Magic Lens Max

Testing computer products might require a screenshot of particular regions or frames to exemplify certain features or even defects. However, working with the default Windows tool can be a bit of a hassle, but you can always rely on specialized applications like Magic Lens Max to automate the process and benefit from extra tools.

Once the application is launched, the main window shows up, so you can take a look over the set of features, and configure capture and lens options. When not used, the application stays hidden in the system tray, which also provides quick access to capture functions and general settings.

The application is a combination of the possibility to grab screenshots, and a magnifier, which can be fully customized. Also, be sure to check out corresponding hotkeys, as they prove very useful to quickly toggle the magnifier, and the different capture methods. It’s possible to change them in case the default are used for other actions.

The main window is fitted with several tabs so you can customize lens, cursor effects, and shortcuts. Unfortunately, the magnifier isn’t quite well implemented, and there’s a risk not to be able to be properly used, because it targets and follows the cursor, but it’s on the back layer, and most of the time overlaps, not showing content as intended.

Luckily, there are size and offset value fields to bypass this inconvenience, but it can take a while to get them right. Other options let you apply effects to images you capture, or simply to the magnifier region itself. Capturing, on the other hand, can only be done for the lens region, and the entire screen, with no built-in options for windows or custom regions.

Magic Lens Max wants to deliver a set of tools with which to track and capture screen activity, and even closely inspect through the customizable lens feature. However, it does this in a poor manner, and even though there are plenty of effects and technical options to handle, layer management of the cursor and lens have a significant impact on overall practicality.