If users rarely used screenshots previously, they have become a common tool for all our digital devices today. We need them not only in everyday life but also for professional purposes. Screenshots have gained so much popularity that every operating system is equipped with software for making them by default.
However, such built-in options often do not provide all the needed functionality. For this case, third-party software was created and developed. Which one to choose? Here, all the popular options are analyzed, and their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted to answer this question.
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Lightshot
This program is free and convenient for use. In addition, it is compatible both with Windows and macOS.
Snapshots can be taken by pressing the PrtSc button. After their creation, pictures are edited on the working screen, and there are many options available. The place for saving the obtained result you choose by yourself, or you can download the picture in the needed format.
The main advantages are:
- Free use
- Simple interface
- No additional system resources
- Uploading pictures to the server
However, there is no separate screen for editing and no capture modes.
Joxi
This program is very similar to the previous one. It is also available for free with instant editing. In the editor, you can use pencils, add a line, arrow, text, number, blur the picture, etc. After registration, you will get 1 GB of cloud storage for free.
The one drawback is the absence of an eraser in the editor.
FastStone Capture
This multifunctional tool will help you create screenshots and videos and edit them. Different formats for saving are available.
It is well known for the next benefits:
- It is free.
- High quality of the pictures; swiftness and efficiency of the editor.
- Dynamic scrolling screenshots are available.
However, you need to install the program on your computer and pre-configure it.
ShareX
This powerful free program helps to capture the screen and share it with one click. Here, you can upload photos, texts, or other data, make scrolling snapshots, or picture long documents.
The advantages are as follows:
- Open-source.
- Video recording.
- Powerful editor.
- Customizable shortcuts.
However, the customization is a bit hard to set, and the capture of scrolling windows is unstable.
Greenshot
Windows users can utilize this program for free. As for macOS, here is a one-time fee of $1.99.
The functionality is similar to the above-mentioned tools. You can take a screenshot of any needed area and then transform it according to your needs by adding or deleting something. When you are ready, save your picture, print or copy it, email it, or publish it somewhere.
The program has such benefits:
- Convenient and simple.
- Possesses a memory utility that is helpful for routine work.
- The built-in editor has numerous functions.
- More than twenty languages are available.
It is only hard to create gifs in it, but everything else is simple.
PicPick
This tool was developed for Windows devices only. The editor provides a color palette, magnifier, brightness changer, pixel ruler, etc. You can add any text and almost everything that you need.
After editing, the photo can be saved or shared via a link or email. The program works without installation and is fully customizable.
When you use it for personal needs, it is free. In case of commercial use, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $25.
Snipping Tool
This is a default application on computers with Windows Vista and later versions. It provides all the basic important features and instruments. Keep in mind that screenshots are automatically copied to the clipboard. If you want to save them, you will need to customize this step.
The popularity of the program is concerned with:
- Pre-installation on Windows computers.
- Automatic copying to clipboard.
- Editing features.
- Video recording.
- Three formats for saving pictures (png, gif, and jpeg).
- Four screen capture modes.
The program is lacking cloud storage option, which may be a drawback.
Scrnli
This one is an extension for the Chrome browser. It is simple and free but does not provide too many features. The tool enables taking screenshots and performing basic editing. The png and pdf formats are available for saving and copying your result.
In this case, the user can enjoy the following pros:
- No need to download the tool.
- Understandable interface.
- Downloading of screenshots.
However, the number of features is limited, and the tool works only together with Chrome.
TinyTake
Both Windows and Mac users can use this program. Together with the common options, it allows sending images over the local network, so you can work with one picture together with your colleagues.
However, this tool is available only after purchasing the full version. You can use only a few simple tools for free in this case.
The benefits of the program are as follows:
- Recording of screens.
- Different options for storage and sharing.
- A built-in file viewer.
- Convenience.
- High quality of pictures.
- Large images and videos can be created and edited.
Monosnap
This is another service for both Windows and macOS. It was created only for the latter OS but then was introduced for Windows due to its high popularity. In this program, you can not only take screenshots but also record videos. However, all the interesting features require payment.
The program enabled its users with a cloud storage service. There is a free version where up to 2 GB of space is available, and up to 10 GB is waiting for those who pay for the service. There are two tariff plans that give access to the set of main features:
- Non-profit ($2,5-3 per month depending on the frequency of your payments)
- Commercial ($5-10 per month depending on the frequency of your payments)
If you search for a while, you will see an incredible number of software tools for screenshots. Think about your aim and the devices that you want to use for this activity and then make a choice. Do not hesitate to try a free trial when it is provided and follow your needs.