Capture .NET

What is Capture .NET?

Capture .NET is a screen capture utility that enables capturing screenshots of your entire screen, active windows, specific regions, or scrolling content, then editing, annotating, and sharing the results through an integrated workflow. The software combines capture functionality with basic image editing tools, allowing users to add arrows, text, highlights, and shapes to screenshots without needing separate image editing software. This integrated approach streamlines the common workflow of capturing screens for documentation, tutorials, bug reports, or sharing information with others.

The application offers multiple capture modes addressing different screenshot needs: full screen captures the entire desktop, active window captures the focused application, region capture lets users draw a rectangle around specific content, and scrolling capture automatically scrolls and stitches together content longer than a single screen—particularly useful for capturing entire web pages or long documents. Hotkey support enables quick captures without navigating menus, and clipboard integration allows pasting captures directly into other applications.

Beyond basic screenshots, Capture .NET includes tools for highlighting specific areas, drawing attention with arrows and shapes, adding explanatory text, and blurring sensitive information before sharing. The ability to save in multiple formats (PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF) and share directly to various destinations makes it a complete solution for screenshot workflows. For users regularly capturing and annotating screens for technical support, documentation, training materials, or simply sharing information, Capture .NET provides the essential toolset without the complexity of full image editing software.

Key Features

• Multiple Capture Modes: Full screen, active window, region, fixed size, and freehand captures.
• Scrolling Capture: Automatically capture content longer than visible screen area.
• Hotkey Support: Configure keyboard shortcuts for instant capture.
• Annotation Tools: Add arrows, shapes, text, and highlights to captures.
• Blur/Pixelate: Obscure sensitive information before sharing.
• Color Picker: Sample colors from anywhere on screen.
• Magnifier: Zoom in on specific screen areas for precision captures.
• Image Editor: Crop, resize, rotate, and adjust captured images.
• Multiple Formats: Save as PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, or copy to clipboard.
• Quick Share: Share directly to email, FTP, or cloud services.
• History: Access previously captured screenshots.
• Delay Timer: Set delay before capture to prepare screen content.
• Auto Naming: Automatically name files with timestamps or sequences.
• Portable Option: Run without installation from USB drive.

Capture Modes Explained

• Full Screen: Captures entire desktop including all monitors in multi-display setups.
• Active Window: Captures only the currently focused application window.
• Region: Draw rectangle to capture specific screen area.
• Fixed Size: Capture consistent dimensions for uniform screenshots.
• Freehand: Draw irregular shapes to capture non-rectangular areas.
• Scrolling: Auto-scroll and stitch for content exceeding screen height.
• Menu Capture: Capture dropdown menus that normally close when clicking elsewhere.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11
• .NET Framework 2.0 or later
• Any processor supporting your Windows version
• 256 MB RAM
• 50 MB free hard disk space

Recommended Configuration

• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• 1 GB RAM for smooth editing
• SSD storage for faster saves

How to Use Capture .NET

1. Download and Install: Get Capture .NET and install (or extract portable version).
2. Configure Hotkeys: Set preferred keyboard shortcuts in settings.
3. Choose Capture Mode: Select appropriate mode for your screenshot needs.
4. Capture Screen: Use hotkey or menu to capture desired content.
5. Edit if Needed: Add annotations, arrows, text, or blur sensitive areas.
6. Save or Share: Save to file, copy to clipboard, or share directly.
7. Use Scrolling Capture: For long content, use scrolling mode and let software auto-scroll.
8. Access History: Review and re-edit previous captures from history.
9. Customize Output: Configure default save location, format, and naming.

Capture .NET vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Multiple Capture Modes: Covers all common screenshot scenarios.
• Scrolling Capture: Captures content longer than screen height.
• Built-in Annotations: Add arrows, text, shapes without external editor.
• Blur Tool: Protect sensitive information before sharing.
• Free: Full functionality without payment.
• Portable Option: Run from USB without installation.
• Hotkey Support: Quick captures with keyboard shortcuts.
• Lightweight: Minimal system resource usage.

Cons

• Basic Editing: Annotation tools less polished than dedicated editors.
• Limited Sharing: Fewer direct upload options than some competitors.
• .NET Dependency: Requires .NET Framework installation.
• Development Activity: Updates less frequent than popular alternatives.
• Windows Only: No macOS or Linux versions.
• Interface: UI design somewhat dated compared to modern tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does scrolling capture work?

Scrolling capture automatically scrolls the target window while taking multiple screenshots, then stitches them together into a single long image. This captures entire web pages, documents, or any content extending beyond visible screen area. Position your window, initiate scrolling capture, and let the software handle the scrolling and stitching automatically.

Can I capture dropdown menus?

Yes, Capture .NET includes menu capture mode that captures dropdown menus and other elements that normally disappear when clicking elsewhere. Set a delay timer, open your menu, and the capture triggers after the delay, preserving the menu in your screenshot.

How do I blur sensitive information?

After capturing, use the blur or pixelate tool in the editor to obscure sensitive content like personal information, passwords, or confidential data. Draw over areas to blur before saving or sharing. This is essential when sharing screenshots containing private information.

Final Verdict

Capture .NET provides a well-rounded screenshot solution combining multiple capture modes with integrated annotation and editing tools. The scrolling capture capability addresses a real need for capturing long content, while built-in annotation tools eliminate the need to open separate image editors for adding arrows, text, and highlights. For users who regularly capture screens for documentation, support tickets, or sharing information, the integrated workflow from capture through annotation to saving or sharing delivers practical efficiency.

While alternatives like ShareX offer more extensive features and Greenshot provides more polished annotation tools, Capture .NET strikes a good balance between capability and simplicity. The free pricing, portable option, and lightweight operation make it accessible and unobtrusive. For everyday screenshot needs without the learning curve of complex tools, Capture .NET delivers reliable functionality that handles most common capture and annotation scenarios.