The Flameshot Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Flameshot in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Flameshot
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source screenshot tool with on-screen annotation
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from Flameshot’s own pages.
Made by Flameshot contributors · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Flameshot’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Flameshot’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade
Flameshot is a free, open-source screenshot tool for Windows, macOS and Linux. You launch it, drag a selection box over part of the screen, and annotate the capture in place with arrows, text, shapes, highlights and pixelation before saving or copying it. It can also upload a capture to Imgur, and a command-line interface lets you script it or bind it to keys.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Flameshot, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No store rating is on record, but there's nothing to set up: launch, drag, annotate, save.
- 1
Best for free marked-up screenshots on any desktop
No screen recording or scrolling capture is listed.
- 2
It is free
Flameshot has no paid plan at all. The whole app is free and open source, with its main code under GPLv3+. The project says it does not accept direct donations.
- 3
It runs on 3 platforms
Windows, macOS and Linux.
- 4
Area capture with in-place editing
Launch it, drag a selection box over the area you want and annotate directly on screen before saving the shot, without opening a separate editor.
- 5
Annotation tools
Arrows, lines, pencil, marker highlights, text, rectangles, circles, solid color boxes and an incrementing counter, plus a blur tool that turns into pixelation at larger sizes.
- 6
Customizable interface
A configuration dialog sets the interface color, which tool buttons appear, the keyboard shortcuts and how images are saved.
- 7
A 3.0 GPA, above 84 of 94
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
Flameshot is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
Flameshot at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- Flameshot contributors
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for free marked-up screenshots on any desktop
Flameshot is a free, open-source screenshot tool for Windows, Mac and Linux: drag a box, then mark up the capture on screen with arrows, text and pixelation. No screen recording or scrolling capture is listed. Wayland support is called experimental, GNOME asks to share the screen on every capture and needs a tray extension, and the shared Imgur uploader can hit Imgur's hourly quota.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free and open source, a plain download on all three systems, with the main code under GPLv3+. There's no paid version, and the project says it doesn't even accept direct donations. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The whole app is free on Windows, macOS and Linux. Nothing is kept back for a paid tier, because there isn't one. |
| Features | C | The marked-up screenshot is a narrow job and Flameshot covers it: drag a box, then arrows, text, shapes, highlights, a counter and blur that pixelates, plus a history, Imgur upload and terminal commands. No screen recording or scrolling capture is listed, and Wayland support is still called experimental. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating is on record, but there's nothing to set up: launch, drag, annotate, save. On a Mac you grant screen recording permission first, and GNOME users need an AppIndicator extension to see the tray icon. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Windows, macOS and Linux, but it's a desktop program and nothing more: no phone apps, no web version, and the only thing it talks to is Imgur. Three operating systems is still one kind of device. Downloads are 64-bit only. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Flameshot is for
- Fits if you want the same screenshot tool on Windows, Mac and Linux at no cost
- Works for captures that need an arrow and a pixelated email address before you send them
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're on GNOME with Wayland and want no fuss, since support is experimental and it asks to share the screen every time
- Not for you if you upload a lot, because the shared Imgur client ID can run into Imgur's hourly quota
- Too light for screen recording or scrolling captures, as neither is listed
- Watch out: downloads are 64-bit only, Macs need screen recording permission first, and GNOME needs an AppIndicator extension
- Not for you if you want it on a phone or in a browser, since it's a desktop program only
Good to know
Good for
- People who want the same free screenshot tool on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Marking up a capture with arrows, text and pixelation before saving it
- Scripting screenshots or binding them to custom keys from the terminal
Worth knowing
- GNOME Wayland and Plasma Wayland support is described as experimental, and GNOME 41 or later asks to share the screen on every capture.
- It relies on a system tray; GNOME users need an AppIndicator extension to see the icon.
- The upload tool sends images to Imgur anonymously, and the shared client ID can run into Imgur's hourly quota.
- Downloads are 64-bit only, and on macOS it must be granted screen recording permission before it can capture anything.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
Flameshot is free to use.
There's no paid version, and the project says it doesn't even accept direct donations.
Flameshot
$0
The complete app as a Windows installer or portable build, a macOS dmg or Homebrew cask, and a Linux AppImage, Snap, Flatpak or distribution package.
The free plan
The whole app is free and open source, with its main code under GPLv3+. The project says it does not accept direct donations.
Read from flameshot.org on Oct 9, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
3
Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux
Free, open-source screenshot tool with on-screen annotation. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, screenshots.
No screen recording or scrolling capture is listed, and Wayland support is still called experimental.
- Area capture with in-place editing
- Launch it, drag a selection box over the area you want and annotate directly on screen before saving the shot, without opening a separate editor.
- Annotation tools
- Arrows, lines, pencil, marker highlights, text, rectangles, circles, solid color boxes and an incrementing counter, plus a blur tool that turns into pixelation at larger sizes.
- Customizable interface
- A configuration dialog sets the interface color, which tool buttons appear, the keyboard shortcuts and how images are saved.
- Command-line interface
- Terminal commands capture a region or the full screen without opening the GUI first, with options for a delay, a save path and copying to the clipboard.
- Upload to Imgur
- Uploads a selection to Imgur after a warning and lets you delete it afterwards. Since version 11.0.0 you can set your own Imgur Client ID for a separate upload quota.
- Tray icon and history
- Runs in the background with a system tray icon for configuration, and keeps a screenshot history that a shortcut opens.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
- Imgur
Flameshot is made by Flameshot contributors.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
84/94
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
Flameshot's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 8.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 49 of 94) and worst on features (C, above 1).
Flameshot has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. Flameshot’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
- AFree plan and trialAbove 49 of 94
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 94
- BEase of useAbove 33 of 94
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 65 of 94
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 55 desktop utilities. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Flameshot is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
Flameshot is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade.
What you could not
- Capture tools hooked into the operating system.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Flameshot’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
ShareX, Greenshot, Shottr, CleanShot X and Camtasia Snagit
The 5 tools Flameshot is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.6GPA
ShareX
Free
Free, open-source screenshot and screen recording for Windows.
- Only Flameshot lists macOS and Linux apps.
- ShareX also covers screen recording and file sharing.
- 3.0GPA
Greenshot
Free plan · from $1.99 one-time
Free, open-source screenshot tool for Windows with an editor.
- Only Flameshot lists a Linux app.
- 2.6GPA
Shottr
Free plan · from $12 one-time
Small Mac screenshot tool with annotation, OCR and a ruler.
- Only Flameshot lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Flameshot is open source, according to its own site.
- Shottr can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.0GPA
CleanShot X
From $35 one-time
Mac screenshot and screen recording app with a one-time license.
- Flameshot has a free plan. CleanShot X does not.
- Only Flameshot lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Flameshot is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
Camtasia Snagit
Free trial · from $39/yr
Screen capture and recording tool with annotation and step guides.
- Flameshot has a free plan. Camtasia Snagit does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Flameshot lists a Linux app.
- Flameshot is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Flameshot free?
Yes. Flameshot is free to use.
How much does Flameshot cost?
Flameshot lists one plan. Flameshot: $0.
What platforms does Flameshot work on?
Flameshot is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Flameshot have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Flameshot is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Flameshot have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Flameshot is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is Flameshot open source?
Yes. Flameshot is open source, according to its own site.
What does Flameshot integrate with?
Flameshot's listing names Imgur. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Flameshot?
Flameshot is made by Flameshot contributors.
What are the alternatives to Flameshot?
The closest alternatives to Flameshot in our directory are ShareX, Greenshot, Shottr, CleanShot X and Camtasia Snagit.
How does Flameshot compare with other desktop utilities?
Flameshot's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 8.
Is Flameshot good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Flameshot A for value for money. Flameshot has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of Flameshot?
Flameshot is free, so making your own would save you nothing. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Flameshot’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Flameshot's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-03-23.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Flameshot contributors. Prices change, so check flameshot.org before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Flameshot, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/flameshot
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Flameshot: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/flameshot
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/flameshot/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded desktop utilities after Flameshot, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Desktop Utilities Insider's GuideEvery one of the 95 desktop utilities we grade, compared
- LocalSend Insider's GuideOpen-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud3.2 GPA
- Ninite Insider's GuideInstalls and updates many Windows apps at once3.2 GPA
- 7-Zip Insider's GuideFree, open-source file archiver with the 7z format3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Flameshot’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Flameshot is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Flameshot contributors. Prices and plans change: check flameshot.org before you buy.