Copy a screenshot so you can paste it, without saving a file

Why it happens

By default your Mac saves every screenshot as a file, usually on the desktop. Holding Control as well tells it to copy the picture instead, so no file is made. It works with every screenshot shortcut.

How to fix it

1. For part of the screen, press Control-Shift-Command-4. The pointer turns into crosshairs. Drag over the area you want and let go.

2. For the whole screen, press Control-Shift-Command-3. For one window, press Control-Shift-Command-4, then press Space and click the window.

3. No file appears this time, but the picture is copied. Click where you want it, like an email, a message or a document, and press Command-V.

4. The clipboard holds one thing at a time, so paste the screenshot before you copy anything else.

Still not fixed?

1. Want every screenshot copied this way? Press Shift-Command-5, click Options and choose Clipboard under Save to. Choose Desktop again to go back.

   Screenshot toolbar›Options›Save to

2. Need it as a file after all? Open Preview and choose File > New from Clipboard, then save it.

   Preview›File›New from Clipboard

3. If nothing pastes, try a different app. Some places, like a plain text box, only take words and ignore pictures.

4. If the shortcuts do nothing at all, check the screenshot shortcuts are switched on in Keyboard Shortcuts.

   Keyboard›Keyboard Shortcuts…›Screenshots

5. If screenshots still won't copy after a restart, contact Apple Support.