What is Image Capture on Mac and How It Works Efficiently
Updated by Disa Rivera / November 28, 2025 08:00Hi! My friend was here a while ago and asked if I could send my iPhone photos to her Mac. She left her Mac in our house because I told her I could. My brother suggests I use Capture Image on Mac due to its smooth process. Can you help me use it? Thank you!
Image Capture is a beneficial tool for your Mac. It is commonly known as a transfer tool for your photos. Did you know that it has other functions that can help you? Let’s discover them with this post! You may scroll down below to learn more about the built-in tool.
Guide List
Part 1. What is Image Capture on Mac
Image Capture on Mac is a built-in program to import media files, including videos and photos. It also enables Mac users to scan documents from external devices, like an iPhone, using a USB cable. In short, Image Capture is a tool for quick transfers and scanning of your files without using the library.
Pros
- • It allows you to delete photos or videos from the device.
- • It has a simple process and interface.
- • It is entirely free because it is pre-installed.
- • It enables you to choose a destination folder or path.
- • It can transfer files in batches.
- • It does not require you to use iCloud.
- • It supports a wide range of devices, including iPads, iPhones, cameras, scanners, and other compatible devices.
Cons
- • The tool lacks advanced scanning features that are available in other scanner software.
- • It sometimes experiences device connection issues without warning.
- • The interface is simple, but it appears outdated compared to modern designs.
- • The import process for your photos must be done manually because it does not have an auto-sync procedure.
- • The built-in tool does not have an editing feature.
Part 2. How to Use Image Capture on Mac
The Image Capture tool on Mac is a straightforward method to transfer pictures from the iPhone, iPad, or other supported devices to your Mac. The tool’s procedure does not require an internet connection to be completed. A USB cable is the primary requirement of this tool to function. The best thing about Image Capture is that it allows you to send a single or multiple batches of your images. How to use Image Capture on Mac? The steps below will be your best guide.
Step 1Open the Image Capture on your Mac. You can use the Spotlight tool to search for the tool’s name. Then, click the result to open it. Then, please plug the iPhone, iPad, or other supported devices into the Mac. Let Image Capture read them afterward to continue with the procedure.
Step 2The device's name will appear at the top left, where the Devices section is placed. Click the [Device Name] section. The available images from the connected devices will appear on the screen. Select all the pictures you prefer to transfer to your Mac. Then, click the Download All button at the bottom of the main interface. The photos will be transferred afterward.
Part 3. How to Capture an Image on a Mac
Due to the name Image Capture, some people misunderstand its procedure. Some believe that the tool can be used to capture a screenshot of their Mac screen. Unfortunately, it cannot. Don’t worry. Mac has multiple shortcut key combinations that can capture your Mac screen. You can see the combinations and process outlined in the table below.
| Screenshot Type | Shortcut Key Combinations |
| Full Screen Screenshot | Command + Shift + 3 |
| Touch Bar Screenshot | Command + Shift + 6 |
| Access Screenshot Tool Bar | Command + Shift + 5 |
| Window Screenshot | Command + Shift + 4 |
| Selected Area Screenshot | Command + Shift + 4 + Space Bar |
Part 4. How to Transfer Files with Mac FoneTrans for iOS
We consider Mac FoneTrans for iOS the best alternative to Image Capture on Mac for transferring your photos due to multiple reasons. This tool can also transfer your images to your Mac in a few clicks. It also uses a USB cable to transfer your files. It does not require you to have a stable internet connection. Additionally, this tool can transfer your photos in batches in just a few seconds or minutes.
With FoneTrans for iOS, you will enjoy freedom to transfer your data from iPhone to computer. You can not only transfer iPhone text messages to computer, but also photos, videos and contacts can be moved to PC easily.
- Transfer photos, videos, contacts, WhatsApp, and more data with ease.
- Preview data before transferring.
- iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are available.
In contrast, this tool can transfer other data types to your Mac. It includes videos, images, music, messages, books, and more. See how to use this tool below.
Step 1Go to the main web page of Mac FoneTrans for iOS. Click the Free Download option to download the file. Then, set up and launch it on your Mac. The first interface will be seen afterward.
Step 2Plug the iPhone or iPad into the Mac. Please use a USB cable to complete this procedure. After that, the device name must appear on the main screen of the software. Finally, click the Photos button on the left. This action will scan the available photos on your Mac.
Step 3Please select all the photos that can be transferred to your Mac. Then, click the Computer button at the top of the main interface. Then, choose a folder or destination path for the photos that will be transferred. The images will be processed right away.
Part 5. FAQs about Image Capture on Mac
What is the built-in alternative to Image Capture on Mac?
As mentioned, Image Capture offers a range of functionalities that can be utilized on your Mac. By default, no built-in feature or program can perform all the Image Capture functions. You can find one of its functions in different programs. Photos, Preview, Printers & Scanners in System Settings, and Finder are some of them.
Do all Macs have Image Capture?
Fortunately, yes. Image Capture is available on all macOS versions, as it is a built-in system tool. It means that you can use the Image Capture program on all versions of macOS, including earlier and later ones. The best thing about it is that all the updates are accessible to them.
Why is Image Capture not working on my Mac?
The Image Capture Program on your Mac does not experience issues regularly. If you encounter one, there are only a few reasons for it. It may be due to software issues on your Mac system. Additionally, check for disabled permissions and settings on your Mac. Also, you might be experiencing a device connection issue.
This article is all about Mac Image Capture. Its convenient features make it simple to transfer images from iPhone and other devices to Mac. FoneTrans, the best alternative, is also discussed. You can try using Mac Image Capture with us using this article. This way, you will be professional in transferring images using it!
