The classic Print Screen command gives you an exact copy of what's on your screen, but let's be honest: it has zero flexibility. If what you really want is to duplicate specific regions of the screen, capture while scrolling, or send the content directly to an image editor, then you need much more than Windows can provide. Here are five alternatives.
I work with images every day, and every reader who visits NeoTeo can vouch for that. The size and content don't matter: if an article needs an image, it will be there. Many fellow sites prefer publishing texts without any visual content, but I've never agreed with that stance. There should always be something more to accompany the words—a static image, something like an animated GIF, or preferably a video.
In the vast majority of cases, I use my own captures, but if the developer-editor-manufacturer offers press images, they're definitely welcome. However, some public relations and marketing elements don't do a great job, and our only available shortcut is to capture the content of their completely animated web pages (with the context menu blocked), or a PDF document that on one of its pages holds the only high-resolution image of the product.
I'm the first to admit it: it's horrible when something like that happens, but if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that you have several dedicated programs ready to help you. Here are five of them:
FastStone Capture
A personal favorite, FastStone Capture is a formidable companion to its developer's other great tool, FastStone Image Viewer. Active and inactive windows, specific sections, scrolling, freehand selections, and screen recording are its main features. Why do I mention it first? Because it isn't freeware. The trial period is 30 days, and the license costs $20.
Screenshot Captor
One of the most interesting aspects of Screenshot Captor is that it doesn't only work with the screen as a source. It can also grab images from a webcam or scanner (assuming they're properly configured), and offers advanced parameters like a delay after each capture, timed captures, and sending the result directly to a printer.
Greenshot
If we compare it with other programs, Greenshot might give the impression of having nothing special, but that would be a very rude mistake on our part. This is a solid free and open-source project, its Spanish translation is much more decent than we expected, and its plugin system allows it to drastically expand its functionality.
Lightscreen
Another very good open-source tool, Lightscreen has versions for Windows and Linux, multi-monitor support, six programmable actions, direct cloud upload support through Imgur, and an integrated image viewer. Captures can be taken in JPG, PNG, or BMP, and its installer enables the use of Lightscreen in portable mode.
Cropper
There's only one word that can precisely define Cropper, and that's "spartan." It lacks many advanced features found in other programs, but if the priority is getting a lightweight and simple program, Cropper does everything you need. Just one thing to keep in mind: it hasn't received updates in half a decade, although it worked marvelously in our tests.
That's all for now. Am I forgetting something? The answer probably is yes. As always, the comments are open to any suggestion, addition, correction, or replacement. Good luck!
