14 DAY TRIAL // When talking about working with computers, we are bound to run into images at some point. They represent an important part of our lives and, of course, those that work with computers will also toy with images. But there are times when you just need to send an image of your screen and might not want to first save it on your PC. Either you just don’t need it or you’re low on disk space.
This is where Magic Screenshot comes to save the day. This application has a price tag of $0 written on it, so you can use it for as long as it satisfies your demands. In order to properly employ this software, you will need .NET Framework 2.0 installed on your system.
This tool will open in your system tray and sit quietly there waiting for you to access it. A right click will activate the main window that enables you to select the type of screenshot that you want to take: a fragment of your desktop or the whole screen. We have to mention that some other capture types would have been welcomed, for example fixed size capture. After having taken the screenshot you’re interested in, you can select a name for your image and upload it to the app's website, thus being able to use it.
If you choose to open the link in your browser, Magic Screenshot will offer you the link to your image in three different forms: the simple link, a link to be added on a forum and one to be added to your HTML code so you can use it the exact way you need it. The forum link will basically create a thumbnail, which will be seen on the forum page, a click on this thumbnail leading to the page where the image is uploaded. The HTML code link will act the same but it is customized to be added to a website’s HTML code.
The fact that your screenshot will automatically be uploaded will allow you to send your images fast, without overloading your hard drive with unnecessary files. If you really want to save some time and are certain the screenshot is exactly what you wanted, you may select to copy the link to your clipboard without viewing it first.
One of the things that might be irritating is that you can’t move the images from the application’s server to a different location. If you need the image you’ve created, you will have to save it locally as you would do with any image that you have open in your web browser. We have to mention the images are named in the link with the help of a random algorithm so one cannot find them by following a random Google search. You need the link to view the image. Nonetheless, we have to underline the lack of security given the fact that the user does not have to create an account to upload these pictures. Still, in case disaster strikes, this online storage of your pictures will certainly be appreciated.
One of the very interesting things this software offers is that you can further customize your screenshot after it has been created, before uploading it. You have the Pencil tool set to easily highlight a certain part of the newly created images. Adding text to the image is also supported.
The History window will offer you a list of all the screenshots you have taken with some details such as creation date or the file format and, of course, a thumbnail view of the images. You can use this window to manage the images by deleting them. The downside is that although you have deleted the images from the History window, they will not be automatically erased from the upload server.
The Settings window will permit you to customize Magic Screenshot to fit your needs. First in line comes the Image Quality feature that offers you the low, normal or high options. Some extra features would have been welcomed, for example ratio or pixel number.
Next in line comes the Image type. This app will enable you to employ the three most used image types: JPEG, BMP and PNG when saving an image. Obviously, these file types cover the needs of the average user.
The Hot Keys section aids those who enjoy using their keyboard, thus saving a lot of time. When you're on a tight schedule, every second counts. You don't have the possibility to change these hot keys but the ones offered are quite easy to remember.
For those of you that like their applications up and running once Windows starts, there is the Run program with Windows option. That way, you are sure Magic Screenshot will be ready whenever you need it. The Show tips at startup feature can be useful when you are not familiar with the software's options.
To sum it up, this tool will help you take screenshots, which can be easily customized without taking a lot of disk space. The nicest thing about it remains the fact that it won't cost you a penny.
The Good
Besides the price, ease of use certainly recommends this program, as it offers you the possibility of not only taking a screenshot but also customizing it without the need of another application. The fact that it provides you with three different types of links adapted to your needs is noteworthy.
The Bad
The Truth
In a nutshell, Magic Screenshot is a piece of software that gets the job done without much fuss. It offers something new to this application sector, useful for the ones that just don’t want to have unnecessary files on their drive. There is, of course, room for better especially when talking about the customization part. Also, some file management options would be most welcomed.
This article is also available in Spanish: Toma y envía capturas de pantalla
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
