Gadwin Printscreen. Gadwin printscreen is a flexible screen capture that is equipped with excellent screen capture apps that are FREE. It has sophisticated features, user-friendly interface and customizable settings for shortcut key associations; capture preferences and output. Download for Windows. Our app allows you to select any area on your desktop and take its screenshot with 2 button-clicks. Easy-to-use application Simple and intuitive user interface makes your work with the app easier and faster. Select any image on your screen and find dozens similar images. Various Platforms Lightshot is available for.
So, you’re on your desktop and you find yourself needing to do a quick screengrab. What do you do? Do you just buy Snagit because the internet has been force-feeding it to you for years? Or do you roll up your sleeves and decide to look for a free alternative to Snagit?
Snagit is a program that works as a screen recorder with an image screen capturing tool, a snipping tool, and video/audio recording capabilities. Here’s the thing, though, there are so many other programs like Snagit that are free, and, dare we say, even better.
Contents
Is there a free version of Snagit?
Let’s get this out of the way now; no, THERE IS NO FREE VERSION OF SNAGIT.
Snagit is available to purchase for $49.95.
Why you have to pay for a tool so simple as screen capture is beyond our understanding, but Snagit only comes in a premium package.
Snagit Alternatives at a Glance
Platforms | Capture Video? | Built-in Editor? | Private Sharing? | Free Version Unlimited? | Best Feature | |
ScreenRec | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Private Sharing Link |
Windows Snipping Tool | Windows | Yes | No | No | Yes | Built-in to Windows OS |
Greenshot | Windows Mac Linux | No | Yes | No | Yes | Incredibly easy-to-follow interface |
Lightshot | Windows Mac Chrome | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No need to download or install |
Jing | Windows Mac | No | Yes | Yes | No | Easy to use editor |
PicPick | Windows | No | Yes | Yes | No | Extensive editing features |
TinyTake | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Can add text to recorded videos |
Screen spresso | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Built-in document generator |
Shutter | Linux | No | Yes | No | Yes | Additional plugins for effects |
ShareX | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dozens of upload destinations |
Steam | Windows Mac Linux | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Easily take screenshots during gameplay |
SnapDraw | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Professional image effects |
The best free alternatives to Snagit
1. Screenrec
Screenrec is a powerful alternative to Snagit for Windows (Lastest Windows 10, 8, 7 are supported), Linux and Mac. It is both screenshot capture tool and screen recording software. Powered by StreamingVideoProvider, Screenrec uses a sophisticated algorithm to upload your recording to the cloud in real time. So, as soon as you finish recording, you instantly get a shareable link.
The interface is mind-blowingly simple. Capturing screencasts or screenshots is as easy as opening the app, selecting your capture area, and pressing a button. It comes with a very simple but yet powerful screenshot annotation tool and lets you add comments, draw rectangles and arrows or add text.
You have the option of recording audio from a mic or your system, or both. Yes, both! That, plus the ability to record unlimited videos for free, makes Screenrec the best free alternative to Snagit.
Screenrec does much more than Snagit (and for $0) which makes it the best snagit alternative
Pros:
- Instant private link sharing
- Can record HD video with webcam
Cons:
- No Mac version (Coming Soon)
2. Windows Snipping Tool
The Windows snipping tool is a PC screenshot tool that is included in Windows Vista and later by default. It simply takes a “photo” of the screen. Whether it’s an open window, rectangular area, free-form area or the entire full screen itself, the snipping tool makes it easy.
When you have a snip, you can add annotation or edit the image.
Now, you might be thinking, “How is it free if it comes with Windows?” Yes, technically you have to buy Windows, but since you don’t have to purchase the screenshot tool separately, we’ll say it’s free.
Microsoft Free Print Screen Programs
So, if you want to capture the contents of the screen and don’t want to pay 50 bucks for something so basic, the Windows Snipping Tool works as a viable alternative to Snagit. But, if you need to record a video of your screen, you’re out of luck.
The Snipping Tool is a simple screenshot utility built into Windows
Pros:
- No need for download
- Can copy image to clipboard
Cons:
- Lack-luster editing
- Can’t insert a text box
3. Greenshot
Greenshot is a free and open source screen-capture tool that can serve as a Snagit free alternative for Windows 7. It is quite unfortunate that Greenshot is only compatible with Windows, but hey, it’s free, so we can’t judge.
Greenshot is a fairly simple program that gives you all you need when capturing screenshots. It is very lightweight and refrains from making you climb a steep learning curve.
We are lazy. Give us something that we can understand in five minutes. That’s what Greenshot does and it makes us happy.
Greenshot is simple, lightweight screenshot software
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Lightweight app
Cons:
- Can’t screen record
- Insecure file sharing to Imgur
4. Lightshot
Lightshot is yet another free software like Snagit (well, besides the ‘free’ part obviously). Lightshot, available in Google Chrome Web Store, is a browser extension app that not only allows you to easily take a screenshot, but allows you to upload it to the server and creates a short link, similar to Screenrec.
With Lightshot, you can also search for images similar to the one you captured. We’re not exactly sure what the point of that is, but it’s cool nonetheless. Either way, Lightshot is still a free Snagit alternative worth downloading for Chrome users.
It is worth mentioning, however, that these plugins often cause lagging.
Lightshot is a free Chrome extension that allows you to capture screenshots
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Powerful online editor
Cons:
- Must create an account and upload to save and edit screenshots
- Lacks security when you upload to edit pics
5. Jing
Jing is an interesting alternative to Snagit in that they were both created and released by TechSmith. With both a free and premium version, Jing allowed you to record audio and video then upload directly to the internet automatically creating a shareable link.
You’ve probably noticed that we used the term “allowed”, in the past tense. That is because Jing is no longer available for video capture and has been replaced with Snagit.
But before you begin shouting at us, you should know that Jing can still be used for simple image capturing and, yes, it is still free. It may have lost a capability or two, but it’s still a Snagit alternative.
Jing is another screenshot utility by Techsmith (the creators of Snagit)
Pros:
- Basic editing features that don’t require a learning curve
- Can be saved in multiple formats
Cons:
- Can no longer record videos
- App can be taxing on systems causing lagging
6. PicPick
We’re going to keep this one as simple as the app itself. PicPick is an easy screen capture tool that allows you to extensively edit the image you’ve captured. With cool graphics accessories like a color picker, pixel ruler, and color palette, there are hundreds of ways to edit and design anything on your screen.
Their free version excludes you from automatic updates and tech support (which we found quite rude) but it’s not a bad alternative to Snagit for Windows. You certainly won’t be displeased… unless you end up needing support, then yes, you are on your own.
PickPick captures screenshots and lets you edit them
Pros:
- Can capture rolling screen
- Advanced photo editor
Cons:
- Editor may be a little hard to get used to
- Can only share publicly
7. TinyTake
TinyTake is in the same realm as Screenrec in that it allows for video and image capture for free. Yet, unlike Screenrec, you can only record up to 5 minutes of video.
You have the ability to add text to your recording and share it online. It’s fairly easy to use with a simple interface and easy to understand options.
Sadly, it is only available for Windows. So, all you Mac and Linux users, we apologize on their behalf. Yet, we can’t be too hard on TinyTake. There aren’t too many free Snagit alternatives for windows that can record video along with images.
TinyTake is one of the free Snagit alternatives that can also record video
Pros:
- Can capture webcam
- Can blur sensitive information
Cons:
- Limited recording time
- Only available for Windows.
8. Screenpresso
Screenpresso sounds like an app that’s exclusive to coffee shop owners, but don’t worry, it’s available to anyone. Adding to our list of image and video captures for free, Screenpresso fits snuggly among the elites.
Simple, easy to use, minimal interface, immediate sharing. You know the drill. The recurring issue, however: it is only available for Windows. It is still a sweeter option than the $50 Snagit.
Screenpresso is a simple image screen capturing tool
Pros:
- Has a document generator
- Can delay capture
Cons:
- Limit on video recorder
- Comes with watermark
9. Shutter
Hey, Ubuntu/Linux users! Have we got an app for you! Shutter swings in to attempt to help you capture your computer screen. If you’re looking for a simple Linux screenshot tool, this could be it.
Video capture is not available, but they make up for this flaw with fairly decent editing features and available plugins for cool effects. It is without a doubt worth a shot for Ubuntu loyalists that don’t need to record screen video.
Shutter is an image screen capturing tool for Linux/Ubuntu
Pros:
- Open-source which allows for additional editing features and effects
- Can upload directly to sharing sites
Cons:
- Only for Linux
- Can’t capture video
10. ShareX
This Windows-only screen tool doesn’t just give Snagit a run for its money, it’s also a direct competitor of the Windows Snipping Tool, and it seems to be doing a fine job of it. Share X is a busy little app that seems to jam-pack tons of features into a single desktop app.
There are dozens of editing features including a color picker, image splitter, image combiner, and of course your basics like annotation and blur effects. You can even upload your screen grabs to over one dozen sites. There are just so many features and so many options, does anyone else have decision fatigue?
Pros:
- Extensive editing features
- 19 annotation tools
Cons:
- Too many options flood the user interface with multiple menus and drop-down options making it difficult to find what you’re looking for
- No instant link for easier sharing
11. Steam
For you gamers out there, you don’t have to rely on an app that is best suited for enterprises. For you, there’s a not-so-little app called Steam. Steam is an easy to use screen recorder, live stream app, and screenshot tool.
While in gameplay, you can simply press F12 on Windows or Option+fn+F12 on Mac to capture an in-game screenshot. After the screenshot is automatically saved to the Steam cloud, you can edit it with basic annotation features and upload it to Steam or share it on Facebook.
Pros:
- Simple screenshot hotkey
- Can manipulate computer screen before taking a screenshot
Cons:
- Can only be used for screenshotting gameplay
- Limited sharing options
12. SnapDraw
Talk about professional features in a free app! ScreenRec isn’t the only one. While SnapDraw can’t record video, it makes up for it with the awesome screenshot editing capabilities. Yes, you can capture regions of your screen and fullscreen. Yes, you can capture a webcam.
But it’s what you can do with your captures that makes SnapDraw a better free alternative to SnagIt. You can turn any of your images into 3D. It can also capture transparency/translucency. If that weren’t enough, you can also arrange and manipulate screenshots and set background colors or images.
Pros:
- High-quality editing features
- Simple user-interface
Cons:
- Doesn’t record video
- No easy way to share
What is the best Snagit alternative?
We’ll leave that decision up to you. Each program offers unique features and tools, but in our opinion, Screenrec takes the cake. It is the only tool that runs on most operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Mac, captures images as well as it works as a video recorder and offers instant sharing. Screenrec is a triple threat that no other free screen capture tool has been able to match.
Conclusion
In all, Snagit hurts our brains and our wallets. It doesn’t offer nearly enough features or capabilities to not be free. With 9 proven top snagit alternatives, you have plenty of options though. We hope this breakdown has been helpful and you will find here the right tool for your needs.
What is the difference between Snagit and Camtasia?
Snagit is a screen capture tool that can record your desktop and grab screenshots. Camtasia can record your screen but can't capture screenshots. Camtasia is designed for more professional video editing and it has many more options compared to SnagIt. In short, SnagIt is like an easier, more basic version of Camtasia that can capture screenshots.
Can you record video with Snagit?
Yes. Go to the Video tab and select the option that best fits your use case. You can capture your desktop with the cursor and include your webcam (face cam) if you want.
Can you record audio with Snagit?
Yes, you can record the computer audio. Go to the Video tab and switch on 'Record System Audio'.
Related Links
Just about anything you can imagine, from articles to maps and all points in between, can now be found online. There are times when you might need a record of the items displayed on your monitor. One of the most effective ways to do that is to capture screenshots of what appears on screen. You can use some tools to capture images and text for work, or you can simply use it to record items that you are interested in for your own personal use. The good news is that there are plenty of screenshot options available to you, while this article will concentrate on evaluating free screenshot software for Windows 7.
Part 1. Standards for Evaluating Eligible Screenshot Solutions
Part 2. Reviews of Best Tools for Creating Screenshots
I. What to Look For in screenshot Windows 7 freeware
When looking for the tools belong to this category, you’ll want to find one that comes with a host of features such as hotkeys and the ability to capture webpages, games, objects, and more. The screenshot that you capture can then be used in multiple ways, with wallpaper for your desktop being one of the most popular. One of the best features of this type of software is the ability to edit the saved image. A great editing suite should include the ability to add text or highlight a specific part of the image, as well as being able to edit in batches. Being able to resize and personalize images is also a must.
1. Capture This is the number one reason for using snapshot software for windows 7, so be sure to choose one that has a wide variety of options to choose from. These could include the ability to capture videos, games, object, direct X applications, and more.
2. Ease of Use In order for screenshot software to be truly effective, it should be easy to learn and use, even if you are not a computer whiz. The interface should be easy to navigate, with all the features self-explanatory.
3. Edit If you go with an advanced piece of software, it will come with features that include the ability to alter, annotate, and save your images in various formats. Drawing and highlighting the images should be an option, so that they can be customized to fit your specific needs.
4. Features A number of convenient tools should be available with your screenshot software. These would include toolbars, image viewers, and the option to share images via e-mail from within the application. Installation should also be straightforward.
5. Help & Support Great software will deliver all the help and support you need through a variety of different sources. These would include e-mail, phone, contact forms, tutorials, and FAQ’s. If you hit a snag when trying to use the software, the company that makes it should have ways to help.
II. Reviews of screenshot software for Windows 7 free
#1 Free Screenshot
There is no such thing as a perfect piece of software, but Free Screenshot is as close as it gets. Image capture, video capture, and even video clip capture are covered by this great software. It is quite simply the best screenshot software out there at the moment. As well as being able to capture anything you want, it also comes with a great selection of editing tools and excellent customer support options. As if all of that weren’t enough, its ease of use put’s it right over the top and into the number one spot.
Pros: Easy to use capture and editing options, as well as the delivery of free space for uploading and sharing images.
Cons: It does not come with an image manager, which is found in other software titles.
#2 Snagit
There are a lot of reasons to love this software, starting with ease of use and number of features. Screenshot snap is a breeze, as is annotation and saving to Evernote or as an image. It doesn’t have quite as many features as our #1 pick, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a very powerful screenshot software option. The annotation feature here is incredibly easy to use, and can in fact be used with some of the other titles featured here to get everything you need to fully customize your images.
Windows Print Screen Program Download Free Apps Download
Pros: A fantastic selection of features to choose from.
Cons: A little on the pricy side.
#3 Screen Hunter
This software is effective in capturing full screens, active windows, or an area of the screen that you choose. It’s fairly easy to navigate, as the interface is simple and well laid out. You also have the option of creating a hotkey to make capturing your images that much easier. This is a piece of software that you can jump in and easily use right away. Pros: Simple interface that is easy to follow, with no complicated settings to confuse the issue. Cons: The software does not support the PNG format. You need to pay for an upgrade if you want all the available features.
#4 Gadwin Printscreen
The most obvious benefit of this print screen software for windows 7 is that it is FREE. The features are what you would expect to find in a high-priced software, and it comes with an interface that is easy to follow.
Pros: Customizable settings, great features, and an easy to read interface are what makes this one work so well.
Cons: No built-in image editor.
#5 Hyper Snapshot
There is a very good reason why this software made it onto the list, and that is because it is very good at what it is designed to do. A great selection of capture and editing features, as well as a few extras, make this one an excellent screenshot software option.
This screenshot Windows 7 freeware is not quite as smooth as some of the other titles in this list, but it comes with more than enough features to make it into the top 5 here. It doesn’t look as sophisticated as some of the others, but it’s easy to use and comes with great capture features, as well as batch conversion.
Pros: Screen capture is very easy indeed, and there are enough editing features to make it easy for you to customize any image.
Cons: The interface is pretty far from modern, and there is no way to capture images in a polygon shape.
#6 Greenshot
This is a free online tool which is compatible with Windows 7. Furthermore, this tool has has editing options allowing users to have a more enhanced screenshot. To use this tool, go to Greenshot page, click on the “Download” button and run the application in your computer. Once it’s installed, check it on the task bar and click it. Choose whether to capture a part of the screen or the entire screen.
Pros: It is free and easy to use.
Cons: It cannot be used offline because it does not have a desktop version.
#7 TNT Screen Capture
Another free online tool is TNT Screen Capture. This tool can capture the whole screen or just a part of the screen. Moreover, it also possesses editing options which are helpful in making a screenshot more appealing and useful.
Pros: It is free and it has editing options.
Cons: It cannot share the screenshot online.