FastStone Capture Portable

FastStone Capture Portable is a lightweight and feature-rich screen capture and screen recording tool designed for Windows users.

As a portable version, it doesn’t require installation and can run directly from a USB flash drive, making it ideal for users who want flexibility and mobility without compromising on functionality.

Despite its small footprint, the FastStone Capture Portable software packs robust tools for capturing and annotating anything on your screen—from windows and objects to full-screen or scrolling web pages.



Main Features

Multiple Capture Modes: Capture active windows, rectangular or freehand regions, full screen, or scrolling windows/web pages.

Screen Recorder: Record screen activities with audio, including microphone input.

Image Editing: Built-in editor for cropping, resizing, highlighting, adding text, arrows, watermarks, and more.

Output Options: Save captures in multiple formats (BMP, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PDF), copy to clipboard, or send via email or FTP.

Global Hotkeys: Configure hotkeys for quick screen capture access.

Auto Filename Generation: Saves files automatically using customizable filename patterns.

Portable Version: Runs without installation, perfect for USB drives and external use.

User Interface

FastStone Capture Portable has a compact and straightforward interface. A floating toolbar gives quick access to all capture modes, while the built-in editor pops up immediately after a capture is made.

The UI is designed for minimalism and efficiency, catering to both novice and advanced users.

Installation and Setup

Since this is a portable version, there is no installation required. Simply download the ZIP file from the official FastStone website, extract it, and launch the executable.

It leaves no traces in the Windows registry and doesn’t clutter your system with additional files.

How to Use

• Launch the application from the extracted folder.
• Use the floating toolbar or hotkeys to select your desired capture mode.
• After capturing, the built-in editor opens for annotation or editing.
• Save or export the final image or video in your preferred format.

FAQ

Is the portable version free?
FastStone Capture Portable is shareware. It offers a trial period after which a license is required for continued use.

Can I record audio with screen recordings?
Yes, it supports recording system sounds and microphone input during screen capture sessions.

Can it capture scrolling windows?
Yes, FastStone Capture can capture vertically scrolling web pages or long documents.

Does it support multi-monitor setups?
Yes, it can capture across multiple monitors or specific displays.

Is the portable version feature-limited compared to the installed version?
No, it includes the full set of features found in the installed version.

Alternatives

ShareX: Free and open-source with powerful capture and editing features.

Snagit: Professional-grade screen capture with advanced editing (paid).

Greenshot: Lightweight, open-source screenshot tool.

PicPick: Screenshot and editing tool with customizable features.

OBS Studio: Primarily for video capture and streaming; more complex but free.

Pricing

FastStone Capture offers a 30-day free trial. A lifetime license costs $19.95 per user, which includes free updates.

System Requirements

OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 (32 or 64-bit)

RAM: Minimum 512MB

Storage: Less than 10MB for the portable version

PROS

• Lightweight and portable
• Fast, responsive UI
• Multiple capture modes including scrolling
• Built-in editor with annotation tools
• Affordable one-time license

CONS

• Not free after trial
• Limited video editing features
• No cloud storage integration

Conclusion

FastStone Capture Portable is an excellent tool for anyone needing quick, reliable screen captures and recordings without installing software. It balances power and simplicity, making it a strong contender for professionals, educators, and casual users alike. Its portability, combined with its robust feature set, makes it especially useful for users on the go.

Note: 30 days trial version.