Where are iOS Simulator screenshots saved?

Zach Spitulski • Updated July 9, 2026

I just pressed the screenshot button on Sim, where did it put it??
— shouted across the office several times

Automating

If you’re only grabbing an occasional screenshot, Desktop is fine. But once you’re capturing screenshots regularly for the App Store, the default workflow breaks down fast. I write about that in the App Store Automation Guide. If you’re looking for a faster way, you can have Simulator place the screenshots into 3D devices with description text ready for translation and the App Store:

How do I use xcrun simctl io booted screenshot?

To capture a screenshot programmatically to a custom location, use the simctl command that ships with Xcode:

xcrun simctl io booted screenshot ~/Desktop/my-screenshot.png

Useful variations:

# Save as JPEG instead of PNG
xcrun simctl io booted screenshot --type=jpeg ~/Desktop/my-screenshot.jpeg

# Control how the notch/rounded corners are rendered:
# ignored = full rectangle, alpha = transparent corners, black = black corners
xcrun simctl io booted screenshot --mask=ignored ~/Desktop/my-screenshot.png

# Target a specific simulator instead of the booted one
xcrun simctl io "iPhone 16 Pro" screenshot ~/Desktop/my-screenshot.png

To quickly open Desktop and list Simulator screenshots in Terminal:

open ~/Desktop && ls ~/Desktop | grep -i "simulator"

Common Variations & Gotchas

• Xcode 26+: Screenshots still save to Desktop by default; this behavior hasn’t changed.
• Custom save location: Use Simulator menu: File > Save Screen… to pick a different destination.
• Simulator vs. Physical Device: Physical device screenshots sync via Photos app, not saved directly to Desktop.
• Video recordings: Screen recordings (Cmd + R) also save to Desktop with a .mov extension.
• Multiple simulators: Each screenshot filename includes the device name (e.g., “Simulator Screenshot - iPhone 16 Pro - 2026-01-30…”).
• Filename changed in newer Xcode: Older Xcode versions named files “Simulator Screen Shot - …”; newer versions use “Simulator Screenshot - …”. If you’re searching your Mac for old captures, check both.

FAQ

How do I take a screenshot in the iOS Simulator?

Press Cmd + S (the Simulator screenshot keyboard shortcut) with the Simulator window focused, or use the menu: Device > Screenshot. The image saves to your Desktop immediately. Or use the ButterKit Capture Tool to add it directly to framed mockups.

Are Simulator screenshots the same resolution as real devices?

Yes. Simulator screenshots match the native resolution of the simulated device.

How do I automate Simulator screenshots?

Read the full Screenshot Automation Guide

Related Guides

• Capture from Xcode Simulator: Use ButterKit’s Capture Tool to import Simulator screenshots directly
• Link Fastlane Image Folder: Automate screenshot imports from fastlane
• App Store Screenshot Size Guide: Every required dimension for every device