Mac storage basics · Creative and media apps
How do I change where screenshots and screen recordings are saved on a Mac?
Short answer: Press Shift-Command-5, click Options, and pick a folder under Save to (or Clipboard so quick shots aren't saved). It covers screenshots and screen recordings.
Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot toolbar, click Options, and under Save to choose Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, or Other Location… for any folder — including one on an external drive. The choice applies to screenshots and screen recordings alike.
A dedicated folder makes clutter easy to review and delete in one go. Choosing Clipboard means quick screenshots aren't saved as files at all, which keeps them from piling up. More on how much space they use: screenshots and screen recordings.