The Snagit free trial is a fully functional 15-day trial for Windows and Mac. When it ends, TechSmith lets you reset it one time for 15 more days: in the expired trial dialog, click Enter Software Key, type RESET and confirm to reopen Snagit. That gives you up to 30 days in total before you need a software key or a subscription.
The reset is the bit almost nobody knows about, because it's tucked away in TechSmith's support centre rather than on the download page. It's official, though, and it's a one-time option, so it's worth knowing before you decide you've run out of time.
The Snagit trial at a glance
| Detail | What TechSmith says |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 days, fully functional |
| Platforms | Windows and macOS |
| Extra time | One reset for 15 more days |
| After the reset | Enter a software key or sign in to a subscription |
| Reinstall needed when you buy? | No, you activate the trial copy you already have |
How to reset the Snagit trial
On Windows
- Open Snagit after the trial has ended.
- In the expired trial dialog, click Enter Software Key.
- Type RESET and click the button to reopen Snagit.
- Snagit opens and you can carry on with the trial for 15 more days.
On Mac
- Open Snagit after the trial has ended.
- In the expired trial dialog, enter the software key option.
- Type RESET and click the button to reopen Snagit.
- Snagit opens for another 15 days.
If that button is greyed out and can't be clicked, TechSmith says the trial has already been reset once and can't be reset again.
What happens when you're out of trial time
TechSmith's software key article explains the two ways to keep going, and neither needs a fresh download:
| How you buy | How you activate Snagit |
|---|---|
| Snagit Individual Subscription | No software key; sign in to your TechSmith account with the email you bought it with |
| Single-user software key | In Snagit, choose Help, then Enter Software Key; Snagit can fetch a key saved in your TechSmith account |
TechSmith says that to keep using Snagit after the trial, you enter a software key and there's no need to download and install it again.
Getting the most from the trial
- Test scrolling capture. TechSmith lists grabbing long, scrolling windows or webpages as a single image, which is one of the main reasons people pay for Snagit over a basic snipping tool.
- Make a quick how-to. Annotate a few screenshots and turn them into a step-by-step guide for a client or a new team member.
- Record a short screen video and share it, since Snagit includes screen recording.
- Try it on both platforms if you switch between Windows and Mac. TechSmith says Snagit works on both.
Snagit and the built-in tools
TechSmith's own FAQ positions Snagit against Windows Snipping Tool, saying it offers advanced capture, annotation and documentation features beyond it. If all you need is the odd screenshot, the built-in tool may be enough. My guide to the best free screenshot tools covers those options.
For teams
TechSmith says Snagit can be deployed across Windows and macOS with volume licensing for teams of five or more. If you're trialling it for a team, run the trial on a couple of machines and check the teams and business pricing page before buying individual licences.
A 30-day test plan
| Period | What to test |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 5 | Everyday screenshots, annotations and scrolling captures of long web pages |
| Days 6 to 10 | Short screen recordings for a client or colleague |
| Days 11 to 15 | A step-by-step guide built from annotated screenshots |
| Reset, days 16 to 30 | Repeat the tasks you'll do most, and time how long they take |
By the end, you'll know whether the time Snagit saves is worth paying for. TechSmith describes Snagit's wider purpose as turning individual expertise into clear, reusable knowledge, which in practice means fewer repeated questions from clients and new team members.
Is it safe for business use?
TechSmith's FAQ says Snagit is used by businesses, educational institutions and organisations to create and share screenshots, recordings and documentation, and that it includes tools to protect sensitive information such as personal data or account details before you share an image.
If you've used both trial periods
Once the reset is used, there's no third round. TechSmith's software key article explains the two ways forward: with a Snagit Individual Subscription, you sign in to your TechSmith account using the email you bought it with, and if you've forgotten the password you go through the reset workflow with that same email. With a single-user key, choose Help, then Enter Software Key, and Snagit picks up a key saved in your TechSmith account automatically.
You may also notice the product now appears as Camtasia Snagit on TechSmith's website. It's the same Snagit, now marketed alongside TechSmith's video editor.
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My advice
Take the 15-day trial, use it on real work every day, and if you're still undecided when it expires, use the RESET option for the extra 15 days rather than buying in a rush. Thirty days is plenty to know whether scrolling capture and quick annotated guides save you time. If you're still comparing, my roundup of Snagit alternatives is a good next stop.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Snagit free trial?
TechSmith says the Snagit free trial is a fully functional 15-day trial.
Can I extend the Snagit free trial?
Yes, once. TechSmith says you can reset the trial one time for 15 more days by typing RESET in the expired trial dialog.
Why is the button greyed out when I type RESET?
TechSmith says that means the trial has already been reset once and can't be reset again.
Do I need to reinstall Snagit after buying?
No. TechSmith says you enter a software key, or sign in for a subscription, and there's no need to download and install Snagit again.
Does Snagit work on Mac and Windows?
Yes. TechSmith says Snagit works on both Windows and macOS.
Does a Snagit subscription need a software key?
No. TechSmith says a Snagit Individual Subscription doesn't require a software key; you sign in to your TechSmith account with the email you used to buy it.
Can teams buy Snagit in bulk?
Yes. TechSmith says Snagit can be deployed across Windows and macOS with volume licensing for teams of five or more.
