Screenshot app won't remember my settings

FYI - Current version of Sonoma is no longer " MBP M3 Max 16", Sonoma 14.4" released Mar 25, 2024

You make consider updating to current version macOS Sonoma 14.7.4 released 10 Feb 2025

Apple security releases

Or if you are so inclined upGrading to the latest offering from Apple

macOS Sequoia compatible Computers 

In either instances

To truly protect your non replaceable Data

Have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current

3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.

Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 

Below link is intended to augment what TM Backup does 

https://bombich.com

750 H2C wrote:

Thanks, but as I said, I don't see the relevance of this. As far as I can understand, the "last selection" is only relevant if you launch the app and want it to start in the correct mode. Using propeller-shift-4 and space, I go directly to the mode I want to use.

sorry, no. if you set it to remember last selection., that setting is supposed to also work for "direct" (as you call it) screenshots as well.

since it is not working as expected for you, I would recommend you try and Start up your Mac in safe mode. then run the Mac in safe mode for about 5 minutes. and then restart normally and test. sometimes a safe boot followed by a normal boot will clear up issues.

ok. so if you use "shift-command-5" to bring up the screenshot / recordings options, and then choose one of the screenshot selections, you can then choose "Remember Last Selection" and it will be applied to your screenshots.

Just TESTED using " propeller-shift-4 " running Sequoia 15.3.2

For full disclosure.

Using the Exact same setting presented by @jefferythefrog 👍

Although the options in their illustration are Not Presented to the user ( you )

The outcome is directly effected by those same setting

That being a brief Floating Thumbnail bottom Right of the Screen

Which, once completed appears, in my setup, in Top Right of Screen

750 H2C wrote:

However, and this is important: I'm not launching the app, I go directly to the mode I want by pressing the correct key combination.

yes, I understand that. and I'm trying to explain to you that even though you are launching the app to select the "remember" function, once it is set within the app, it is supposed to work for "direct" screenshots as well when using "shift-command-4" to initiate the screenshot.

The problem is not that I get a screenshot of my entire screen when I want just a window.

after using "shift-command-4", you will then use the keyboard's spacebar to toggle between any open windows to choose which window you are trying to capture

Therefore, the "last selection" setting is not applicable for me.

yes, it is.

Thanks for the tip about safe mode. I was just hoping for a simple prefs delete.

safe mode IS the simple way to try and correct those functions. it will not ALWAYS work, but you can try that in minutes anyways.

750 H2C wrote:

Propeller-shift-4 always gives me either a selectable are or (with space bar) window.

yes, I already said that. you have been given all relevant options. do with them as you wish. good luck.

If I understand correctly, the problem is that "Show Floating Thumbnail" setting is not sticking as you made it.

This solution ought to work:

1) In Terminal, paste the following line and press enter:

defaults delete com.apple.screencapture

2) Log out and back in (or restart your mac)

3) Adjust the settings (they will have reverted to their defaults), and if they stick

If all else fails and you're still have the problem gve this a try as it might be a damaged/corrupted system cache or swap file: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

750 H2C wrote:

PRP_53 wrote:

FYI - Current version of Sonoma is no longer " MBP M3 Max 16", Sonoma 14.4" released Mar 25, 2024

You make consider updating to current version macOS Sonoma 14.7.4 released 10 Feb 2025

Apple security releases

Or if you are so inclined upGrading to the latest offering from Apple

macOS Sequoia compatible Computers 

In either instances

To truly protect your non replaceable Data

Have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current

3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.

Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 

Below link is intended to augment what TM Backup does 

https://bombich.com

Thanks, I just might upgrade to 14.7.4.

But I fail to see what CCC has to do with this.

Look closely of you would but in case it was overlooked, which can happen

augment what TM Backup

Time Machine Backup and CCC or SuperDuper are part of a fairly robust Rescue Plan

To be constructive you may try either this

Try a Restart in Safe Mode.

This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts.

The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.

Safe Mode will also eliminate Third Party Software, extensions and drivers from loading.

It will only load the Minimum amount of Core Apple Processes to allow the the computer to function at a reduced Level of Performance 

Does the issue present in this mode ?

Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.🤞

Or from a respected contributor

Credit to >> Luis Sequeira1

refer >> Sequoia 15.3.2 does not preserve screensh… - Apple Community

This could be due to a corrupted plist file.

Try this:

1) In Terminal, paste the following line:

defaults delete com.apple.screencapture

2) restart (all settings should revert to their defaults)

3) set everything the way you want

4) restart and your choices should persist

in your recording options, do you have "Remember Last Selection" selected?