Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ShareX VS Lightscreen

Compare ShareX VS Lightscreen and see what are their differences

ShareX logo ShareX

ShareX is a free and open source program that lets you capture or record any area of your screen...

Lightscreen logo Lightscreen

Lightscreen is a lightweight screen shooting application for Windows and linux used to automate the...
  • ShareX Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-29
  • Lightscreen Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-02-02

ShareX features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    ShareX is completely free and the source code is open to the public. This allows for community contributions, and users can trust that there are no hidden costs or malware.
  • Feature-Rich
    ShareX offers a wide range of features including screen capture, video recording, GIF creation, and various upload methods to many different services.
  • Customization
    The software provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their workflows to their specific needs. This includes hotkeys, automated tasks, and image editing on-the-fly.
  • Various Output Formats
    Users can save their captures in multiple formats such as PNG, JPEG, GIF, and more. This makes it versatile for different use cases.
  • Automated Processes
    ShareX can automate various processes such as uploading to cloud services, copying URLs, and performing file operations. This enhances productivity and saves time.
  • Regular Updates
    The application receives regular updates, ensuring that it keeps up with new technology and user requirements.

Possible disadvantages of ShareX

  • Complexity
    With its wide array of features, ShareX can be complex and overwhelming for new users. The interface might take some time to get used to.
  • Windows-Only
    ShareX is only available for Windows. Users on other operating systems like macOS or Linux will not be able to use it natively.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or instability, which may require troubleshooting or waiting for updates to resolve.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and customization options, there is a steep learning curve for users who want to make the most out of all functionalities.
  • Third-Party Dependencies
    Some features may rely on third-party services or frameworks, which can lead to complications or additional configuration steps.

Lightscreen features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Lightscreen offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to quickly take screenshots without the need for extensive technical knowledge.
  • Lightweight
    The application has a small footprint and does not consume significant system resources, ensuring it runs smoothly on most machines.
  • Customizable Hotkeys
    Users can set custom hotkeys for different screenshot functions, providing quick access and enhancing productivity.
  • Multiple Screenshot Modes
    Lightscreen supports various screenshot modes, including full screen, window, and custom area, catering to different user needs.
  • Automatic Saving
    Screenshots can be automatically saved to a user-defined location with customizable file names, streamlining workflow and organization.

Possible disadvantages of Lightscreen

  • Limited Editing Features
    Lightscreen primarily focuses on capturing screenshots and lacks advanced in-built editing tools, requiring users to rely on external software for modifications.
  • No Cloud Integration
    The lack of direct cloud storage integration means users need to manually upload screenshots to cloud services, which can be inconvenient for some.
  • Basic Annotation Tools
    While it includes some basic annotation tools, they are not as comprehensive as those found in more advanced screenshot software.
  • Windows Only
    Lightscreen is primarily designed for Windows operating systems, limiting its accessibility for users on macOS or Linux.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface may appear outdated and less visually appealing compared to newer screenshot tools on the market.

Analysis of ShareX

Overall verdict

  • ShareX is a robust and versatile tool for anyone in need of an advanced screen capture and file-sharing software. Its open-source nature and no-cost usage make it an attractive choice for casual users and professionals alike. With a little time spent on exploring its features, users can unlock a powerful toolset that can greatly enhance productivity.

Why this product is good

  • ShareX is considered good by many due to its extensive range of features for screen capturing, file sharing, and productivity. It is an open-source tool, which means it's free to use and has a strong community of contributors who constantly update and improve the software. The application supports multiple capture methods, including full screen, active window, or specific region. It also provides editing tools, annotations, and supports various file formats. Additionally, ShareX offers seamless integration with many cloud storage and file-sharing services, allowing for easy sharing and storage of captures.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who appreciate open-source software.
  • Content creators who need extensive screen capturing and editing capabilities.
  • Professionals who require quick sharing of visual content with clients or teams.
  • Educators and trainers creating instructional content.
  • Remote workers who frequently share screenshots or screen recordings with colleagues.

Analysis of Lightscreen

Overall verdict

  • Lightscreen is a solid choice for users who need a straightforward and lightweight solution for taking screenshots. While it may lack some advanced features found in other screenshot tools, its user-friendly interface and efficiency make it a good option for basic screenshot needs.

Why this product is good

  • Lightscreen is a screenshot tool that is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It operates in the background and enables users to take screenshots quickly with customizable keyboard shortcuts. The software offers options to save screenshots in various formats and automatically organizes them in pre-defined directories, which can streamline workflow for users who frequently need to capture screen images.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for a hassle-free, minimalistic screenshot tool
  • Individuals who prioritize quick setup and simple operation
  • Users operating on systems with limited resources who need a lightweight application

ShareX videos

Here's why you should download ShareX.

More videos:

  • Review - Simple Screenshots & Screen Recording โ€” Why You Should Use ShareX
  • Tutorial - ShareX Install and How to use Guide 2019

Lightscreen videos

[a] Lightscreen Video Tutorial HD

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ShareX and Lightscreen)
Screenshots
93 93%
7% 7
Screenshot Annotation
87 87%
13% 13
Image Annotation
90 90%
10% 10
Screen Recording
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ShareX and Lightscreen

ShareX Reviews

Reliable Screen Recorders for Clear Visual Communication
ShareX (Windows) โ€“ Tiny footprint, hot-key driven, and excellent for quick bug videos or GIFs. Youโ€™ll annotate in an external app if you need arrows or text.
Finding a Screen Recorder That Wonโ€™t Give You a Headache
ShareX โ€” Windows-only, tiny app, hot-key everything. Perfect for testers: press a combo, capture a GIF of the bug, auto-upload it, and paste the link in under a minute.
Source: medium.com
Practical Free Screen Recorders for Everyday Projects
Choosing the right free screen-recording tool boils down to your daily routine. If you work in short bursts and value instant sharing, ScreenRec is tough to beat. Need layered scenes or live streaming? OBS is waiting. Prefer a tiny utility for lightning-fast bug captures? ShareX has you covered. Test one or two, keep the one that feels natural, and youโ€™ll spend less time...
Source: medium.com
Comparing Free Screen Recorders for Everyday Use
ShareX (Windows only) โ€“ Lightweight, open-source utility that captures video or GIFs, plus dozens of automation extras. Suits power users who like hotkey workflows. No built-in editor, so youโ€™ll add annotations elsewhere.
Selecting the Best Screen Recorder for Windows 11: A Thorough Exploration
Selecting the right screen recorder for Windows 11 hinges on your specific needs and the level of complexity youโ€™re comfortable with. ScreenRec offers a balanced mix of ease of use and functionality, making it an excellent choice for most users. However, those with more specialized needs might find OBS Studio, Camtasia, Bandicam, or ShareX to be better suited to their...
Source: medium.com

Lightscreen Reviews

15 Best Snagit Alternatives in 2020
Lightscreen is an easy to use screen capture tool. The tool allows you to automate the process of saving and cataloging screenshots.
Source: www.guru99.com
30 Best Free Screen Capture Tools and Plugins
Lightscreen for Windows and Linux works mostly in the background and can be invoked with one or more hotkeys, like Greenshot and few others. It lets you upload the shots to Imgur and allows previewing the image in its image viewer as well.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, ShareX seems to be a lot more popular than Lightscreen. While we know about 273 links to ShareX, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Lightscreen. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ShareX mentions (273)

  • Devlog: Hacktoberfest 2024 (2/4)
    I made sure to document every step of the way via screenshots to ensure I could test enabling and disabling certain features. The screenshot tool I use on Windows is called, ShareX, and I find it extremely useful with regards to pointing out certain elements in an image. - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago
  • Flameshot โ€“ Powerful, yet simple to use open-source screenshot software
    I've been using ShareX (https://getsharex.com/) for some years, which is also open-source, and very featureful while not feeling too bloated, though Windows only. I'll have to have a look at this next time I'm on a Linux desktop, as I found the options lacking compared to ShareX last time I looked. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • The fastest tool for measuring anything on your screen
    ShareX (https://getsharex.com/) doesn't have quite this nice UX but it's free. I often use it alongside browser dev tools. Here's a screenshot of me measuring this comment box https://i.imgur.com/yoTHbzq.png. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Full Screen recording software for lower end machines.
    ShareX will run on that machine no problem. Open-source & free. Https://i.imgur.com/KQAoDin.jpg. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • 'Screen Apnea'
    ShareX [1] is my other "must install" app. I never would have guessed how much my branch of engineering consists of "take a screenshot and draw lines, arrows and circles on it." Being able to customize my workflow to do all of that is really great. [1] https://getsharex.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
View more

Lightscreen mentions (2)

  • Efficient way of making jpegs out of excel cells
    Setting aside the accessibility issues of posting an image of text, I would use a different method such as Lightscreen to capture the screenshots. Ctrl+Printscreen lets you define an area to capture. Screenshots are automatically saved in a folder of your choice using a filename convention you can easily setup. For doing repeated screenshots it is much faster than snipping tool. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Software & Tools that make life easier but aren't required.
    I like lightscreen if I have to take a bunch of screenshots. Source: about 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ShareX and Lightscreen, you can also consider the following products

Greenshot - Greenshot is a free and open source screenshot tool that allows annotation and highlighting using the built-in image editor.

LightShot - The fastest way to take a customizable screenshot.

PicPick - PicPick screen capture software enable you to grab an image on your computer screen, save, print, add effects, and share.

Snagit - Screen Capture Software for Windows and Mac

Snipping Tool - Use Snipping Tool to capture a screen shot, or snip, of any object on your screen, and then annotate, save, or share the image

FastStone Capture - A powerful, lightweight, yet full-featured screen capture tool that allows you to easily capture...