!["2024 Approved Alter Default Location for Mac Captured Images"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/AN-vaCH0aY3tX6ZltU1G0m3Htm0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/watch-free-movies-online-1356647-32f79b8cc3ed484ca1f9f898f503e416.png)
"2024 Approved Alter Default Location for Mac Captured Images"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Alter Default Location for Mac Captured Images
How to Change the Destination Where Screenshots are Saved on your Mac
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Whenever you take a screenshot on a Mac computer, a file is saved to the desktop by default. Most Mac users never have the need to change this setting, because they can always move the file to a folder where they want to store it. On the other hand, creating a lot of screenshots every day can make a chaos on your desktop. Luckily changing the destination where your screenshots are saved is a simple process that lets you decide where your images will be stored.
Here’s how you can change the location where the screenshots you take using the keyboard shortcuts will be saved.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Part 1: How to Save Screenshots to a Specific Folder on Mac
Changing the folder where you store your screenshots is not an irreversible process, which means that you can reset the destination where the files are saved to Desktop at any point. Do not delete the new folder, because your Mac may not be able to take screenshots, afterward. The process described below is the only way you can delete a folder or add a new destination for your screenshots, and failing to comply with it may cause your Mac to malfunction.
Create a new folder on the desired location on your hard drive, and then launch Terminal, by typing Terminal in the Search Box and clicking on its icon. Once the app is open, you should insert the following command into the Terminal window:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location
Then enter a space at the end after ‘location’.
The next step is to add the new location at which screenshots will be saved and you can do this by simply dragging the folder you created into Terminal and adding it at the end of the command you just entered. A path is created and the command line should now contain the folder’s unique location and it should look like this:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /Users/username/Screenshots
To execute the command you have to press Enter. After Terminal finishes running the command, its window will appear on the screen again. You should proceed to confirm the changes you’ve just made by resetting the User Interface on your computer. In order to do so, you’ll have to insert this command below the one you previously entered:
killall SystemUIServer
Hit Enter once more to confirm the changes and run the new command. Close Terminal app by clicking on the Terminal menu and selecting the Quick Terminal option. The default location where the screenshots are saved on your Mac is now changed and every time you take a screenshot using the Command + Shift + 3 shortcut the file will be saved at the new location. If for whatever reason you want to make the Desktop once again the destination where the screenshots on your computer will be saved here’s how you can do it.
Part 2: How to Change the Screenshot Save Location Back to Desktop
The process of changing the default screenshot save location back to Desktop is nearly identical to the process we just described. You just have to open the Terminal app and insert the following command into the prompt.
defaults write com.apple.screen capture location /Users/Username/Desktop/
Make sure that your username is properly written, and then press Enter to run the command. Now you only have to reset the UI so it can recognize the changes you’ve made, and you can do it by inserting the killall SystemUIServer command into the Terminal window and pressing Enter to execute it.
Don’t forget that deleting the folder you use as a default location for storing screenshots should only be done using the process we just described in the Terminal application, since all other methods may cause unnecessary trouble.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Whenever you take a screenshot on a Mac computer, a file is saved to the desktop by default. Most Mac users never have the need to change this setting, because they can always move the file to a folder where they want to store it. On the other hand, creating a lot of screenshots every day can make a chaos on your desktop. Luckily changing the destination where your screenshots are saved is a simple process that lets you decide where your images will be stored.
Here’s how you can change the location where the screenshots you take using the keyboard shortcuts will be saved.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Part 1: How to Save Screenshots to a Specific Folder on Mac
Changing the folder where you store your screenshots is not an irreversible process, which means that you can reset the destination where the files are saved to Desktop at any point. Do not delete the new folder, because your Mac may not be able to take screenshots, afterward. The process described below is the only way you can delete a folder or add a new destination for your screenshots, and failing to comply with it may cause your Mac to malfunction.
Create a new folder on the desired location on your hard drive, and then launch Terminal, by typing Terminal in the Search Box and clicking on its icon. Once the app is open, you should insert the following command into the Terminal window:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location
Then enter a space at the end after ‘location’.
The next step is to add the new location at which screenshots will be saved and you can do this by simply dragging the folder you created into Terminal and adding it at the end of the command you just entered. A path is created and the command line should now contain the folder’s unique location and it should look like this:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /Users/username/Screenshots
To execute the command you have to press Enter. After Terminal finishes running the command, its window will appear on the screen again. You should proceed to confirm the changes you’ve just made by resetting the User Interface on your computer. In order to do so, you’ll have to insert this command below the one you previously entered:
killall SystemUIServer
Hit Enter once more to confirm the changes and run the new command. Close Terminal app by clicking on the Terminal menu and selecting the Quick Terminal option. The default location where the screenshots are saved on your Mac is now changed and every time you take a screenshot using the Command + Shift + 3 shortcut the file will be saved at the new location. If for whatever reason you want to make the Desktop once again the destination where the screenshots on your computer will be saved here’s how you can do it.
Part 2: How to Change the Screenshot Save Location Back to Desktop
The process of changing the default screenshot save location back to Desktop is nearly identical to the process we just described. You just have to open the Terminal app and insert the following command into the prompt.
defaults write com.apple.screen capture location /Users/Username/Desktop/
Make sure that your username is properly written, and then press Enter to run the command. Now you only have to reset the UI so it can recognize the changes you’ve made, and you can do it by inserting the killall SystemUIServer command into the Terminal window and pressing Enter to execute it.
Don’t forget that deleting the folder you use as a default location for storing screenshots should only be done using the process we just described in the Terminal application, since all other methods may cause unnecessary trouble.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Whenever you take a screenshot on a Mac computer, a file is saved to the desktop by default. Most Mac users never have the need to change this setting, because they can always move the file to a folder where they want to store it. On the other hand, creating a lot of screenshots every day can make a chaos on your desktop. Luckily changing the destination where your screenshots are saved is a simple process that lets you decide where your images will be stored.
Here’s how you can change the location where the screenshots you take using the keyboard shortcuts will be saved.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Part 1: How to Save Screenshots to a Specific Folder on Mac
Changing the folder where you store your screenshots is not an irreversible process, which means that you can reset the destination where the files are saved to Desktop at any point. Do not delete the new folder, because your Mac may not be able to take screenshots, afterward. The process described below is the only way you can delete a folder or add a new destination for your screenshots, and failing to comply with it may cause your Mac to malfunction.
Create a new folder on the desired location on your hard drive, and then launch Terminal, by typing Terminal in the Search Box and clicking on its icon. Once the app is open, you should insert the following command into the Terminal window:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location
Then enter a space at the end after ‘location’.
The next step is to add the new location at which screenshots will be saved and you can do this by simply dragging the folder you created into Terminal and adding it at the end of the command you just entered. A path is created and the command line should now contain the folder’s unique location and it should look like this:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /Users/username/Screenshots
To execute the command you have to press Enter. After Terminal finishes running the command, its window will appear on the screen again. You should proceed to confirm the changes you’ve just made by resetting the User Interface on your computer. In order to do so, you’ll have to insert this command below the one you previously entered:
killall SystemUIServer
Hit Enter once more to confirm the changes and run the new command. Close Terminal app by clicking on the Terminal menu and selecting the Quick Terminal option. The default location where the screenshots are saved on your Mac is now changed and every time you take a screenshot using the Command + Shift + 3 shortcut the file will be saved at the new location. If for whatever reason you want to make the Desktop once again the destination where the screenshots on your computer will be saved here’s how you can do it.
Part 2: How to Change the Screenshot Save Location Back to Desktop
The process of changing the default screenshot save location back to Desktop is nearly identical to the process we just described. You just have to open the Terminal app and insert the following command into the prompt.
defaults write com.apple.screen capture location /Users/Username/Desktop/
Make sure that your username is properly written, and then press Enter to run the command. Now you only have to reset the UI so it can recognize the changes you’ve made, and you can do it by inserting the killall SystemUIServer command into the Terminal window and pressing Enter to execute it.
Don’t forget that deleting the folder you use as a default location for storing screenshots should only be done using the process we just described in the Terminal application, since all other methods may cause unnecessary trouble.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Whenever you take a screenshot on a Mac computer, a file is saved to the desktop by default. Most Mac users never have the need to change this setting, because they can always move the file to a folder where they want to store it. On the other hand, creating a lot of screenshots every day can make a chaos on your desktop. Luckily changing the destination where your screenshots are saved is a simple process that lets you decide where your images will be stored.
Here’s how you can change the location where the screenshots you take using the keyboard shortcuts will be saved.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Part 1: How to Save Screenshots to a Specific Folder on Mac
Changing the folder where you store your screenshots is not an irreversible process, which means that you can reset the destination where the files are saved to Desktop at any point. Do not delete the new folder, because your Mac may not be able to take screenshots, afterward. The process described below is the only way you can delete a folder or add a new destination for your screenshots, and failing to comply with it may cause your Mac to malfunction.
Create a new folder on the desired location on your hard drive, and then launch Terminal, by typing Terminal in the Search Box and clicking on its icon. Once the app is open, you should insert the following command into the Terminal window:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location
Then enter a space at the end after ‘location’.
The next step is to add the new location at which screenshots will be saved and you can do this by simply dragging the folder you created into Terminal and adding it at the end of the command you just entered. A path is created and the command line should now contain the folder’s unique location and it should look like this:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture location /Users/username/Screenshots
To execute the command you have to press Enter. After Terminal finishes running the command, its window will appear on the screen again. You should proceed to confirm the changes you’ve just made by resetting the User Interface on your computer. In order to do so, you’ll have to insert this command below the one you previously entered:
killall SystemUIServer
Hit Enter once more to confirm the changes and run the new command. Close Terminal app by clicking on the Terminal menu and selecting the Quick Terminal option. The default location where the screenshots are saved on your Mac is now changed and every time you take a screenshot using the Command + Shift + 3 shortcut the file will be saved at the new location. If for whatever reason you want to make the Desktop once again the destination where the screenshots on your computer will be saved here’s how you can do it.
Part 2: How to Change the Screenshot Save Location Back to Desktop
The process of changing the default screenshot save location back to Desktop is nearly identical to the process we just described. You just have to open the Terminal app and insert the following command into the prompt.
defaults write com.apple.screen capture location /Users/Username/Desktop/
Make sure that your username is properly written, and then press Enter to run the command. Now you only have to reset the UI so it can recognize the changes you’ve made, and you can do it by inserting the killall SystemUIServer command into the Terminal window and pressing Enter to execute it.
Don’t forget that deleting the folder you use as a default location for storing screenshots should only be done using the process we just described in the Terminal application, since all other methods may cause unnecessary trouble.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Also read:
- "\"[Updated] Apowersoft Reviewed A Guide to PC Screen Capture for 2024\""
- "\"Slidecasting Simplified A Modern, Webcam Approach for 2024\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, CastRecorder Analysis"
- "[Updated] Enhancing Virtual Presentations Through Skype's Screen Sharing for 2024"
- "\"2024 Approved Exploring Free Screencast Software Options on Mac\""
- "\"MelodyMentor Detailed Sound Review for 2024\""
- "\"[New] Streamlining Your Gaming Experience Windows 11 Edition for 2024\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Capturing Competitive Overwatch in Minutes"
- "\"[New] Evaluating Professional Filmmaking Tools Filmora & Democreator\""
- "[New] In 2024, Breaking Down the Hype Around RecordCast"
- "\"[New] Free Cam Software Showdown Best Alternative to Expensive Options for 2024\""
- "\"A Compilation of Must-Play Virtual Realms\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Commencing Your Google Meet Experience"
- "\"Best Value Video Meeting Applications Compatible with Both Windows/MAC\""
- "[New] In 2024, Ideal Emulation Tools to Relive Sony's PlayStation Experience"
- "Comparing Leading Cam Tech with MyManyCam for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Optimized Protocols Snapshots of GoToMeetings Made Simple\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Immediate Pause Screen Capture Steps"
- "\"2024 Approved Leading Low-Cost Audio Tools #1 to #10 Desktop Recorder Guide\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, FocusPoint HDWebcam Studio"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Expert Tips for OBS and Facebook Integration\""
- "[New] Examining the Strengths and Weaknesses in Free2X Tools for 2024"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Cultivate Connections Top 10 AgriGames for Gathering Pals\""
- "\"2024 Approved Mastering iPhone's Simple Recording Features Quickly\""
- "The Videographer’s Playbook for Game Coverage Excellence for 2024"
- Updated In 2024, Vimeo Content Specifications Aspect Ratios Disclosed
- Use Device Manager to identify missing or malfunctioning your hardware drivers with Windows Device Manager in Windows 11 & 10 & 7
- How to Fix iPhone 13 Pro Max Storage Not Loading/Showing | Stellar
- 3 Solutions to Find Your Tecno Spark Go (2024) Current Location of a Mobile Number | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Transfer Contacts from Xiaomi 13 Ultra to Other Android Devices Devices? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How To Activate and Use Life360 Ghost Mode On Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G | Dr.fone
- New Transform Your Online Presence The Art of Voxal Voice Alteration on Discord
- Updated 2024 Approved The Auto-Transcription Experts Choice – Top 6 Software Picks
- Want to Uninstall Google Play Service from OnePlus Nord N30 5G? Here is How | Dr.fone
- Updated Best 10 Chinese Video to English Translator
- In 2024, How to Change/Fake Your Lava Yuva 3 Location on Viber | Dr.fone
- How to Turn Off Google Location to Stop Tracking You on Samsung Galaxy M14 5G | Dr.fone
- Top 10 Best Spy Watches For your Apple iPhone 7 | Dr.fone
- 10 Easy-to-Use FRP Bypass Tools for Unlocking Google Accounts On Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G
- New In 2024, Unleash FCPXs Power The Best 10 Plugins for Video Editing Pros
- Best Android Data Recovery - Undelete Lost Music from HTC
- In 2024, How to Transfer Data from Infinix Smart 8 HD to Any iOS Devices | Dr.fone
- Updated 2024 Approved The 5 Best Free M4A Audio Editors You Need to Try
- In 2024, Guide to Mirror Your Infinix Note 30 Pro to Other Android devices | Dr.fone
- Title: "2024 Approved Alter Default Location for Mac Captured Images"
- Author: Agatha
- Created at : 2024-05-18 02:58:24
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 02:58:24
- Link: https://video-screen-grab.techidaily.com/2024-approved-alter-default-location-for-mac-captured-images/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.