CNET Editors' review
We've seen quite a few screen capture utilities, and although most of them are pretty similar, occasionally these programs have features that set them apart from the competition. CaptureScreen is one such program; although it's not quite as easy to use as some other applications we've seen, it does offer features that we don't think we've come across in similar programs.
CaptureScreen's interface is plain, consisting of a resizable, transparent rectangle. For basic screenshots, users simply drag the rectangle over the portion of the screen they wish to capture, right-click on it, and select Capture from the menu. Unlike many similar programs, CaptureScreen does not allow users to capture particular windows, but it's easy enough to do this by simply selecting the desired window within the interface. What really sets CaptureScreen apart is what it allows users to do with screenshots after the fact. Users can mix multiple captures together, or mix captures with preexisting images. There are also settings for brightness, contrast, and color, as well as RGB controls and grayscale and inversion options. Additionally, the program provides users with a handful of special effects, including a psychedelic effect, embossing, and selective grayscale and transparency. The program's HTML Help file gives detailed examples of the program's features. If you typically use screen captures for utilitarian purposes--troubleshooting software errors, for example--most of these features will likely be of little use. But for those who have more artistic ambitions for their screenshots, CaptureScreen is a fun choice.
CaptureScreen comes as a ZIP file. It's accessible after extraction with no need for installation. We recommend this program to all users.
Publisher's Description
From Patrice Zwenger:
CaptureScreen is easy to use: Right-click for contextual menu access. Move and size the window to the desired location, and select the "Capture" command for a region capture of the screen, or the "Full Screen" command for a full capture of the screen. Save the capture with the "Save" command; png format (by default) gives a perfect result. The "Clear" command erases the capture. You can easily capture and manipulate a screen portion, e.g., compare two texts or two images. The "Show All" command shows the full menu and all commands. CaptureScreen includes advanced options: The "Thumbnail..." command allows you to save a thumbnail (or a enlargement) of the capture (with 2 methods). Image effects (Lighten, Darken, GrayScale, Invert, Contrast, Color, RGB ...) and special effects (Selective GrayScale, Color To Transparent, Psychedelic, B/W Sketch, Color Emboss...) are available with the "Effects" menu. Multi-level Undo and Redo are also available. By double-click, if CaptureScreen is your image editor by default, you can open and edit images and saved captures. In "More Commands" menu, you can use the "Open and Mix" or the "Capture and Mix" commands, to mix and merge images and captures. The "Transparent Mode" command preserves the window and the image in transparency: you can use the capture like a tracing paper. The "No Border Mode" command allows you to hide window's border; you can open by example several instances of CaptureScreen to make a photomontage. All image effects are available in a selection rectangle with the "Selection Mode". The "CaptureScreen Options" allows you to set and save user settings (Hotkeys for menus commands, Run in "No Border Mode", Transparency, Delay Time, JPG Quality...). The "JPG Quality" Options allows you to reduce the file size of the image (saved in JPG/JPEG format). Settings and are also automatically saved to a text file, when closing the application.
What's new in this version: In version 2.0.4396, by double-click you can now open with CaptureScreen an image (with or without window's borders). Multi-level Undo and Redo are now available. A better method to get thumbnail is available with this version. A Hotkeys list (custom) is saved when closing CaptureScreen.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 7 votes
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Current version:
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Results 1-7 of 7
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"Complex Simplicity"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.9.4118
Pros
Very user friendly.. So simple a cave woman (or man) could do it.
Cons
Having a whale of a time trying to figure out how to add picture to picture.
Summary
Before CaptureScreen 1.9.4118, I used another screen grab product that I thought was quite simple then I tried CaptureScreen.. Very intricate process to work so simply. I now use CS full time (and my old one as back-up) and am just now experimenting with the varied bells and whistles.. I do find it beyond simple concerning other options such as adding an image to a finished captured picture, to me this is a great option, but I can't seem to figure it out and the instructions aren't that informative but I've just began so I know I'll get this down quickly and why not? Everything else is user friendly on this wonderful program. Highly recommended.
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"Screen Capture"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.9.4039
Pros
A little more keystrokes t capture the screen area but the features are many abd it;s only 700 bytes or so. It's a No install exe file. Just run it.
Cons
can't think of any
Summary
Small powerful Screen capture utility that you should get now. Seriously.
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"Effective But Complex"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.5.2
Pros
Does capture the screen, but it is complex.
Cons
I prefer Screen Grab Pro Version 1.5, which is also free
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"Excellent!"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.4.2
Pros
It's simple and does exactly what I need it to. I love the transparent window!
Cons
I have nothing bad to say about it.
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"Still Prefer Screen Grab Pro"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.4.2
Cons
I still prefer Screen Grab Pro, which is also free at Download.com.
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"Good, Not Great"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.3.2
Pros
Works, but takes some learning.
Cons
I prefer Screen Grab Pro Version 1.5.
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"Future Ref. Only"
Version: CaptureScreen 1.2.2
Pros
I didn't download because doesn't list Vista in "Requirements."
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