Our verdict: Lightshot is one of the quickest ways to grab and mark up part of the screen on Windows. It does one job and stays out of the way. Treat its upload button with care: every uploaded image on prnt.sc is public to anyone with the link.
About Lightshot
Lightshot is a free screenshot tool from Skillbrains. After installation it takes over the Print Screen key: press it, drag over any area of the desktop and a small toolbar appears next to the selection with pens, arrows, shapes, text and color tools.
From the same toolbar you can save the shot as PNG, JPG or BMP, copy it with Ctrl+C, or upload it to prnt.sc and get a short link. The privacy policy states that every uploaded image is public and can be viewed by anyone who has its URL, even if it sits in your account gallery.
What it does well
- Print Screen capture. Press PrtScr and select any area of the desktop in two clicks.
- Quick annotation. Draw lines, arrows, rectangles and text on the selection before saving.
- Save or copy. Saves PNG, JPG or BMP files, or copies the image to the clipboard with Ctrl+C.
- Short-link sharing. Uploads the screenshot to prnt.sc and returns a short link to share.
- Online editor and gallery. Uploaded shots can be edited in a web editor and listed in a gallery with a free account.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who need a fast area screenshot with a few arrows or highlights, and who save or paste most captures locally.
Look elsewhere
Anyone sharing confidential screenshots, since uploads are public, or users who need scrolling capture, screen recording or OCR.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast area capture on Print Screen
- Annotation toolbar right next to the selection
- Small and simple
- Free with no paid tier
Cons
- Uploaded screenshots on prnt.sc are public to anyone with the link
- No scrolling capture, screen recording or OCR
- prnt.sc pages show third-party ads
How to install Lightshot
Download the installer from app.prntscr.com and read every setup screen; untick any optional extra software if one is offered. After setup Lightshot replaces the Print Screen key. Use Save or Ctrl+C for private captures and only press Upload for images you are fine with anyone seeing.
Questions about Lightshot
Is Lightshot free?
Yes. Lightshot is free to download and use on Windows and macOS.
Are Lightshot uploads private?
No. Every image uploaded to prnt.sc has its own URL and can be viewed by anyone who has it. To remove one, use the abuse button under the image or email [email protected].
Can Lightshot copy a screenshot to the clipboard?
Yes. Select an area and press Ctrl+C.
