my mac is not taking screenshots

My iMac with numeric keypad works only if with the 3 on the KB, not the numeric pad and the shot is automatically saved to my desktop. The only display image is a small momentary one bottom right on the screen.

Shift + Command + 4 brings up a "target acquisition" marker that allows me to select a given area. Once selected the shot is automatic to the desktop.

I prefer the screenshot utility in LaunchPad > Other.

are you sure the screenshots are not being created, but rather going to an unexpected location?

you can use the keyboard shortcut "shift-command-5" to bring up the recording controls. then choose "options".

and then, in those options, check the "save to" location to see where the screenshot went.