5 Best macOS Screenshot Apps for Screen Capture and Recording

By default, macOS offers a pretty impressive array of screen capture capabilities. However, if you make a lot of screenshots, you begin to observe some limitations. For instance, the built-in feature doesn’t permit taking the same size screenshot repeatedly, and it’s a challenge to alter the find where files are saved or the formats they’re stored in. If you’re looking for more flexibility and power, look into some of the best macOS screenshot apps to take screenshots.

5 Best macOS Screenshot Apps

1. Monosnap

Monosnap is a popular macOS screenshot app with amazing capabilities. The macOS screenshot app is small and user-friendly. The tools for selection are extremely precise and feature pixel-perfect zoom to select boundaries. It is possible to invoke an area or full-screen recording via the keyboard and access annotation tools once the screen is captured. Once you’re pleased with your notes, you can export them as a JPG or PNG file or send the application to an external photo editor like Photoshop.

It can do more than screenshots, however. It also allows you to record videos of the screen’s activity and use the front camera on your Mac for selfies similar to Photo Booth.

Pros

• Multiple capture modes, including screen recording
• Advanced annotation tools (text, arrows, blur, pixelate)
• Built-in cloud sharing with instant links
• Suitable for both casual and professional users

Cons

• Some features require a paid plan
• Interface may feel cluttered for basic users
• Uses more system resources than lightweight tools

Also read: 10 Best Clipping Software: Record and Stream Gameplay Easily

2. Skitch

Skitch could be getting a bit long to be honest, yet it’s one of the top image annotation applications. It is best to create screenshots, but the features for annotation are the area where it truly excels. Making annotations on images is easy, with a clear interface, beautiful defaults, and a few options. It also has a small selection of export options in addition to uploading the screenshot to your Evernote account. This is our preferred annotation tool for drawing an arrow on something, even when we’re using the default snipping tool for MacBook to take a screenshot.

Pros

• Clean and easy-to-use interface
• Excellent annotation tools
• Seamless Evernote integration
• Supports multiple file formats

Cons

• Limited capture options
• Fewer advanced features than competitors
• Opens only one image at a time

3. SnapNDrag

Another screenshot app for macOS, the feature I like the most about SnapNDrag is the library. Instead of capturing screenshots to your Desktop or a different directory, the application places the images into a single library file in the screenshot directory. This means you don’t have to clutter the directory by storing five different pictures of the identical interface. If you find the one you like, you can save it in your preferred image format. There are many types of screenshots with timed and instant alternatives. The annotations aren’t as impressive as Skitch, however, as the free version locks certain features.

However, the biggest drawback to SnapNDrag is its cost. The full version costs $10. Moreover, features like changing the screenshot size adds $10 over the price.

Pros

• Simple drag-and-drop workflow
• Stores screenshots in an organized tray
• Easy for non-technical users
• Lightweight and fast

Cons

• Basic annotation tools
• No video or GIF recording
• No cloud or collaboration features

4. Lightshot

Lightshot is a lightweight macOS screenshot app utility that is limited in screenshot capabilities. When this macOS snipping tool is launched, it allows the user to select their screen with a drag tool. After the drag is completed, the user can use a floating program to add annotations to the image at the appropriate location. It can then be saved to the user’s computer or shared publicly. This is all there is. If you’re just looking for application-created annotated screenshots, Lightshot is the best app.

Pros

• Extremely fast and simple to use
• Built-in basic annotation tools
• One-click online sharing
• Free and lightweight

Cons

• Limited editing features
• Privacy concerns with cloud uploads
• No scrolling or video capture

Also read: 5 Best Tools for Collecting Website Screenshots and Feedback Without the Headache

5. Snagit

Snagit is another professional-grade screen capture tool with a price to be matched. It’s the most powerful MacBook snipping tool on the list, offering a wide variety of features and annotation options. It’s truly massive and ideal for those who need to keep track of their screenshots continuously. Professionals who require detailed annotation may consider the additional features to be worth the 50$ cost. If you’d like to test the software, you can try it with 15 day trial with all features locked.

Pros

• Professional-grade editing and annotation
• Advanced capture modes (scrolling, panoramic)
• Screen recording and GIF creation
• Built-in capture library

Cons

• Expensive for casual users
• The interface can feel overwhelming
• Heavy app for older Macs

macOS Screenshot Apps Comparison Table

Ending Notes

In the end, these five macOS screenshot apps offer a range of features that for different needs of users. Monosnap is the most comprehensive screenshot tool, with its auto-beautification feature and screen record capabilities. The Skitch app and Snagit are both feature-rich and perfect for professionals, whereas Lightshot is best for those who want a basic free screenshot app for Mac.

FAQs: macOS Screenshot Apps