Shots.so alternatives: 3 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Gradients, padding, rounded corners and shadows in a native Mac app that also takes the screenshot.
licenseGPL-3.0
runson your machine
installHomebrew cask or signed macOS DMG dragged to Applications
dataScreenshots and recordings are normal files in the chosen folder, capture history lives under ~/Library/Application Support/com.sw33tlie.macshot/history/, and preferences use macOS UserDefaults; optional uploads go directly to the user's Drive, imgbb or S3 service
the catch vs Shots.soIt is macOS-only and has fewer reusable templates, batch operations and AI/redaction conveniences than the more mature paid screenshot tools.
setupmacOS must grant Screen Recording permission on first capture
facts verified 2026-08-11
Gradients, padding and rounded corners for free; batch work is where the bill starts.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installOpen the hosted browser tool; no signup or download
dataThe input image is loaded into BrandBird's browser editor and the result is exported as PNG, JPEG or WebP; the tool page does not document whether image bytes are uploaded or retained server-side
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs Shots.soIt is a one-off browser editor rather than a native capture workflow, and free use lacks Shots/Xnapper's batch processing, saved presets and tighter desktop automation.
facts verified 2026-08-11
The Shots.so recipe, free forever and done entirely in your browser.
licenseproprietary, free
runson your machine
installOpen the hosted page in a modern browser; no signup
dataThe screenshot is held in browser memory, composited with HTML5 Canvas, and exported as a local PNG/JPG blob; the site says the image is never uploaded
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs Shots.soIt beautifies an existing image but cannot capture, annotate or batch-process screenshots like a native Xnapper-style app.
facts verified 2026-08-11
latest recorded source check 2026-08-11 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| macshot | GPL-3.0 | one-click install | macos | 2,800 | 2026-08 |
| BrandBird Screenshot Beautifier | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
| ScreenCharm | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Shots.so?
Yes: macshot, BrandBird Screenshot Beautifier, ScreenCharm. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Shots.so?
Our verdict is YES. Gradient background, padding, rounded corners, export. Pure client-side canvas work; there is no server to even build. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Shots.so / Xnapper build guide.