Download and install.
Current version: 1.2.2. The release channel is still being set up — here are the requirements, install steps and permission notes so you can go straight through when it opens.
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Already have the build? Jump to install steps.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| macOS | 13.0 (Ventura) or later |
| Architecture | Apple silicon (arm64) or Intel (x86_64) |
| Download size | 724 KB |
| Disk usage | About 2 MB including config |
| Network | Not required to use the app |
| Permission | Screen Recording (enforced by macOS) |
| Dependencies | None |
The bundle is compiled for the build machine's architecture. On Intel Macs, running the arm64 build under Rosetta slows capture noticeably.
Four steps, two minutes.
Open the DMG and drag MacShot to Applications
Eject the disk image afterwards. The app runs from anywhere, but Applications is the right place for updates.
First launch: right-click → Open
If macOS says it can't verify the developer, that's because the build is self-signed rather than notarised. Right-click the icon and choose Open, or use "Open Anyway" under System Settings → Privacy & Security. It's a one-time step.
Grant Screen Recording
The app performs one real capture so macOS records the denial, then requests access. Enable MacShot under Privacy & Security → Screen Recording. It detects the change and restarts itself — no manual quit needed.
Press ⇧⌘A and take one
Only Smart capture is on by default. Enable area, full screen or window capture in Settings → Shortcuts, and record your own combinations if you prefer.
About that Screen Recording prompt.
Why it's required
Every screenshot tool needs it to read the screen. There is no lighter-weight alternative. MacShot does not record continuously — it takes a single frame at the moment you press the hotkey.
Ticked but still unauthorised?
Usually the signing identity changed. macOS identifies an app by the certificate in its signature; a fresh ad-hoc signature each build looks like a different app, so your existing tick doesn't carry over.
Why captures look successful without permission
macOS returns a wallpaper-and-menu-bar frame with all window content stripped, at full size and colour depth. MacShot checks the preflight API rather than trusting the image.
Starting over cleanly
Untick MacShot in Screen Recording settings, quit the app, then tick it again and relaunch. Remove duplicate entries with the same name if you see any.
One less app between you and the send button.
724 KB, lives in the menu bar. No account, no subscription, no uploads.
- Four capture modes: area, full screen, window, smart
- Rectangle, pen, text and mosaic — press Return to export
- Brand watermark with timestamp and QR code
- Everything runs on your Mac. Nothing is uploaded.
Get notified when it ships
Release announcements only. No marketing email.
See download requirementsCurrent version 1.2.2 · Requires macOS 13 or later. No payment is collected before release.