![Set Custom Save Path for Screen Captures (Mac) for 2024](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/sujrBq1SN6zkmNgqHTSAbFbTvKk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/18-Hidden-Snapchat-Features-efa75dca521e4cf6bb321dc960276deb.jpg)
Set Custom Save Path for Screen Captures (Mac) for 2024
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Set Custom Save Path for Screen Captures (Mac)
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] Exclusive Choices to Replace Traditional FBX Recorder Games for 2024"
- "[New] The Ultimate Blueprint for Perfecting Zoom's Screen Cast for 2024"
- "[New] Legal Implications & Tips When Archiving WhatsApp Call Recordings"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Pros of Expanded Ram in Minecraft Gaming World\""
- "\"In 2024, Prime Zero-Cost Switch Mimicry Apps\""
- "Choosing Between OBS and Fraps for Capture"
- "\"[Updated] Budget-Friendly, High-Quality Earphones for Gaming for 2024\""
- "\"[New] QuickCapture MiniApp - Windows 10 Version for 2024\""
- "\"Pro-Level Screen Capture Strategies for Professionals for 2024\""
- "\"2024 Approved Screen Shot Entire Page View\""
- "\"2024 Approved Cutting-Edge Approaches to MOV File Recordings on Windows 10\""
- "[Updated] Document the Drive on Your Galaxy Screen"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Camera Woes Ended by Fix - OBS\""
- "\"[Updated] Gameplay Streaming Tools Revealed OBS or Fraps for 2024\""
- "\"2024 Approved Snappy Captures Exclusive List of Premium Screensnapper Apps\""
- "\"[Updated] Meet MyCam Cam The Home Video Revolution Unfolding\""
- "[New] Conquer Any Gadget to Record Your YouTube Live Experience for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] Dynamic Duels & Daring Deeds Top 10 Gaming Highlights for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] Screen Recording Made Simple Methodical Guidebook\""
- "\"[Updated] The Ultimate 5-Star Fluids and Flows in Video Games for 2024\""
- "[Updated] Discover the Best Mac GIF Recorders Now!"
- "Turn Your Meet Webinar Into an Interactive Participant Showcase"
- "\"[Updated] Premium Recording Application Chromebook Focus for 2024\""
- "[New] Engaging Effectively in Online Google Meet Talks for 2024"
- "Revisiting Streamers for Enhanced Experience for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] Unlock the Ultimate Windows Screen Snip List, #1-5 for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Precision in Capturing An Expert OBS Skype Guide\""
- "\"[New] Exclusive List of Budget-Friendly Video Conferencing Tools\""
- "\"Securing Your Games in Motion Top 5 for Windows 10 for 2024\""
- "\"The Essential Guide to Live Broadcasts Optimizing with OBS for YouTube & Twitch for 2024\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Maximize Your Content with These Top 5 OBS Tips"
- "\"[Updated] Compare and Contrast Best Software for Screen Grabs (OBS/Fraps) for 2024\""
- "[New] How to Record Zoom Meeting"
- "\"[New] Google Meet Mastery for Free Host/Participant's Ultimate Handbook for 2024\""
- "[Updated] How to Record Video Presentations Using Adobe Presenter"
- "[Updated] Pinnacle PS2 Simulators for iOS Systems for 2024"
- "[Updated] Tech's Leading Edge in Video Capturing Software for 2024"
- New Critically Acclaimed Audio Repository Top 10 Music Capture Apps for 2024
- Is your Itel S23 working too slow? Heres how you can hard reset it | Dr.fone
- Easy steps to recover deleted messages from Infinix Smart 8 HD
- 2024 Approved 100 Workable How to Mask Track with Adobe Premiere Pro
- How to Add Echo Effect to Video
- Updated A Curated Collection of 15 Dynamic News Music Pieces for 2024
- 2024 Approved Skyrocket Your Audio Experience on Windows - Explore the 10 Best Instantaneous Volume Enhancers
- Updated The Quietude Process An Orderly Procedure to Dissolve Disruptive Drones
- Full Guide How To Fix Connection Is Not Private on Motorola Moto G13 | Dr.fone
- How To Delete iCloud Account Remove Your Apple ID Permanently From Apple iPhone 15 Plus
- In 2024, What Pokémon Evolve with A Dawn Stone For Xiaomi Civi 3? | Dr.fone
- Updated 2024 Approved Deep Dive Into the Technological Framework of Sound Forge
- New FCP X Effects for Beginners A Quick and Easy 3-Step Process for 2024
- New Little Known Ways of Adding Emojis to Photos on iPhone & Android 2023 for 2024
- Updated Learn How to Extract Sound From Video Using the Different Online and Software Tools. Details About Their Features, Pros/Cons, and More Are Given
- Updated 2024 Approved A Comprehensive Review of Descript Overdub AI Feature
- New FCPX Hacks and Workarounds Expert Advice for Smooth Editing
- The Most Useful Tips for Pokemon Go Ultra League On Vivo Y78t | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved Make Movies Like a Pro Best Windows 10 Video Editors
- Updated Powerful Set of Male to Female Voice Change Technologies Enhancing Eloquence with Higher Pitches for 2024
- How to Fake Snapchat Location on Oppo Find N3 | Dr.fone
- Updated In 2024, Keep It Private 10 Best Free Face Blurring Tools for Social Media
- Is GSM Flasher ADB Legit? Full Review To Bypass Your Tecno Pova 5 Phone FRP Lock
- How to Repair corrupt MP4 and AVI files of HTC ?
- New In 2024, How to Add Selective Color Effect to Your Videos
- In 2024, Unlock Your Vivo Y02Ts Potential The Top 20 Lock Screen Apps You Need to Try
- Android Safe Mode - How to Turn off Safe Mode on Sony Xperia 5 V? | Dr.fone
- Top Apps and Online Tools To Track Vivo T2 Pro 5G Phone With/Without IMEI Number
- New Premier Noise-Canceling Software for Enhancing Music and Speech Clarity
- How Can We Unlock Our Tecno Phantom V Fold Phone Screen?
- In 2024, 3 Ways to Erase iPhone XR When Its Locked Within Seconds
- How To Track IMEI Number Of Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G Through Google Earth?
- How to Track a Lost Lava Yuva 2 Pro for Free? | Dr.fone
- The Easiest Methods to Hard Reset Oppo A1x 5G | Dr.fone
- In 2024, The Most Useful Tips for Pokemon Go Ultra League On Nokia C12 Pro | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How To Remove Screen Lock PIN On Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Like A Pro 5 Easy Ways
- In 2024, How to Detect and Remove Spyware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G? | Dr.fone
- Title: Set Custom Save Path for Screen Captures (Mac) for 2024
- Author: Agatha
- Created at : 2024-05-18 02:46:54
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 02:46:54
- Link: https://video-screen-grab.techidaily.com/set-custom-save-path-for-screen-captures-mac-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.