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CleanShot X
Capture your Mac's screen like a pro
System Utilities
CleanShot X — Official Website
Quick Take: CleanShot X
4.8
CleanShot X stands out as an exceptional and indispensable tool for Mac users who regularly interact with screenshots and screen recordings [5, 7, 12]. It masterfully combines a vast array of features, from advanced capture types like scrolling screenshots to robust annotation and screen recording capabilities, into a single, cohesive application [1, 8, 19]. While its premium pricing and comprehensive feature set might be more than casual users need, the efficiency gains, professional output, and seamless integration with macOS make it a worthwhile investment for power users, content creators, and developers [5, 13, 34]. It truly elevates the screen capturing experience beyond the native macOS offerings, quietly becoming an essential part of many workflows [7, 12].
Best For
- •Content Creators (tutorials, demos, social media)
- •Software Developers & QA Engineers (bug reporting, feature showcases)
- •Technical Writers & Educators (documentation, instructional videos)
- •Remote Teams & Collaborators (visual communication, feedback)
- •Mac Power Users who need advanced screen capture and recording features
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask cleanshotWhat is Cleanshot?
CleanShot X is a comprehensive screen capture and recording utility designed specifically for macOS, offering a robust set of features that significantly enhance and replace the operating system's native screenshot tools [7, 8, 13]. It allows users to capture various types of screenshots, including full screen, selected areas, windows, and even scrolling content that extends beyond the visible screen [4, 7, 11]. Beyond static images, CleanShot X provides powerful screen recording capabilities, enabling users to create videos and GIFs with options for webcam inclusion, microphone audio, and keystroke highlighting [1, 3, 7, 9]. The application integrates a built-in annotation editor and cloud storage, facilitating quick editing, sharing, and organization of captures, making it an indispensable tool for professionals and content creators [1, 4, 7, 19]. Its intuitive interface and deep integration with macOS ensure a seamless and efficient workflow for visual communication [7, 8].
Deep Dive: Cleanshot
An in-depth look at Cleanshot for Mac.
History & Background
Cleanshot has been a staple in the Mac ecosystem. It was developed to address specific user needs on macOS.
How It Works
Cleanshot is built for macOS and integrates with the operating system's native APIs.
Ecosystem & Integrations
Cleanshot works well alongside other Mac productivity tools.
Future Development
Cleanshot continues to receive updates with new features and macOS compatibility improvements.
Key Features
Scrolling Capture
This feature allows users to capture entire web pages, long documents, or any scrollable content that doesn't fit within a single screen view [1, 6, 9]. CleanShot X automatically stitches together multiple captures into one seamless image, making it ideal for documenting extensive content [12, 27].
Advanced Annotation Tools
CleanShot X includes a powerful built-in editor with a wide range of annotation options, surpassing macOS's native Markup tool [1, 11]. Users can add arrows, shapes, text callouts, highlights, pixelate sensitive information, and even sequentially number steps for tutorials [1, 4, 6, 9, 28].
Screen Recording (Video & GIF)
The application offers versatile screen recording functionality, allowing users to capture their screen as high-quality videos or optimized GIFs [3, 6, 8]. Options include recording specific areas or full screens, incorporating webcam footage, capturing microphone or system audio, and highlighting mouse clicks and keystrokes [1, 9, 23].
OCR (Text Recognition)
CleanShot X features an integrated Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool that enables users to extract and copy non-selectable text from any image or part of their screen [2, 6, 7]. This is incredibly useful for capturing text from screenshots, scanned documents, or inaccessible web content [13].
Quick Access Overlay
Immediately after a capture, a small, unobtrusive overlay appears in the corner of the screen, providing instant access to various actions [1, 4, 6]. From this overlay, users can quickly save, copy, drag and drop, annotate, pin, or upload their screenshot or recording to the CleanShot Cloud [8, 11, 27].
Hide Desktop Icons
To ensure clean and professional-looking captures, CleanShot X can automatically hide all desktop icons, files, and folders while taking a screenshot or recording a screen [4, 6, 13]. This eliminates clutter and distractions, making the visual content more focused and polished [19, 27].
Pin Screenshots
This feature allows users to pin a captured screenshot to their screen, keeping it always visible and floating above all other windows [6]. It's useful for reference, comparison, or when needing to keep specific information accessible while working on other tasks [30].
Custom Backgrounds & Retina Scaling
CleanShot X offers the ability to add custom backgrounds or plain colors to screenshots, enhancing their aesthetic appeal for presentations or social media [6, 23]. It also provides an option to automatically scale down Retina screenshots to standard resolution, useful for web optimization [6, 23].
Who Should Use CleanShot X?
1Software Developer/QA Engineer
A developer needs to document a bug or demonstrate a new feature. CleanShot X allows them to quickly capture a screen recording with highlighted clicks and keystrokes, annotate specific UI elements with step numbers, and then instantly share a link to the CleanShot Cloud for easy collaboration with team members [1, 12, 13].
2Content Creator/Marketer
A content creator is preparing a tutorial or marketing material. They can use CleanShot X's scrolling capture to grab an entire webpage, hide desktop icons for a clean look, add custom backgrounds, and then use the annotation tools to emphasize key information before sharing the polished image on social media or a blog [4, 6, 9, 23, 27].
3Technical Support/Educator
A support agent or educator needs to guide a user through a process or explain a complex concept. CleanShot X enables them to record a step-by-step video tutorial with picture-in-picture webcam, voiceover, and visual cues, or to create annotated screenshots with numbered steps for clear instructions [1, 3, 5, 9, 23].
4Remote Worker/Collaborator
A remote team member needs to share quick feedback or clarify a point during a virtual meeting. They can take a screenshot, quickly blur out sensitive information, add a quick text note, and immediately upload it to the CleanShot Cloud to generate a shareable link, streamlining visual communication without saving files locally [3, 4, 8, 12].
5Researcher/Writer
A researcher is gathering information from various sources and needs to extract text from images or PDFs. CleanShot X's OCR feature allows them to capture any area containing text and instantly copy it to their clipboard, saving time on manual transcription and improving research efficiency [2, 7, 13].
How to Install Cleanshot on Mac
CleanShot X can be easily installed on your Mac, including via Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS [31].
1
Download the Application
Visit the official CleanShot X website (getcleanshot.com) and download the latest .dmg file for the application. Alternatively, you can use Homebrew by opening Terminal and running the command: `brew install --cask cleanshot` [31, 36].
2
Install from DMG (Manual)
If you downloaded the .dmg file, open it and drag the CleanShot X application icon into your Applications folder. Eject the disk image once the transfer is complete [22].
3
Initial Setup and Permissions
Launch CleanShot X from your Applications folder or via Spotlight. During the first run, you'll be prompted to activate your license key or sign into a CleanShot Cloud Pro account [22]. You will also need to grant necessary permissions for 'Screen Recording' and 'Accessibility' in macOS System Settings (Security & Privacy) to allow CleanShot X to function correctly [22].
4
Configure Shortcuts (Optional)
CleanShot X can replace macOS's default screenshot shortcuts. In the initial setup or preferences, choose to use system default shortcuts and then disable the native macOS screenshot shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts to allow CleanShot X to take over these actions seamlessly [9, 22, 29].
Pro Tips
- • Ensure macOS is updated to at least 10.15 (Catalina) or newer for full compatibility and all features, as older versions may have limited functionality [10, 34].
- • If installing via Setapp, CleanShot X is included as part of the subscription, simplifying the installation and licensing process [2, 5, 10].
- • After installation, check the CleanShot X preferences in the menu bar to customize export locations, file formats, and other settings to match your workflow [1, 9, 22, 23].
Configuration Tips
Customize Keyboard Shortcuts
To maximize efficiency, configure CleanShot X to use your preferred keyboard shortcuts, even overriding the default macOS ones [9, 22, 29]. This allows for instant access to specific capture types like area, window, or scrolling capture, streamlining your workflow significantly [23, 30].
Automate Desktop Icon Hiding
Enable the 'Hide desktop icons while capturing' option in CleanShot X's preferences to automatically clear your desktop before taking screenshots or recordings [6, 27]. This ensures a clean and professional appearance for all your visual content without manual organization [13, 28].
Optimize Quick Access Overlay Behavior
Adjust the Quick Access Overlay settings to fit your post-capture workflow. You can set it to automatically copy the image to your clipboard, save to a specific folder, or upload directly to CleanShot Cloud, reducing extra steps after each capture [9, 22, 27].
Set Default Save Location and Format
In CleanShot X preferences, define your default save location for screenshots and recordings, or set the 'Save button behavior' to 'Ask for destination' to prompt you for a location each time [9, 22]. You can also choose your preferred file format (PNG or JPEG) and quality settings to balance file size and visual fidelity [7, 23].
Alternatives to CleanShot X
While CleanShot X is a powerful tool, several alternatives offer similar or complementary functionalities for Mac users.
S
Snagit
Snagit is a well-established cross-platform screen capture and recording tool known for its robust editing features and extensive tutorials [14]. While Snagit offers more advanced video editing capabilities than CleanShot X's built-in trimmer, CleanShot X often feels more native and streamlined within the macOS environment, particularly for quick captures and cloud sharing [7, 14].
L
Loom
Loom primarily focuses on video messaging and screen recording, making it excellent for quick video explanations and sharing [14]. CleanShot X, however, offers a more comprehensive suite of screenshot tools, including scrolling capture and advanced image annotations, which Loom does not emphasize as much [14, 26].
J
Jumpshare
Jumpshare combines file sharing, screenshot capture, and video recording, similar to CleanShot X, and is available on both Windows and Mac [17, 26]. Jumpshare often highlights its faster screenshot capture and more versatile video recording with features like click-tracking and real-time annotation, while CleanShot X excels in its deep macOS integration and dedicated screenshot beautification tools [17, 26].
S
Shottr
Shottr is a free Mac screenshot tool that stands out for its lightweight nature and unique features like scrolling capture, OCR, and pixel measurements [7, 13, 18]. While Shottr provides many advanced features at no cost, it lacks the integrated cloud sharing, advanced branding options, and comprehensive screen recording suite offered by CleanShot X [13, 18].
Pricing
Paid/Subscription
CleanShot X offers a flexible pricing model. A one-time purchase costs $29, which includes a perpetual license for the app, one year of free updates, and 1GB of CleanShot Cloud storage [1, 3, 5, 20]. After the first year, users can optionally renew for continued updates at $19 per year [1, 3, 20]. For more advanced features, the CleanShot Cloud Pro plan is available at $8 per user per month when billed annually ($10/month if billed monthly), offering unlimited cloud storage, custom domain and branding, team management, and advanced security features like self-destructing links [2, 3, 5, 8, 19]. CleanShot X is also available as part of the Setapp subscription service, which provides access to a large collection of Mac and iOS apps for a monthly fee [2, 5, 10].
Pros
- ✓Comprehensive feature set that goes far beyond native macOS tools, consolidating multiple utilities into one app [1, 8, 19].
- ✓Intuitive and user-friendly interface that feels native to macOS, making it easy to learn and integrate into daily workflows [7, 8, 16].
- ✓Powerful annotation and editing capabilities, allowing for professional-grade markups directly within the app [1, 11, 23, 25].
- ✓Versatile screen recording options, including video and GIF creation with webcam, audio, and keystroke highlighting [3, 9, 23].
- ✓Scrolling capture feature effectively captures long web pages and documents, a significant advantage over many alternatives [6, 12, 27].
- ✓CleanShot Cloud integration for instant sharing, secure links, custom domains, and team collaboration [3, 4, 8, 12, 28].
- ✓Automatic hiding of desktop icons ensures clean and professional screenshots and recordings, eliminating clutter [6, 13, 27].
- ✓Efficient OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for extracting text from images, saving time on manual transcription [2, 7, 13].
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing, especially for the Pro subscription, may not be suitable for casual users or those with basic screenshot needs [5, 13].
- ✗The extensive feature set can feel overwhelming for users who only require simple screenshot functionality [13, 16].
- ✗Cloud storage, particularly unlimited storage and advanced sharing features, requires a separate Pro subscription [5, 8].
- ✗Exclusively available for macOS, limiting its utility for users who work across multiple operating systems [5, 13].
Community & Ecosystem
CleanShot X benefits from an active and engaged user base, contributing to its ongoing development and support. The official CleanShot X website features a comprehensive FAQ section and direct contact options for support [10, 32]. Users frequently share tips, workflows, and feedback on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where the CleanShot X team is also active [6, 32]. While a dedicated public forum isn't explicitly highlighted, the strong integration with macOS and its presence in popular Mac app ecosystems like Setapp foster a sense of community among Mac power users [2, 5, 20]. The developers, MTW, are known for consistent updates and responsiveness to user needs, further solidifying the app's community standing [7, 32].
Video Tutorials
Getting Started with CleanShot X
CleanShot X24.0K views
More Tutorials
CleanShot X for Mac
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10 Things I love about CleanShot X for Mac
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Frequently Asked Questions about CleanShot X
No, a CleanShot Cloud account is not strictly required to use the core features of the CleanShot X application [10, 21]. While a free Cloud account is included with a license and is used for screenshot uploading, all other features like capturing, editing, and local saving function independently [10, 21].
Our Verdict
4.8/5
CleanShot X stands out as an exceptional and indispensable tool for Mac users who regularly interact with screenshots and screen recordings [5, 7, 12]. It masterfully combines a vast array of features, from advanced capture types like scrolling screenshots to robust annotation and screen recording capabilities, into a single, cohesive application [1, 8, 19]. While its premium pricing and comprehensive feature set might be more than casual users need, the efficiency gains, professional output, and seamless integration with macOS make it a worthwhile investment for power users, content creators, and developers [5, 13, 34]. It truly elevates the screen capturing experience beyond the native macOS offerings, quietly becoming an essential part of many workflows [7, 12].
Best for:Content Creators (tutorials, demos, social media)Software Developers & QA Engineers (bug reporting, feature showcases)Technical Writers & Educators (documentation, instructional videos)Remote Teams & Collaborators (visual communication, feedback)Mac Power Users who need advanced screen capture and recording features
About the Author
Productivity & Workflow Analyst
Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management
8+ years in operations management · PMP certified
Related Technologies & Concepts
CleanShot XmacOSHomebrewSetappCloud StorageSnagitLightshotmacOS Screenshot ToolScreenshotScreen RecordingAnnotationOCR
CleanShot X (Primary subject of this page), macOS (Target operating system platform), Homebrew (Recommended package manager for installation), Setapp (Subscription service offering CleanShot X), Cloud Storage (Integrates for sharing (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud)), Snagit (Major competitor in screen capture and annotation), Lightshot (Alternative free screen capturing tool), macOS Screenshot Tool (Built-in alternative for basic screen capturing), Screenshot (Core functionality of the product), Screen Recording (Key feature of the product), Annotation (Integral part of post-capture editing), OCR (Feature for text recognition within captures)
Related Topics
Screen Capturing Software
Applications designed to capture screenshots and record screen activity on a computer.
Productivity Tools
Software that enhances user efficiency by streamlining tasks like documentation and communication.
Annotation Software
Tools that allow users to add text, shapes, highlights, and other markups to images and documents.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- CleanShot X enables users to capture screenshots, record screen videos, and annotate them with a comprehensive set of tools.[cite-1, cite-3]
- The application offers integrated cloud sharing to quickly upload captures and generate shareable links.[cite-1, cite-3]
- CleanShot X is available for purchase as a one-time license or via a subscription, including access through Setapp.[cite-2, cite-6]
- Key features include scrolling capture, OCR (text recognition), and the ability to record GIFs and custom backgrounds for videos.[cite-1, cite-3]
- CleanShot X can be installed on macOS using Homebrew Cask.[cite-4]
- 1CleanShot X Official Website
Accessed Jul 29, 2024
- 2CleanShot X Pricing
Accessed Jul 29, 2024
- 3CleanShot X Features
Accessed Jul 29, 2024
- 4Homebrew Formulae: CleanShot
Accessed Jul 29, 2024
- 5CleanShot X Blog
Accessed Jul 29, 2024
- 6Setapp: CleanShot X
Accessed Jul 29, 2024
Research queries: Cleanshot Mac app review 2026