Side by side
macshot vs Shotback
Both stand on screenshot annotation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
macshot combines extensive capture, recording, editing, redaction, and text tools in a free GPLv3 macOS app. Its on-device approach and local storage may appeal to users who want control over their media.
Visit macshot Free plan Extension
Shotback focuses on local screenshot annotation and structured handoff for coding agents. Its privacy and sharing limits are clear, but installation currently requires an unpacked Chrome extension.
Visit ShotbackThe facts
| macshot | Shotback | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Extension |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On screenshot annotation software | #63 of 76 | #67 of 76 |
macshot: what it does well
- Captures scrolling and multi-monitor content
- Records MP4 up to 120 fps or GIF
- Automatic PII redaction and face detection
- OCR with translation to 30+ languages
- On-device operation with local storage
What to know first
- macOS 12.3 or later required
- Screen Recording permission is required
- Available only for macOS
- Uploads depend on listed external services
Shotback: what it does well
- Captures visible areas and full pages
- Annotations can include selectors and React component chains
- Claude Code handoff exports PNG and JSON
- No network requests made by the project
- Released under the MIT license
What to know first
- Chrome Web Store listing is not published
- Must build from source and load unpacked
- Local share links are not public URLs
- Redaction pixelation may allow short strings to be recovered
Alternatives to macshot Alternatives to Shotback The whole list