# You can't take a screenshot

- Product: Crabwise
- Category: Troubleshooting
- Type: Troubleshooting
- Updated: 2026-10-30
- URL: https://soji.dev/en/crabwise/support/troubleshooting/screenshot-permission/

This article explains what to do if taking a screenshot shows "Crabwise isn’t allowed to record the screen." or "The screenshot couldn’t be taken." Often the cause is the macOS screen recording permission.

:::option{title="Allow screen recording"}
In the alert, click :ui[Open System Settings]. Under :ui[Privacy & Security] > :ui[Screen & System Audio Recording] in System Settings, turn on Crabwise. If you're asked to quit and reopen Crabwise, do so. Then take the screenshot again.
:::

:::option{title="Open the library to add to"}
If you see "No library is open.", click :ui[Open Library…] and open the library you want to add to. Then take the screenshot again.
:::

:::option{title="Check your trial or purchase"}
If the trial has ended, a purchase sheet opens after you try to capture. For how to buy, see [How the 30-day trial and purchase work](https://soji.dev/en/crabwise/support/purchase/trial-and-purchase.md).
:::

:::option{title="Restart Crabwise"}
Restart Crabwise. If you see "Try taking the screenshot again.", take it once more.
:::

If it still doesn't work, include the full message and your macOS version when you contact us.