How to Screenshot on Mac Without Keyboard (Answered!)
Many users rely on keyboard shortcuts, as they believe they are convenient and quicker to use rather than searching for how to screenshot manually. However, a manual screenshot is necessary once a keyboard is broken, damaged, or lost.
To screenshot on a Mac without a keyboard, users can launch the Spotlight Search by clicking on the magnifying glass at the top right of the menu bar. Search “Screenshot” and then press the Screenshot button. Users will then have the ability to choose what portion of the screen they want to capture.
There are many different options for how to screenshot on a Mac without a keyboard. In addition, users can use a non-Mac keyboard and still have the ability to use keyboard shortcuts when screenshotting. To learn more about screenshotting without a Mac keyboard, continue reading below.
Spotlight Search
Using Spotlight Search is perhaps the simplest method of screenshotting if one does not have a keyboard. Because shortcuts cannot be used, Spotlight Search is the next best thing.
All users have to do is launch the Spotlight Search by pressing on the magnifying glass at the top right of the menu bar. Search “Screenshot”, and the correct option should then appear.
Press the Screenshot button, and users will have the ability to choose what portion of the screen they want to capture.
Grab App
The Grab app is another easy way to screenshot an image on a Mac without the keyboard. This app comes pre-installed on a Macbook, which means it is free of charge and easy to find. Many users do not even realize they have it until something happens to their keyboard.
The Grab application does not require any keyboard shortcuts, which is one of the advantages of the application and is why many decide to use it.
Because the Grab app comes preinstalled, users can find it manually by using Spotlight Search or by using Finder.
Spotlight Search
To use Spotlight Search, hover the cursor over the top of the Mac screen. The menu bar should then appear. The Spotlight Search can be found with a magnifying glass icon at the top right of the menu bar, in between the battery and the control center display. Click on the magnifying glass. This will then bring up a search bar in the middle of your screen. Search “grab”, and click on the option that says “Screenshot”.
Finder
Finder is responsible for organizing files, applications, documents, etc. It helps store and arrange files in an orderly fashion and is also where the Grab app can be found. Click on Finder and then press the “Applications” option. Next, search for “Grab”, and it should appear under the name “Screenshot”.
Whether Spotlight Search or Finder is used, it will yield the same results. Once the app is open, there will be three screenshotting options. These options include capturing the selected window, capturing a selected portion, or capturing the entire screen. The app will automatically start on the ‘capturing the entire screen’ option, so users will have to modify the app to which one they prefer.
In addition, this app gives users the ability to record their entire screen or to record a selected portion. This means that they can choose between screenshotting or screen-recording, depending on which one is more convenient.
When screenshotting using Grab, there is an options tab that can be selected. Upon pressing, a screen will appear with three headings: Save to, Timer, and Options.
Under the “Save to” heading, users can choose where they want their screenshot to be saved, with seven options to choose from:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Clipboard
- Messages
- Preview
- Other Location
Under the “Timer” heading, users can choose between a timer of 0, 5, or 10 seconds.
Under the “Options” heading, users can choose whether or not they want to display the floating thumbnail, remember the last selection, or show the mouse pointer.
Help on Menu Bar
Screenshotting on a Mac even without a keyboard can be a simple process. However, some users need further clarification. Because of this, the Help option on the Menu Bar is the best source to go to for additional help. Users can seek help through the macOS User Guide if they have never taken a screenshot before or if they need a quick reminder on the necessary steps.
To access Help on the Menu Bar, hover the cursor over the top of the screen. The Menu Bar should then appear, and the Help button will be located on the left-hand side of the screen. Users should click on this button and then search “screenshot”, and press the appropriate option under Help Topics.
The macOS User Guide will explain in detail how to take a screenshot on a Mac. This guide will clarify how to take a screenshot with and without a keyboard. While many different keyboard shortcuts can be used, users who do not have this option can also read how to take a screenshot manually, without the keyboard.
How to Screenshot on a Mac Using a Windows Keyboard
Many are surprised to learn that Windows keyboard shortcuts work with a Mac. However, users will have to learn which keys to press and which shortcuts are still viable with the Macbook.
When screenshotting on a Mac using a Windows keyboard, users should use the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + Shift + 3. This keyboard shortcut will take a screenshot of the entire screen, not a portion of it or a selected window.
Another option of screenshotting on a Mac using a Windows keyboard is by pressing Windows + Shift + 4. These keys are a shortcut that will allow for customizability. Instead of taking a picture of the entire screen, this shortcut will give users the option of capturing the entire screen, a portion of the screen, or a selected window.
These shortcuts are both simple to memorize and will allow a screenshot to be captured, even when a Mac keyboard is not being used. Mac and Windows shortcuts are the same, except instead of pressing Command like on a Mac keyboard, press the Windows button.