Shottr: The Screenshot App That Takes Mac Captures to the Next Level

I've been using Shottr on my MacBook for a long time to take screenshots, and the free version has always been enough for me. I never felt the need to buy the Pro version because the free feature set is genuinely solid. Here's a quick rundown of what makes Shottr stand out.

Core Shortcuts

Getting a screenshot with Shottr is instant:

Command + Shift + 1 — Captures the full screen.
Command + Shift + 2 — Lets you drag to select any region of the screen.

Those two shortcuts alone cover most day-to-day needs.

Quick Annotation After Capture

Once you take a screenshot, Shottr's built-in editor opens automatically. The tools I reach for most often:

Highlight (H key) — Draw attention to any area by highlighting it.
Circle or Freehand Draw (H key + relevant tool) — Encircle or sketch over any part of the image.
Arrow (A key) — Add directional arrows pointing to specific spots.
Step Markers (C key) — Place numbered markers to walk someone through a process step by step.
Text (T key) — Type an annotation anywhere on the image. You can also control the direction of the text, making your instructions much clearer.

Color Code Picker

One of Shottr's lesser-known but very useful features is the color code indicator in the top-right corner. As you move your cursor around the screen, it shows the hex color code of whatever pixel is under the pointer. Press T to copy that code to your clipboard instantly. No need for a separate color-picking tool during design or development work.

Redacting Sensitive Information

If your screenshot contains something you don't want to share — a password, personal detail, or confidential content — press B to completely black out that area. It's a quick and clean way to redact before sharing.

Saving and Copying Without the Clutter

Shottr makes it easy to avoid filling your desktop with screenshot files:

Press Command + C to copy the image directly to your clipboard and paste it wherever you need it.
If you do want to save a file, the export option is just as accessible.

Being able to capture, annotate, and paste in seconds — without managing temporary files — is a genuine productivity boost.

Conclusion

Shottr offers a far richer annotation experience than macOS's built-in screenshot tool, while staying lightweight and keyboard-driven. The free version is more than enough for most users. You can download it at shottr.cc.

If you use a different screenshot tool on macOS that you think is even better, drop it in the comments — always curious to hear what others are using.