mariyaa

Hey everyone...I've asked this question before but this time I'm running OSX 10.3 I want to make screenshots of certain applications on this OSX. Now I know you can go command-shift-3 but the files come out as pdf. I need them to be either jpg or bmp (prefered). Is there a way to change the default behaviour so each snapshot comes out in either of these two formats ? I just don't want to convert them from pdf to the other format just trying to save a step. thanks.

idialman

Tinkertool will change this pref. Can save to many different formats. I think it also changes where default save location is.
Or you could try this, copied from another forum (works in Tiger, don't know about 10.3):

Just open a Terminal and type:
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type image_format
Replace image_format with your preferred image format. I imagine that anything supported by QuickTime should work.

miketoy

Change Screen Capture Formats Via Terminal
Here are the screen capture formats that can be used. I tested these out and posted the tip. Also, when you are done entering the line in the Terminal, you have to enter "killall SystemUIServer" in the Terminal (or log out) to put the changes into effect. Note that this works for Tiger, and should also work under Panther.

mariyaa

Thanks to both I'm going to give that a try today. If I run into any snags will reply back with another post. Thanks again.

idialman

Tinkertool ver.3.5.....look under general, popup in the middle of the window.
Oh, and it doesn't have an option of "where" to save.

miketoy

Are you typing the first command ("defaults write com.apple..." etc.), followed by the Return key, followed by the "killall SystemUIServer" command, followed by the return key?
Also, "SystemUIServer" is case-sensitive, so you have to type it as it's written here.

mariyaa

Well I tried both tinkertool (could not find the setting to change screenshots) and the terminal command and the terminal command seemed to work without any errors...but the files are still being saved as pdf. I followed exactly as all of you said and checked the link for an example.

http://www.mymacblog.com/index.php/...a-the-terminal/

I typed exactly "defaults write com.apple.screencapture type bmp" and then the killall SystemUIServer command.

idialman

Thanks for everyone's help. BTW I'm running 10.3.9 not 10.4.

Tinkertool version 3.6.1 ONLY has the following options under General:

--> Place scroll arrows
--> Expose window hiding
--> Display of sheets


Yes I did run the Terminal commands as follows:

> defaults write com.apple.screencapture type bmp <return>
> killall SystemUIServer <return>

I even logged off and logged back in again even a reboot. There is something were mising here.....

miketoy

When i take screenshots it saves them as PNG and I use preview to save to different file formats
Im using Tiger hence spotlight
Tested and this also works with PDFs

mariyaa

I don't know about permenantly changing the file type, but if you just want to do a screenshot type in Terminal:

sleep 10; screencapture ~/Desktop/Screenshot.png

The sleep command gives you 10 seconds (you can change it) to minimize the Terminal window and you can save it to wherever you want and with whatever filetype you want (as long as it's supported by Quicktime and Preview).

Another example:

sleep 30; screencapture ~/Pictures/MyScreen.pdf