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Change where screenshots are saved on macOS

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I'm not a fan of having a cluttered desktop. Ideally I don't have anything on my desktop.

For temporary storage I use my downloads folder. That way I know I can blow it away at any moment and there is nothing in there that is permanent. Screenshots fall in that category.

How to change screenshot save location on macOS

This works for macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur or Monterey.

  • Press Command + Shift + 5 to bring up the full featured screenshot interface
  • In the toolbar at the bottom, click on Options
  • Click on Other Location so you can select your Downloads folder

That's it.