Side by side
Lightscreen vs Lightshot
Both stand on screenshot software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWindows
Choose Lightscreen if you want background screenshot capture, configurable hotkeys, and files named to your preferences. It can also upload captures to Imgur and compatible hosts. Look elsewhere if Imgur account uploads are essential, since the help page describes uploads as anonymous.
Visit Lightscreen
Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1
Choose Lightshot if you want a free way to capture, annotate, save, and share selected screen areas. Look elsewhere if uploaded images must be private, or if you need a Linux application designed specifically for Linux.
Visit LightshotThe facts
| Lightscreen | Lightshot | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Extension, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | lightscreen.com.ar | app.prntscr.com |
| On screenshot software | #14 of 39 | #10 of 39 |
Lightscreen: what it does well
- Runs in the background and responds to global hotkeys.
- Six configurable capture actions.
- Preview window includes an image viewer.
- Supports sequential and customizable date-and-time filenames.
- Portable mode preserves preferences in config.ini.
What to know first
- Imgur uploads are anonymous; account uploads were planned for later.
- Uploads may require OpenSSL support on Windows or Linux.
Lightshot: what it does well
- Captures a selected desktop area with a two-click process.
- Edits screenshots during capture or in an online editor.
- Saves locally or shares uploaded screenshots with a short link.
- Exports PNG, BMP, and JPG images.
- Offers desktop apps for Windows and Mac plus browser extensions.
What to know first
- Uploaded images are public to anyone with their URL.
- Finding all screenshots through the service requires a prntscr.com account.
- Linux has no purpose-built application; Wine is described as a workaround.
- The service collects device and usage information, including IP address.
Alternatives to Lightscreen Alternatives to Lightshot The whole list