Save your Mac screenshots to a different folder

Why it happens

Your Mac saves every screenshot to the Desktop unless you tell it otherwise, so they build up fast. The save folder is set in the Screenshot toolbar, not in System Settings. Once you change it, every new screenshot and screen recording goes there.

How to fix it

1. If you want a folder just for screenshots, make it first. In Finder, open Documents or Pictures, choose File > New Folder and name it Screenshots.

2. Press Shift-Command-5. A small toolbar appears near the bottom of the screen.

3. Click Options in the toolbar. Under Save to, pick Desktop, Documents or another listed place, or choose Other Location… and select your Screenshots folder.

   Screenshot toolbar›Options›Save to

4. Press Escape to close the toolbar, then take a test screenshot with Shift-Command-3. It should land in the new folder.

Still not fixed?

1. If screenshots don't appear anywhere, check that Save to isn't set to Clipboard. With Clipboard ticked, a screenshot waits to be pasted with Command-V instead of being saved as a file.

2. If you later move, rename or delete the chosen folder, screenshots can't save there. Open Options again and pick the folder in its new place.

3. Old screenshots stay where they were. Select them on the Desktop and drag them into the new folder to tidy up.

4. If your Mac keeps going back to the Desktop after a restart, install any waiting update in General, then Software Update. If it still won't stick, contact Apple Support.

   General›Software Update