Xcode Simulator Screenshot Location
Zach Spitulski • Updated February 1, 2026
I just pressed the screenshot button on Sim, where did it put it??
— shouted across the office several times
Path:
~/Desktop/Simulator Screenshot - iPhone Pro - Date.pngAutomating
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:
Download the latest free version of ButterKit
Use the Capture Tool
Ensure ButterKit has the Capture Tool configured and watch as it appears next to the active Xcode Simulator window. Just hit “Capture” and watch as it appears ready to go in 3D device frames, ready for translation and direct upload to App Store Connect.
ButterKit automates the capture process, rendering into real 3D devices and prepping for the App Store
Advanced: Terminal Commands
To capture a screenshot programmatically to a custom location:
xcrun simctl io booted screenshot ~/Desktop/my-screenshot.pngTo 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
.movextension. - Multiple simulators — Each screenshot filename includes the device name (e.g., “Simulator Screen Shot - iPhone 16 Pro - 2026-01-30…”).
FAQ
How do I take a screenshot in Xcode Simulator?
Press Cmd + S 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