CleanShot X: The Screenshot Tool Mac Users Didn’t Know They Needed

Ever tried taking a screenshot on your Mac and felt like you were using a butter knife to cut a steak?

Today we’re diving into the magical world of CleanShot X—a screenshotting and video recording app so good, it makes the built-in macOS tool look like it was designed in the Stone Age. If you’ve ever wondered how people on social media have those pristine, drool-worthy screenshots, stick around. Your screenshots are about to glow up.

What Exactly Is CleanShot X and Why Should You Care?

Imagine trying to paint the Mona Lisa with finger paints—that’s what using the default macOS screenshot tool feels like once you’ve tried CleanShot X. This nifty app elevates your screenshot game to professional levels without needing a degree in graphic design.

CleanShot X is like the Swiss Army knife of screen capturing. Whether you need a simple screenshot, a scrolling capture of an entire webpage, or a video recording with annotations, CleanShot X has got you covered. It’s intuitive and powerful.

Standout Features That Will Make You Swoon

Ever tried taking a screenshot of an entire webpage and ended up stitching multiple images together like a digital Frankenstein? CleanShot X lets you capture scrolling screenshots effortlessly. Just select the scrolling capture option, scroll down the page —a seamless screenshot from top to bottom.

CleanShot X comes loaded with an array of annotation tools that would make Picasso jealous. You can crop, add shapes, arrows, text, blur out sensitive information—you name it. You can even add a fancy background to your screenshots to make them look like they just came out of a design studio.

Why stop at static images? CleanShot X allows you to record your screen, create GIFs, and even capture keystrokes and mouse clicks. It’s perfect for tutorials or showing your grandma how to reset her password for the tenth time. Ever wanted to copy text from an image without retyping it? CleanShot X’s OCR feature lets you select text from any image and copies it straight to your clipboard. It’s like magic, but real.

With CleanShot Cloud, you can upload your screenshots and get a shareable link instantly. No more fumbling around trying to attach large files to emails or messages. CleanShot X streamlines the entire process, making sharing as simple as capturing.

The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Annoying

The app features an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, even for those not particularly tech-savvy. It is rich in features, providing a comprehensive set of tools that cater to various needs. With customizable shortcuts and regular updates, it enhances the overall user experience and keeps the software up-to-date.

However, the abundance of features can be overwhelming at first, leading to a learning curve for new users. Additionally, I would like to see a camera overlay feature added so people can see both me and my screen while recording a demo.

A User Interface That’s Easier on the Eyes

CleanShot X sports a clean, minimalist interface that feels right at home on macOS. The toolbar is intuitive, and the annotation tools are straightforward. It’s like Apple designed it themselves, but without the dongles and adapters.

The shortcuts make capturing screenshots a quick task, and the real-time preview is a nice touch. It’s so user-friendly that you might start taking screenshots of everything—yes, even that questionable tweet you were about to send.

Is CleanShot X Worth It?

In everyday use, CleanShot X performs efficiently—screenshots are captured instantly, annotations are lag-free, and the OCR feature works reliably. I’ve been using it to capture error messages, annotate design feedback, and share the latest app demos. After a few settings adjustments that the app guides you through, it operates seamlessly, much like the native screenshot tool.

CleanShot X is available for a one-time payment of $29, which includes the app and a year of updates. There’s also a Pro version at $8 per month per user, offering additional cloud storage and team collaboration features. If you’re a casual user seeking enhanced screenshot capabilities without complexity, the $29 option offers great value. For professionals who need cloud storage and collaboration tools, the Pro version might be more appropriate. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

About the Developer

CleanShot X is developed by MTW, a Polish software team dedicated to creating high-quality applications for macOS users. MTW focuses on enhancing user productivity by developing intuitive and powerful tools that seamlessly integrate with the macOS ecosystem. 

Stop Reading and Start Screenshotting

In a world where visual communication is king, CleanShot X is the crown jewel of screenshot tools. It turns the mundane task of capturing your screen into an art form. Whether you’re a designer, a developer, or someone who just wants to impress their friends with snazzy screenshots, CleanShot X is a game-changer.

Have you tried CleanShot X or other screenshot tools? Share your experiences with @todayonmac on X!  Did it change your life, or at least your screenshots?