Capturing an entire webpage on a Mac can be useful for saving information, creating visual guides, or archiving content. However, the built-in screenshot tools on macOS can only capture what’s currently visible on the screen, which might not be sufficient for long web pages. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to capture a full-page screenshot on a Mac. Here are three main methods: using Safari’s built-in screenshot feature, using third-party browser extensions, and using dedicated applications.
1. Using Safari’s Built-in Screenshot Feature
If you’re using Safari, Apple’s built-in browser, you have an easy way to capture full-page screenshots without installing any additional tools.
Steps to Capture a Full-Page Screenshot in Safari:
1. Open Safari and navigate to the webpage you want to capture.
2. Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar. While this toolbar allows standard captures, it doesn’t have a full-page capture option. Instead:
3. Go to File > Export as PDF in the top menu. This will save the entire webpage as a PDF file on your computer.
4. Open the PDF file, which contains the entire page, and save it or convert it to an image if needed.
The Safari method is quick and works well if you only need a one-time capture. However, keep in mind that the file will be saved as a PDF by default, so you may need a PDF-to-image converter if you want a PNG or JPEG file.
2. Using Third-Party Browser Extensions
Browser extensions offer an easy and versatile way to capture full-page screenshots, especially if you frequently need this feature. Popular options include GoFullPage for Chrome and FireShot for Firefox, both of which work seamlessly on Mac.
How to Use GoFullPage Extension (Chrome):
1. Open Chrome, go to the Chrome Web Store, and search for “GoFullPage.”
2. Install the extension by clicking Add to Chrome.
3. When you want to capture a full page, click the GoFullPage icon in the toolbar. The extension will automatically scroll through the page and capture the entire content.
4. Once the capture is complete, you’ll be redirected to an editing window where you can download the screenshot as an image or PDF.
Browser extensions like GoFullPage and FireShot allow you to capture, edit, and download screenshots quickly, making them convenient for frequent users.
3. Using Dedicated Screenshot Applications
If you’re looking for more functionality, dedicated screenshot applications like Snagit and Lightshot offer full-page capture options and additional editing features. While most of these tools are paid, they provide advanced features like annotation, markup, and easy file sharing.
How to Use Snagit for Full-Page Screenshots:
1. Download and install Snagit from the official website.
2. Open Snagit and select All-in-One Capture.
3. Drag the crosshair across the content area to choose the webpage window. Snagit will automatically scroll down to capture the full page.
4. Once the capture is complete, the editor window opens, where you can crop, annotate, and export the screenshot in various formats.
Dedicated tools like Snagit are helpful if you need to capture full-page screenshots regularly and require additional editing features.
Taking a full-page screenshot on a Mac is easy once you know the available tools. For Safari users, exporting the page as a PDF is a quick, built-in option. If you use Chrome or Firefox, third-party browser extensions like GoFullPage or FireShot offer a free and effective way to capture long webpages. Alternatively, dedicated applications like Snagit provide full-featured options for those needing more control and editing tools.
