Where Do Screenshots Save by Default in macOS 13?

By default, macOS 13 (Ventura) automatically saves all screenshot files directly to your Desktop. This quick guide covers the exact default path, standard file naming conventions, and simple steps to change the default save location if you prefer a cleaner workspace.

The Default Save Location

When you take a screenshot on macOS 13 using keyboard shortcuts—such as Command + Shift + 3 (full screen) or Command + Shift + 4 (selected area)—the system writes the file directly to your user account's Desktop folder.

In the macOS file system, this path is: /Users/[YourUsername]/Desktop

File Naming and Format

macOS 13 automatically assigns a specific name and format to each image.

• Format: PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
• Naming Scheme: Screenshot [Year]-[Month]-[Day] at [Time].png (for example, Screenshot 2023-10-15 at 10.30.45 AM.png)

If you click the floating thumbnail that briefly appears in the bottom-right corner of the screen before the file saves, you can edit, markup, or share the image directly before it commits to the Desktop.

How to Change the Default Screenshot Location

If you do not want screenshots cluttering your Desktop, you can re-route them to any folder using the built-in screen capture toolbar:

1. Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard to launch the Screenshot utility.
2. Click Options on the control bar at the bottom of the screen.
3. Look under the Save to section.
4. Choose an existing preset (such as Documents, Downloads, or Clipboard) or click Other Location... to choose or create a dedicated screenshot folder.

Once selected, macOS 13 remembers this directory, and all future screenshots will save there automatically until changed again.