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.

Written by Brian ShinBrian Shin

Mac Snipping Tool

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.

Xnapper Interface
Xnapper Interface

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.

Lightshot Website
Lightshot Website

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.

TinyTake Interface
TinyTake Interface

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?