Best Screenshot Tools for Developers in 2025

Developers share screenshots differently. Code snippets, terminal output, API responses—these need specialized tools.

Here's the complete guide to screenshot tools built for developers.

Code Screenshot Tools

Carbon (carbon.now.sh)

The original code screenshot tool. Still excellent.

Best for: Beautiful code snippets for social media Features:

• Syntax highlighting for 100+ languages
• Customizable themes and backgrounds
• Window controls (macOS/Windows/none)
• Export as PNG or SVG

Limitations:

• No IDE integration
• Manual paste required
• Limited export sizes

Ray.so

From the makers of Raycast. Clean and fast.

Best for: Quick, beautiful code screenshots Features:

• Minimal, modern design
• Dark mode by default
• Customizable padding and backgrounds
• Instant export

Limitations:

• Fewer customization options than Carbon
• No line numbers option

CodeSnap (VS Code Extension)

Screenshot directly from your editor.

Best for: Developers who live in VS Code Features:

• Select code and screenshot instantly
• Uses your VS Code theme
• Adjustable container width
• Transparent backgrounds available

Limitations:

• VS Code only
• Less visual customization

Snappify

Premium option with more features.

Best for: Technical content creators Features:

• Animations and GIFs
• Multiple code windows
• Rich backgrounds
• Team collaboration

Limitations:

• Paid for full features
• Can be overkill for simple needs

Terminal Screenshot Tools

termshot

Command-line tool for terminal screenshots.

Best for: Clean terminal output documentation Features:

• Captures terminal with styling
• Automatic window decorations
• Multiple themes
• SVG and PNG export

iTerm2 (macOS)

Built-in screenshot features.

Best for: macOS users already using iTerm2 Features:

• Capture visible session
• Save to file or clipboard
• Customizable appearance

API & Response Tools

Postman

Screenshots of API testing.

Best for: API documentation Features:

• Clean request/response views
• Built-in export options
• Code generation screenshots

Insomnia

Alternative to Postman with good visuals.

Best for: API development screenshots Features:

• Modern interface
• Dark mode
• Easy screenshot capture

General Screenshot Tools for Developers

CleanShot X (macOS)

The best general screenshot tool for Mac developers.

Best for: All-purpose development screenshots Features:

• Scrolling capture for long pages
• Annotation tools
• Quick copy to clipboard
• Screen recording
• Auto-hide desktop icons

Price: $29 one-time

ShareX (Windows)

Free, powerful, open-source.

Best for: Windows developers Features:

• Every capture mode imaginable
• Annotation and editing
• Auto-upload options
• Workflow automation

Price: Free

Flameshot (Linux)

The go-to for Linux.

Best for: Linux developers Features:

• Annotation tools
• Customizable appearance
• Command-line integration

Price: Free

Mockup Tools for Developer Content

Once you have screenshots, you often need to polish them:

For Product Screenshots

Add device frames and backgrounds to make product screenshots professional.

Best for: Product launches, landing pages, documentation

For Code Screenshots

Combine with syntax-highlighted code for tutorials.

Best for: Blog posts, social media, presentations

For Technical Docs

Clean up and annotate screenshots for documentation.

Best for: READMEs, wikis, help articles

Workflow Tips for Developers

1. Consistent Theme

Use the same color scheme across code screenshots. Pick one and stick with it.

2. Realistic Examples

Use real-ish code, not "foo bar" examples. Readers should be able to follow along.

3. Hide Sensitive Data

Before screenshotting:

• Clear browser history
• Use dummy API keys
• Remove personal bookmarks
• Check for sensitive terminal history

4. Add Context

A code snippet without context is confusing. Include:

• File name/path
• Language indicator
• Brief explanation

5. Optimize File Size

Screenshots in documentation add up. Use:

• PNG for code (crisp text)
• WebP for web (smaller size)
• SVG when possible (scalable)

Related Reading

• PNG vs JPEG vs WebP: Which Format for Your Screenshots? - Choosing the right format
• 7 Screenshot Mistakes That Make Your Product Look Amateur - Common mistakes to avoid
• How to Make Screenshots That Go Viral on Twitter/X - Sharing code on social media

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best tool for code screenshots?

Carbon (carbon.now.sh) and Ray.so are the most popular for beautiful code screenshots. For VS Code users, the CodeSnap extension is convenient. Choose based on your workflow.

How do I make terminal screenshots look good?

Use a tool like termshot or capture from iTerm2 with a good theme. Add window decorations and use a dark background. Clean up the output before capturing.

Should I use PNG or JPEG for code screenshots?

Always PNG for code. JPEG compression creates artifacts around text that make code hard to read. PNG preserves crisp text. Use WebP for web if file size is a concern.

How do I share code snippets on social media?

Use Carbon or Ray.so to create visually appealing screenshots. Add syntax highlighting, choose a dark theme, and export at 2x resolution. The visual quality matters for engagement.

Conclusion

The right screenshot tools make developers more effective communicators. Whether you're sharing code on Twitter, documenting an API, or creating a tutorial, invest in tools that make your work look professional.

Good screenshots aren't just nice to have—they're essential for technical communication.