Mac Equivalent to Windows Snipping Tool

If you're looking for a Windows Snipping Tool equivalent on a Mac, here are several built-in and third-party options, depending on what you're trying to do:

✅ Built-in Mac Screenshot Tools (no extra apps needed):

1. Quick Screenshots:

• Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 — Full screen

• Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 — Select area to capture

• Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then Space — Capture a specific window

These save automatically to your Desktop (or another folder if changed).

2. Screenshot App (Snipping Tool equivalent):

• Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5

  
  

  This brings up the Screenshot Toolbar, which lets you:

  • Capture entire screen

  • Capture selected window

  • Capture a portion of the screen

  • Record screen (video)

  • Choose save location, timer, and other options

💡 Third-Party Apps (if you want more features):

App	Key Features
Snagit	Advanced editor, annotations, scrolling capture
CleanShot X	Beautiful interface, cloud sharing, markup tools
Lightshot	Simple and fast, like Snipping Tool
Skitch (by Evernote)	Easy markup and sharing
Monosnap	Screen capture + screen recording

📋 Need to paste into a document or email?

After using Command + Shift + 4 to capture a section, the image is also saved to clipboard if you hold Control:

• Command + Control + Shift + 4 — Copy to clipboard

  
  

  Then just paste (⌘ + V) where needed.

If you're looking to annotate screenshots on a Mac, you have several great options — both built-in and third-party. Here's the breakdown:

✅ Best Free Option (Built-in): Preview or Quick Look Markup

After taking a screenshot:

1. Double-click the image to open in Preview, or

2. Tap the thumbnail that appears in the lower-right corner right after you take a screenshot (shows up for a few seconds).

Then:

• Click the Markup toolbar (looks like a pencil tip or toolbox).

• You can now:

  • Draw or highlight

  • Add text boxes

  • Insert shapes (arrows, circles, boxes, etc.)

  • Add signatures

  • Change colors, fonts, and line thickness

⚡ Shortcut for Annotating Instantly:

• Take a screenshot using Command + Shift + 4

• When the thumbnail appears, click it before it disappears — it opens directly into markup mode for annotation.

🛠️ If You Want Advanced Annotation Features

App	Annotation Features	Notes
Snagit	Arrows, callouts, blur, step markers, text, stamps	Powerful but paid (free trial available)
CleanShot X	Clean UI, auto-save, cloud sharing, pin to screen	Ideal for pro users
Skitch (by Evernote)	Fast, fun annotation with arrows, shapes, text	Free, simple
Monosnap	Great for developers and teams	Screenshot + video recording

🧠 Recommendation:

• For quick annotations: Use the built-in Preview or screenshot thumbnail markup.

• For frequent, professional use: Consider Snagit or CleanShot X.

Hope that helps. - Mike Ohren