How to Enable GIMP Screen Capture on macOS

To capture screenshots using GIMP on macOS, you must grant the application permission to record your display. Modern versions of macOS block applications from reading the screen by default to protect user data. This guide outlines the exact permission required—Screen Recording—and provides the straightforward steps needed to configure your macOS Privacy & Security settings so GIMP can capture screenshots properly.

The Required Permission

The specific permission required is Screen Recording. Without this permission, GIMP will either produce a blank or black image when attempting to capture the screen, or the screenshot feature will fail to trigger entirely.

How to Grant Screen Recording Permission

Follow these steps to enable screen capturing for GIMP on macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, and later:

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
2. In the sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down on the right pane and click Screen Recording.
4. Locate GIMP in the list of applications.
5. Click the toggle switch next to GIMP to turn it On.
6. When prompted, enter your administrator password or use Touch ID to confirm the change.
7. macOS will prompt you to quit and reopen GIMP for the changes to take effect. Click Quit & Reopen.

For macOS Monterey, Big Sur, and Earlier

If you are running an older version of macOS, the menu navigation differs slightly:

1. Open the Apple menu () and select System Preferences.
2. Click Security & Privacy, then select the Privacy tab.
3. In the left column, scroll down and select Screen Recording.
4. Click the lock icon at the bottom-left corner and enter your password to make changes.
5. Check the box next to GIMP.
6. Restart GIMP to apply the permissions.

Once granted, open GIMP and navigate to File > Create > Screenshot... to verify that the screen capture utility functions correctly.