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Andrey “Rarst” Savchenko —  — Software — image, portable, screenshot

PicPick Tools – best screenshot tool candidate

picpick_icon Software bloggers have to snap and process a lot of screenshots (unless they write crappy news fluff). And from those whom I know we agree on two things:

  1. Last free version of FastStone Capture is best screenshot tool ever.
  2. PicPick Tools just might be the one to replace it.

What it does

PicPick follows proven formula:

  • allow user to take screenshots the way he wants;
  • allow user to save screenshots the way he wants;
  • add extra nifty tools that person who makes screenshots might want.

picpick_interface

App has no window or toolbar for calling tools, only tray menu. Most functions can be called with hotkeys (as it should be) and app is nice enough to provide FSCapture-compatible hotkey set.

Strong features

As there are many ways and habits to take screenshots PicPick caters to that with quite extended list of functions, not worth blindly repeating. What I liked most (probably for being missing in FSCapture):

  • capture region with fixed dimensions (I need screenshots of specific width for this blog);
  • re-capture with last settings (very convenient);
  • throw screenshot into external app (took me few minutes to look at examples and figure out that it requires <%f> as parameter to work with Paint.NET);
  • crosshair tool rocks (I had essentially used FSCapture region capture as such, dedicated tool is nice).

Overall

While PicPick goes further than FSCapture in some areas it still doesn’t fully replace it at moment. But with ongoing and active development I can easily expect that. Even as is – it is excellent, freeware screenshot tool with completely portable version.

Home http://picpick.wiziple.net

Download http://picpick.wiziple.net/download

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10 Comments

  • Alek Davis #

    I wonder what (other than portable execution) makes this tool the best in your opinion. The fact that it comes with a bunch of other tools -- most, if not all, of which I do not really want -- is a minus in my eyes. Does it capture mouse cursor? How does it handle shadowed window borders?

  • Rarst #

    @Alek I said that it might become one, not that it is. :) Extras are nice for my taste, beats having to have and switch between bunch of small utilities for measurements and such. As for screenshots it is rather individual and for most PrintScreen is really enough. But why not indulge with stuff like precise region capture and auto-open in editor of choice? :) Really, taking screenshots is no rocket science, apps for that only aim to improve covenience and add related functions. Captures cursor (option), no idea on shadows - don't think I encountered any lately.

  • Lyndi #

    This is something I really need. Up till now I have been relying on the old Alt Prt Scr combination. I am off to download right now. Thanks.

  • Rarst #

    @Lyndi Alt+PrintSreen is proven by time but can only go so far. :) As you make themes and such I think you will find measuring tools convenient as well.

  • Rick #

    Rarst, You and me have been down this road before with PicPick and FastStone and I mean that in a humorous (good way). It is staring to scare me, but I'm beginning to think, "we think alike". I do agree, FastStone is the topper and that PicPick is gaining ground. Great review! Rick

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  • The DataRat #

    "The fact that it comes with a bunch of other tools —most, if not all, of which I do not really want— is a minus" The thing here being that a ~lot~ of tools ...most of which you'll probably never use... is GOOD. There's no way an application developer can intuit exactly what tools/features you'll want or need. So multitudinous feature options makes it all the more likely that the tools you ~do~ want shall be there. If you don't need 95% of a feature set, then ignore those features ! Ain't like you ~must~ use 'em. But a profusion of features only increases the chances that tools you desire will exist. Limited feature sets don't as much simplify the interface as decrease your options. Until software developers begin reading your mind, and customizing applications for each and every INDIVIDUAL user, a large feature set shall be the only way to assure the few tools you want are going to be present. The DataRat .

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