Cleanshot X
Screen and video capture software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$29 one-time
Free Trial unavailableFree version unavailable
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What is Cleanshot X
CleanShot X is a macOS screen capture and screen recording tool used to create annotated screenshots, short recordings, and shareable visuals for documentation, support, and internal communication. It targets individual professionals and small teams that need fast capture workflows, markup tools, and quick sharing without a full video editing suite. The product emphasizes screenshot quality controls (such as background and shadow options), scrolling capture, and built-in annotation, with optional cloud sharing features.
Strong macOS-native capture workflow
CleanShot X integrates tightly with macOS capture conventions and focuses on fast keyboard-driven workflows. It supports common capture modes such as region/window/fullscreen capture and recording, plus scrolling capture for long pages. For users primarily on Mac, this reduces reliance on heavier cross-platform tools for day-to-day screenshot work.
Robust screenshot annotation tools
The app includes built-in markup features such as arrows, text, blur/pixelate, highlighting, and callouts to prepare images for documentation and support. It also provides presentation-oriented options like adding backgrounds and shadows to improve readability in docs and slides. This makes it well-suited for creating polished static visuals without exporting to a separate editor.
Convenient sharing and organization
CleanShot X provides quick export options and, with its optional cloud component, link-based sharing for captures. It also offers capture history/management features that help users find and reuse recent assets. These capabilities support lightweight collaboration and reduce friction compared with tools that require a full project-based workflow.
macOS-only platform support
CleanShot X is designed for macOS and does not provide native Windows or Linux versions. Organizations with mixed-device environments may need additional tools to standardize capture workflows across teams. This can complicate training and asset consistency when compared with cross-platform alternatives.
Limited advanced video editing
While it records the screen, CleanShot X is not a full video production editor with multi-track timelines, advanced audio processing, or complex post-production features. Teams producing polished training videos or marketing content may need a dedicated video editor for finishing work. This positions CleanShot X more as a capture-and-annotate tool than an end-to-end video creation suite.
Cloud features add dependency
If teams rely on the optional cloud sharing features, they introduce an external hosting dependency for links and asset access. Some organizations may prefer self-hosted storage, stricter administrative controls, or centralized governance for retention and access policies. This can be a consideration for regulated environments or companies with strict security requirements.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| App + Cloud Basic | $29 one-time payment | Full Mac app (yours to keep), license key, 1 year of updates, 1 GB CleanShot Cloud storage, optional renewal $19/year for continued updates; Cloud account not required to use the app. |
| App + Cloud Pro (annual billing) | $8 per user/month (billed annually — $96/year) | Access to Mac app via Cloud account for all users, always get latest version, unlimited Cloud storage, custom domain & branding, advanced security (self-destruct control, password-protected links), advanced team features and SSO; Cloud subject to fair use policy. |
| App + Cloud Pro (monthly billing) | $10 per user/month (billed monthly) | Same Pro features as above, billed month-to-month. |
Additional notes: Prices shown in USD; taxes may apply. CleanShot requires macOS 10.15 or newer. 30-day money-back guarantee is provided. CleanShot Cloud fair use policy applies.
Seller details
CleanMyMac
Kyiv, Ukraine
2009
Private
https://cleanshot.com/
https://x.com/CleanShotApp
https://www.linkedin.com/company/macpaw-inc
