FastStone Capture

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on August 20, 2009

FastStone Capture addresses the shortcomings common to screen-capture programs, and it packages the features and options you need in an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the most cumbersome tasks, including selecting just the parts you want to save, resizing and editing the image, selecting the file format and destination, writing captions, and naming and organizing the final results.

FastStone Capture's primary interface is a small floating task bar with a handful of easy-to-understand icons that activate the program's various methods of capturing screen images: active window, object, rectangle, freehand, full screen, scrolling window, and, for video capture, a screen recorder. Two other buttons select output options and program settings. The program also installs icons on the desktop and system tray. Clicking on an image in any of the capture modes opens the FastStone Editor, a speedy but basic image editor that has some drawing, painting, and effects capabilities. The ability to quickly and easily write and attach captions may be the standout feature. We also like the screen recorder for capturing onscreen video while preserving the context.

FastStone Capture functions quickly, smoothly, and unobtrusively. It downloads, installs, and opens without issues, and, should you decide not to keep it, it uninstalls cleanly without leaving behind any orphan files or folders. FastStone Capture is shareware; it's free to use for 30 days, after which you must purchase and register your copy. We recommend it for all user levels.