How to Export Screenshots as PDF, JPG, PNG, MP4, GIF, or ZIP

The same set of screenshots can become 40 image files, one searchable PDF, a 30-second video or a single archive. Each format suits a different next step, and picking the wrong one means exporting twice. This guide matches formats to what happens after the export, with the settings Temposhot offers for each.

Choose by what happens next

Next step	Format	Why
Paste into docs, slides or tickets	PNG	Sharp text, no compression artifacts
Upload many images or email them	JPG	Smaller files at adjustable quality
Read, search or print as one file	PDF	One file in order, text searchable after OCR
Hand the original set to someone	ZIP	One archive, files unchanged
Show change over time	MP4	Plays anywhere, small for its length
Loop a short clip inline	GIF	Plays without a video player

In Temposhot, select the frames you want in the results pane or in Capture History first. Every export uses the current selection.

PNG or JPG for individual images

PNG uses lossless compression. Text, icons and thin lines stay exact, which makes it the default for interface screenshots. Choose PNG Export (Lossless).

JPG uses lossy compression. It shrinks photos and gradients well but can blur small text at low quality. Choose JPG Export (Adjustable Quality) and set quality from 1 to 100. The default of 85 keeps interface text readable while cutting file size. Below about 60, artifacts around text become visible.

For long runs, Auto Export (Save as you go) in Settings, General, writes PNG or JPG files while Auto Capture or Website Capture runs. It does not apply to Action Capture.

PDF or ZIP for a set of screenshots

PDF combines the selected frames into one file in capture order and runs OCR, so the text in the images becomes searchable and selectable in compatible PDF viewers. Use it for reading, review and printing. See searchable PDF.

A Document export is different. It renders finished pages with framing, annotations and step descriptions, and the PDF dialog (customization with Pro) controls paper size, cover page and page numbers.

ZIP packs the selected original frames into one archive without changing them. Use it when another person needs the raw images or when you archive a session. If frames carry annotations or framing, the ZIP still contains the original unedited files, and Temposhot warns you before export.

MP4 or GIF for change over time

MP4 builds an H.264 video from the frames. Choose 5, 10, 15, 24, 30 or 60 fps and High, Medium or Low quality. Low frame rates let viewers see each step. High frame rates make a smooth timelapse: 1,200 frames play for 40 seconds at 30 fps and 20 seconds at 60 fps.

GIF is available from Export settings… in the export bar's context menu, with a frame delay of 0.04, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 or 1 second. GIFs loop and play inline in chat and docs, but they are limited to 256 colors and grow large quickly. Keep them to short clips. See GIF.

Online textbooks require a different first decision

For an online textbook or ebook, the first question is not the format. It is whether the platform already offers what you need: an offline mode in its app, a print allowance, or a PDF download. Check the options shown in your account, because they differ by publisher and title.

Screenshots fit only where the license allows personal copies. Temposhot captures what is visible on screen and cannot capture content protected against screen capture. When capture is allowed, a searchable PDF is usually the right format, because you can search and annotate it later.

Four concrete combinations

1. Bug report: 6 frames as PNG attached to the ticket, plus a 10 fps MP4 if the order of events matters.
2. Meeting slides archived for study notes (where allowed): 40 frames as one searchable PDF.
3. Website review across 25 URLs: JPG at quality 85 for sharing, plus a ZIP of the PNG originals for the archive.
4. Design session update: 1,200 frames as a 30 fps MP4 at Medium quality, plus 2 PNG stills of the final state.

Test before the full export

Before exporting a 500-frame session, export 5 frames in the target format and check:

• Text is readable at 100% zoom.
• PDF search finds a word you can see in a frame.
• The MP4 plays at a speed viewers can follow.
• File size fits where it is going, such as an email or chat upload limit.

If an output name already exists, Temposhot adds a number instead of overwriting the earlier file. Exports go to the Export path in Settings, and Open Export Folder opens it in Finder. The export formats guide lists every option.

Convert image formats

You can convert after export without capturing again. The site's browser tools keep files on your Mac:

• Image Converter converts between PNG, JPG and WebP.
• Image to PDF combines images into one PDF.
• Images to Video and Images to GIF turn image sets into video or GIF.
• Image Compressor shrinks files that are too large to send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PNG or JPG better for screenshots?

PNG for interface screenshots with text. JPG at quality 85 when file size matters more than exact pixels.

Can I export WebP?

Yes. WebP is available from Export settings… on the export bar, or convert later with the image converter tool.

Why is my PDF searchable but my ZIP is not?

The PDF export runs OCR and adds a text layer. ZIP keeps the original image files, which contain no text layer.

Can I export only some frames?

Yes. Clear the checkboxes on frames you do not want, or use Select all and then clear a few. Exports include only the selected frames.

Working with pages you are allowed to save?

Capture them with Auto Capture and export one searchable PDF, or see saving screenshots as a PDF on Mac for the full workflow.