3 free tools to create screenshots.

Last updated on 18 January 2015

We start with tools that are always very useful, those that allow us to take snapshots of your computer screen. Here is a selection of three of them. They have in common to offer practical annotation and sharing functions. They are also free all three.

 This application allows you to take an image of part or all of your screen. Once captured, you can write to the image, draw or highlight some of the content before saving it and possibly share it. To use Jing you need to download and install the software on Mac or PC. Once installed, the software runs in the background and you can use it at any time. Jing also allows you to record a video capture of your screen. The videos are limited to 5 minutes but this can be useful to show for example a manipulation to students. Jing is free. You can try it here.

Bounce Allie simplicity for catches and ease of sharing. To use Bounce, simply go to the application website and insert the URL of the web page you want to capture. The site will create an image on which you can draw areas and insert annotations. You can create as many areas as you want. Once finished, Bounce provides you with a unique url that you will only have to share. Note that if you register on the site. You will have access to Collaborative functions. You will then be able to annotate with other users the same image in collaborative mode. You can test Bounce here on the web.

Snaggy is he too a simple tool, arguably the simplest of the three presented in this selection, to capture images on the web or take a screenshot and then be able to annotate it. Snaggy reminds you of the keyboard shortcut to make a snapshot of your screen Command+Shift+Control+3. Do it and then go to Snaggy's website. Once on the homepage Command+V. Snaggy will integrate the image and provide you with the tools to edit and annotate it as well as a single url that you will only have to share. You can also upload the annotated image to your computer. Practical. Snaggy is also free. To be tested here on the Web.

For the class

When you need to teach something new in the use of software or an online service, the ability to offer students screenshots that you have commented on is undoubtedly a real plus.

Rewind - Update January 2015

Back to this first article of the site "Tice tools" dating from October 10, 2012. Jing, Bounce and Snaggy are still there and online. Some improvements along the way and a graphical interface that has been somewhat modernised but the main thing is there. These are three excellent online tools for creating screenshots. Since then, other tools have emerged. For my part, I mainly use Evernote.

Evernote. Evernote is the memory we all dream of having and keeping. Among the many tools offered by the green giant: a very practical extension for your browser. Clicking on it will display a menu allowing you to store and archive in Evernote notebooks either the article you are reading, or the full page of the site, and this is the purpose of this article to create a screenshot.  You will be able to identify the area you want to capture. Evernote also offers an editor that allows you to add text, color and pictos to enrich your screenshot before archiving or sharing it. A must.
Link: Evernote