Save Mac screenshots as JPG instead of PNG

Change the default screenshot format on macOS.

macOSScreenshotdefaultsMedium risk

Run the command below, then every new screenshot (⌘⇧3 / ⌘⇧4 / ⌘⇧5) is saved as JPG. Existing screenshots are untouched.

01Command

Command

$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg && killall SystemUIServer

02What it does

macOS saves screenshots as PNG by default. The screencapture 'type' preference accepts png, jpg, tiff, gif or pdf. killall SystemUIServer reloads the preference instantly. JPG produces smaller files, which is handy for photos; PNG stays better for UI shots with text.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk

CompatibilitymacOS 10.14 Mojave – 15 Sequoia

!Warning: JPG is lossy — screenshots containing small text may look slightly softer than PNG.

04Undo

Undo

$ defaults write com.apple.screencapture type png && killall SystemUIServer

05Sources

screencapture — take screenshots from the command line
SS64 · technical · 2025-11-15
Evidence: com.apple.screencapture type accepts png, jpg, tiff, gif, pdf.

Last verified: 2025-11-15 · Category: System & Settings

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