Switching from Snagit to ShareX: A Cost-Effective Solution

As a content creator, one of the essential tools in my arsenal is an image and screen recording tool that allows easy editing and annotations. If you’re someone like me, who frequently posts knowledge articles with step-by-step instructions, having a reliable tool to capture, edit, and upload images is not just helpful—it’s a necessity.

Back in 2016, I was introduced to TechSmith’s Snagit and Camtasia. I instantly fell in love with how effortlessly I could capture screenshots. I could embed them into documents or blog posts. I could also create quick screen captures and add highlights to emphasize key points. It was perfect for creating how-tos and walkthroughs.

Recently, I considered renewing my subscription for these tools. I realized the annual cost for Snagit had reached $200 per year. Camtasia added to this total cost. While this might be an acceptable expense for organizations, it’s quite steep for an independent author like myself. I blog about the latest tech as a passion and as a way to give back to the community. Paying out of pocket for such a hefty subscription just wasn’t feasible.

In my search for alternatives, I discovered ShareX—an open-source screen capture software that I instantly fell in love with. It seems to cover everything I needed from Snagit, and more, without the hefty price tag. The fact that it is highly configurable is an added bonus for my workflow.

You can download ShareX from getsharex.com, and it’s also available in the Microsoft Store. Since I’ve always used Windows laptops, this recommendation is focused on the Windows experience.

Creating a screen recording to showcase how easy it is to use ShareX for my basic needs took less than 10 minutes. I was able to quickly install it, configure my hotkeys, set after-capture options, adjust themes, and capture regions—everything from the main window of ShareX.

Once installed, the ShareX icon is added to your Windows taskbar (Start, System Tray). By right-clicking on the icon, you’ll find a wide range of options. Personally, I’ve customized my hotkeys and post-capture tasks to suit my workflow, and it’s been a seamless transition.

For anyone looking for a powerful, customizable, and—best of all—free alternative to paid screen capture software, ShareX is a fantastic option. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you’re passionate about creating content without breaking the bank.

Cool, time saving scrolling capture feature allows us to capture the entire screen scrolling from the top to end. No more split screen capture and then paste to form one image. I added a hotkey for start/stop scrolling capture (F9) for ease of use.