Useful apps · ShareX

ShareX: Capture, Annotate, and Save Screenshots

Combine range capture, arrow and number annotation, OCR, and GIF recording into one workflow. This guide covers installation, practical steps, limitations, and how to stop using the app.

Published 2026-09-05 · Updated 2026-10-13 · FaultNote editorial policy

ShareX: Capture, Annotate, and Save Screenshots overview: When to use it, Install the official version, Edit before sharing, Prepare a support image, Try it, Inspect the saved image, Control the workflow, Use it safely, Turn it off or restore settings — An overview of this guide’s steps and checks, not a screenshot of the app.

Who this guide is for and what to prepare

First-time users of ShareX
People who want to check the storage location and safety of data while reducing manual work

What you need

Check the processing target and storage location, and preserve the original data in another location
Check the official distribution source, supported OS, and required permissions

When to use it

Combine range capture, arrow and number annotation, OCR, and GIF recording into one workflow.

Install the official version

Select Setup or Portable from getsharex.com and decide where to save, leaving automatic upload disabled for the first time.

Select Setup or Portable on getsharex.com and decide where to save with automatic upload disabled for the first time.

Edit before sharing

Capture the relevant window and add an arrow and numbered steps in the image editor. Match numbers to your explanation. Crop unrelated applications and notifications so the recipient can identify the problem without inspecting the entire desktop.

Prepare a support image

Show the error and preceding action to someone without screen access. Include application, action and time in text. Review sensitive content before sharing.

Close notifications, make the error readable and inspect possible exposure of usernames and paths.
Review editor and upload tasks and verify local saving with a practice capture.
Crop background and align annotations with instructions without obscuring text.
Use opaque redaction, inspect the saved image and exclude the original from sharing.
Attach edited output and verify no unedited clipboard image was included.

Try it

Select editing and saving locally under [After capture tasks]. Check whether upload-related tasks are disabled. Enclose the range using [Capture] → [Region]. Place arrows and numbers in image editor. Right-click the history and select [Open folder] to check the PNG.

Select editing and local saving in [After capture tasks]
Check if upload tasks are disabled
Enclose the range with [Capture] → [Region]
Place arrows and numbers in image editor
Right-click the history and select [Open folder] to check the PNG.

Inspect the saved image

Cover addresses and tokens with opaque shapes. Reopen the saved image in another viewer and check edges and the address bar. Do not assume blur or pixelation guarantees secrecy. Keep the original capture out of the attachment selection.

Control the workflow

Review after-capture and after-upload tasks and try a local-only capture first. Select no upload task when sharing is unnecessary. If a hotkey conflicts, change one binding and verify the capture and destination using the same test window.

Scroll horizontally to see the full table →

Control the workflow
Observation	Decision and next action
Error is readable	Match annotations to text and add off-screen conditions.
Image is too small	Recapture or retain resolution and inspect the saved file.
Sensitive text remains	Edit and replace the attachment rather than assuming automatic updating.
Capture uploads immediately	Review tasks, test local saving and inspect destination history.

Use it safely

Once you set the upload destination, the image will be sent externally. On the confidential screen, check After capture tasks and After upload tasks.

Turn it off or restore settings

By removing unnecessary upload processing in the task settings, you can return to saving images only locally. If you want to return the hotkey to another app, release the relevant key in [Hotkey settings] and exit ShareX. Saved images remain in the save folder.

Limitations and requirements

Once you set the upload destination, the image will be sent externally. On the confidential screen, check After capture tasks and After upload tasks
Check the current specifications in the official documentation and reconfirm on-screen what you want to delete or overwrite.

Frequently asked questions

Can I only save images locally?

Yes. Select only Save/Edit in After capture tasks and remove upload actions such as Upload image to host. Just changing the destination does not stop the transmission itself.

Print Screen is not responding

Check the assignment in ShareX's Hotkey settings. If other apps such as Snipping Tool are using the same key, release one or change to another key.

What if there are too many annotations?

Split images or retain one focal point, using text for conditions and sequence.

How do I avoid sending an older image?

Name edited files clearly and inspect the selected attachment among saved and clipboard copies.

Sources and verification date

Sources checked: 2026-10-13. These sources support the specifications, procedures or prices discussed here. Check each source for applicable conditions and current information.

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