A free screenshot tool captures part or all of your screen, then lets you mark it up and share it. Built-in tools are fine for a quick grab, while dedicated apps add arrows, blur, scrolling capture and instant share links. Learn your system's own shortcuts first, because they often do more than people realise.
Screenshots are the quiet workhorse of small business life. You use them to report a bug, show a client where to click, save a receipt or explain something that would take three paragraphs to describe.
Here are ten free screenshot tools in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from open-source apps to browser extensions. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If you write tutorials or reviews, my guide on how to write a tech product review shows where screenshots earn their place.
Think about what happens after the capture. If you mostly paste screenshots into chat or email, speed matters. If you write guides, annotation and blur tools matter more.
And watch what's on screen before you capture. Open tabs, notifications and email previews have a habit of sneaking into screenshots that end up in front of clients.
Free screenshot tools side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awesome Screenshot | Browser extension and recorder | Full-page captures in the browser | Yes |
| Flameshot | Open-source screenshot app | Annotating as you capture | Yes |
| Greenshot | Open-source Windows tool | Quick captures for documentation | Yes |
| Gyazo | Screenshot and sharing app | Instant share links | Yes |
| Ksnip | Cross-platform screenshot tool | Annotation on any system | Yes |
| Lightshot | Screenshot tool and add-on | Fast region captures | Yes |
| PicPick | Windows capture and design tool | Screenshots plus colour and pixel tools | Yes |
| ShareX | Open-source Windows capture tool | Advanced captures and automation | Yes |
| Snipping Tool | Built-in Windows capture app | Quick snips with no install | Yes |
| Spectacle | KDE screenshot app | Simple captures on Linux | Yes |
Ten free screenshot tools to try
Awesome Screenshot
Best for: People who want to capture whole web pages from the browser and annotate them quickly.
Flameshot
Best for: People who want to draw arrows, boxes and text on a screenshot straight after taking it.
Greenshot
Best for: Windows users who want a light, free tool for capturing regions, windows and full screens.
Gyazo
Best for: People who want to grab a screenshot and get a share link in seconds.
Ksnip
Best for: People on Windows, Mac or Linux who want one free screenshot and annotation tool everywhere.
Lightshot
Best for: People who want to select an area, add a quick note and share it in a few clicks.
PicPick
Best for: Windows users who want a screen capture tool with extras like a colour picker and pixel ruler.
ShareX
Best for: Windows power users who want scrolling capture, OCR, recording and automatic upload in one free app.
Snipping Tool
Best for: Windows users who want a capture tool that's already installed and opens with a keyboard shortcut.
Spectacle
Best for: Linux users on KDE who want a built-in, no-fuss screenshot app.
The Mac shortcut most people never use
Here's one worth learning today. Apple's support page says that in macOS Mojave 10.14 or later you can press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot app, which has an Options menu for timers, where files are saved and more. Most people only ever use the Shift-Command-3 full-screen shortcut.
Windows has its own equivalents built in, so check those before you install anything. For many people the built-in tools cover most of what they need.
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What to check in a free screenshot tool
- Capture types: region, window, full screen and scrolling?
- Annotation: arrows, boxes, text and blur for private details?
- Sharing: does it upload and create links, and where are files stored?
- Shortcuts: can you set your own keyboard shortcut?
- Privacy: are uploads public, private or off by default?
How to take a screenshot that explains itself
- Close anything private on screen before you capture.
- Capture only the area that matters, not the whole screen.
- Add one arrow or box to point at the key spot.
- Blur names, emails and numbers you don't need to show.
- Save it with a clear name, or paste it straight where it's needed.
Screenshot mistakes that confuse people
- Capturing everything. Crop to what matters.
- No pointer. One arrow saves a paragraph.
- Leaving private details. Blur before sending.
- Blurry JPGs. Save as PNG for sharp text.
Clear screenshots make blog posts easier to follow, and my tips to make blog posts more shareable cover the rest.
Do you make screen capture tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free screenshot tools
Learn your built-in shortcut first, then add one dedicated tool only if you need annotation or share links. That's all most people ever need, and it keeps your computer free of apps you'll forget about.
And blur before you share. It takes two seconds and saves you from sending a client someone else's email address.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take a screenshot on Windows?
Windows includes a built-in capture tool you can open with a keyboard shortcut, and the Print Screen key works too.
How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?
Use Shift-Command-3 for the full screen or Shift-Command-5 for the Screenshot app with more options.
Can I take a scrolling screenshot?
Some free tools capture long pages by scrolling automatically.
How do I hide private information?
Use a blur or pixelate tool before you share the image.
Are screenshot share links private?
It depends on the tool. Check whether links are public and how long they last.
Can I record my screen with a screenshot tool?
Some include screen recording, while others capture still images only.
What format should I save in?
PNG keeps text sharp, which suits screenshots better than JPG.
Can I copy text from a screenshot?
Some tools include text recognition, which lets you copy text out of an image.
Do I need an app for screenshots?
Not always. Built-in tools handle everyday captures well.
Can I take screenshots in a browser?
Yes. Browser extensions can capture visible areas or whole pages.
Where are my screenshots saved?
Each system and app has a default folder, usually changeable in the settings.
Can I set a timer for a screenshot?
Yes. Many tools offer a delay so you can open a menu before the capture.
