---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-are-screen-recordings-and-screenshots-using
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-screen-recordings-and-screenshots-using
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Finding big files, Downloads and the Trash"
question: "Where do screenshots and screen recordings go, and can I change it?"
alt_questions:
  - "screen recordings taking space mac"
  - "change screenshot location mac"
  - "where are screen recordings saved mac"
  - "screenshots cluttering desktop"
  - "move screenshot folder"
short_answer: "They go to the Desktop by default. Press Shift-Command-5, choose Options, and pick another location such as a folder on an external drive."
tags: ["screenshots", "screen recording", "desktop"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-find-large-files-on-my-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-clean-up-my-downloads-folder"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Where do screenshots and screen recordings go, and can I change it?

By default they're saved to the **Desktop**. Screen recordings in particular can be several gigabytes each.

To change where they go, press **Shift-Command-5**, click **Options** and choose a different location, such as a folder on an external drive or a cloud folder. Then clear out old recordings from the Desktop.