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Home/Categories/Design & Creative/Capso
icon of Capso

Capso

Open source alternative to CleanShot X, Snagit and Loom

Free open-source screenshot and screen recording tool for macOS, designed as an alternative to CleanShot X.

830 starsSwift
image of Capso
Contents
  1. 01Who Capso is for
  2. 02

Repository

Stars
830
Forks
33
License
Apache-2.0
Latest
v0.7.5
Last commit
17 days ago
Last verified
May 13, 2026
Repo
lzhgus/Capso ↗

Additional details

Apache-2.0
Active this month
Visit websiteGitHub repo
The problem it solves
  • 03How it solves it
  • 04Strengths and trade-offs
  • 05Install and self-host
  • 06Tech stack
  • 07FAQ
  • 08Similar open-source tools
    • TL;DR

    Capso is an open source macOS screenshot and screen recording app with native SwiftUI implementation. It replaces paid capture tools like CleanShot X for Mac users who want screenshot, recording, annotation, and OCR-oriented workflows without a closed subscription app. License terms should be reviewed because the project badge names BSL 1.1.Apache-2.0 · Swift · 830 stars · Active this month

    who it's for

    Who Capso is for#

    Mac builders replacing paid capture tools

    Capso fits Mac users who want a native screenshot and recording app with source visibility.

    Skip if:

    You need Windows, Linux, or older macOS support.

    Support teams recording quick demos

    Screen recording and screenshots help support teams show product behavior without a heavier video editing workflow.

    Skip if:

    You need team asset libraries, hosted sharing, and enterprise device management built in.

    the problem

    The problem it solves#

    how Capso solves it

    How it solves it#

    Native macOS capture app

    Capso is built with Swift 6.0 and SwiftUI, targeting macOS 15.0 and later.

    Screenshot and screen recording

    Capso covers both screenshot and screen recording workflows, positioning itself as a native alternative to CleanShot X.

    Homebrew install path

    Capso provides a Homebrew tap and cask install command, giving Mac users a familiar package manager path.

    strengths · trade-offs

    Strengths and trade-offs#

    Strengths

    • Focused CleanShot X alternativeThe project directly targets the Mac screenshot and recording workflow, making its value clear for users replacing a paid capture app.
    • Native SwiftUI implementationA native macOS codebase matters for capture tools because OS permissions, recording APIs, and UI responsiveness are central to the experience.

    Trade-offs

    • -macOS-only and version-specificCapso targets macOS 15.0 and later. Windows, Linux, and older macOS users need a different capture tool.
    install · self-host

    Install and self-host#

    bash
    brew tap lzhgus/tap
brew install --cask capso
    tech stack · detected from GitHub

    What it's built on#

    Languages
    Swift
    frequently asked

    FAQ#

    What is Capso?

    Capso is an open source screenshot and screen recording app for macOS.

    What macOS version does Capso target?

    Capso targets macOS 15.0 and later.

    What permissions does Capso need?
    also worth a look

    Similar open-source tools#

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    Language
    Swift
    Open issues
    1
    Contributors
    3
    First release
    2026

    Categories

    Design & CreativeBusiness & ProductivityCommunication & Collaboration

    Tags

    Screen RecordersmacOSVideoDeveloper ToolsGraphic DesignWorkflow Automation

    Screenshots and screen recordings are daily communication tools for builders, designers, support teams, and educators. Paid Mac utilities work well, but they make a basic workflow depend on a proprietary app and ongoing commercial roadmap.

    A native capture tool also needs deep OS integration. Permissions, recording, camera, microphone, OCR, annotation, and export behavior all have to feel reliable because the tool sits in the user's constant workflow.

    Capso requires screen recording, camera, and microphone permissions and prompts on first use.