ShareX is an open-source Windows capture tool for screenshots, screen recordings, and GIFs, with image editing, automated processing tasks, and configurable destinations for saving or sharing results.
ShareX is a Windows application for capturing screenshots, recording screen activity, and processing the results through configurable tasks. It suits testers documenting bugs, support staff explaining procedures, and creators preparing short demonstrations. A capture can move into an editor, a local folder, the clipboard, or a configured upload destination according to your workflow. This flexibility is useful when different tasks require different outputs rather than the same action after every screenshot. The application also handles existing files and text for supported sharing destinations. Its open-source Windows distribution combines capture and delivery tools, while leaving you control over which operations are enabled.
ShareX separates capture from uploading, so local documentation does not require sending files to an online host. Review after-capture tasks and destination settings before assigning a shortcut to a recurring workflow. Greenshot provides a focused screenshot-and-annotation workflow, while this application adds recording and configurable processing steps for users with broader capture needs. The supplied installer targets x64 Windows, and the bundled runtime avoids a separate .NET installation for this distribution. Recording uses FFmpeg, while external upload services have their own authentication and availability requirements. Existing configurations may retain earlier upload choices, even though automatic uploading is disabled by default for new installations.
ShareX saves time when the same capture needs the same preparation and delivery steps repeatedly. A configured workflow can place an image in the expected folder, copy it for a report, or prepare a sharing link without repeated file browsing. Keeping annotations close to capture helps explain the relevant detail while the task is still fresh, reducing the chance of sending an ambiguous screenshot. Short recordings can document a sequence that would otherwise require several images and a lengthy written explanation. Local output remains useful for private notes and internal records, while configured destinations support workflows where a link is more practical than an attachment. The strongest benefit comes from choosing a small set of repeatable actions and checking their output before broader use. This creates more consistent documentation, fewer manual handoffs, and clearer control over whether a particular capture stays on the computer or is shared elsewhere.
Key capabilities and highlights.
ShareX captures selected regions, active windows, monitors, or the full screen. Region options let you frame the specific interface detail needed for a report, while broader captures preserve surrounding context. Reusing the last region is useful when documenting successive states of the same application without repeatedly selecting its boundaries.
Scrolling capture collects content that extends beyond the visible area of a window, helping document longer pages or lists as an image. Adjust the capture behavior for the target application and review the result. Animated content, unusual scrolling layouts, or fixed elements can require another attempt or a different capture approach.
Screen recording in ShareX captures activity within a selected area as video or an animated GIF. Use video for demonstrations that need playback controls, and GIF output for short visual sequences. Recording settings affect quality and file size, so choose a suitable region and duration before documenting a workflow.
The image editor provides arrows, text, highlights, numbered steps, and other annotations for explaining a capture. Crop unnecessary surroundings or emphasize a small control before sharing. Version 21 also allows toolbar customization, including tool visibility, ordering, and hotkeys, helping frequent users keep their most useful editing controls accessible.
ShareX can run configured tasks after capture, such as opening the editor, saving an image, applying effects, or copying output to the clipboard. Build a repeatable sequence around the destination you actually need. Review enabled tasks carefully so that automatic processing produces the expected file and sharing behavior.
Supported upload destinations and custom uploaders let you send images, text, or files to a chosen service. After-upload actions can copy or open the resulting link, reducing manual handling. Service access, credentials, and retention policies remain separate from the application, so select a destination appropriate for the material being shared.
The OCR tool in ShareX extracts text from image content so it can be reused without manually transcribing every line. This is useful for copying a message from a screenshot or working with text that cannot be selected normally. Review recognition results, particularly names, numbers, punctuation, and technical commands.
History and image history help you revisit previous captures and recorded items. Available controls include favorites, tags, renaming, and importing an image folder, making recurring documentation easier to organize. Distinguish removing a history entry from deleting its underlying file when cleaning up records you may still need elsewhere.
Browse historical releases and previous builds.
Common questions about ShareX.
Yes. It is free and open source under GPL-3.0. The application does not require a subscription, although optional external services may impose their own charges or usage limits.
Automatic uploading is disabled by default for new installations. Existing settings and custom workflows may enable uploading, so review after-capture tasks and destination settings before capturing material you intend to keep locally.
Local screenshot capture, image editing, and saving do not require an online upload destination. Features that contact external services require connectivity, and any required components must already be available on the computer.
The linked installer is the x64 build. The project moved to 64-bit Windows 10 or later with its .NET 9 transition. ARM64 support is available through the Microsoft Store distribution; the supplied executable is not that package.
The release adds Background Remover and Image Comparer tools, expands image-editor customization, and introduces additional annotation controls. Improvements include configurable editor toolbars, a cursor annotation tool, more step-label formats, and rotation support for several annotation types.
ShareX is an open-source Windows capture tool for screenshots, screen recordings, and GIFs, with image editing, automated processing tasks, and configurable destinations for saving or sharing results.
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