BetterShot: Open-Source Screen Capture Tool for macOS with Built-In Editor

For macOS users, the built-in screenshot tools have always been capable but constrained. The space between what Apple provides (screenshot shortcuts since macOS Mojave) and what power users need (annotations, backgrounds, quick editing) has been filled by commercial tools like CleanShot X ($29+) and Skitch. In 2026, that gap is finally being addressed by an open-source alternative that matches the feature set of premium tools while remaining completely free.

BetterShot is an open-source macOS screen capture utility built with SwiftUI that combines flexible capture modes with a built-in annotation and editing workspace. Created by developer Kartik Labhshetwar and released under the MIT license, BetterShot gives macOS users region, fullscreen, and window capture modes with a modern, native editing interface that opens automatically after each capture.

The project stands out in an ecosystem where most polished macOS screenshot tools are commercial products. BetterShot is entirely free, open-source, and respects user privacy — no analytics, no data collection, and no network calls. Every pixel you capture stays on your machine.

What Capture Modes Does BetterShot Support?

BetterShot offers three distinct capture modes, each designed for a specific workflow. The modes are accessible through the macOS menu bar icon and can be triggered by configurable keyboard shortcuts.

The region capture mode is particularly well-implemented. When activated, the screen dims and a crosshair cursor appears. Drag to select your area, and the capture is taken. The window capture mode highlights the window under your cursor as you move it, and clicking captures that window with its drop shadow intact — a detail that matters greatly for documentation and social media images.

flowchart LR
    A[Press Shortcut<br/>or Menu Bar] --> B{Capture Mode}
    B --> C[Region: Drag to Select]
    B --> D[Fullscreen: Instant]
    B --> E[Window: Click Target]
    C --> F[Capture Preview]
    D --> F
    E --> F
    F --> G{Action}
    G --> H[Open Editor]
    G --> I[Save Directly]
    G --> J[Copy to Clipboard]

What Editor Features Does BetterShot Offer?

The built-in editor is where BetterShot truly shines. After each capture, the editor opens automatically with the screenshot loaded and ready for annotation. The editor includes a comprehensive set of tools:

The background replacement feature deserves special mention. When capturing a window — which includes its drop shadow and transparency — BetterShot lets you replace or set the background to a solid color or gradient of your choice. This is particularly valuable for developers creating documentation, designers sharing mockups, and anyone who posts screenshots on social media or blogs. Instead of a transparent PNG that renders differently depending on the viewer’s theme, you can set a consistent white, dark, or branded background.

How Does BetterShot Compare to Alternatives?

What Are BetterShot’s Keyboard Shortcuts?

BetterShot supports macOS-standard keyboard shortcuts with the ability to customize them through System Preferences. The defaults follow the familiar macOS screenshot convention:

• Region capture: Shift+Command+4 — drag to select a screen area
• Fullscreen capture: Shift+Command+3 — captures the entire screen
• Window capture: Shift+Command+5 — click on any window to capture it

For advanced users, BetterShot also supports a countdown timer mode (accessible from the menu bar) that adds a 3- or 5-second delay before capture. This is essential for capturing context menus, tooltips, and hover states that disappear when a keyboard shortcut is pressed.

How to Get Started with BetterShot

Installation is straightforward. The recommended approach is downloading the latest release from the GitHub Releases page, which provides a pre-built .dmg file. Alternatively, users with Xcode installed can clone the repository and build from source.

Once installed, BetterShot lives in the macOS menu bar. Clicking the icon reveals the capture mode menu and settings. The app requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later and does not need any additional permissions beyond Screen Recording and Accessibility access — both requested through standard macOS system prompts on first launch.

Is BetterShot Really Free and Open Source?

Yes. BetterShot is released under the MIT license, meaning you can use it, modify it, redistribute it, and even incorporate it into commercial projects. The source code is available on GitHub, and the project welcomes contributions from the community. There are no paid tiers, no subscription plans, and no hidden features locked behind a paywall.

This commitment to open source is significant in the macOS screenshot tool market, where virtually every polished alternative is either a paid commercial product or an abandoned free tool. BetterShot represents a sustainable, community-driven approach to a tool that every macOS developer and content creator uses daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BetterShot?

BetterShot is an open-source macOS screen capture utility built with SwiftUI that provides region, fullscreen, and window-based screenshot capture modes alongside a built-in image editor. It is a privacy-focused alternative to proprietary tools like CleanShot X and Skitch, licensed under the MIT license, and available for free on GitHub.

What capture modes does BetterShot support?

BetterShot supports three capture modes: region selection, fullscreen capture, and window capture. Each mode is accessible through the macOS menu bar icon and configurable keyboard shortcuts.

What editor features does BetterShot offer?

The built-in image editor includes annotation tools (arrows, shapes, text, highlights, blur), a background replacement feature for setting background colors and gradients, and export options for popular image formats. The editor opens automatically after each capture.

What are the keyboard shortcuts in BetterShot?

BetterShot provides customizable keyboard shortcuts for each capture mode: region capture (default: Shift+Command+4), fullscreen capture (default: Shift+Command+3), and window capture (default: Shift+Command+5).

What macOS versions does BetterShot support?

BetterShot requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later, leveraging SwiftUI’s latest APIs for the overlay interface and window management. It is a native macOS application built entirely with Apple’s modern SwiftUI framework.

Further Reading

• BetterShot GitHub Repository — Source code, releases, and installation instructions
• CleanShot X — Commercial alternative for feature comparison
• Apple Screenshot User Guide — macOS built-in screenshot documentation
• MIT License — The open-source license under which BetterShot is distributed