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When you take a screenshot on your Mac, it saves the image file to your desktop by default. However, leaving those screenshots on your desktop can make it messy and cluttered. As time goes by, it can be difficult to find the exact file that you want. In this blog post, we will teach you how to remove a screenshot from desktop on Mac, so you can keep your desktop clean and organized.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Remove A Screenshot from Desktop on Mac
There are several reasons why you need to remove a screenshot from the desktop on Mac.
- Free up some space: If you take a lot of screenshots, your desktop can quickly become cluttered and take up a lot of storage space.
- Reduce visual distraction: When you have too many files on your desktop, it can be distracting and hard to focus on your work. Removing unwanted screenshots can help you stay focused and organized.
- Easier file retrieval: When you have fewer files on your desktop, you can find the exact file you need much more easily.
Method 1: Using Terminal
The Terminal app on your Mac is a powerful tool that allows you to execute complex commands. Here’s how to remove a screenshot from desktop using Terminal:
- Open Terminal app on your Mac.
- Type in “cd Desktop” (without quotes) and press Enter. This command takes you to the desktop folder.
- Type in “rm filename.png” (without quotes) and press Enter. Replace filename.png with the name of the screenshot you want to remove.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient
- Can be used to delete multiple files at once
- Useful for advanced users
Cons:
- Commands can be dangerous if used improperly
- Not recommended for novice users
- Mistakes can lead to permanent deletion of files
Method 2: Using Finder App
The Finder app on your Mac is a graphical tool that you can use to delete screenshots from desktop. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the screenshot file that you want to remove on your desktop.
- Right-click on the file and select “Move to Trash”.
- Open the Trash folder by double-clicking on the Trash icon on your Dock.
- Right-click on the file and select “Delete Immediately” to permanently remove the screenshot.
Pros:
- Easy to use even for novice users
- Permanently delete files easily
- Unnecessary files are moved to Trash
Cons:
- Deleting files one by one can be time-consuming
- If you accidentally delete a file, it goes to Trash first and will need to be deleted again to be permanently removed
Method 3: Using Smart Folders
Smart Folders are an advanced feature of the Finder app that allows you to group files based on certain criteria like file type or date created. You can create a smart folder that shows all screenshots on your desktop and delete them all at once. Here’s how:
- Open a new Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon on your Dock.
- Click on File > New Smart Folder.
- Set the following criteria: Kind is Image, Name Contains “Screenshot”.
- All screenshots on your desktop will be displayed in the folder. Select all the files and move them to Trash.
- Open the Trash folder by double-clicking on the Trash icon on your Dock.
- Right-click on the file and select “Delete Immediately” to permanently remove the screenshot.
Pros:
- Allows you to mass-delete files
- Customizable criteria for selecting files
- Useful for advanced users
Cons:
- May delete important files by mistake
- Some users might not be familiar with Smart Folders
- Implementation may be time-consuming
What to Do If You Can’t Remove A Screenshot from Desktop on Mac
If you’re unable to remove a screenshot from desktop on Mac, you may need to check if the file has been locked. Follow these steps to unlock the file:
- Locate the screenshot file that you’re unable to delete on your desktop.
- Right-click on the file and select “Get Info” from the context menu.
- In the Info window that opens, locate the “Locked” checkbox and uncheck it.
- Try deleting the file again.
Bonus Tip
If you want to take a screenshot on your Mac and save it in a folder other than the desktop, follow these steps:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard.
- In the Screenshot app that opens, select “Options”.
- Select “Other Location” and choose the folder you want to save the screenshot in.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I recover a deleted screenshot from the Trash folder?
A: Yes, you can recover a deleted file from the Trash folder as long as you haven’t emptied the Trash or permanently deleted the file.
Q: Can I recover a permanently deleted screenshot on my Mac?
A: It is possible to recover permanently deleted screenshots on your Mac using data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or Disk Drill. However, the success of data recovery efforts depends on a variety of factors and is not always guaranteed.
Q: How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?
A: You can take a screenshot on a Mac by pressing Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen, or Command + Shift + 4 to capture a selected portion of the screen.
Q: Can I change where my screenshots are saved on my Mac?
A: Yes, you can change where your screenshots are saved on your Mac by going to “Options” in the Screenshot app and selecting “Other Location”. From there, you can select the folder where you want your screenshots to be saved.
Q: Can I use a third-party app to manage my screenshots on Mac?
A: Yes, there are several third-party apps available that you can use to manage your screenshots on Mac, such as CleanMyMac or Hazel.
Final Thoughts
Removing a screenshot from desktop on Mac is a simple task that can help you keep your desktop clean and organized. Whether you prefer to use the Terminal app or the Finder app, there are several methods that you can use to delete unwanted screenshots. If you’re having trouble removing a screenshot, try unlocking the file or using a third-party app to manage your files. With these tips and tricks, you can keep your desktop clutter-free and work more efficiently on your Mac.
