!["[New] From PNG to JPEG Mac Screenshot Transformations for 2024"](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)
"[New] From PNG to JPEG Mac Screenshot Transformations for 2024"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
From PNG to JPEG: Mac Screenshot Transformations
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] In 2024, Screen Grab King MacOS Recorder, Free\""
- "[New] A Technophile's Manual on Keeping a Digital Log of Live TV"
- "[Updated] Essential Mac Captures Compilation (Under 156 Chars)"
- "[New] Discover Your New Favorites with Our Best Offline iOS Games List"
- "\"[Updated] High-End Methods for Monitoring and Recording PC Sounds\""
- "Professional PPT Recording Tactics and Tricks for 2024"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Stream Your Webcam in Real Time Using VLC Software"
- "[New] In 2024, Initial Guide to Zoom Room Segregation"
- "[Updated] Anniversary Graphics Kit for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Cross-Platform Calendar Coordination Zoom to Your Devices\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Agriculture Adventures with Comrades Top 10 Farmer's Craft\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved How to Record Console Gameplay on Computer\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Nocturnal Notes Expert Advice on Low Light Photos\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Fix for Sudden Audio Gaps in OBS Captures\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Digital Experts' 5 Favorite Video Recorders\""
- "\"From Novice to Pro Your Complete Screencast Journey for 2024\""
- "[New] Unlocking the Art of Film Preservation in Tech Era"
- "Voice Memos Inspector's Handbook for 2024"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Groundbreaking Filmmaker's First Work Insight & Alternate Films"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Step-by-Step Screenshot Guide Capturing and Storing Hulu Content\""
- "[New] In 2024, Improve Your Video Editing with These 5 OBS Solutions"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Insider Secrets to Captivating Facecam Videos"
- "[Updated] The Ultimate Guide to Selecting Frame Rate for HD Recording for 2024"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Uncovering 8 Affordable, Platform-Agnostic Virtual Communication Tools\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved The Ultimate PPT Recording Process Explained\""
- "\"Leading Edge Webcams Insider's Choice in Windows 11\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Universal Method for Screen Recording Across Systems\""
- "[Updated] In 2024, Ultimate Game Viewing Experience"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved PS2 on iOS Selecting the Best Emulators\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Xbox Expansion Top 5 External Hard Drives Ranked\""
- "\"2024 Approved Professional PC/Mac Screen Recorders\""
- "\"2024 Approved The Ultimate Microphone Recordings List 9 Reviews of Choice\""
- "\"2024 Approved Streamlabs Versus OBS The Ultimate Showdown\""
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, Beginner's Guide Start Filming with Ease Using Logitech Camera\""
- "\"[Updated] Elevate Your Recordings Mastering Zoom's Features for Audio Quality\""
- "In 2024, Enhance Quality & Speed with These Recorder Tips"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Essential Peaceful PC Game List\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Integrating Zoom Into Your Daily Schedule\""
- "\"StaticScreen Snapshot On-Demand Steps for 2024\""
- "[New] Expertly Picked Top 10 Windows 11 Cam Recorders for 2024"
- "[Updated] How to Record Podcast Remotely"
- "\"In 2024, Harvesting Happiness The Ultimate List of #7-14 Mods\""
- "[New] Screen Commanders Clash"
- "\"[Updated] In 2024, The Best Choice High-Definition Screen Capturing Apps\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Easy-to-Follow Guide Leveraging Mobizen Screensaver\""
- "[New] Economical PC Screen Grab Utilities"
- "Unlimited Screen Capture Tool for 2024"
- "\"[New] Cutting-Edge HD Screen Recorders - The Finest Titles\""
- "\"[New] Premium Multi-Device Video Talks Solutions for 2024\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Mastering VRecorder Download, Install!\""
- Fix App Not Available in Your Country Play Store Problem on Xiaomi Redmi A2+ | Dr.fone
- In 2024, 2 Ways to Monitor Oppo Reno 11 Pro 5G Activity | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved The Insiders Guide to Understanding Rap Lyrics and Themes
- 6 Methods to Mirror Apple iPhone 11 Pro to your Windows PC | Dr.fone
- Unbiased Review Is AVS Video Editor the Right Choice for You for 2024
- New The Ultimate FCPX Cropping Guide Resize and Refine Your Images
- New 2024 Approved Best Lyric Video Templates for After Effects
- A Step-by-Step Guide on Using ADB and Fastboot to Remove FRP Lock from your Honor 100 Pro
- Troubleshooting Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server From iPhone 15
- Reliable User Guide to Fix Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Running Slow and Freezing | Dr.fone
- Updated How to Find & Make Animated Christmas GIFs, In 2024
- New The Art of Color Consistency A PowerDirector Users Guide
- Here are Some of the Best Pokemon Discord Servers to Join On Vivo V29e | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Additional Tips About Sinnoh Stone For Poco C50 | Dr.fone
- Detailed guide of ispoofer for pogo installation On Xiaomi Civi 3 Disney 100th Anniversary Edition | Dr.fone
- Unlock Your Disabled iPhone XR Without iTunes in 5 Ways
- Updated You Can Create Interaction Videos with Friends and Family by Sitting Far Away, Which Seems Innovative. In This Article, Youll Get a Guide to Edit a Split-Screen Video on Filmora
- In 2024, Three Ways to Sim Unlock Samsung Galaxy S23+
- CatchEmAll Celebrate National Pokémon Day with Virtual Location On Nokia C300 | Dr.fone
- Here are Some of the Best Pokemon Discord Servers to Join On Honor 70 Lite 5G | Dr.fone
- How do i sign a .wps file document electronically
- New In 2024, Optimize Your Online Presence A Guide to Social Media Aspect Ratios
- In 2024, How to Transfer Apps from Samsung Galaxy A14 4G to Another | Dr.fone
- 4 Ways to Fix Android Blue Screen of Death On Lava Yuva 2 | Dr.fone
- Find My App Troubleshooting No Location Found vs. Location Not Available & How to Fix Them On Apple iPhone 6 Plus | Dr.fone
- Identify malfunctioning your drivers with Windows Device Manager on Windows 10
- In 2024, S Best Video Creation Tools with Music Integration
- In 2024, Troubleshooting Error Connecting to the Apple ID Server From iPhone 12
- Title: "[New] From PNG to JPEG Mac Screenshot Transformations for 2024"
- Author: Queen
- Created at : 2024-05-18 09:57:53
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 09:57:53
- Link: https://screen-mirroring-recording.techidaily.com/new-from-png-to-jpeg-mac-screenshot-transformations-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.