Snipping Tool Alternatives

I'm very conservative when it comes to installing applications that have functionality similar to what is already available in Windows.
I know there are a number of third party screen capture applications that can do a better job than Snipping Tool can do, especially when it comes to annotations.

Do you use a third party screen capture application, or are you happy with Snipping Tool?
If you do use a third party screen capture application, which one do you prefer?

Stigg said:

I'm very conservative when it comes to installing applications that have functionality similar to what is already available in Windows.
I know there are a number of third party screen capture applications that can do a better job than Snipping Tool can do, especially when it comes to annotations.

Do you use a third party screen capture application, or are you happy with Snipping Tool?
If you do use a third party screen capture application, which one do you prefer?

Click to expand...

I’m like you by the sounds… I’d rather try and get what is already available in Windows to work before I start checking out apps that I have watched @Edwin review. Like ShareX screen software. I have embarked on reinstalling Eleven today, its own install without Ten as the backbone (which I was using - upgrade) So I am determined to see if I can get Windows apps working for me first.

I use Snagit which has a host of features the Windows app doesn't. Note though that Snagit is a paid program. That's me, I'm sure you'll get plenty of other "freeware" alternatives.

I use ShareX. It can be easily configured to save every capture to a folder by month and copy it to the clipboard. Very useful for emails.

Personally, I use Snipping Tool. While it does lack some features of other screen capture software, it is simple to use and it comes with the OS, so it's right there when you need it. The cropping tool is the pits though ... lol

There are many screen capture apps that have far better annotating tools and I only use them when they are needed.

@Dru2
I haven't used SnagIt in a long time, but it was good when I did use it.

I'm perfectly happy with snipping tool. For the few annotations I make, Paint suffices very well. I do use the Classic Windows 10 version rather than the updated Windows 11 version of Paint app though.

Lightshot

I had a quick look at FastStone Capture. It seems to be light and also has a portable version.

I use Gadwin printscreen

FDretired said:

I use Gadwin printscreen

Gadwin - Downloads

Gadwin Systems is a company that develops software: DiagramStudio (professional user-friendly program for creating business and technical drawings). DiagramStudio offers you a wide choice of different tools that allows you to quickly and easily create flowcharts, business and technical diagrams...

www.gadwin.com

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That's one that I hadn't heard of before now.
I wonder what the Professional version has over standard.

Edit: I found the answer to Professional vs standard here.

trumpy81 said:

Personally, I use Snipping Tool. While it does lack some features of other screen capture software, it is simple to use and it comes with the OS, so it's right there when you need it. The cropping tool is the pits though ... lol

There are many screen capture apps that have far better annotating tools and I only use them when they are needed.

@Dru2
I haven't used SnagIt in a long time, but it was good when I did use it.

Click to expand...

The main reason I like it is cause I can pretty much do any edit or annotation immediately after the snip. No need to open another window or panel for such things. But again, that's me.

And yes, there are plenty of alternatives out there with lots of features. I just find what suits "my" needs and keep it moving.

And yes, if all you need is a quick snipping tool, Windows' snipping tool is great. But I know.... Its "Microsoft" so....

@Dru2
Once upon a time, I used to install hundreds of apps whenever I installed/reinstalled Windows and it was tedious, but now I use as many portable apps as I can.

I have portable versions of Faststone Capture and PicPick, but I tend to only use them if I need to annotate something or do more than the Snipping Tool can handle.

For the most part, Snipping Tool is good enough.

Back in the day, SnagIt was THE tool to use, probably still is, but I could not be bothered installing it any more ... lol

trumpy81 said:

Back in the day, SnagIt was THE tool to use, probably still is, but I could not be bothered installing it any more ... lol

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IMO it got to big. It went from probably ten meg to who knows what now. Recourses are often scarce. Portable is a good Idea.

Stigg said:

... are you happy with Snipping Tool?

Click to expand...

No.

Stigg said:

If you do use a third party screen capture application, which one do you prefer?

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ShareX

Edwin said:

No.

ShareX

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That just reminds me.
I vaguely remember you telling me how to set that program as the default image viewer.
Or was that another program? I've had a few sleeps since then.

Edit: I found it.

80% of the time, my screenshots are shared here!
Along with it's host of other features, I find ShareX's Live Annotate indispensable. So fast!
For example:
Someone posts: "How do I hide the 'Try the New Outlook' button?"
I'll reply with instructions, and provide a quick screenshot example...
(Full screen HD is best!)

Edwin said:

80% of the time, my screenshots are shared here!
Along with it's host of other features, I find ShareX's Live Annotate indispensable. So fast!
For example:
Someone posts: "How do I hide the 'Try the New Outlook' button?"
I'll reply with instructions, and provide a quick screenshot example...
(Full screen HD is best!)

Click to expand...

Yes, I have seen many annotations of yours in various threads, and sometimes wondered what you use.
Now I know.

You're getting me interested in ShareX. It doesn't mess with your system too much, does it?
I mean Windows, when I talk about system. Not your bodily system, like when you've eaten too many chillies the night before.

Huh... I've actually had ShareX portable for a while now, but for some reason I never unpacked it or set it up.

I will have to do that and take it for a spin now ... lol

I've also updated it to 15.0.0.

Thanks @Edwin

Stigg said:

It doesn't mess with your system too much, does it?

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Nope.
Only thing is, unless you disable it OneDrive will keep your PrtScrn key hijacked.