Stop the screenshot thumbnail in the corner of your Mac screen

Why it happens

After you take a screenshot, macOS shows a small preview in the corner for a few seconds so you can mark it up or share it. The file isn't saved until that preview slides away. With the preview off, each screenshot is saved straight away.

How to fix it

1. Press Shift-Command-5. The Screenshot toolbar appears near the bottom of the screen.

2. Click Options in the toolbar.

3. Click Show Floating Thumbnail so the tick disappears.

4. Press Esc to close the toolbar. The change applies to every screenshot shortcut, including Shift-Command-3 and Shift-Command-4.

Still not fixed?

1. Like the preview sometimes? Leave it on and swipe the thumbnail to the right to save at once, or drag it straight into an email or folder.

2. Can't find screenshots after the change? Look at Save to in the same Options menu. The Desktop is where they go unless you've changed it.

3. If Shift-Command-5 does nothing, open Keyboard Shortcuts… in Keyboard settings, click Screenshots, and make sure the shortcuts are ticked.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…›Screenshots

4. If the thumbnail keeps coming back after a restart, contact Apple Support.