The Ultimate Guide to Mac's Image File Transformation
The Ultimate Guide to Mac’s Image File Transformation
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:
- "\"Cost-Free Screen Capture for Windows/macOS Users\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, How to Use a Whiteboard in Google Meet"
- "The Definitive 2023 Bandicam Handbook for Gamers for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] Navigating Device-Specific Zoom Configurations\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Pure Joy of Gratuitous Screen Mingle Games\""
- "\"[Updated] Precision Play Mastering Steam's Switch Controllers for 2024\""
- "\"2024 Approved Restoring Sound Linkage in OBS Broadcasts\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Essential Mac Capturing Apps Beyond the Traditional Bandicam"
- "\"2024 Approved The Pathway to Proficient ZOOM Communication Maximizing Meeting Engagement\""
- "A Comprehensive Guide to Incorporating Photo Capabilities in Meet"
- "A Comparative Analysis of Mac's Best Snipping Tools"
- "[Updated] Conquer Xbox Gameplay with Efficient Recording Tools"
- "\"Inside Look Tunefab's Best Screen Recorder\""
- "[Updated] Ultimate 7 Secure Video Conferencing Systems for SMBs"
- "\"Achieving Perfect Time-Lapses with iOS Devices\""
- "\"2024 Approved Unbeatable 11 Audio Devices Reviewed Here\""
- "\"[Updated] Ace Your Screens The Premium Guide to Android’s Top 8 Capture Apps for 2024\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Apowersoft Screen Recorder Review and Alternative"
- "\"[New] Circle Construction in Minecraft The Ultimate Guide\""
- "\"In 2024, Harnessing Webcams A 2023 Guide to Slidecast Perfection\""
- "\"[Updated] Dissective Review of ShareX Criticism & Substitutes for 2024\""
- "\"In 2024, Enhancing Workflow Meeting Management on Zoom\""
- "\"2024 Approved Screencast Insights 101 Key Concepts for Video Creators\""
- "\"[New] Desktop Capture The Windows User Guide for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Step-by-Step IO Screen Capture Tutorial\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Direct Capture Tool for Chrome Systems\""
- "[New] In 2024, Telepresence Seminar Capture"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved How to Record and Save Streaming Audio with Ease\""
- "[New] How to Record Google Meet on Phone?"
- "\"[Updated] Compreenas Record Your Life in HD via VLC Media Player for 2024\""
- "\"[New] Top 10 Free Web-Based Video Chatting Tools\""
- "[New] In 2024, Advanced Windows 11 Video Recording Software Guide"
- "[New] Audio Input Assessment Report"
- "[New] The Ultimate Method for IPTV Screen Recordings"
- "In 2024, Audiophile's Guide to Superior 9 Online Mic Tools"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Ultimate List Best PS5 External Storage Solutions\""
- "Essential Tips for Adding Visual Impact in Google Meet"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Real-Time Game Recording Powered by OBS\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Exploring 8 Top-Tier Free Video Communication Tools for Enterprises\""
- "\"[New] OBS Repair Camera Functioning Now for 2024\""
- "[New] Pure Opinions on RecordCast Experience for 2024"
- "\"2024 Approved Exclusive List of Budget-Friendly Video Conferencing Tools\""
- "In 2024, Vidma Redefining Standard Practices in Video Capture"
- "[Updated] Elite Choices for Image Capturing for 2024"
- "The Complete Guide to Voiced PPT Mastery for 2024"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Unlocking the Potential of Valheim's Seed Varieties"
- "[New] Top 8 Free Screen Recorder for Android for 2024"
- "Expertise in Apps Enhancing Video Conferencing for 2024"
- In 2024, 3 Ways to Track Apple iPhone 13 mini without Them Knowing | Dr.fone
- How to Downgrade iPhone 6s Plus without Data Loss? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Planning to Use a Pokemon Go Joystick on Vivo Y78+? | Dr.fone
- How To Stream Anything From Honor X50 GT to Apple TV | Dr.fone
- How to Screen Mirroring Motorola G24 Power to PC? | Dr.fone
- New In 2024, Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Extracting Vocals From Audio Files Using Adobe Audition
- Lightning-Fast MP3 Division A Comprehensive Guide to Rapidly Splitting Audio Files for 2024
- New YouTube to MP4 Conversion Made Simple A Converter Comparison
- In 2024, Disabling Apple iPhone XR Parental Restrictions With/Without Password
- How to Remove iPhone 12 Activation Lock
- Complete Tutorial for Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ 5G Hard Reset | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Hassle-Free Ways to Remove FRP Lock on Vivo Y100t Phones with/without a PC
- How to remove Google FRP Lock on Note 50
- Updated 2024 Approved Say Goodbye to Shaky Footage 8 Free Online Video Stabilization Solutions
- In 2024, How to Reset a Locked Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+ Phone
- In 2024, How To Fix OEM Unlock Missing on Samsung Galaxy M14 5G?
- New 2024 Approved How To Make Transparent Background On Picsart
- In 2024, 2 Ways to Monitor Apple iPhone 12 Activity | Dr.fone
- How to Unlock T-Mobile Apple iPhone 7 Plus online without SIM Card?
- 4 Ways to Fix Android Blue Screen of Death On Tecno Pova 5 | Dr.fone
- Can I use iTools gpx file to catch the rare Pokemon On Honor Magic Vs 2 | Dr.fone
- How to Track Lenovo ThinkPhone Location without Installing Software? | Dr.fone
- How to Unlock Infinix Smart 8 Plus Phone Password Without Factory Reset?
- In 2024, Full Guide to Bypass Oppo Reno 9A FRP
- In 2024, Ultimate Guide on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 FRP Bypass
- In 2024, Process of Screen Sharing Oppo K11x to PC- Detailed Steps | Dr.fone
- 9 Solutions to Fix Process System Isnt Responding Error on Samsung Galaxy A25 5G | Dr.fone
- In 2024, For People Wanting to Mock GPS on Poco X5 Pro Devices | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Ultimate guide to get the meltan box pokemon go For Vivo S17e | Dr.fone
- Audio Fur Phenomenon Sample
- Updated Bass-Heavy News Score Mix, Collection #15
- New 2024 Approved 2 Ways to Fade in Text in Premiere Pro
- New From Zero to Pro Integrating Audacity Into Your Chromebooks Ecosystem
- In 2024, A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Apple ID On Your iPhone 6s Plus
- In 2024, 3 Things You Must Know about Fake Snapchat Location On Vivo V27 | Dr.fone
- Complete Tutorial to Use VPNa to Fake GPS Location On OnePlus Nord N30 SE | Dr.fone
- Leading Effortless Womens Sound Modification Service Online for 2024
- Title: The Ultimate Guide to Mac's Image File Transformation
- Author: Vivienne Westwood
- Created at : 2024-05-18 08:52:55
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 08:52:55
- Link: https://video-capture.techidaily.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-macs-image-file-transformation/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.