I built an open-source, free alternative to CleanShotX

Description and use

Lightshot is a free, open‑source macOS app that captures, annotates, records, and edits screen content locally, offering a CleanShotX alternative.

Problem

Users need a local‑only screenshot and screen‑recording tool for macOS that offers annotation and video editing without cloud dependencies.

Outcome

Lightshot delivers a fully local, free, and open‑source alternative to CleanShotX, enabling users to capture, annotate, record, and edit videos without cloud services.

Workflow

• Download the .dmg from the releases page
• Drag Lightshot to Applications
• Grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings -> Privacy & Security

Evidence

I built Lightshot, a free and open‑source app for macOS that captures, annotates and records your screen, with a video editor built in. Everything runs on your Mac: no account, no cloud, no uploads.

Source

On first launch, grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings -> Privacy & Security.

Source