Our verdict: FastStone Capture packs scrolling screenshots, screen recording, OCR and an annotation editor into a tiny app. A one-time US$29.95 license is cheap next to subscription tools. The interface looks dated, and after 30 days it needs a license.
About FastStone Capture
FastStone Capture comes from FastStone Soft, the developer of FastStone Image Viewer. Unlike the image viewer, it is not free for personal use: the full version runs for 30 days, then needs a license that costs US$29.95 once, or US$69.95 for a family license covering up to five home computers. There is no account or card involved in the trial.
A small floating Capture Panel captures windows, objects, menus, regions, the full screen or scrolling pages. Captures open in an editor with arrows, text, highlights and step numbers, and they can be pinned on screen like sticky notes. The screen recorder saves MP4 or WMV video with microphone, speaker audio and webcam, and OCR pulls text out of images.
What it does well
- Scrolling capture. Captures long web pages and scrolling windows in one image.
- Screen recorder. Records MP4 or WMV video with microphone, system audio and webcam.
- OCR. Extracts text from screenshots and images.
- Annotation editor. Arrows, text, highlights, step numbers and blur.
- Pin to screen. Keeps a capture floating above other windows as a reference.
Who it is for
Good fit
Windows users who want a fast, light capture tool and prefer paying once.
Look elsewhere
Mac users, and people who want a modern interface or cloud sharing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cheap one-time license
- Very small memory footprint
- Scrolling capture, recording and OCR in one
- No adware or spyware
Cons
- Needs a paid license after the 30-day trial
- Dated interface
- Windows only
How to install FastStone Capture
Download the installer from faststone.org; the developer states it contains no adware or spyware. The trial needs no account or registration and runs all features for 30 days. A portable ZIP is also available on the same page if you prefer not to install.
Questions about FastStone Capture
Is FastStone Capture free?
No. It has a 30-day free trial without registration, then needs a license: US$29.95 once, or US$69.95 for a family license for up to five home computers.
Is FastStone Capture free for personal use like FastStone Image Viewer?
No. FastStone Image Viewer is free for personal use, but FastStone Capture needs a license after the trial for every user.
Can FastStone Capture record video?
Yes. It records the screen with audio from the microphone and speakers and an optional webcam, and saves MP4 or WMV files.
