"[New] 2024 Approved Converting Mac Image Types A Step-by-Step Process"
Converting Mac Image Types: A Step-by-Step Process
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:
- "\"Screen Recording Pros Bandicam or Camtasia for 2024\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Revolutionize Live Streaming Top 4 Approaches to Record on FB\""
- "[New] In 2024, Pro Video Recording Software for MP4"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Best Mac Speech Loggers Our Curated 5-Pick List\""
- "In 2024, Guide to Set up Zoom Meetings"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, AZ Vision Recorder Complete Application Audits & Substitutes\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, In-Depth Analysis of Vidma's Recording Capabilities\""
- "Masterclasses in Livestreaming and Recording Sport Views for 2024"
- "[Updated] How to Transcribe Live Broadcasts Into Digital Format"
- "\"[Updated] Chromebook Shutter Magic - 4 Simple Steps\""
- "\"Transforming Team Meeting Aesthetics The Pre/Post Customization Angle\""
- "\"Mac Efficiency for Academics Audio Record of Classroom Learning\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Time-Lapse Video Techniques for iPad Users\""
- "\"Polity Playground Quintessential Politic Simulators Review for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] Virtual Vanguards Identifying the Top 7 FPS Powerhouses\""
- "\"[New] Perfect Pairing Best 6 Video Capture Tools for MacOS\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Warrior's Path A List of Intense Fighting Games\""
- "\"Ultimate Racer Replicas Our Top Games for 2024\""
- "\"In 2024, Breaking Down Live Mastering Four Fundamental Recording Techniques\""
- "\"[Updated] Setting Up Audacity for Effective Mac-Based Sound Capture\""
- "[New] Essential Tactics for Android Video Capture for 2024"
- "Optimal Listeners for University Talks"
- "[New] Premier iOS Devices to Play PSP Games in High Fidelity, 2023 Edition"
- "\"In 2024, Expert's Choice Top 10 High-Definition Screen Recorders\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Getting Started A Primer on Screencastify Use\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Seamless Scratching for Chrome Devices\""
- "[New] Master Class on Managing Desktop/Mobile Screens in Meet"
- "[New] 10 Best Video Calling Software on Phone and PC"
- "\"In 2024, VDSN VidScreen Record Review Thorough Analysis\""
- "\"[Updated] ClearView Screenshot Perfect Windows/Mac Imaging\""
- "[New] Comprehensive Screencast Insights for Creators for 2024"
- "[New] Quick and Easy Snapshot in Zoom Video Call"
- "\"Digital Symphony Recording on a Mac\""
- "Omnipresent IPTV Broadcasting for 2024"
- "\"[New] Screen Recording Simplified Unlocking Five Key Techniques for Minecraft on a Mac\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Clearing Focus Techniques for Blurring Meeting Backdrops\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Capture, Save, Analyze The Top 8 Sound Techniques\""
- "\"2024 Approved Top 15 PC & Mac Software for Perfect Game Recordings\""
- "\"[New] 9 Must-Play Screen-Free Apps for Offline Android Enthusiasts for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, When Worlds Crumble Premium Guide to Top Zombie Games\""
- "[Updated] Mastering Live Streams From OBS to FB for 2024"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Cutting-Edge Recording Tech Top 10 Innovators\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Top Techniques to Preserve and Store Mov Files on Windows PCs\""
- "\"[New] Maximizing Game Capture with Bandicam - Essentials for the Year 2023\""
- "\"Immediate Visuals The Fastest 4 Ways To Snip on Chrome OS for 2024\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, The Top Methods for Remotely Podcasting Success"
- "In 2024, Win 11 Guide to Storing .mov Files Effectively"
- Hard Resetting an Oppo A1 5G Device Made Easy | Dr.fone
- How to Bypass FRP from Vivo Y36?
- Forgot Locked iPhone XR Password? Learn the Best Methods To Unlock
- Updated 2024 Approved If You Want to Download some Free PC and Android Games, Here Is a List of 10 Best Free Websites to Providing Free Games Available for Download
- Ultimate Guide, How to Transfer Music From Apple iPhone SE (2020) to iPhone | Dr.fone
- 2024 Approved Behind the Scenes A Detailed Guide to Setting Up and Recording with GarageBand
- 3 Best Tools to Hard Reset Oppo A78 5G | Dr.fone
- The way to get back lost call history from Realme Narzo 60x 5G
- Steps to Add Subtitles in Canva for 2024
- Mastering the Art of Audio Modulation Speed & Pitch Online Guide for 2024
- New How to Create a Dynamic Text Animation in Filmora — Step-By-Step
- The way to get back lost call history from Oppo Reno 8T
- How to Track Vivo V30 Location without Installing Software? | Dr.fone
- 5 Easy Ways to Copy Contacts from Vivo V30 to iPhone 14 and 15 | Dr.fone
- Is Mega Mewtwo The Strongest Pokémon On Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, 7 Ways to Unlock a Locked Itel P55 Phone
- In 2024, How to Unlock AT&T iPhone 12 Pro with 3 Methods
- Updated 2024 Approved Unlock the Power of Audio Effective Text Conversion Methods
- What Does Enter PUK Code Mean And Why Did The Sim Get PUK Blocked On Vivo Y56 5G Device
- How To Fix Auto Lock Greyed Out on Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | Dr.fone
- Updated In 2024, The Ultimate Guide to Audio Conversion 12 Top-Rated Options
- New In 2024, The Ultimate Guide to Slow Motion in Windows Live Movie Maker
- New 2024 Approved Top 6 Video Dubbing Tools for Hilarious Edits
- How to Unlock Apple ID Activation Lock From iPhone 13 mini?
- Easy steps to recover deleted videos from Huawei Nova Y71
- Why is iPogo not working On Vivo Y200? Fixed | Dr.fone
- New Top 8 AR Apps for Android and iOS | Help You See the World of AR
- In 2024, Unova Stone Pokémon Go Evolution List and How Catch Them For Motorola Edge 2023 | Dr.fone
- Updated From Video to MP3 Maintaining Audio Fidelity for 2024
- New Best Video Editing Software with Audio Tracks for Mobile Phones for 2024
- Wondering the Best Alternative to Hola On ZTE Nubia Flip 5G? Here Is the Answer | Dr.fone
- Troubleshooting Guide How to Fix an Unresponsive Itel P55 5G Screen | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Top 5 Oppo F25 Pro 5G Bypass FRP Tools for PC That Actually Work
- 3 Methods to Mirror Tecno Spark Go (2023) to Roku | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to get the dragon scale and evolution-enabled pokemon On Samsung Galaxy XCover 7? | Dr.fone
- Title: "[New] 2024 Approved Converting Mac Image Types A Step-by-Step Process"
- Author: Duchess
- Created at : 2024-05-18 15:00:36
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 15:00:36
- Link: https://screen-video-capture.techidaily.com/new-2024-approved-converting-mac-image-types-a-step-by-step-process/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.