![The Ultimate Guide to Mac's Image File Transformation for 2024](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/cnbU86cA88gNmLB_6vGsp1ZnxFM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/asian-woman-talking-into-microphone-722208887-5b2a989730371300373a0447.jpg)
The Ultimate Guide to Mac's Image File Transformation for 2024
![](/images/site-logo.png)
The Ultimate Guide to Mac’s Image File Transformation
How to Change Screenshot File Formats on a Mac
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
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
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
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
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
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
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Taking screenshots on a Mac computer is a straightforward process that requires you to just hold Command + Shift + 3 or 4 keys. That’s it, the file is then saved on your desktop by default, and you can open it in a photo editing software where you can change its file format, crop it or enhance its colors. Mac computers, save screenshots as PNG files, but they also offer support for JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and GIF files, so its users can select the one that best suits their needs.
However, the process of changing the default screenshot file format on a Mac is needlessly complicated, but in this article, we will show you how you can accomplish this task in just a few simple steps.
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
Supported Image Formats on Mac
As we already mentioned, Mac computers allow its users to save screenshots in some of the most frequently used picture file formats. The PNG files support lossless data compression, just like GIF files and they are the most commonly used lossless data compression format on the Internet. However, there are a few downsides, including the size of the PNG files that can prompt you to set another file format as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Using JPEG file extension will enable you to create images that can be used in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations or shared anywhere on the Internet. PDF or TIFF files should only be used if you want to print the screenshot you’ve taken, while the GIF file format is used to create short animations or loops and there is absolutely no reason to use it as a default screenshot file format.
Which Screenshot Format Should You Use?
Each image file format Mac computer support is designed for different purposes, which is the reason why you should choose the screenshot graphics format that best fits the context in which the file is going to be used. Converting PNG files to some popular file format is almost always necessary, so if you want to avoid having to go through the file conversion process every time you take a screenshot just to be able to edit it, our advice is to set the JPEG as the default screenshot file format on your Mac.
Besides being smaller in size than PNG files, JPEG files are also handier if you want to annotate the screenshots you’re taking. In addition, you’ll be able to post your files anywhere on the Internet, because JPEG files are supported by all social media platforms.
How to Change Screenshot Formats?
Once you decide which format you want to use the default screenshot graphics format on your Mac, you should launch the Terminal app. You can access the Terminal from the Utility subfolder that is located in the Application folder.
When the Terminal window appears on the screen you will have to insert the following command:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
As you can see, the command ends with .jpg, which is, in this case, the default graphics format to which you will be switching to. The command line is the same for all other file formats, and the only difference is the file extension at the end.
Press the Return or Enter button to execute the command and then proceeded to confirm the changes you’ve made by resetting the UI and entering this command line:
killall SystemUIServer
Press the Enter key, to complete the process and enjoy taking screenshots in the JPEG file format. This step is necessary for changing all other graphics formats supported by Mac computers, and the command line is always the same.
Here’s how you can change the screenshot file format to TIFF, GIF, PDF or PNG. Simply insert the appropriate command line and make sure to restart Mac’s UI by entering the killall SystemUIServer command after you change the graphics format.
The Command line for changing the Screenshot format to TIFF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type TIFF
PDF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PDF
GIF:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type GIF
PNG:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type PNG
You can switch back to capturing screenshots in PNG file format at any moment by simply following the steps we described for all other image file formats supported by the macOS. Leave a comment and let us know which file format you like to use the most as the default screenshot format on your Mac.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Also read:
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Optimal PC-Mac Screen Recording Software\""
- "[Updated] Screen Grab Mastery for Windows Users (3 Techniques)"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Top 10 Strategies for Improved Facecam Recording"
- "\"Asgardian Fury Final Conflict Era for 2024\""
- "\"In 2024, Miniature Homes 6 Top Oriental Designs for MCers\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved MacPixelPro Optimized for High-Res Mac Images\""
- "[New] Learn iPad's Screen Sharing Basics for 2024"
- "\"[New] No-Fuss Filming Dell Laptop Screen Recordings\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Top 10 Firefox Video Capture Packages"
- "In 2024, A Comprehensive Look at Stardew and Ginger Isle"
- "[Updated] The Power of iRecorder in Action"
- "[Updated] Little Wheelmen's Game Festivals"
- "Essential 8 Open Source Tools for Effective Enterprise Video Meetings"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Leading iOS Emulators Virtual PS2 World\""
- "In 2024, FocusSnap Recorder for Screen Masters"
- "[Updated] Essential Screen Recording Steps for Perfection"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Conquer Video Production OBS Studio and Android\""
- "\"Operational Update Troubled OBS Camera\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Exploring Top Videography Apps for Enhanced Win11 Experience\""
- "\"2024 Approved Essential Game Editor Tools for Novices\""
- "\"[New] Reimagining Focus The New Age of Zooming Clear\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Sustainable Screen Tech Best Picks Reviewed\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Streamlined Recording of PowerPoint Slides via Webcam"
- "[Updated] OBS Meets ShadowCast for 2024"
- "[New] Top 5 Fluid Simulation Games"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved The Essential Tech for Personal TV Broadcasting PCs\""
- "\"In 2024, SplitCam Reviewed Topping in Video Recording Technology?\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved EliteMac Pro High-Definition Visuals + Audiophile Recordings\""
- "\"2024 Approved Beyond the Basics Advanced Livestreaming Tools\""
- "\"2024 Approved Inside the Box Logitech’s Expertly Designed 4K Pro Webcam\""
- "\"[New] Cutting-Edge Audio Capture Gear Top 7 List, 2023 Edition for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Photo Your Display Windows 7/8/10/11 Style\""
- "\"2024 Approved Capturing Competitive Overwatch in Minutes\""
- "\"[Updated] VRecorder Your Quick Route to High-Quality Sound System for 2024\""
- "\"In 2024, Expert-Curated List of Near-Perfect 3Ds Simulations\""
- "\"In 2024, Maximizing Memories The Ultimate Guide for Overwatch Players\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Pursuing Perfection on Track Compiling Top 5 Simulators\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Odin's Revenge Ragnarök - Coming Soon!\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, How to Effortlessly Record Movies on Win10"
- "[Updated] The Complete Screen Recorder's Playbook"
- "[Updated] Ideal Image Logger for Windows 11 Users for 2024"
- "\"Unlocking Potential How to Maximize Whiteboards in Zoom Meets for 2024\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Unveiling Professional Monitor Recording by ZDSoft\""
- "[Updated] The Insider Look at IO's Video Recording Tools"
- "[Updated] In 2024, FrameFraction Review"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Sweet Scene Capture Masterclass in Freeze-Dried Filmmaking\""
- "\"Vintage Racing Sims Our Favorite Five\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Immediate iOS Screen Playback Guide\""
- "\"[New] The Ultimate Guide to Cost-Free Online Collaboration Tools\""
- In 2024, How to Unlock AT&T iPhone 7 with 3 Methods
- Updated The Quest for Lossless Top FLAC Converters Revealed for 2024
- In 2024, How to Bypass Google FRP Lock from Vivo S18 Devices
- In 2024, Is GSM Flasher ADB Legit? Full Review To Bypass Your Honor Magic 5 LiteFRP Lock
- Dose Life360 Notify Me When Someone Checks My Location On Apple iPhone 15 Plus? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Migrate Android Data From Xiaomi 13T to New Android Phone? | Dr.fone
- Top 5 Car Locator Apps for Motorola G54 5G | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Change GPS Location on Lava Blaze Curve 5G Easily & Safely | Dr.fone
- How To Transfer WhatsApp From iPhone 7 Plus to other iPhone 15 devices? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, 3 Easy Methods to Unlock iCloud Locked Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max/iPad/iPod
- New The Ultimate Guide to Mac Green Screen Software Solutions
- Updated In 2024, Pinnacle Studio Not Your Cup of Tea? Explore These Mac Alternatives
- Guide on How To Change Your Apple ID Email Address On iPhone SE (2020) | Dr.fone
- How to Unlock Realme C53 Bootloader Easily
- In 2024, 2 Ways to Transfer Text Messages from Motorola Moto G73 5G to iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X/8/ | Dr.fone
- How To Repair iPhone 7 Plus iOS System? | Dr.fone
- The Best Android SIM Unlock Code Generators Unlock Your Motorola G24 Power Phone Hassle-Free
- Updated The Elite Selection Best-Selling Mac Audio Editing Tools, Ranked
- In 2024, Easiest Guide How to Clone Honor V Purse Phone? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Mirror PC Screen to OnePlus Ace 2V Phones? | Dr.fone
- 6 Fixes to Unfortunately WhatsApp has stopped Error Popups On Vivo X100 | Dr.fone
- How to recover deleted contacts from Motorola Moto G 5G (2023).
- Updated Best Video Editing Software for Beginners 2022 Top List
- Apply These Techniques to Improve How to Detect Fake GPS Location On Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G | Dr.fone
- Reset iTunes Backup Password Of Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Prevention & Solution | Dr.fone
- 10 Free Video Surveillance Software Solutions to Keep You Safe for 2024
- How to Update Apple iPhone 12 without Losing Anything? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Best Apple iPhone 12 & iPad Screen Mirroring App | Dr.fone
- In 2024, 5 Techniques to Transfer Data from Oppo A18 to iPhone 15/14/13/12 | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Forgot Locked Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Password? Learn the Best Methods To Unlock | Dr.fone
- Top-Notch Solutions for Disabled Apple ID On Apple iPhone SE (2022) Making It Possible
- In 2024, Locked Out of Apple iPhone 8? 5 Ways to get into a Locked Apple iPhone 8 | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How Do I Stop Someone From Tracking My Poco X6 Pro? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Fake Snapchat Location on Meizu 21 Pro | Dr.fone
- How to Restore iPhone 14 Plus without Backup | Stellar
- Here Are Some Reliable Ways to Get Pokemon Go Friend Codes For Apple iPhone 8 | Dr.fone
- Updated In 2024, What to Expect From VN Video Editor on Your PC
- In 2024, How to Transfer Contacts from Motorola Edge 40 to Other Android Devices Devices? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Ultimate guide to get the meltan box pokemon go For Motorola Moto G84 5G | Dr.fone
- Title: The Ultimate Guide to Mac's Image File Transformation for 2024
- Author: Agatha
- Created at : 2024-05-19 19:41:26
- Updated at : 2024-05-20 19:41:26
- Link: https://video-screen-grab.techidaily.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-macs-image-file-transformation-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.