240/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/001_how-to-transfer-data-from-ps4-to-ps5-3392eb400af3482fabad65cabb2a1a91.jpg)
"[Updated] The Essential Step-by-Step for Mac File Formats"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
The Essential Step-by-Step for Mac File Formats
How to Change Screenshot File Formats on a Mac
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Also read:
- "[New] In 2024, Essential Guide to Cheap Webcam Capture Tech"
- "In 2024, Harness Your Screen with Screencastify Recorder"
- "\"In 2024, Instagram Engage OBS Live Streaming\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Nine Crucial Methods to Log Computer Speakers and Microphones\""
- "\"Quick Guide Android Video Recording Techniques for 2024\""
- "\"2024 Approved Screen Recording Essentials and Competitive Analyses\""
- "[Updated] Screen Recording Software Without Ads for 2024"
- "\"Undead Delight The Best Zombie Games Reviewed for 2024\""
- "\"Internal Screen Recording Huawei Mate 10/20 & P Series Devices (P20, P10). For 2024\""
- "\"Resonance Realm The Mac Studio Guide for 2024\""
- "\"2024 Approved OBS Glitch Fix Stop Frames From Dropping\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Professional Techniques Editing and Saving Movies in Win 11\""
- "\"2024 Approved Download Screen Recorder Pro for Windows 11\""
- "[Updated] Prime Fareless Streaming & Recording Software for 2024"
- "[New] Mastering Video Quality in OBS for 2024"
- "[New] In 2024, HP Laptop Tips for Perfect Screen Recordings"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Explore the Safest Video Chat Apps on Both Sides of the Market"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved How to See Every Participant in Google Meet?\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Streamlined Steps for Storing Webcam Chat Transcripts\""
- "\"Streamline Your Filming Process - The Ultimate Logitech Camera Tutorials\""
- "[New] In 2024, Essential Gear for Effective Remote Podcast Recording"
- "[Updated] Digital Dialogue Preservation Guide"
- "[New] 3 Ways to Record PS4 Gameplay for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] Aural Archive Download, Preserve & Examine Tracks\""
- "[New] Making an Informed Decision on ITop's Utility, In 2024"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Perfect Your Recordings The Ultimate Guide to Adobe Presenter\""
- "[New] Explore the Top 5 Pick for Windows Screen Snipers"
- "Best Zero Cost Chromebook Recorders"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Exploring the Functionality of VLC Screencaster\""
- "[New] Clear Screening for Focused Online Participation for 2024"
- "\"In 2024, How to Record Screen On Huawei Mate 10/P10 Using a Built-In Recorder\""
- "\"2024 Approved Innovative Strategies for Vimeo Video Recording\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Frame-by-Frame Screen Capturer\""
- "In 2024, 3 Key Approaches to Document Dynamic Gaming Moments"
- "[New] In 2024, Ultimate Windows Webcam Compilation"
- "Masterful Technology for Virtual Meetings"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Best 9 Online Mic Recorders\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Screen Recording Through Built-In Features of Huawei's Mate and P Devices (P20, P10)\""
- "[New] In 2024, Exhilarating Freeness of Screen Pairing Games"
- "[New] Complete Guide to CamStudio Screencap Mastery for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Boosting Productivity How to Proficiently Use a Virtual Whiteboard in Zoom\""
- How to Fix the Soft Bricked Honor Play 7T? | Dr.fone
- How do I play MKV movies on P60?
- New 2024 Approved How to Create The Best Video Collages ?
- New The Best Tools to Convert Text to MP3 With the Best Natural Voices for 2024
- Ultimate Guide to the 5 Premium Car Audio Mixer Programs for Mac for 2024
- How to recover old messages from your Nokia C300
- Updated In 2024, Best Cartoon Animation Software for Beginners
- 2024 Approved Major Mileston
- In 2024, Full Guide on Mirroring Your Google Pixel 7a to Your PC/Mac | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Send and Fake Live Location on Facebook Messenger Of your Oppo Reno 8T | Dr.fone
- Ways to stop parent tracking your Xiaomi Redmi 13C | Dr.fone
- New MP3 Editor for Mac Free & Cheap for 2024
- New In 2024, AI Voice | Wondershare Virbo Online
- New Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 with Ease Best Tools
- How To Remove Screen Lock PIN On Itel P40 Like A Pro 5 Easy Ways
- Updated Unleashing Imagination The Top Lego Stop Motion Makers
- Best Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G Pattern Lock Removal Tools Remove Android Pattern Lock Without Losing Data
- New Best HD Video Editors Top Picks for Professionals for 2024
- In 2024, Easy Ways to Manage Your Samsung Galaxy S23 Location Settings | Dr.fone
- Did Your Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Passcode Change Itself? Unlock It Now | Dr.fone
- Top 5 Best M4A Audio Editor Softwares to Edit Your M4A Files,these Five Free Audio Editors that Allow You to Edit Your M4A Files with Little to No Trouble
- Complete Tutorial to Use GPS Joystick to Fake GPS Location On Lenovo ThinkPhone | Dr.fone
- Read This Guide to Find a Reliable Alternative to Fake GPS On Vivo V29 Pro | Dr.fone
- In 2024, What Legendaries Are In Pokemon Platinum On Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro? | Dr.fone
- How To Transfer Data From Apple iPhone 6 Plus To Android? | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved Transforming Text Into Audio Expert Guidance for MP3 Creation
- Simple and Effective Ways to Change Your Country on YouTube App Of your Vivo X90S | Dr.fone
- Title: "[Updated] The Essential Step-by-Step for Mac File Formats"
- Author: Virginia Woolf
- Created at : 2024-05-18 18:46:35
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 18:46:35
- Link: https://visual-screen-recording.techidaily.com/updated-the-essential-step-by-step-for-mac-file-formats/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.