Mac’s integrated screenshot device has two primary problems:

  • Screenshots save for your Desktop by means of default, developing muddle
  • Filenames are in line with timestamps (e.g., “Display screen Shot 2026-01-09 at 2.30.00 PM.png“), which aren’t descriptive

This submit will display you learn how to remedy each issues by means of mechanically saving screenshots to a customized folder with significant, descriptive filenames.


Why does this subject?

Over the years, you’ll gather heaps of screenshots with unhelpful filenames. Discovering the precise one turns into tough. It’s possible you’ll inform your self you’ll prepare and rename them later, however let’s be fair – that hardly occurs.

Ultimately, the muddle turns into overwhelming and also you delete them in bulk, continuously shedding screenshots you in fact want.

Mac desktop cluttered with disorganized screenshot files
A Mac desktop cluttered with untidy, auto-named screenshot information.

What we’re development

Right here’s what we’ll do the usage of Mac’s local options (no further apps required): Each and every time you are taking a screenshot, your Mac will mechanically reserve it to a customized folder, analyze the content material, and provides it a brief, descriptive filename.

Mainly, you’ll flip messy screenshot information like those (left) into arranged, descriptive ones like those (correct).

Before and after comparison of Mac screenshot file organization
Earlier than (left): Messy, default-named screenshots. After (correct): Routinely arranged and obviously classified screenshots.

Getting began

This setup takes about 5-10 mins and calls for Mac’s Terminal and Shortcuts apps.

Device necessities:

  • Apple silicon Mac (M1, M2, or later)
  • Newest macOS model
  • Apple Intelligence enabled

Now, let’s get began.


1. Specify a folder for screenshots

First, let’s configure macOS to mechanically save all screenshots to a selected folder.

Steps:

  1. Create a folder named “Screenshots” (or any title you like)
  2. Open the Terminal app
  3. Kind the next command adopted by means of an area (don’t press Input but):
    defaults write com.apple.screencapture 
    Terminal command for changing Mac screenshot location
  4. Drag and drop your folder from Finder into the Terminal window – this mechanically fills within the folder trail
    Dragging folder from Finder into Mac Terminal window
  5. Press Input
  6. Observe the adjustments by means of operating:
    killall SystemUIServer

That’s it! Go out the Terminal app and take a couple of check screenshots. They must now save mechanically for your designated folder.


2. Construction the automation

Right here’s what we’re development: on every occasion a screenshot is stored for your folder, it’ll be mechanically analyzed and renamed with a significant, descriptive filename.

Steps:

  1. Release the Shortcuts app
  2. Create a brand new Automation: Pass to Report > New Automation, make a choice Folder, then click on Subsequent
  3. Within the subsequent display:
    • Click on Select Folder, navigate for your screenshot folder, and click on Make a choice
    • Below “When Any Pieces Is”, test Added
    • Test Run Instantly
    Mac Shortcuts automation folder trigger settings
  4. Check the whole thing is right kind (see screenshot under), then click on Subsequent

At the subsequent display, click on “New Shortcut” to proceed, and then you definitely’ll be directed to the shortcut’s interface.

Mac Shortcuts app new automation interface
Apply those under steps in moderation to construct the shortcut:

1. Upload “Repeat with Each and every” motion:

  • In “Seek Movements” (most sensible correct), seek for “Repeat with Each and every” and double-click so as to add it
  • Adding Repeat with Each action in Mac Shortcuts
  • Click on the blue “Pieces”, make a choice “Shortcut Enter” from the dropdown
  • Click on “Shortcut Enter” once more, then make a choice “Added information”
    Selecting Added files as Shortcut Input in Mac Shortcuts

2. Upload “Get Pictures from Enter” motion:

  • Seek for “Get Pictures from Enter” and double-click so as to add it
  • Drag it between “Repeat with…” and “Finish Repeat”

Test your shortcut towards the screenshot under to ensure it’s right kind.

Mac Shortcuts workflow with Get Images and Repeat actions

3. Upload “Use Style” motion:

  • Seek for “Use Style” and upload it to the panel
    Adding Apple Intelligence Use Model action in Mac Shortcuts
  • Click on the textbox containing “Pictures”, transparent it, and paste this suggested:
Analyze the picture and supply a brief, easy descriptive title in line with those laws:
* "Duration:" Use between 3 to five phrases.
* "Layout:" Don't finish the outline with a duration (.).
* "Taste:" Stay it transparent, concise, and descriptive of the principle matter.
  • On the finish of the textbox, right-click and make a choice “Insert Variable > Pictures”

4. Upload “Rename Report” motion:

  • Seek for “Rename Report” and upload it above “Finish Repeat”
    Adding Rename File action in Mac Shortcuts automation
  • Proper-click “Reaction” and alter it to “Repeat Merchandise”
  • Proper-click “Identify” and alter it to “Reaction”

That’s it! Take a check screenshot. The primary time, you’ll see a permission suggested – click on K to permit get right of entry to for your screenshot folder.

Take a couple of extra screenshots and watch them mechanically get renamed with descriptive filenames to your designated folder.


Ultimate ideas

If the renamed screenshots aren’t precisely what you wish to have, be at liberty to edit the suggested. With this automation quietly running within the background, your screenshots will likely be higher arranged, more uncomplicated to go looking by way of Highlight, and more uncomplicated to spot at a look.

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