3 Easy Ways to Crop a Screenshot on Mac

3 Easy Ways to Crop a Screenshot on Mac
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Screenshots serve a practical purpose, capturing digital information for later reference or sharing. However, manchmal ist die Erfassung nicht auf die relevanten Bereiche beschränkt und erfordert eine Feinabstimmung. Wenn Sie ein Mac-Nutzer sind, ist das Zuschneiden von Screenshots ein müheloser Vorgang, der nur wenige Klicks erfordert. In dieser ausführlichen Anleitung werden wir die verschiedenen Methoden erläutern, mit denen Sie Screenshots zuschneiden und Ihre erfassten Bilder präzisieren können.

Die erste Methode ist die Verwendung der nativen Screenshot-Werkzeuge. Drücken Sie nach der Aufnahme eines Screenshots die Tastenkombination Befehlstaste + Umschalttaste + 4, um das Screenshot-Werkzeug aufzurufen. Anschließend können Sie einen Bereich zum Zuschneiden auswählen, indem Sie auf die Schaltfläche “Optionen” klicken und die Option “Auswahl” aktivieren. Ziehen Sie dann den Mauszeiger über den gewünschten Bereich und lassen Sie los, um die Auswahl zu bestätigen. Klicken Sie auf “Fertig”, um den zugeschnittenen Screenshot zu speichern.

Alternativ können Sie auch сторонние Softwareprogramme wie Skitch oder Snagit verwenden. Diese Programme bieten zusätzliche Bearbeitungsfunktionen sowie erweiterte Optionen zum Zuschneiden. Mit Skitch können Sie beispielsweise mehrere Screenshots kombinieren, Anmerkungen hinzufügen und Formen zeichnen. Snagit hingegen bietet eine noch umfassendere Suite an Bearbeitungswerkzeugen, darunter die Möglichkeit, Videos aufzunehmen und GIFs zu erstellen. Unabhängig von der gewählten Methode können Sie mit diesen Techniken Ihre Screenshots präzise zuschneiden und sicherstellen, dass nur die relevanten Informationen erfasst werden.

Using Preview to Crop Screenshots

Preview, the default image viewer on Mac, offers an easy-to-use tool for cropping screenshots. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

  1. Open the Screenshot in Preview: Locate the screenshot you want to crop and double-click it to open it in Preview.
  2. Select the Crop Tool: To access the crop tool, click on the "Edit" menu at the top of the Preview window and select "Crop." A crop rectangle with adjustment handles will appear around the image.
  3. Adjust the Crop Rectangle: Use your mouse to drag the adjustment handles to define the area you want to keep in the cropped image. You can also drag the entire crop rectangle to reposition it.
  4. Set the Aspect Ratio (Optional): If you want to constrain the crop rectangle to a specific aspect ratio, such as 1:1 for a square crop, click on the "Aspect Ratio" button at the bottom of the crop rectangle. A drop-down menu will appear with various aspect ratio options.
  5. Crop the Image: Once you’re satisfied with the crop selection, click on the "Crop" button to finalize the changes. Preview will retain the cropped portion of the screenshot while discarding the rest.
  6. Save the Cropped Image: To save the cropped screenshot, go to the "File" menu and select "Save." You can choose to overwrite the original screenshot or save the cropped image as a new file with a different name.

Cropping Screenshots with the Photos App

Method 1: Using the Preview Tool

Preview, Mac’s built-in image viewer, can also be used for basic image editing, including cropping. To crop a screenshot using Preview:

  1. Open the screenshot in Preview.
  2. Click on the “Edit” menu at the top of the screen.
  3. Select “Crop” from the menu.
  4. Adjust the cropping rectangle to select the desired area of the screenshot.
  5. Click on the “Crop” button to crop the screenshot.

Method 2: Using the Photos App

The Photos app on Mac offers a more comprehensive set of image editing tools, including advanced cropping options. To crop a screenshot using Photos:

  1. Open the screenshot in the Photos app.
  2. Click on the “Edit” button in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  3. Click on the “Crop” icon in the toolbar.
  4. Adjust the cropping rectangle to select the desired area of the screenshot.
  5. You can also use the Aspect Ratio drop-down menu to crop the screenshot to a specific aspect ratio.
  6. Click on the “Done” button to crop the screenshot.
Method Pros Cons
Preview Simple and easy to use Limited cropping options
Photos Advanced cropping options More complex to use

Trimming Screenshots with the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a versatile tool that allows you to capture and edit screenshots on your Mac. After taking a screenshot, you can use the Snipping Tool’s built-in cropping feature to remove any unwanted areas.

To trim a screenshot using the Snipping Tool:

  1. Open the screenshot in the Snipping Tool.
  2. Click the “Crop” button in the toolbar.
  3. Drag the cropping handles to select the area you want to keep.
  4. Click the “Done” button to save the cropped screenshot.

Advanced Cropping Options

The Snipping Tool offers several advanced cropping options that provide more precise control over the cropping process:

  • Aspect ratio lock: Click the “Lock aspect ratio” button to maintain the original aspect ratio of the screenshot while cropping.
  • Pixel-precise cropping: Enter specific pixel values in the “Width” and “Height” fields to crop the screenshot to an exact size.
  • Custom aspect ratio: Click the “Custom aspect ratio” button and enter a custom aspect ratio in the “Width” and “Height” fields.
Option Description
Lock aspect ratio Maintains the original aspect ratio of the screenshot
Pixel-precise cropping Crops the screenshot to an exact pixel size
Custom aspect ratio Crops the screenshot to a specified aspect ratio

By utilizing these advanced cropping options, you can precisely trim your screenshots to meet your specific requirements.

Employing Keyboard Shortcuts for Cropping

The Mac offers various keyboard shortcuts that provide an effortless method of capturing specific sections of your screen.

Method 1: Using Standard Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4: Capture a rectangular screenshot and enter “Select Area” mode.
  • Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 3: Capture the entire screen.

Method 2: Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts with Modifiers

You can employ modifier keys to further refine your cropping options:

Modifier Key Function
Option (⌥) Capture only the active window.
Spacebar (␣) Move the selection area without capturing.
Shift (⇧) Constrain the selection to a square or circle shape.

Method 3: Using Preview.app for Precise Cropping

If you desire even more control over your cropping, you can leverage the Preview application. Simply capture a screenshot using the standard shortcuts and open it in Preview. From there, employ the Selection tool to manually adjust the cropping area to your desired specifications.

Cropping Screenshots with the Trackpad

Using the trackpad on your Mac offers a convenient and intuitive way to crop screenshots. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Take a screenshot

– Press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 3 to capture a screenshot of the entire screen.

– Press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4 to capture a screenshot of a specific area.

Step 2: Enter cropping mode

– Once the screenshot is captured, it will appear as a small thumbnail in the corner of the screen.

– If it disappears before you can access it, go to the Desktop and look for the screenshot file.

– Click on the screenshot and press Command (⌘) + A to select the entire image.

– Press Command (⌘) + K to enter cropping mode.

Step 3: Adjust the cropping frame

– Drag the blue handles on the cropping frame to adjust its size and position.

– Hold down the Option (⌥) key while dragging to maintain the aspect ratio.

Step 4: Crop the screenshot

– Once you’re satisfied with the cropping, press Enter to apply it.

Step 5: Save or share the cropped screenshot

– To save the cropped screenshot, go to File > Save or press Command (⌘) + S.

– To share the cropped screenshot, go to File > Share or press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + S.

Additional cropping options

Option Shortcut Description
Crop to a rectangle Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4, then drag a rectangular area Captures a specific rectangular area of the screen.
Crop to a custom shape Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4, then press Spacebar and drag Allows you to crop a custom shape.
Crop to a window Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + 4, then press Spacebar and click on a window Captures and crops only the selected window.

Utilizing Third-Party Software for Advanced Cropping

For more advanced cropping capabilities, consider using specialized third-party software. Here are some popular options:

1. Skitch

Skitch is a free and user-friendly tool that offers a wide range of cropping tools, including the ability to crop specific shapes, add annotations, and share your cropped images easily.

2. Pixelmator

Pixelmator is a powerful image editor that offers a variety of cropping options, including the ability to crop based on specific aspect ratios and create custom cropping shapes. It also features advanced tools for image manipulation and retouching.

3. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a professional-grade image editor that provides comprehensive cropping capabilities. It allows you to crop in multiple ways, create complex cropping paths, and make precise adjustments to your crops. Additionally, it offers advanced tools for image adjustments, layer manipulation, and retouching.

4. PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is a versatile photo editor that includes a dedicated cropping toolset. It offers a variety of cropping options, including preset aspect ratios, custom shapes, and the ability to rotate and flip your crops. Additionally, it provides tools for image resizing, color correction, and other image manipulation tasks.

5. GIMP

GIMP is a free and open-source image editor that offers advanced cropping capabilities. It supports multiple cropping modes, including rectangular, elliptical, freehand, and by aspect ratio. You can also create custom cropping paths and make precise adjustments to your crops.

6. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a widely used professional image editor that offers unmatched cropping capabilities. It provides a variety of cropping tools, including the ability to create precise selections, use content-aware fill, and crop to specific shapes or aspect ratios. Photoshop’s advanced features make it ideal for cropping images for professional use, such as graphic design, photography, and marketing.

Software Features
Skitch Free, user-friendly; shape cropping, annotations, sharing
Pixelmator Paid; aspect ratio cropping, custom cropping shapes, image manipulation
Affinity Photo Professional-grade; complex cropping paths, precise adjustments, image enhancements
PhotoScape X Versatile; preset aspect ratios, custom shapes, image resizing
GIMP Free, open-source; multiple cropping modes, custom paths, precise adjustments
Adobe Photoshop Professional; precise selections, content-aware fill, custom shapes, aspect ratios

Advanced Cropping Techniques in Preview

Draw a Precise Crop

For greater accuracy, use Preview’s shape tools. Draw a rectangle or ellipse around the desired portion. Right-click and select “Crop,” then “Crop to Selection.”

Crop to a Specific Aspect Ratio

Click the “Show Markup Toolbar” button. Choose the “Aspect Ratio” tool. Set the desired aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9) and crop by clicking “Crop.”

Rotate and Crop

Use the Rotate tool to adjust the orientation of the image. Then, crop the image as desired, and the rotation will be applied to the final result.

Crop Multiple Images Simultaneously

Open multiple images in Preview. Select “Tools” > “Annotate Multiple Files.” Choose “Crop” and apply the desired crop settings.

Batch Crop Using Automator

Create an Automator workflow with the “Crop Images” action. Select the images and crop settings. Run the workflow to automatically crop all the images.

Crop to a Template

Open the template in Preview. Drag and drop the image onto the template. Preview will automatically resize and crop the image to fit the template.

Save the Cropped Image

Click the “File” menu and select “Export.” Choose the desired format and save location. You can also use the “File” > “Duplicate” option to create a new copy of the cropped image.

Customizing Cropping Options in Photos

The Photos app on Mac offers numerous customization options for cropping screenshots. Here’s a detailed guide to explore these settings:

Aspect Ratio

Select from predefined aspect ratios like Square, Landscape, Portrait, and Custom to ensure your cropped image fits specific dimensions.

Rotate and Flip

Rotate the image clockwise or counterclockwise, or flip it horizontally or vertically to adjust its orientation.

Adjust Corners

Drag the handles at each corner of the crop box to refine the cropping area. Hold down the Shift key to maintain the aspect ratio.

Fine-Tune Cropping

Use the slider or enter precise values in the width and height fields to manually adjust the crop size.

Set Zoom Level

Adjust the zoom level of the image using the slider or enter a custom zoom percentage to view the crop area more closely.

Apply Filter

Enhance your cropped image with a filter from the “Adjust” menu. Select from options such as Vibrant, Dramatic, or Mono to add style and depth to the screenshot.

Retouch

Make further adjustments to the cropped image using the Retouch tools. Repair blemishes, reduce noise, or adjust color and exposure parameters.

Save and Share

Once you’re satisfied with the cropped screenshot, click “Done” to save the changes. You can also export the image in various formats or share it directly to social media platforms or other applications.

Optimizing Cropped Screenshots for Specific Purposes

1. Social Media Optimization

Ensure the screenshot has a high resolution to maintain clarity. Choose an appropriate aspect ratio for the target platform. Crop the screenshot to highlight the most essential elements and capture attention.

2. Presentation Slides

Maintain a consistent visual style throughout the presentation. Use a high-resolution screenshot cropped to fit the slide dimensions. Consider adding annotations or highlights to emphasize key points.

3. Website Feature Showcase

Crop the screenshot to showcase a specific feature or functionality. Maintain a uniform aspect ratio across all screenshots. Optimize the image size for faster loading times.

4. Technical Documentation

Crop the screenshot to focus on specific steps or instructions. Ensure the screenshot is high-resolution for clear visibility. Remove any unnecessary elements that could distract the reader.

5. Online Courses

Crop the screenshot to match the aspect ratio of the video or online course platform. Use a high-quality screenshot to enhance the visual appeal and readability.

6. App Store Screenshots

Follow specific guidelines for each app store. Crop the screenshot to highlight the app’s key features. Use a high-resolution image to showcase the app’s aesthetics and interface.

7. Feedback and Bug Reporting

Crop the screenshot to capture the specific issue or bug. Highlight the area of concern using annotations or arrows. Provide additional context in the accompanying text description.

8. Knowledge Base Articles

Crop the screenshot to illustrate the step-by-step instructions or troubleshooting steps. Maintain a high-resolution image for clarity. Add annotations or text overlays to provide additional guidance.

9. Marketing and Advertising

Crop the screenshot to convey a specific message or promotion. Highlight key features or benefits in the cropped image. Use a high-quality screenshot to enhance the visual impact of your marketing materials.

Troubleshooting Common Cropping Issues

If you encounter any difficulties while cropping screenshots on your Mac, below are some troubleshooting tips that can help resolve common cropping issues:

1. The Screenshot Wasn’t Captured Correctly

Ensure you’re using the correct screenshot method (either the keyboard shortcut or the Preview app). If the screenshot didn’t capture the entire desired area, retake the screenshot.

2. The Cropping Tool Isn’t Appearing

Check if you’re attempting to crop the screenshot directly from the Preview app. The cropping tool may not be available for screenshots opened outside of Preview. Try opening the screenshot in Preview and try cropping again.

3. The Cropping Tool Is Greyed Out

You may have selected a protected screenshot or an image from an external source. Protected screenshots or images with copyright restrictions cannot be cropped. Ensure you have the necessary permissions or convert the image into a compatible format.

4. The Cropped Area Is Off-Center or Uneven

When selecting the cropping area, be precise with your mouse or trackpad. Hold down the Shift key to maintain a square or rectangular aspect ratio. Use the arrow keys to fine-tune the selection.

5. The Cropped Image Is Too Small

Ensure you’re not cropping the screenshot too tightly. Expand the selection area to include the desired content. If you accidentally crop too much, use the Undo command (Command + Z) to revert the changes.

6. The Cropped Image Has a Black Border

This usually occurs when the original screenshot has transparent areas. To remove the black border, open the cropped image in an image editing software and add a white or transparent fill to the background.

7. The Cropped Image Is Not Saved

After cropping the screenshot, remember to save the changes. Use the Save or Export options in the Preview app to specify the file format and location.

8. The Cropped Image Is Not in the Right Format

Some applications may not support certain image formats. Ensure you save the cropped image in a compatible format for your intended use. Common image formats include JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

9. The Cropped Image Appears Blurry

The original screenshot may have been low-resolution or blurry. Avoid cropping significant portions of the image to maintain clarity. If possible, capture a higher-resolution screenshot before cropping.

10. Advanced Cropping Techniques: Using Pixel Dimensions

For precise cropping, consider measuring the desired image dimensions using tools like Preview’s Inspector or third-party image editing software. Enter the exact pixel values in the cropping tool options to crop to the desired size.

Step Action
1 Measure the desired image dimensions.
2 Open the cropping tool in Preview.
3 Click on the “Options” button.
4 Enter the pixel dimensions in the appropriate fields.
5 Click “Crop”.

How to Crop a Screenshot on a Mac

Taking screenshots is a convenient way to capture and share information from your Mac. However, sometimes you may need to crop the screenshot to remove unwanted areas or focus on a specific part of the image. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to crop a screenshot on a Mac:

  1. Take a screenshot: Use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 to capture a screenshot of the entire screen. Alternatively, use Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 to capture a section of the screen.
  2. Locate the screenshot: The screenshot will automatically be saved to your desktop as a PNG file.
  3. Open the screenshot in Preview: Double-click on the screenshot file to open it in Preview, which is the default image viewer on Macs.
  4. Select the crop tool: Click on the “Edit” menu and select “Crop” from the drop-down list. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + K.
  5. Crop the screenshot: Drag the selection handles to adjust the cropping area. You can also enter specific dimensions in the “Crop Size” fields.
  6. Apply the changes: Click on the “Done” button to crop and save the screenshot.

People Also Ask About How to Crop a Screenshot on a Mac

Can you crop a screenshot on a Mac with a keyboard shortcut?

No, there is no specific keyboard shortcut for cropping a screenshot on a Mac.

Can you crop a screenshot without Preview?

Yes, you can use third-party image editing software to crop screenshots. Some popular options include Photoshop, GIMP, and Pixelmator.

How to crop a screenshot on macOS Ventura?

The process of cropping a screenshot on macOS Ventura is the same as described above.