screencapture

Screencapture is a command-line utility in macOS that captures still images of the computer screen. It is part of the Core Graphics framework and is accessible from the Terminal. The tool can capture the entire display, a selected region, or a specific window, and it can save the resulting image to a file or copy it to the clipboard. Additional options allow including the cursor, delaying the capture, or targeting a particular display when multiple monitors are connected.

The exact command-line options available for screencapture can vary by macOS version, but common capabilities include interactive modes for selecting a region or window, the ability to save or copy the image, and control over timing and display selection. In interactive mode, a user can use the mouse to define the capture area or choose a window. Some options also enable suppressing the default capture sound or adjusting the output destination.

Output is typically in PNG format by default, though the tool may support other formats or be combined with system features to export in different types depending on the version and configuration. The utility is executable from /usr/sbin and is widely used in scripts and automation to generate screenshots without user intervention.

Screencapture remains a core part of macOS’s approach to screen capture, offering a lightweight, scriptable alternative to graphical screenshot tools. It complements other macOS features and third-party applications by enabling automated capture workflows and integration with workflows and logs.