snipping tool alternatives snipping tool alternatives

BEST SNIPPING TOOL
ALTERNATIVE

When I need to take a screenshot to make how-to tutorial videos and instructional
presentations, I typically use Movavi. The recorder works on Windows 10 and macOS
and is absolutely beginner-friendly.

I have been using the Shipping Tool on my PC for quite a long. It is user-friendly and is a default part of the Windows program suite. However, when it comes to annotations, this instrument lags behind other screen capture tools. This is a serious limitation for me.

That’s why, I started to search for an efficient Snipping Tool alternative. I want something to take screenshots quickly, edit them, and add annotations. It will be also great if there are handy extras like stickers, redact and crop features, as well as instant sharing. If you are also on the lookout for a decent alternative, you should have a closer look at my review.

Snipping Tool Alternatives: My Picks

Program Platforms Price

Movavi

For annotating screenshots

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Windows
Mac

Free trial or $21.95/year

Acrobat Reader

For PDFs

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Windows
Mac

Free

ShareX

Text extraction

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Windows

Free

Greenshot

Customizable features

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Windows

Free

Flameshot

For Linux users

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Windows
Mac
Linux

Free

Lightshot

For quick screenshots

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Windows
Mac
Web

Free

PicPick

All-in-one design tool

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Windows

$30/mo

Snagit

Built-in editor

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Windows
Mac

Free trial or $39.00/year

EaseUS ScreenShot

Basic enhancing tools

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Windows

Free

Monosnap

For screenshots and videos

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Windows
Mac

Free

ScreenRec

1-click screen capture

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Windows
Mac
Linux

Free

1. Movavi

movavi screen recorder snipping tool alternative

I've been using Movavi Recorder for a few weeks, and I think it's a really good tool for capturing what's on-screen processes. You can record everything on your screen, just one window, or even a specific part of the screen. Undoubtedly, this is great for various tasks.

I was pleasantly surprised that this snipping tool is capable of taking scrolling screenshots. Plus, I can add notes or draw directly on the screenshots.

I particularly like that you can set the tool to start recording at a specific time. This is very useful for recording webinars or live streams when you’re away from your computer. Besides, users can record sound from different sources, like computer's audio and a microphone. This is great for making tutorials or videos where you want to insert your own comments.

Key Features:

  • Different screenshot modes
  • Tools for editing screenshots
  • Possibility to draw on screenshots
  • Live recording
Pros
  • High-res screenshots
  • You can add drawings, shapes, and figures to screenshots
  • 4K screen recording
  • Screen recording with keystrokes and mouse actions
Cons
  • Expensive app
  • Speed issues

2. Acrobat Reader

acrobat reader snipping tool alternative

The "Snapshot" tool in Acrobat Reader is super helpful. With it, you can grab any bit of a PDF and turn it into a picture. Then you can paste that picture into other programs. This is great for extracting data from PDFs, like diagrams, pieces of text, or anything else you may need.

If you often work with PDF files, having a backup tool like the Snapshot feature can be very helpful. However, this alternative to Snipping Tool is only suitable for PDFs. Unfortunately, you can't use it to capture content from other file types or your computer screen.

Key Features:

  • Selective capture
  • Works with scanned documents and forms
  • Sign, comment, and collaborate on PDFs

Pros
  • Great for basic snipping needs
  • Top-quality captures
  • Terrific option for Adobe users
  • Suitable for extracting diagrams, text sections, or images
Cons
  • For work with PDFs only
  • Limited editing functionality

3. ShareX

sharex snipping tool alternative

I've switched to ShareX instead of traditional snipping tools, and that was a great decision. With this program, I can capture specific areas, windows, entire screens, and even scrolling web pages.

The software delivers exceptional screenshot quality and boasts a built-in editor loaded with features to annotate, highlight, and enrich your captures with text. Besides, I like the automatic upload function. Using it, you can upload your screenshots to various cloud services and quickly generate shareable links.

This program tops the list if you are looking for recording software for low-end PC. Besides, it brags about its extensive customization options. Here it is possible to make personalized hotkeys for various capture methods, design custom workflows, and even automate repetitive tasks, e.g., adding watermarks or resizing pictures.

Key Features:

  • Quick screen capture sharing
  • Annotation tools
  • Recognize text (OCR)
  • Perform actions

Pros
  • Ad-free
  • 10+ capture techniques
  • Image effects
  • File sharing to many sources
Cons
  • Can be overwhelming for novices
  • Bugs while saving

4. Greenshot

greenshot snipping tool alternative

I tried this program and loved its built-in image editor. I can easily edit my screenshots right after taking them. The editor contains tools to add notes, highlight elements, crop the image, and even put text on it. It's really easy to use, so I don't need any other software to improve my screenshots.

With Greenshot, you can share your captures in several different ways. You can save them to your computer, copy them to paste later, or upload them directly to online services like Imgur or Dropbox.

However, keep in mind that this laptop screen recorder lacks advanced features like capturing scrolling windows or recording videos. If you can’t imagine your work without them, you may need more comprehensive alternatives to Snipping Tool like ShareX or Movavi.

Key Features:

  • Takes screenshots of a selected region, window or full screen
  • Tools to annotate, highlight, or obfuscate parts of a screenshot
  • Different export options
Pros
  • Free and open-source
  • Customizable capture options
  • Adjustable keys
Cons
  • Only for Windows
  • Limited manipulation compared to other tools

5. Flameshot

flameshot snipping tool alternative

This open source screen recorder offers wonderful real-time editing tools. The moment you capture a screenshot, you can jump right in and annotate, highlight, blur sensitive areas, add arrows for clarity, and even insert text. Therefore, you don’t need to switch between applications but can perform several tasks in one workspace.

Flameshot lets you personalize your screenshot experience. You can set custom keyboard shortcuts for different capture methods, customize the look of the annotation tools, and choose how to handle your screenshots - save them to a file, copy them to your clipboard, or even upload them directly to an online service.

Key Features:

  • Interface can be personalized
  • Basic editing tools
  • Direct output to Imgur

Pros
  • Clear interface
  • Uses the DBus interface
  • Lots of annotation tools
Cons
  • Linux key bindings aren’t set by default
  • Limited editing tools

6. Lightshot

lightshot snipping tool alternative

Those looking for a faster way to take screenshots, should consider Lightshot as an alternative for Snipping Tool. With it, you can capture any area of your screen with just a few clicks.

Right after grabbing a screenshot, I have basic editing tools at my fingertips. There are instruments for drawing, highlighting, adding text, and even inserting shapes. They're intuitive and perfect for most everyday annotations.

However, it's important to note that this screen recording software lacks advanced features. In general, you won’t have screen recording, capturing scrolling windows, and the latest annotation options.

Key Features:

  • Tools to annotate, draw, highlight
  • Possibility to add text to screenshots
  • Instant online sharing

Pros
  • Very user-friendly
  • Super convenient
  • Editing tools
  • Shortcuts for quick screenshot capturing
Cons
  • Lengthy setup
  • Slow loading

7. PicPick

picpick snipping tool alternative

I explored all of PicPick's capture modes, including full screen, active window, scrolling window, and freehand selection. To my mind, its highlight is a powerful image editor. Right after taking a screenshot, it is possible to edit it. There are tools to annotate, highlight, add text, draw shapes, and apply effects.

What really impresses me is the ability to customize hotkeys for different capture methods. Plus, I can fine-tune the editor's look and feel, and choose how to save my screenshots - to a file, the clipboard, or even share them directly via email and social networks.

PicPick doesn't stop at screenshots. It offers a huge set of tools like a color picker, color palette, pixel ruler, protractor, and even a whiteboard. Therefore, it can surpass many alternatives of Shipping Tools being a one-stop solution for graphic design and digital creative tasks.

Key Features:

  • Built-in image editor
  • Ability to drop shadows
  • Ability to add frames and watermarks
  • Convenient brightness control
Pros
  • Scrolling window capture feature
  • Beautiful screenshot effects
  • Many graphic design accessories
Cons
  • Not for macOS
  • The free version is only for personal use

8. Snagit

snagit snipping tool alternative

I've been using Snagit instead of the built-in snipping tool, and I believe it is a wonderful replacement. It lets you capture anything and everything on your screen – the whole area, specific windows, custom areas, and scrolling windows. Snagit has fully satisfied my needs for taking screenshots and creating how-to guides.

The best feature of Snagit is its built-in editor. Once you take a screenshot, you can quickly add notes, highlight elements, write text, blur out sensitive info, and make guides with arrows and numbers. However, this HD screen recorder does cost money. The price may be too high for some users.

Key Features:

  • Scrolling capture
  • Automatic element recognition in a screenshot
  • Text recognition
Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Great organizational features
  • Video & audio recording
Cons
  • Isn’t completely free
  • Limited editing functionality

9. EaseUS ScreenShot

easeus screenshot snipping tool alternative

EaseUS ScreenShot isn’t the most affordable alternative to Snipping Tool for Mac or Windows, but it has many features that justify the price. The most important advantages are 4K quality, recording at 60 frames per second, and sound capture. With this tool, I could edit screenshots and add notes, numbers, and mosaics.

It's cool that the program lets you pin the screenshot to your desktop. Thus, you can immediately open and change it. Plus, screenshot-related features aren’t limited in a free version.

Key Features:

  • Customizable screenshots
  • Tools to annotate, edit, and enhance screenshots
  • Pin the screenshots to the desktop
Pros
  • Free
  • Flexible scanning modes
  • Simple and clear interface
Cons
  • For Windows
  • Limited options

10. Monosnap

monosnap snipping tool alternative

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to take screenshots in Snipping Tool alternative Windows 10. You can capture the whole screen or just a part of it. Then, you can either save it to your computer or upload it to the Monosnap cloud storage and share the link to the image.

Besides, this streaming video recorder lets you edit your screenshots by cropping, highlighting, zooming in and out. On top of that, the program has features for recording videos.

Key Features:

  • Capture a particular screen area or a separate window
  • Customized hotkeys for basic options
  • Cloud storage and a file-sharing feature
Pros
  • Great annotation features
  • Top-quality GIFs
  • Possibility to highlight elements
Cons
  • It is difficult to take a screenshot that appears only on hover
  • Annoying lags

11. ScreenRec

screenrec snipping tool alternative

ScreenRec can transcend the traditional Snipping Tool. With it, you can capture your screen with just one click, add notes, and highlight important parts of your screenshots. Moreover, this no lag screen recorder keeps your content private by encrypting files and letting you control how you share them.

Key Features:

  • Annotated screenshots
  • Immediate sharing
  • Analytics tools

Pros
  • Screen recordings can be shared quickly via URL
  • Free recording and downloading
  • Encrypted Sharing links
Cons
  • Recording maxes at 5 minutes
  • Understandable annotation toolbar

How to Choose a Better Alternative?

Not all screen capture tools are created equal. So, when selecting the best Snipping Tool alternative, you should list the factor that matters the most to you. I highly recommend choosing the tool with different capture modes, annotation capabilities, delay capture mode, image editing features, and many sharing options.

Usability. The best screen capture tool should be easy to use. Opt for programs that have intuitive interfaces and streamlined navigation. Therefore, you will be able to complete regular tasks easier.

Compatibility. Before you download a screen capture tool, make sure it will work on your operating system. Some tools are designed only for Windows, while others can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you need to capture your phone screen, there are also dedicated screen recording apps available.

Editing functionality. Look for a capture tool with a built-in editing suite. That way, you can add text labels, arrows, or shapes to point out key details. Some tools even let you blur sensitive areas, crop or resize the image for a cleaner look, or add some flair with filters and effects.

Supported formats and export options. Most tools let you save screenshots as PNG, JPEG, or GIF files. But what about where you save them? Look for programs that give you flexibility like storing on your device, quickly copying and pasting, or sharing files directly to email, social media, or the cloud.

Summary

When you need more than a basic screenshot tool, any of the listed programs in this review can fit the bill. Movavi Recorder stands out for its extensive screen-recording features, flexible screenshot modes, high-quality captures, and adjustable capture area. As for Acrobat Reader, I use it when working with PDF documents. The free version is sufficient for taking screenshots.

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