Screen Capture Software Review

Tutorials, maps, digital information, specs and a host of facts dealing with everything from software to underwear are on the web. Sometimes you need a record of images and information you view. Often you need to capture screenshots of projects and images on your computer, both at work and home. That's why screen capture software is a necessity for anyone who uses a computer.

Whether you're a software designer, graphic artist, Realtor, technical writer, web designer, student, teacher, homemaker, house builder, gamer or grandpa, you may have a need to take screenshots. Screen capture software makes it simple and easy. You can find out more by reading our learning center articles on screen capture software or checking out the top three products on our list: Snagit, Screen Hunter Pro and HyperSnap.

Screen Capture Software: What to Look For

The best screen capture software offers features such as quick toolbars and hotkeys as well as image capture of objects, entire webpages, videos and games. Once you've saved a screenshot, you can set it as your wallpaper, print it in multiple layouts and send it by file transfer protocol or email to a colleague or friend.

The greatest value of screen capture software may be in its editing functions. Good editing tools let you insert comments, draw attention to specific portions of an object with a virtual marker or alter a large number of files at one time with a batch converter. You can resize and add personal touches to screenshots and save them in nearly any graphic format.

We evaluated 30 features and functions offered by screen capture software on our list and tested each for usability. Below are the criteria we used to evaluate the applications.

Capture
This is the main purpose of screen capture software, so the product you choose should have a range of options, including menu capture, scrolling capture, direct X applications capture, object capture, timer-controlled capture, video capture and game capture.

Ease of Use
Useful screen capture software should be a breeze for you to learn and use, no matter your computer experience. It should have a simple interface with tools that do not require too much explanation.

Edit
Advanced screen capture software should offer everything you need to easily alter, annotate or save your screenshots in multiple formats. You should be able to draw on, highlight and customize images. In simpler terms, you should have complete control to alter and improve the images you capture.

Features
Screen capture software should offer a variety of useful and convenient tools, such as quick toolbars, image viewers and the ability to send your screenshots to others via email directly from the application. It should be easy to install, not requiring additional editing programs.

Help & Support
The best screen capture software offers help and support through a number of sources, including by phone, email or online forms, FAQs and step-by-step tutorials. If there's something you can't figure out, the company should have a means to help you understand it.

The best screen capture software is uncomplicated, yet powerful and able to capture a variety of objects quickly. Top software also brings to the table effective and versatile editing tools, useful features and plenty of help and support.

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