Best Free Screen Capture Utility
I have Five Recommendations here: the first is Gadwin PrintScreen. It does exactly what I want, in the way I want, and it avoids the trap of providing a lot of useless and confusing features. It makes the hot key "PrtSc" so I don't have to remember it, and automatically names the output files in sequential order for multiple screen shots. It's these little things that count.
A second recommendation is Screenshot Captor. It's a Freeware product, Screenshot Captor is a program for taking screenshots on your computer. It's different from other screenshot utilities. See for yourself.
Also highly recommended is FastStone Screen Capture. It requires no installation, and yet provides more features than you might ever want, including the ability to capture scrolling screen shots across more than one screen page. It can also save in BMP, JPEG, JPEG2000, PNG, GIF, TIFF and TGA formats. In many ways it's like the full commercial version of ScreenHunter, except that it's free for personal use. NOTE: Since version 5.4, Screen capture has become commercial shareware. You can, however, get the last free version from here.
Another Great Freeware App that has been added to replace the Shareware Version of FastStone is Bug_Shooting, I have tested this one myself, and I love the enorumous amount of features that it offers to the table. This is going to be a Program to be reckoned with in the future, the Author has spent seemless hours evidentally on coding this app to the point of offering the great features it entails. Try it today, You may get Addicted.
And the Fifth Freeware to add to our list is Jing from TechSmith Camtasia. Jing is designed to be fast-visual communication shared with others in a variety of locations. Capture. Annotate. Share. You can capture Screenshots and make them your point of study or show, or you can make video's, TechSmith is including a 2GB Storage with 2GB of Transfer Bandwidth per month. Give it a try, you will be suprised about the power in this great tool.
Gadwin PrintScreen
Website: http://www.gadwin.com/products.htm
Download link: http://www.gadwin.com/download/
Author: Gadwin Systems
Current version: 4.3
Version date: August 20, 2007
License: Freeware
Download File size: 2826KB
Operating Systems Supported: Windows 98/Me/2000/2003/XP/Vista, Windows NT 4.0SP6
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
Screenshot Capture
Website: www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/index.html
Download link: www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/index.html
Author: DonationCoder.com
Current version: 2.37.03
Version date: October 07, 2007
License: Freeware
Download file size: 8.5MB
Operating Systems Supported: Win9x/2k/XP/VISTA
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
Bug Shooting
Website: www.bugshooting.com/web/index.php5
Download link: www.bugshooting.com/web/index.php5
Author: Alexej Hirsch
Current version: 1.7.4
Version date: June 01, 2008 (Unverified Version Date)
License: Freeware
Download file size: 1.12 MB
Operating Systems Supported: Windows XP (x32), Windows Vista (x32)
Additional Software Required: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: German, and Russian
Other relevant information: This Program Comes with send screenshot to email, and tons of other features that makes it on the Gizmo's List of Freeware, it also has Support Forum for your assistance when needed.
Fastone Screen Capture (last free version)
Website: http://www.faststone.org/
Download link: http://www.aplusfreeware.com/categories/mmedia/FastStoneCapture.html
Author: FastStone Soft
Current version: 5.3
Version date: February 12, 2007
License: Free for home users
Download file size: 1380KB
Operating Systems Supported: 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
Gadwin PrintScreen
Website: http://www.gadwin.com/products.htm
Download link: http://www.gadwin.com/download/
Author: Gadwin Systems
Current version: 4.3
Version date: August 20, 2007
License: Freeware
Download File size: 2826KB
Operating Systems Supported: Windows 98/Me/2000/2003/XP/Vista, Windows NT 4.0SP6
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
Screenshot Capture
Website: www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/index.html
Download link: www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/index.html
Author: DonationCoder.com
Current version: 2.37.03
Version date: October 07, 2007
License: Freeware
Download file size: 8.5MB
Operating Systems Supported: Win9x/2k/XP/VISTA
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
Bug Shooting
Website: www.bugshooting.com/web/index.php5
Download link: www.bugshooting.com/web/index.php5
Author: Alexej Hirsch
Current version: 1.7.4
Version date: June 01, 2008 (Unverified Version Date)
License: Freeware
Download file size: 1.12 MB
Operating Systems Supported: Windows XP (x32), Windows Vista (x32)
Additional Software Required: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: German, and Russian
Other relevant information: This Program Comes with send screenshot to email, and tons of other features that makes it on the Gizmo's List of Freeware, it also has Support Forum for your assistance when needed.
Fastone Screen Capture (last free version)
Website: http://www.faststone.org/
Download link: http://www.aplusfreeware.com/categories/mmedia/FastStoneCapture.html
Author: FastStone Soft
Current version: 5.3
Version date: February 12, 2007
License: Free for home users
Download file size: 1380KB
Operating Systems Supported: 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit Capable: No
Portable Version Available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
Other relevant information: None
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"Quote:" Hello, Mick. I am frequently asked by my coworkers overseas to demonstrate how to do things in the software we use. I do give them my best verbal description with still screenshots, but the language barrier poses a pathetic and frustrating obstacle. My boss won't authorize the purchase of Camtasia (like Marketing uses) or any other typical "training video" type software because my job description does not include "graphic design," so I'm pretty much left to provide my own solution. Is there anything free I can use to pull up to ten minutes' worth of "do this then do that" style video capture at a time? Thanks :) "End Quote"
This is where Jing, comes in to play thanks go out to Urbane.Tiger for pointing out this Awesome Gem, I have reviewed this Program and have to say, for a freeware, I am totally impressed with it's capabilities, and the Online Storage TechSmith is willing to give towards the Function of this great piece of Software, You got to check this great tool out, I already have made video's in few minutes spent, where as it could of took great amounts of time putting together with a product like Powerpoint, this one will not only be around for some time, but as time goes on, I believe the true powers of this Program will be revealed. Check it out folks, and Thank You Urbane.Tiger, Awesome Job my Friend. Keep up the great work of recommendations.
Mick Barker Sr.
Category Editor
Hello, Mick. I am frequently asked by my coworkers overseas to demonstrate how to do things in the software we use. I do give them my best verbal description with still screenshots, but the language barrier poses a pathetic and frustrating obstacle. My boss won't authorize the purchase of Camtasia (like Marketing uses) or any other typical "training video" type software because my job description does not include "graphic design," so I'm pretty much left to provide my own solution. Is there anything free I can use to pull up to ten minutes' worth of "do this then do that" style video capture at a time? Thanks :)
Let me research this, and I will get back with you asap.
Thank You,
Mick
Take a look at Jing http://www.jingproject.com/ - its from the Camtasia camp but its free, not sure of Jing's similarities to other Camtasia products - could be of interest 2 u if you value synergy with your marketing dudes.
Also have a look at Wink, http://www.debugmode.com/wink/, I prefer it to Jing because the latter is a bit too close to the social networking universe for for taste
also have a look at this http://www.getabetterboss.com ;-)
Steve,
I recommend you post the article on Flypaper
http://www.flypaper.com/in Digital imaging / Photo software, Section.
Good Evening Folks,
Please Let me know by posting here what you want to see listed on this page, You our Friends, are why Gizmo and all of us do what we do, so we can give and share with you our friends, the vast fortunes of Freebies that the Net has to offer, So keep up the good work and do not hesitate to list a Keeper that you find, who knows after researching it, it may bump one of these good programs out of their comfortable spot on the list, or it may extend this list even further, Kudos! to all of you, Great Job, Keep it up.
Mick Barker Sr.
Category Editor
Hey Folks,
I have added the Freeware Program Called Bug Shooting to the Categories in this Section, be sure to check out the great features that it surrounds us with in our everyday lives of Geeking or just some simple Computing. Here are just a few features to look forward too:
- Capture screen
- Capture windows
- Capture screen area
- Delayed capture
- Support for multiple screen
- Edit screenshot
- crop
- resize
- add geometric shapes
- add arrows
- add text
- add images
- rotate, flip
- Print screenshot
- Save screenshot
- Open screenshot from file
- Combine screenshots
- Shortcuts are possible for a lof of functions
- Send screenshots to different bug tracker
- FogBugz
- Gemini
- OnTime
- BugTracker.NET
- SharpForge
- Send screenshots to
- Skype
- Default Email Client
- Any application by using command line
- Multilingual
- English
- German
- Russian
- Custom commands: open an URL by shortcut
A screen capture program I found called screen2exe is excellent...
http://www.screen-record.com/
This program is very easy to use, and produces very small self executable video files that anyone can play on any computer without having to install any special or particular medial player.
The video files are very small, check it out.
John
John,
I checked the screen2exe site, and actually this program does the screen capturing by recording the screen, to play back and recording of Speech Files also, though it seems like a good program, it is a little more robust with recording features, so I will consider this one in the near future, good call. Thanks for the recommendation, Good Luck.
Mick Barker Sr
Philip Daniels
I recently discovered BugShooting, its replaced Gadwin on my system. I also gave the flick to MWSnap and an old version of SnagIt that were lying around.
It does all the usual stuff, AND it includes an image editor, that allows screen captures to be annotated with text and line draws (arrows, circles etc). It also has links to many of the major bugtrackers like Bugtracker, FogBuz as well as to mail and Skype
Another neat feature is "delayed capture" that effectively waits whilst you bring up a menu or some other ephemeral screen element.
Its built in editor makes documentation much easier because the capture and annotation are a single operation.
The one thing I miss is not being able to drive it from the PrtScrn Key.
http://www.bugshooting.com/web/index.php5
Thank you for pointing this one out, you guys are great by recommending some of your favorites or past programs you have used, this method does indeed make my life a little easier by eliminating some search and research time. I have added this one to the List, due to all the features it offers, and the ease of use by the everyday Computer, Keep up the good work, and thanks for pointing this fine program out for us. Cheers!
while simple in it's capture logic, I've come to like the JING project which allows one to capture, edt, and upload all in one step/process. options are screencast, flickr, and ftp.
Video capture is also supported
i tryed gadwin and it made a water mark on everything now i use the vista one
The free version of Gadwin Printscreen doesn't enable you to save changes you made in the preferences options. Meaning that you'll have to change them again and again in order to save any screen capture you take in other than the default preferences. Which makes it a nuissance to use.
YK
I've never had a problem saving the preferences, including yesterday when I installed the latest version on a friend's computer.
TA
For someone who needs a simple screen capture software, try MWSnap (http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/mwsnap.html). It's very simple and for people that want to capture only a certain area of their screen, this program offers that. You can also get a screen shot of an "active" window on your desktop. It doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" of other screen capture programs, this one gets it done.
Easy Capture
http://www.xydownload.com/easycapture/
I have to say that PicPick is my favorite
After Testing Screenshot Capture out for awhile, I decided to go ahead and Post It on here, this little program does an awesome job of "Screen Capturing" and is a Die Hard Tool for that Purpose, Some of the Awesome Points to this Program are:
* Optimized for taking lots of screenshots with minimal intervention.
* Smart auto-naming of files, and ability to embed textual comments in files.
* Good multi-monitor support.
* Highly configurable to make it work the way you want it to; stays out of your way in the system tray.
* Lots of capture modes: Multimon (multiple monitors), Desktop, Active Window, Region, Windows Object. Each mode has a hotkey for quick access.
* Unique Cool Effects, including automatic active window enhancement (see pictures below).
* Unsurpassed support for 3rd party user configurable tools, including file browsers and image editors; extend the program to do whatever you need by interfacing it with other programs.
* Slimline sidebar file browser provides full shell operations.
* Optional automatic image file versioning.
* Seamless integration with Unicode Image Maker tool.
* - Automatically finds boundaries of non-rectangular/themed windows.
* - Autoscroll capture for windows too big for screen.
* - Deluxe thumbnail maker.
* - Quick PostCapture PopUp Dialog.
* - Quick Screenshot Emailer Menu.
Mick Barker
Category Editor
Hello Mick, This is something I have never done and an hoping you can give me some pointers on using screen capture. Our Home Owners Assoc. will be doing a News Letter Site and I had a feeling this would definitely come in handy. Is there anything special I need to do or to know to use this. It is a real pain to use the Print Screen button on the keyboard and that is why I thought this would be a good thing. Pls. give me your comments on this and thanks for all your trouble.
If there is another one you think would be good to use, pls. let me know.
Elaine
Elaine
Since it's the weekend and young Mick is probably out enjoying himself, I hope you won't mind this intervention.
Screenshot Capture is as easy to use as a digital camera, ie. extremely easy.
The programmer "Mouser" is a legend in the freeware world, and his work is top-quality, rock solid. It really is easiest to just install it, and try it, rather than me attempting any elaborate instructions.
If you really want to read more, go here:
http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/screenshotcaptor/
Rather like digital photos, you may want to edit/improve your screenshots after you've taken them.
We recommend Paint Net
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-digital-editor.htm
Check this program out: http://www.hardcopy.de/hardcopy/english/index.php
I took a look at the HardCopy, and though it is a Good Looking Program, I have to say that it focuses more on Printing the Screen or sending it to Word for Revisions, I will keep this on handy just in case I decide to Post it here, Thanks for Pointing it out for me.
Mick Barker
Editor
Irfanview includes a screen capture capability
CoolCap is what I use. No problems, actually quite a good little program.
Paul E. Coughlin
SaneThinking.com
I also like MWSnap for a lot of great features!
http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/mwsnap.html
And in Firefox I use ScreenGrab!
http://www.screengrab.org/
I love MWSnap as well. Thanks for posting the link.
http://www.bhelpuri.net/Snippy/
Snippy is an excellent screen capture utility - simply draw around the area of the screen you want copied and then paste it into a Word document or image editor (or whatever). The program gives you the choice of either a free-hand or rectangular drag box.
I agree!
Regards
BW
Totally agree, best bit of selective screencapture software around.
JohnM
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