ShareX Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the questions Windows users ask most about ShareX. Each answer links to a longer guide when there is more to cover.

What is ShareX used for?

ShareX is a free and open-source program for Windows that allows you to capture screenshots, record your screen, and share files. It offers numerous capture methods, image editing tools, and automated after capture tasks for enhanced productivity. For a comprehensive overview of its capabilities, refer to the full ShareX walkthrough.

Is ShareX free?

Yes, ShareX is completely free to use. It is also open-source, meaning its source code is publicly available for anyone to inspect or contribute to.

Does ShareX work on Windows 11?

Yes, ShareX is fully compatible with Windows 11. It functions seamlessly on the latest Windows operating system, offering all its features without issues. For specific guidance on using it with the newest OS, see the Windows 11 guide.

How do I take a screenshot with ShareX?

You can take a screenshot in ShareX by using one of its many capture methods, such as "Region," "Fullscreen," or "Window," accessible from the main window or via hotkeys. After capturing, ShareX can automatically perform various tasks like saving, editing, or uploading. Learn more about the different methods in the ShareX screenshot guide.

How do I capture a scrolling screenshot in ShareX?

To capture a scrolling screenshot, open the "Capture" menu and select "Scrolling capture." ShareX will then prompt you to select the window you wish to capture, automatically scrolling and stitching the content together. Detailed instructions can be found in the scrolling screenshot guide.

Can ShareX record my screen?

Yes, ShareX can record your screen as a video or GIF. You can choose to record a specific region, window, or your entire screen, and then configure various settings like frame rate and quality. For step-by-step instructions, consult the ShareX screen recorder guide.

Can ShareX replace the Windows Snipping Tool?

Yes, ShareX can fully replace the Windows Snipping Tool and offers significantly more features. It provides advanced capture options, built-in image editing, and extensive automation capabilities that go far beyond the basic functionality of the Snipping Tool. Discover more about using ShareX as a snipping tool.

How do I set or change ShareX hotkeys?

You can set or change ShareX hotkeys by navigating to "Hotkey settings" from the main window. Here, you can assign custom key combinations to various capture methods and other actions. For a comprehensive walkthrough, refer to the ShareX hotkeys guide.

Where does ShareX save my screenshots?

By default, ShareX saves your screenshots to a dedicated "ShareX" folder within your "Documents" directory. You can customize this save location by going to "Application settings" > "Path" in the main window. More details on settings can be found in the ShareX settings map.

Does ShareX upload my captures automatically?

Yes, ShareX can automatically upload your captures to various destinations after they are taken, depending on your "After capture tasks" and "Destinations" settings. You can configure it to upload to image hosts, file hosts, or cloud storage services. For detailed configuration, refer to upload settings and destinations.

Why are my ShareX hotkeys not working?

ShareX hotkeys might not be working due to conflicts with other applications or incorrect settings. Ensure no other program is using the same hotkey combination, and verify your hotkey configurations in ShareX's "Hotkey settings." For troubleshooting steps, check hotkey troubleshooting steps.

Can I use ShareX without creating an account?

Yes, you can use ShareX fully without needing to create any account. All core capture, editing, and local saving functionalities are available immediately after installation. Accounts are only needed if you choose to upload to specific online services that require authentication.

Does ShareX include OCR and other tools?

Yes, ShareX includes an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool, allowing you to extract text from images. It also features a color picker, image editor, image effects, and a QR code generator, among many other utilities. Further details on OCR capabilities are available in the OCR documentation.

Which ShareX download should I choose?

For most users, the recommended download is the installer (.exe) from the official website, which provides an easy setup process. Alternatively, you can choose the portable version for use without installation, or the Microsoft Store version for automatic updates. All options are available on the ShareX download page.