Top 3 Best Mac Snipping Tools (2024)
The 3 best screenshot apps for Mac in 2023 compared: Xnapper, LightShot and TinyTake. See which captures images and videos easiest.
In our visually-driven digital age, the ability to capture and share screenshots has become indispensable for professionals, educators, and casual users alike.
Simple screenshots are no longer enough - we need powerful snipping tools that go beyond basic screen capture to streamline workflows and enhance communication.
This article reviews the best snipping tools for Mac users in 2024, offering insights into their unique features, ease of use, and ideal applications.
1. Xnapper
Xnapper is a native macOS snipping tool that has earned acclaim for its intuitive interface and robust feature set. Check out people's love for Xnapper here or read a review.
Key Features:
Clean, Mac-native interface for seamless navigation
Automatically add modern backgrounds for visual (i.e. gradients, desktop image, etc.)
Annotation tools including text, shapes, arrows, and blur/redact effect
Screenshot image visual optimization (i.e. rounded edges, shadow, etc.)
Keyboard shortcuts for quick access to common actions
Pros:
Native app optimized for macOS, ensuring smooth performance
Easy and quick annotation capabilities with shortcuts
Auto-balancing of images that are out of proportion
Image ratio can be adjusted with just one-click
Cons:
Limited video recording functionality compared to dedicated screen recorders
Lack of cloud storage: all files saved locally
Use Cases: Xnapper excels in tasks like design feedback, educational tutorials, collaborative projects, and visually enriched documentation. Its annotation tools make it ideal for marking up screenshots, while cloud integration promotes seamless sharing.
Installation: Download Xnapper from xnapper.com or Setapp store. The installation is straightforward, and the app provides a quick tutorial on key features.
2. LightShot
LightShot is a cross-platform screenshot and screen recording utility known for its simplicity and ease of use.
Key Features:
Built-in image editor for annotations and effects
Similar image search feature
Support for capturing scrolling screenshots of long web pages
Automatic upload to the LightShot cloud for easy sharing
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and fast
Ideal for quickly capturing and sharing screenshots
User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
Cons:
Limited advanced editing and annotation options
No OCR (optical character recognition) or text capture
Cloud storage and sharing is limited to LightShot's platform
Use Cases: LightShot shines in scenarios where you need to quickly capture and share simple screenshots, such as for customer support, troubleshooting, or casual sharing with friends and colleagues.
Installation: No installation is required - simply visit app.prntscr.com and follow the prompts to run LightShot from your Mac's menubar.
3. TinyTake
TinyTake is a versatile screen capture and recording solution developed by MangoApps, with a focus on video-based tutorials and online collaboration.
Key Features:
Capture screenshots, screen recordings, and webcam videos
Annotation tools for highlighting and explaining visuals
Built-in video editor for trimming, adding effects, and captions
Cloud storage and sharing via TinyTake's online platform
Integration with online meeting platforms like Zoom and GoToMeeting
Pros:
Comprehensive toolkit for creating video tutorials and presentations
Webcam recording for adding a personal touch to visuals
Professional video editing capabilities within the app
Seamless integration with online collaboration tools
Cons:
More complex interface with a steeper learning curve
Limited cloud storage space with the free plan
No direct image annotation - requires capturing a video first
Use Cases: TinyTake is well-suited for businesses and educators looking to create professional-grade video tutorials, product walkthroughs, and training materials. Its collaboration features also make it useful for online meetings and remote presentations.
Installation: Download the TinyTake app from the MangoApps website and follow the straightforward installation wizard.
Conclusion
We've taken a good look at Xnapper, LightShot, and TinyTake, and honestly, they're all pretty awesome screenshot tools for Mac in their way.
Whether you're all about that easy and simple interface, needing to share images quickly, or diving deep into editing, there's something here for everyone.
Grab the one that feels right, and make your screen captures not just about saving images, but sharing your brilliant ideas and moments.
It's all about making life a bit easier and a lot more fun, right?