Not all free screenshot tools are created equal. Some are “free” with watermarks or paywalled features. Here are tools that are genuinely free and fully functional.
What makes a screenshot tool truly free?
We only include tools that:
- Have no watermarks
- No feature limitations vs paid version
- No time limits or trial periods
- Work without creating accounts
Our picks by category
For web screenshots: Pluck
If you’re capturing web content - tweets, code blocks, UI components - Pluck is the fastest path to beautiful results. Click once, get a styled screenshot. No account, no hidden costs.
For Windows power users: ShareX
ShareX is free and open source with more features than most paid tools. It has a learning curve, but once configured, it’s incredibly efficient. Captures anything, uploads anywhere.
For cross-platform: Flameshot
Available on Linux, Windows, and Mac. Clean interface, good annotation tools, and privacy-focused (no cloud by default). Great Lightshot replacement.
For minimal needs: OS built-in
Both Windows (Win+Shift+S) and Mac (Cmd+Shift+4) have capable built-in tools. For occasional screenshots, they’re good enough.
The “free” tools to avoid
Some tools advertise as free but:
- Add watermarks to screenshots (GoFullPage free tier)
- Require accounts to save files
- Have heavily limited free versions
- Upload to their servers by default (privacy concern)
The tools on our list avoid these issues.
Comparison table
| Tool | Platform | Element capture | Auto-styling | Annotations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluck | Chrome | Yes | Yes | No |
| ShareX | Windows | No | No | Yes |
| Flameshot | All | No | No | Yes |
| Snipping Tool | Windows | No | No | Basic |
| macOS Screenshot | Mac | No | No | No |
| Greenshot | Windows | No | No | Yes |
Recommended setup
Most people need 2 tools:
- For web content: Pluck (browser extension)
- For everything else: Your OS built-in tool (Win+Shift+S or Cmd+Shift+4)
This covers 95% of screenshot needs without installing bulky software or paying subscriptions.
For power users:
Add ShareX (Windows) or Flameshot (Linux/Mac) for advanced workflows, automation, and annotation needs.
Bottom line
You don’t need to pay for screenshot software. Free, high-quality tools exist for every platform and use case. Start with the basics, add specialized tools as needed.
Pluck Our pick
Click any web element to capture a styled screenshot. Automatic padding, backgrounds, and perfect sizing.
Completely free
- One-click element capture
- Automatic beautiful styling
- No account needed
- Lightweight extension
- Chrome only
- Web content only
ShareX
Incredibly powerful open-source screenshot and screen recorder. Dozens of capture modes, editing tools, and upload destinations.
Free, open source
- Extremely feature-rich
- Open source
- Automation workflows
- No limitations
- Windows only
- Steep learning curve
Flameshot
Cross-platform open-source screenshot tool. Clean interface with annotation features. Great Lightshot alternative.
Free, open source
- Linux, Windows, Mac
- Open source
- Good annotation tools
- Privacy-focused
- No element capture
- Basic editing only
Built into Windows 10/11. Press Win+Shift+S for instant area, window, or fullscreen capture.
Built into Windows
- No installation needed
- System-wide shortcut
- Basic markup tools
- Delay timer option
- Windows only
- Limited features
Built into macOS. Cmd+Shift+3/4/5 for various capture modes including screen recording.
Built into macOS
- No installation needed
- Elegant shortcuts
- Screen recording included
- Timer and options
- Mac only
- No annotations
Greenshot
Lightweight open-source Windows screenshot tool. Quick capture with good annotation features.
Free, open source
- Open source
- Good annotations
- Export options
- Lightweight
- Windows only
- UI somewhat dated