how to take a long screenshot on mac

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Getting a long screenshot on your Mac can be useful for saving entire web pages, chats, or documents that extend beyond your screen. Unlike standard screenshots, capturing a scrollable or long screenshot requires specific tools or techniques. This guide walks you through the most effective methods to take long screenshots on Mac, whether you’re using built-in features or third-party applications.

Using the Built-in Screenshot Tool for Full Page Capture in Safari

If you’re browsing Safari, capturing a full webpage is straightforward. Here’s how:

Open Safari and navigate to the webpage you want to capture.
Press Command + Shift + 4 to bring up the screenshot crosshair cursor.
Press Spacebar. The cursor will change to a camera icon.
Click on the webpage. Safari will automatically generate a full-page screenshot, including parts that extend beyond your screen.
A thumbnail appears in the corner. Click it to edit or save the full-page screenshot.

This method is quick and does not require additional software if you use Safari. It is ideal for saving entire webpages with minimal effort.

Using Preview’s ‘Capture Window’ and a scrolling trick

Preview, macOS’s built-in image viewer, doesn’t support long screenshots directly, but you can create one manually:

Take multiple screenshots of different sections, scrolling down the page each time. Use Command + Shift + 4 for each part.
Open all images in Preview.
Choose Edit > Select All for each image, then copy (Command + C).
Create a new document in Preview with File > New from Clipboard.
Repeat for all images, then arrange them in order by dragging in the thumbnail view.
Save the combined image as a long screenshot. This method takes more steps but works for custom parts or non-web content.

Using Third-Party Apps for Long Screenshots

There are many dedicated apps to make capturing long screenshots simple and efficient. Some popular options include Snagit, CleanShot X, and Capto. Here’s what to do:

Download and install your preferred app.
Open the app and choose the ‘scrolling window’ or similar option.
Select the window or webpage you want to capture.
The app will automatically scroll through the content and stitch the images into one long screenshot.
Save or export the final image in your preferred format.

Using dedicated tools is highly recommended for lengthy content, as they provide automatic stitching and save time.

Tips for Best Results

Ensure your window or webpage is fully loaded before capturing.
Use the highest resolution for clarity, especially in detailed long images.
Test a sample page first to understand the tool’s capabilities and limits.
Keep software updated for improved performance and compatibility.

Why You Might Need a Long Screenshot

A long screenshot can be incredibly useful in many everyday situations. Whether you’re saving a full web page, a lengthy conversation, or a detailed document, a standard screenshot often captures only part of it. This is where a long screenshot comes in handy, allowing you to capture the entire content in one image. It saves time and makes sharing or referencing information much easier.

Many users find themselves needing a long screenshot when they want to keep a record of online articles, social media threads, or chat histories. For example, if you’re discussing something important on a messaging app and want to save the entire conversation, a long screenshot captures everything without needing multiple images. Likewise, students or professionals might want to screenshot entire documents, spreadsheets, or reports for future reference.

Another common case is when you need to share detailed instructions or code snippets that extend beyond the visible screen. Instead of taking multiple screenshots and stitching them together manually, a long screenshot provides a clean, complete image in one go. This is especially helpful for technical troubleshooting, online tutorials, or product specifications.

Additionally, long screenshots are useful in troubleshooting scenarios. Support teams often ask for a screenshot of the entire webpage or app screen to better understand your issue. Taking a long screenshot ensures you can show the full context, including scrollable content, which helps diagnose problems more efficiently.

Some devices and apps have built-in features for capturing long screenshots, but sometimes you need third-party tools to achieve this. The benefit is that a long screenshot simplifies the process of saving complex or scrolling content. It also reduces clutter, as you’re sharing a single image rather than multiple partial screenshots.

In summary, a long screenshot is a valuable tool whenever you want to preserve, share, or document content that exceeds a single screen view. From saving web pages and online chats to troubleshooting and compiling information, using long screenshots makes handling extensive content much easier and more efficient.

Best Built-In Methods for Long Screenshots on Mac

If you want to capture long screenshots on your Mac without using third-party tools, there are some built-in methods that can help. While macOS does not have a direct feature for scrolling screenshots like some mobile devices, you can still achieve similar results with clever workarounds. These native options are handy for capturing entire web pages, lengthy documents, or lengthy chat histories.

Using the Screenshot Toolbar and Quick Look

macOS provides a screenshot toolbar which you can access by pressing Shift + Command + 5. Although it does not support scrolling screenshots, you can take multiple screenshots of different sections of the page or window. If you want to combine them later, use Preview or any photo editing app to create a long, stitched image.
Capturing Screenshots of a Scrollable Window

Some apps and browsers have scrollable windows. To screenshot an entire window, press Shift + Command + 4, then tap the Spacebar. Your cursor will turn into a camera icon. Click the window you want to capture. This captures only the visible area, but for longer content, you can take multiple screenshots and stitch them together.
Using Preview to Combine Images

After capturing multiple screenshots, open them in Preview. Select all images in the sidebar or open them one by one. Use the editing tools to align and combine images into a single long screenshot. Save the combined image as a new file. This method takes some effort but is effective for creating long screenshots without third-party apps.
Screenshotting Webpages or Documents Entirely

Many browsers like Safari or Chrome allow you to take full-page screenshots. In Safari, open the webpage you want, then go to File > Export as PDF. This saves the entire webpage as a PDF, which you can export or convert into an image if needed. Chrome has an extension called Developer Tools that can capture full-page screenshots but involves a few extra steps.

While macOS’s native options for long or scrolling screenshots are limited, combining multiple images or exporting full pages still works well. For more streamlined workflows, consider using built-in shortcuts cleverly or employing simple image editing after capturing multiple screenshots. These tips help you avoid third-party apps while still getting the long screenshots you need.

Top Tools and Apps for Long Screenshots

Capturing long screenshots on a Mac can be challenging with standard screen tools, but there are many third-party applications designed to make this task easier. These tools allow you to take seamless, scrollable screenshots of entire web pages, documents, or apps, saving you time and effort. Below is an overview of some popular options, their features, and compatibility to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

1. Snagit

Snagit is a powerful all-in-one screenshot and screen recording tool compatible with Mac.
It features a scrolling capture option that lets you capture entire web pages or lengthy documents in one image.
Snagit also offers editing tools, annotations, and easy sharing options, making it a popular choice for professionals.
It is compatible with macOS versions from Catalina onwards.

2. LongShot for Long Screenshot

LongShot is a free app available on the Mac App Store that simplifies capturing long screenshots.
It supports scrolling screenshots within browsers and apps, stitching multiple images into one seamless shot.
Ideal for quick, no-fuss screen captures, especially if you want to avoid paid apps.
Compatible with macOS Big Sur and later versions.

3. Paparazzi!

Paparazzi! is a lightweight, free app specifically designed for capturing screenshots of entire webpages.
Simply enter a URL, and the app generates a screenshot of the full page, even if it extends beyond the viewport.
It’s simple to use but limited to web pages, so it’s best for web developers or content creators.
Compatible with macOS Sierra and newer versions.

4. Awesome Screenshot

Available as a browser extension for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, Awesome Screenshot enables long captures directly within your browser.
It supports scrolling screenshots, editing, blurring sensitive info, and annotation.
Ideal if your primary need is capturing web content without installing extra desktop apps.
Works across all major browsers, compatible with the latest versions.

5. Capto

Capto is an extensive screen capturing and editing tool for Mac, supporting long screenshots and video recordings.
It offers scrolling capture options, annotation, and sharing features catered to educators, marketers, and content creators.
Mac compatibility starts from macOS Yosemite onwards.

Choosing the Right Tool

Feature	Snagit	LongShot	Paparazzi!	Awesome Screenshot	Capto
Price	Paid	Free	Free	Free with optional paid features	Paid
Platform	Mac	Mac	Mac	Browser extensions	Mac
Best for	Professional use, editing, annotations	Quick captures, simple use	Webpage captures	Browser-based capturing, annotations	All-in-one capturing and editing

Step-by-Step Guide to Capture Long Screens on Mac

Getting a long screenshot on your Mac can be straightforward if you know the right methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you capture extended content effectively, whether using built-in features or third-party tools:

Using the built-in Safari full-page capture

If you’re browsing Safari, you can easily capture full web pages. Here’s how:

Navigate to the webpage you want.
In Safari, go to File > Export as PDF. This saves the entire page as a PDF, preserving the full content.
Alternatively, press Command + Option + I to open Developer Tools, then click on the device toolbar icon. Select the ‘Capture full size screenshot’ option.

Using the keyboard shortcuts for partial captures and stitching

You can take multiple partial screenshots and combine them manually:

Use Command + Shift + 4 to select parts of the screen, scrolling down the page as needed.
Open the images in Preview or any editing app.
Arrange and stitch them into a single long image by copying and pasting or using editing tools.

Using third-party apps for automatic long screenshots

Apps like Snagit, LongShot, or Capto support automatic scrolling and stitching:

Install your chosen app and open it.
Select the scrolling or long screenshot mode.
Select the window or webpage.
The app will scroll and stitch automatically.
Save the final image.

Tips for optimal results

Ensure the webpage or document loads fully before capturing.
Use the highest resolution settings for clarity.
Test on a sample page first to get familiar with the process.