Lightshot
Select an area of your screen, mark it up, then save it, copy it or upload it to a public link.
Why it's a strong pick
Lightshot is built around selecting a region, then editing and sharing it. It runs on Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox and Opera, per its site. The big trade-off is Upload: an uploaded screenshot gets a link that anyone with the exact URL can open, and Lightshot's FAQ says no image is ever completely hidden.
What it does
Press the hotkey or button, select an area, then edit, copy, save or upload for a share link. Lightshot says you can edit online with Pixlr Editor (pen, brush, blur, highlight, text) and save as JPG, PNG or BMP. It can also find similar images for any image you select.
Key features
- Region select. Capture the part you pick.
- Edit after capture. Pen, brush, blur, highlight and text, per Lightshot's pages.
- Copy, save or upload. Upload gives a share link.
- Find similar images. Select any image and search for matches.
- Gallery. Sign in to keep a history of your screenshots. Uploading does not need an account.
Who it's for
Lightshot suits people who want to grab and mark up a small area of what is on screen. It is built for selecting a visible region. For whole pages, see GoFullPage or FireShot, and read our Lightshot vs GoFullPage comparison.
Can other people see my uploaded screenshots?
Yes, if they have the link. Lightshot's FAQ says an upload is public by URL and no image is ever completely hidden. You can remove one with the abuse button, by emailing support, or from your gallery. To keep a shot private, save it to disk or copy it to the clipboard instead.
Do I need an account to use Lightshot?
No, not to upload. Lightshot's pages say that signing in gives you your own gallery of screenshots. Sign-in is optional for sharing a link, so you can try it without making an account. Remember that an upload is public by URL whether or not you are signed in.
What does Lightshot's privacy policy cover?
Its policy covers device characteristics, operating system, browser type, IP address, login times, image viewing statistics and links. It also says Lightshot does not share, sell or show your name, email or profile information. The policy covers Skillbrains (Lightshot, prntscr.com, prnt.sc). Read it before you upload.
What permissions does Lightshot ask for?
We did not read a first-party permission list for the current version of Lightshot, so we will not guess at one. Check the install prompt in Chrome before you install, and ask whether each permission makes sense for a tool that only captures an area you select.
FAQ
Where can I use it? Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox and Opera, per Lightshot's site.
Can I capture a full page? It is built for selecting a visible region. Use GoFullPage for whole pages.
Is it safe to upload? Only if you are fine with a public link. Kaspersky has reported on scams around Lightshot's sequential links.
Good to know
Treat every upload as public. Before you press Upload, ask whether you would be fine with a stranger seeing it. Choose save or copy for anything private.
Other screenshot tools to compare
Lightshot is one of 5 picks in our screenshot tools guide:
- GoFullPage: capture a whole page in one click.
- FireShot: capture full pages and annotate them.
- Awesome Screenshot: capture, annotate, blur and share.
- Screenity: record your screen with drawing tools (a video recorder, not a still screenshot tool).
Compare: Lightshot vs GoFullPage
See alternatives: Lightshot alternatives
This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing. Install and permissions are between you and the extension's own publisher.