# Which screenshot software offers the best free features?

Both Windows and macOS, Android, and iOS now offer built-in tools for quickly taking screenshots. However, if you need more features like scrolling screenshots, screencasts, cloud uploads, or annotations, it’s best to use specialized screenshot software. These screenshot tools and a dedicated screenshot app offer extra convenience and are designed for both beginners and pros.

## The best screenshot tools at a glance

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Tool / Feature</th>
      <th>Platforms</th>
      <th>Special features</th>
      <th>Cost</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>LightShot</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS</td>
      <td>Upload option, blur filter</td>
      <td>Free</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Greenshot</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS</td>
      <td>Auto-scroll, annotations, blur filter</td>
      <td>Free</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>ShareX</strong></td>
      <td>Windows</td>
      <td>Screenshots + screencasts, GIFs, OCR, upload options</td>
      <td>Free (open source)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Snagit</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS</td>
      <td>Screenshots, screencasts, video editing, panorama feature</td>
      <td>Free trial (15 days)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Monosnap</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS</td>
      <td>Screenshots + screencasts, cloud sync, annotations</td>
      <td>Free (Pro optional)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screen Master</strong></td>
      <td>Android</td>
      <td>Scrolling screenshots, image editing, quick sharing</td>
      <td>Free (Pro optional)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>AZ Screen Recorder</strong></td>
      <td>Android</td>
      <td>Screencast + screenshot, video editing, overlays</td>
      <td>Free, premium features</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Apple built-in tools</strong></td>
      <td>iOS (iPhone, iPad)</td>
      <td>Scrolling screenshots in Safari/chats, Markup editor</td>
      <td>Free (built-in system feature)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Google built-in tools</strong></td>
      <td>Android (12+)</td>
      <td>“Capture more,” Google Photos integration</td>
      <td>Free (built-in system feature)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Picsew</strong></td>
      <td>iOS</td>
      <td>Stitch multiple screenshots together (stitching)</td>
      <td>Free (Pro optional)</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

## Screenshot software for apps, freeware, and paid tools

With the built-in tools in desktop operating systems, you can already create basic screenshots:

- On **Windows 10 and 11**, you can use the built-in Snipping Tool, which you can open, for example, with the keyboard shortcut [Windows key](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-development/windows-button/) + [Shift](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-development/shift-key/) + \[S\].
- On **macOS**, you can access the built-in screenshot menu with \[Cmd\] + \[Shift\] + \[5\].

These features are enough for a quick screenshot. **It gets trickier** if, for example, you want to do any of the following:

- Capture a scrollable area (e.g., an entire website)
- Add comments, arrows, or blur directly
- Create videos (screencasts) and GIFs
- Export screenshots instantly to the cloud, via email, or into an app

That’s exactly where specialized, mostly free screenshot tools like the programs presented below come in. They offer many convenient features that go beyond the standard options.

### LightShot

[LightShot](https://app.prntscr.com/en/index.html "LightShot website") is a lightweight tool available for multiple platforms and is especially appreciated for its speed and simplicity. After installation, a simple keyboard shortcut is all you need to select an area. Screenshots can be edited and uploaded immediately. One especially useful feature is the built-in Google image search, which lets you check with a single click whether similar images appear online.

[![Image: LightShot screenshot tool website](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/8/4/csm_screenshot-tool-lightshot_ec8357b961.webp "LightShot screenshot tool website")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-lightshot.jpg) The LightShot desktop screenshot tool stands out with its integrated Google search; Source: https://app.prntscr.com/en/index.html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS, browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Opera)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Selected area, full screen</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Saving options</strong></td>
      <td>File, social media, upload to prntscr.com</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Graphic elements, text, blur filter</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Greenshot

[Greenshot](https://getgreenshot.org "Greenshot website") is distributed for free under an [open-source](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-open-source/) license. To create a screenshot with this screenshot tool, you can either use the icon in the taskbar or simply press the Print Screen key on your keyboard. In addition to standard screenshots, it also supports auto-scroll for capturing entire web pages and offers export options to other programs such as Microsoft Office. The Mac version offers fewer features, such as no auto-scroll.

[![Image: Greenshot screenshot tool website](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/e/csm_screenshot-tool-greenshot_71d49084a2.webp "Greenshot screenshot tool website")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-greenshot.jpg) The Greenshot desktop screenshot software is open source; Source: https://getgreenshot.org/

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Windows (full), macOS (limited)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free (Windows), low license fee (Mac)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot capture areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, selected area, window, auto-scroll</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Save options</strong></td>
      <td>File, send to Office/programs, email, cloud services</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Graphic elements, blur filter, highlighter, text</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Monosnap

[Monosnap](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/monosnap/lhgadannddhdpkfhfjjgcpdjhpmjhkfm?hl=en "Monosnap Chrome extension") is designed primarily for developers and remote teams. With its **screencast feature**, you can also record videos of your screen and enhance them with webcam footage and audio commentary via microphone.

[![Image: Monosnap screenshot tool Chrome extension](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/e/csm_screenshot-tool-monosnap_1f9f5f4193.webp "Monosnap screenshot tool Chrome extension")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-monosnap.jpg) The Monosnap screenshot extension is especially useful for developers; Source: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/monosnap/lhgadannddhdpkfhfjjgcpdjhpmjhkfm?hl=en-US

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free (basic), paid Pro and Team features</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Full screen, window, selected area, screencast</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Saving options</strong></td>
      <td>File, FTP/SFTP/WebDAV, cloud services, own server</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Graphic elements, text, blur filter</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Snagit

[Snagit](https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/ "Snagit website") also combines the ability to create screenshots and screencasts in one screenshot software app. After you take a screenshot, you can crop and edit it, add graphic elements such as stamps, arrows, and speech bubbles, or blur specific areas. If you want to **capture a web page**, you can [save the website as a PDF](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/website-creation/how-to-save-a-website-as-a-pdf/)—including all existing links.

With the **panorama feature**, you can scroll (for example, in a large online map) to create a single large image. Recording a video file is pretty straightforward. In addition to the video, you can record your commentary using a microphone. When you’re done, you can trim the file as needed.

[![Image: Snagit screenshot tool website](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/b/2/csm_screenshot-tool-snagit-site_84284c29f6.webp "Snagit screenshot tool website")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-snagit-site.jpg) The desktop screenshot software Snagit combines the ability to create screenshots and screencasts; Source: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/ For this screenshot software, you need to purchase a **license**. However, you can try the program for free for 15 days beforehand.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Windows, macOS</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free 15-day trial period</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Capture options</strong></td>
      <td>Full screen, selected area, window, screencast, GIF</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Save options</strong></td>
      <td>File, FTP, cloud services, social media, forwarding to other programs</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Graphic elements, text, watermarks, video editing, resizing</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### ShareX

The open-source [ShareX](https://getsharex.com/ "ShareX website") screenshot software offers basically everything you could want for creating screenshots. You can capture different areas such as the entire screen (or multiple monitors if you have more than one connected), a freely selected area, full web pages via auto-scrolling, or specific windows. This screenshot app also includes screencast recording, as well as the ability to [create GIFs](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-design/creating-a-gif/), so you can illustrate processes more clearly.

[![Image: Screenshot tool ShareX website](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/4/e/csm_screenshot-tool-sharex_50c4461c19.webp "Screenshot tool ShareX website")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-sharex.jpg) The desktop screenshot tool ShareX combines the ability to create screenshots and screencasts in an open-source application; Source: https://getsharex.com/ After taking a screenshot, you can add annotations or apply your own watermark. ShareX also includes [optical character recognition (OCR)](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/web-analytics/image-to-text-converters/), and its upload and storage options are notably extensive.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Windows</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free (open source)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, window, area, auto-scroll, screencast, GIF</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Storage options</strong></td>
      <td>File, cloud services, FTP/SFTP, image/text hosting, social media</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Graphic elements, text, watermark, blur filter, OCR</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

## Screenshot apps for mobile devices

Smartphones come with built-in screenshot features out of the box:

- On **Android smartphones**, the key combination \[Power\] + \[Volume Down\] is usually enough.
- On the **iPhone**, you take screenshots using the combination \[Power\] + \[Volume Up\].

If you want **more control, editing options, and convenience**, the following apps are recommended.

### Screen Master (Android)

[Screen Master](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pro.capture.screenshot&amp;hl=en "Screen Master app") is one of the most popular screenshot apps on Android. In addition to standard screenshots, the screenshot app supports scrolling screenshots for long chats or web pages and offers many editing options.

[![Image: Screenshot tool Screen Master in the Google Play Store](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/d/csm_screenshot-tool-android-screenmaster_adce173255.webp "Screenshot tool Screen Master in the Google Play Store")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-android-screenmaster.jpg) The Screen Master app is a screenshot tool for Android; Source: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pro.capture.screenshot&amp;hl=en

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Android</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free (in-app purchases for the Pro version)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, scrollable pages, freely selectable area</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Save options</strong></td>
      <td>File, cloud services, social media</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Crop, annotations, text, arrows, blur</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### AZ Screen Recorder (Android)

[AZ Screen Recorder](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.screenrecorder.free&amp;hl=en "AZ Screen Recorder app") is best known for **video screencasts**, but it can also capture screenshots. It’s especially suitable for tutorials, gaming, and app presentations.

[![Image: Screenshot tool AZ Screen Recorder in the Google Play Store](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/8/csm_screenshot-tools-android-az-recorder_6c8f25a083.webp "Screenshot tool AZ Screen Recorder in the Google Play Store")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tools-android-az-recorder.jpg) The AZ Screen Recorder app is used especially for video screencasts on Android phones; Source: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.screenrecorder.free&amp;hl=en

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Android</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free, premium features available for an additional fee</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, screencast</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Storage options</strong></td>
      <td>File, cloud, social media</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Video editing, overlay options, text, watermark</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Apple built-in tools (iOS)

On iPhones and iPads, taking screenshots is a built-in feature. Press \[Power\] + \[Volume Up\] or \[Power\] + \[Home\], then edit the image in Photos or immediately after capturing it. Starting with iOS 17, a **scrolling screenshot** option is also available—ideal for long web pages or chats.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>iOS (iPhone, iPad)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Built in, free</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, scrollable pages (Safari, messaging apps)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Storage options</strong></td>
      <td>Photos app, iCloud, share via messenger or email</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Crop, highlight, signature, shapes</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Built-in Google tools (Pixel/Android)

On Google Pixel smartphones and many Android versions, the screenshot feature is also built in. You can take screenshots with \[Power\] + \[Volume Down\] or via the app switcher, including “Capture more” for scrolling screenshots.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>Android (Pixel, many manufacturers starting with Android 12)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Built-in, free</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, scrollable pages</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Storage options</strong></td>
      <td>Gallery, Google Photos, Google Drive</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Crop, highlighter, pens, stickers</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

### Picsew (iOS)

[Picsew](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/picsew-scrollshot-collage/id1208145167 "Picsew App im App Store") is a very popular screenshot app for iOS, especially for **stitching multiple screenshots** together. Ideal for social media or documenting long chats.

[![Image: Picsew screenshot tool in the App Store](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/8/4/csm_screenshot-tool-picsew_231cd7aea1.webp "Picsew screenshot tool in the App Store")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/screenshot-tool-picsew.jpg) The Picsew screenshot app is especially popular among iOS and iPhone users; Source: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/picsew-scrollshot-collage/id1208145167

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th></th>
      <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Operating system</strong></td>
      <td>iOS</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Cost</strong></td>
      <td>Free (in-app purchases for Pro)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Screenshot areas</strong></td>
      <td>Screen, scrolling screenshots (stitched together)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Save options</strong></td>
      <td>File, iCloud, social media</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td><strong>Editor</strong></td>
      <td>Stitching, annotations, watermarks, text</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-design/screenshots-on-mac-and-windows/](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/web-design/screenshots-on-mac-and-windows/) for AI/LLM consumption.