---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-change-where-screenshots-are-saved
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-change-where-screenshots-are-saved
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Creative and media apps"
question: "How do I change where screenshots and screen recordings are saved on a Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "screenshot save location mac"
  - "stop screenshots on desktop"
  - "save screenshots to folder mac"
  - "command shift 5 options save to"
  - "screenshots external drive"
  - "screen recording save location"
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."
tags: ["screenshots", "screen recording", "settings"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-screen-recordings-and-screenshots-using", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-find-screenshots-in-photos"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I change where screenshots and screen recordings are saved on a Mac?

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](https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-screen-recordings-and-screenshots-using).