Mac Screenshot to Clipboard: The Hidden Shortcuts You Need to Know

To copy a Mac screenshot to the clipboard, add Control to these shortcuts:

• Screen: Ctrl + Cmd + Shift + 3.
• Area: Ctrl + Cmd + Shift + 4. Drag over the area and release.
• Window: Ctrl + Cmd + Shift + 4, then Space. Keep Control held and click the window.

Paste with Cmd + V in an app that accepts images before taking the next screenshot. For an occasional screenshot, these built-in shortcuts are enough.

Capturing the same area again?

If you keep using the Cmd + Shift + 4 drag workflow, you select the rectangle again each time. For a built-in alternative, open Screenshot with Cmd + Shift + 5 and enable Remember Last Selection under Options. Apple's screenshot guide explains both options.

Repeat the capture with RepeatShot

For a sequence of screenshots as the content changes, RepeatShot keeps the area you select ready for your next capture.

1. Choose Area, select the rectangle once, and enable Clipboard.
2. Use your configured capture shortcut as the content changes.
3. Press Cmd + V to paste each capture into your document or message.