TLDR
Snagit leads for all-around capability, while ShareX and Greenshot offer free alternatives. For video, Camtasia and Bandicam handle recording and editing.
Choose Snagit for professional documentation, ShareX for power users who want free and open-source, or Camtasia if you need polished video tutorials.
Clipping software lets you capture screenshots and record video from your PC screen. Whether you need quick annotations, file sharing, or full video editing, the right tool saves time and improves communication.
In 2026, clipping options range from lightweight free tools to professional-grade platforms. This guide compares ten established solutions to help you choose based on your workflow and budget.
We evaluated each tool on ease of use, feature set, file sharing capabilities, and cost to identify the best clipping software for different use cases.
best clipping software for pc Tools compared
Filter by what you care about. Every tool stays on the page.
| Tool | Price | Capture Type | Built-in Editor | File Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snagit | See site | Screenshots and video | Yes | Yes |
| ShareX | See site | Screenshots and recording | Limited | Yes |
| Greenshot | See site | Screenshots only | Yes | Limited |
| Lightshot | See site | Screenshots only | Yes | Yes |
| PicPick | See site | Screenshots and recording | Yes | Yes |
| Camtasia | See site | Video focused | Yes | Yes |
| Bandicam | See site | Video and gameplay | Yes | Limited |
| OBS Studio | See site | Video and streaming | Limited | Limited |
| FFmpeg | See site | Processing only | Yes | No |
| Gyroflow Toolbox | See site | Stabilization only | Limited | No |
Highlighted rows are featured placements. Competitor details are set by each platform, so confirm on their site before buying.
The 10 best best clipping software for pc tools
Snagit
See siteSnagit is a screen capture and recording software for Windows and Mac that combines image and video tools. It captures screenshots and recordings, then lets you annotate and edit directly in the app before sharing or saving.
Pros
- Captures both screenshots and video recordings
- Includes built-in editor with annotation tools
- Works on Windows and Mac
- Free trial available
Cons
- Paid subscription required after trial
- Steeper learning curve than simple screenshot tools
Best for: Professionals who create documentation, tutorials, and presentations and need a complete capture-to-edit workflow.
ShareX
See siteShareX is a free and open-source program that captures any area of your screen and shares it with a single keypress. It supports uploading images, text, and files to many destinations, making it ideal for users who want full control and no restrictions.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Supports multiple upload destinations
- Advanced hotkey customization
- No watermarks or limitations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Requires configuration to get the most from it
Best for: Power users and developers who want maximum control and flexibility without spending money.
Greenshot
See siteGreenshot is a free open-source screenshot tool optimized for productivity. It captures regions, windows, or full screens and includes a built-in image editor for quick annotations and modifications.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Lightweight and fast
- Simple, focused design
- Captures regions, windows, or full screen
Cons
- No video recording capability
- Limited advanced editing features
Best for: Users who need quick screenshots with basic editing and want a lightweight tool that won't slow down their system.
Lightshot
See siteLightshot is a screen capture utility that lets users select areas to screenshot, annotate, and share. It focuses on simplicity, making it accessible for casual users who need quick captures without complexity.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Fast area selection
- Annotation tools included
- Free to use
Cons
- No video recording
- Limited sharing options compared to ShareX
Best for: Casual users and teams who need simple, fast screenshots with basic markup and don't require advanced features.
PicPick
See sitePicPick combines screen capture and image editing with additional tools like a color picker and pixel ruler. It captures, records, edits, and shares your screen, serving as a multi-tool for visual work.
Pros
- Includes color picker and pixel ruler tools
- Screen capture and recording in one tool
- Built-in image editor
- Good for designers and developers
Cons
- Paid version for full features
- Learning curve for all available tools
Best for: Designers and developers who need screen capture plus color and measurement tools in a single application.
Camtasia
See siteCamtasia is screen recording and video editing software designed for creating tutorials, how-to guides, and training content. It handles recording, editing, and polishing video into professional-looking presentations.
Pros
- Professional video editing built-in
- Designed for tutorial and training content
- High-quality output
- Both recording and editing in one tool
Cons
- Paid subscription required
- Overkill for simple screenshots
Best for: Trainers, educators, and content creators who produce training videos and instructional materials.
Bandicam
See siteBandicam is screen and game recording software that captures video with audio in various formats. It includes built-in editing and AI tools, making it suitable for both general screen recording and gameplay capture.
Pros
- Captures both screen and gameplay
- Built-in editing and AI tools
- Supports multiple video formats
- Good audio quality
Cons
- Paid version for full features
- Watermark on free version recordings
Best for: Gamers and streamers who need high-quality screen recording with audio and built-in editing capabilities.
OBS Studio
See siteOBS Studio is free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It supports scene composition and encoding, making it powerful for broadcasters, streamers, and anyone needing advanced recording control.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Built for streaming and recording
- Scene composition and advanced controls
- No watermarks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Focused on video, not still screenshots
- Requires more system resources
Best for: Streamers, broadcasters, and advanced users who need professional-grade video recording and scene management.
FFmpeg
See siteFFmpeg is a command-line tool for converting, editing, and processing audio and video files. It is powerful and flexible but requires technical knowledge to use effectively, making it suited for developers and advanced users.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Extremely powerful and flexible
- Handles any audio or video format
- No GUI overhead
Cons
- Command-line only, steep learning curve
- Not suitable for casual users
- No built-in capture capability
Best for: Developers and advanced users who need command-line control over video and audio processing and conversion.
Gyroflow Toolbox
See siteGyroflow Toolbox is video stabilization software that applies gyroscope data to smooth shaky footage. It supports cameras like Hero 11 and DJI Avata, plus formats like BRAW, with keyframing and advanced stabilization features.
Pros
- Specialized stabilization for action cameras
- Supports multiple camera formats including BRAW
- Keyframing for advanced control
- Free and focused tool
Cons
- Requires camera gyroscope data to work
- Not a general-purpose clipping tool
- Narrow use case
Best for: Action camera users and videographers who need to stabilize shaky footage from GoPro, DJI, or similar devices.
How we chose
We selected tools that are actively maintained and widely used for PC screen capture and recording as of 2026. Each entry reflects only features and pricing stated on official websites, with no invented claims or outdated information.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free clipping software for PC?
ShareX and Greenshot are the best free options. ShareX offers more advanced features and file sharing to multiple destinations, while Greenshot is simpler and lighter on system resources. Both are open-source and unrestricted.
Which clipping software is best for recording videos?
Camtasia is designed specifically for video tutorials and includes professional editing. Bandicam handles gameplay and screen recording with built-in editing. OBS Studio is the most powerful and free, but has a steeper learning curve.
Do I need to pay for clipping software?
No. ShareX, Greenshot, OBS Studio, and FFmpeg are free and open-source. Lightshot is also free. Snagit, Camtasia, and Bandicam offer paid or freemium options with more features.
Can I record both screenshots and video with the same tool?
Yes. Snagit, PicPick, Camtasia, and Bandicam all capture both screenshots and video. ShareX and OBS Studio also support video recording alongside screenshot capture.
What's the easiest clipping software for beginners?
Lightshot and Greenshot are the simplest to learn. Both focus on core features without overwhelming options. Snagit has a free trial that lets you explore without commitment.
Which tool is best for sharing screenshots with team members?
ShareX excels at uploading to multiple destinations with customizable hotkeys. Snagit and PicPick also support sharing. Lightshot offers quick online sharing with automatic links.
The bottom line
The best clipping software depends on whether you prioritize simplicity, cost, or advanced editing. Most PC users will find a free or low-cost option that meets their needs.