Take a Screenshot on Mac: Area, Window and Save Location

Press Shift + Command + 4 and drag over the area you need. Release to capture, or press Esc to cancel. To capture a window, press the same shortcut, then Space, then click the window. Holding Option while clicking excludes its shadow. Check the visible content for personal information before sharing the result.

Press Shift + Command + 5 to open Screenshot. In Options, inspect where captures will be saved and select a destination that suits your task. The desktop is the usual default, but a changed setting can explain a missing image. The floating thumbnail can be opened for editing; letting it disappear allows the normal save to finish.

Adding Control to a capture shortcut sends the screenshot to the clipboard instead of the normal file destination. Paste it into an appropriate app and save it if you need a file. Do not assume a clipboard capture also created an image on the desktop.

Try a normal desktop window to separate a shortcut problem from an app that restricts capture. Apple notes that some apps may prevent screenshots of their windows. Open the saved image to check framing and readability before sending it. These instructions concern still screenshots; screen recording uses different controls and permissions.