How can I screenshot a film on MacOS/iOS?
March 28, 2024 7:50 AM Subscribe
Over the past twenty years, I've purchased 1037 movies via the iTunes store (or whatever Apple calls it these days). I'm now getting into art. I would dearly love to screenshot some of my favorite scenes so that I can use them as reference for drawing/painting. By default, Apple prevents screenshots of DRM content. I can (and do) bypass this using BitTorrent to download copies of media I legally own, then screenshotting via VLC. I'm wary of this method for a variety of reasons. Is there a way to grab a goddamn screenshot in MacOS or iOS without resorting to "piracy"?
As an ancillary question: If I've legally purchased movies via iTunes (or on DVD), is it illegal to use BitTorrent (or other means) to download other copies? In this case, I don't care. If Apple is going to block legitimate fair use, I'm going to do it anyhow. But I'm curious to know the actual legality of "pirating" backup copies in order to get screenshots.
Currently downloading a copy of "Metropolis" — a movie now in the public domain! — because I can't get screenshots in iTunes (or Amazon or Netflix or HBO or Criterion).
As an ancillary question: If I've legally purchased movies via iTunes (or on DVD), is it illegal to use BitTorrent (or other means) to download other copies? In this case, I don't care. If Apple is going to block legitimate fair use, I'm going to do it anyhow. But I'm curious to know the actual legality of "pirating" backup copies in order to get screenshots.
Currently downloading a copy of "Metropolis" — a movie now in the public domain! — because I can't get screenshots in iTunes (or Amazon or Netflix or HBO or Criterion).
Currently downloading a copy of "Metropolis" — a movie now in the public domain! — because I can't get screenshots in iTunes (or Amazon or Netflix or HBO or Criterion).
There is an upload of Metropolis on YouTube (and multiple versions on archive.org, if you need a particular restoration).
posted by bcwinters at 9:02 AM on March 28 [1 favorite]
There is an upload of Metropolis on YouTube (and multiple versions on archive.org, if you need a particular restoration).
posted by bcwinters at 9:02 AM on March 28 [1 favorite]
Are you using the built in screenshotting software on Mac? Could you solve it by using a third-party screenshot app (e.g. Greenshot, which should be agnostic about what it is capturing?)
posted by AgentRocket at 9:18 AM on March 28
posted by AgentRocket at 9:18 AM on March 28
As far as I can tell, Windows doesn't block screenshots. Go to your local library, sign in, play movie, screenshot. Shortcut Alt+PrtScr captures the active window.
posted by theora55 at 9:29 AM on March 28
posted by theora55 at 9:29 AM on March 28
For services that can be streamed through a browser, such as Prime Video, Criterion, Netflix etc, watch them in Firefox or Chrome on a Mac and you'll be able to screenshot them. If you use Chrome you'll first need to turn off graphics acceleration (found under the 'System' heading in Settings). I'm not aware of any workarounds for Apple TV+, but you could try using an app like Shottr or Cleanshot X.
DRM restrictions aren't unique to the Apple ecosystem, as there are also hurdles to taking screenshots of DRM-protected streaming content on other platforms. The difference is those hurdles are typically lower than the ones in MacOS and iOS.
As to the legality of torrenting a movie you already own — in the US an intellectual property law attorney would tell you that it isn't legal.
posted by theory at 9:57 AM on March 28 [3 favorites]
DRM restrictions aren't unique to the Apple ecosystem, as there are also hurdles to taking screenshots of DRM-protected streaming content on other platforms. The difference is those hurdles are typically lower than the ones in MacOS and iOS.
As to the legality of torrenting a movie you already own — in the US an intellectual property law attorney would tell you that it isn't legal.
posted by theory at 9:57 AM on March 28 [3 favorites]
I've used the Video Screenshot extension for Chrome (successfully) to take screenshots of YouTube, Netflix, Prime, virtually any other streaming service, etc. videos sometimes. (If you're able to find a stream of Metropolis this would work.)
posted by VirginiaPlain at 10:04 AM on March 28 [2 favorites]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 10:04 AM on March 28 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for the help so far!
@kbanas, currently my solution is as you suggest (when I can't be bothered with BitTorrent): photograph the paused frame. It's better than nothing.
I haven't tried third-party screenshot software except SnagIt, which I own. Will look at other options, although I'm skeptical. (I do have software that can capture any sound the Mac makes, so perhaps there's something that'll work for images?) Will also look at Firefox.
@bcwinters, thanks for that YouTube link. Not sure why I hadn't thought to check there haha. Just scrubbing through the film now reminds me why I want to take screenshots. Some AMAZING shots for 1927...or 2024.
posted by jdroth at 10:24 AM on March 28
@kbanas, currently my solution is as you suggest (when I can't be bothered with BitTorrent): photograph the paused frame. It's better than nothing.
I haven't tried third-party screenshot software except SnagIt, which I own. Will look at other options, although I'm skeptical. (I do have software that can capture any sound the Mac makes, so perhaps there's something that'll work for images?) Will also look at Firefox.
@bcwinters, thanks for that YouTube link. Not sure why I hadn't thought to check there haha. Just scrubbing through the film now reminds me why I want to take screenshots. Some AMAZING shots for 1927...or 2024.
posted by jdroth at 10:24 AM on March 28
Just to elaborate, if you use Firefox or Chrome you don't need any additional extensions or apps — just press COMMAND-SHIFT-3 as you would for any screenshot.
posted by theory at 11:24 AM on March 28
posted by theory at 11:24 AM on March 28
Response by poster: Just to elaborate, if you use Firefox or Chrome you don't need any additional extensions or apps — just press COMMAND-SHIFT-3 as you would for any screenshot.
For me, this is only half true. I get a blank screen in Chrome (for HBO, Netflix, Criterion), just as in Safari. Works on Firefox though.
posted by jdroth at 11:54 AM on March 28
For me, this is only half true. I get a blank screen in Chrome (for HBO, Netflix, Criterion), just as in Safari. Works on Firefox though.
posted by jdroth at 11:54 AM on March 28
OBS Studio is a FOSS screen capture/streaming package funded by Twitch and other streaming platforms. It is total overkill for screenshotting. But it is designed to be a virtual video feed you can do high-quality capture with.
posted by Headfullofair at 7:45 AM on March 31
posted by Headfullofair at 7:45 AM on March 31
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If it were me:
A) I would share your annoyance.
B) Since it's 'just' for reference work in drawing and painting, I would see if I could bypass this whole mess by getting the appropriate shot up on my screen, pausing it, and then snapping a photo with my phone of the screen. Is it great? No it is not. But it might work for your purposes!
posted by kbanas at 8:28 AM on March 28 [3 favorites]