Windows has a built-in Snipping Tool, but the moment you need to draw an arrow on a screenshot, blur a password, or number the steps in a tutorial, it runs out of options. That is exactly the gap this free tool fills. This Flameshot download for PC guide walks you through everything: what the program does, how to download Flameshot from the official website, how to install it on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and how to take and annotate your first screenshot.
What Is Flameshot?
Flameshot is a free and open-source screenshot tool for Windows, macOS and Linux. It lets you capture any area of your screen and immediately annotate the capture without opening a separate image editor. You can draw arrows, lines, rectangles and freehand markings, add text, highlight important parts, blur or pixelate private information, and pin a screenshot on top of your screen while you work. When you are done, you can save the image, copy it to the clipboard, or share it in a couple of clicks. Because it is open source, the full program is completely free — there is no premium version, no watermark and no trial limit.
Key Features
- Instant annotation: arrows, shapes, pencil, marker, text and step counters appear directly on the capture.
- Blur and pixelate tools: hide emails, passwords, faces and serial numbers before sharing a screenshot.
- Flexible capture modes: capture a selected region, a window, or the full screen, with an optional delay timer.
- Pin to screen: keep a screenshot floating above other windows as a visual reference.
- Clipboard and quick save: copy the edited capture or save it as PNG or JPG in one step.
- Custom shortcuts and colours: set your own hotkeys, default colours and file naming patterns.
- Lightweight and private: runs quietly in the system tray, works offline and collects no personal data.
System Requirements
- Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: any modern dual-core CPU
- RAM: 2 GB or more
- Storage: under 100 MB of free disk space for the app itself
- Display: any resolution; high-DPI displays are supported
- Internet: only needed to download the installer
How to Download Flameshot (Official Method)
Always get the installer from the official source so you receive the genuine, untouched program. Follow these steps:
- Open your browser and go to the Download Flameshot from the official website.
- Click the Windows download option. The site also links to the project’s GitHub releases page, which is the same official source.
- Save the installer file (it ends in .exe or .msi) to your Downloads folder.
- Wait for the download to finish before opening the file.
Avoid third-party “download manager” sites that bundle extra software. The official website above is the only source you need.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Open your Downloads folder and double-click the Flameshot installer.
- If Windows shows a security prompt, click Yes to allow the installation to continue.
- Choose your language and click Next.
- Read and accept the free open-source license agreement.
- Keep the suggested install location, or browse to choose a different folder, then click Next.
- Leave the option to create a shortcut enabled so Flameshot is easy to launch.
- Click Install and wait a few seconds for the files to copy.
- Click Finish. Flameshot now sits in your system tray, ready whenever you press its capture shortcut.
How to Take Your First Screenshot in Flameshot
Click the Flameshot icon in the system tray, or press the Print Screen key if you set it as the default. Drag to select the area you want to capture. A toolbar appears around your selection with all the editing tools: pick the arrow tool to point at something, the blur tool to hide private details, or the counter tool to number steps. When the screenshot looks right, press Ctrl + C to copy it, or Ctrl + S to save it as a file. Press Esc at any time to cancel the capture.
Is Flameshot Free? The Open-Source Terms Explained
Yes. Flameshot is released under a free open-source license, which means you may download it, use it at home or at work, and share it without paying anything. There are no ads inside the program, no locked features and no account to create. The project is maintained by a community of developers, and new versions are published on the official website and GitHub page, so always update from those sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flameshot safe to install?
Yes, when you download it from the official website. It is open source, which means its code can be inspected by anyone, and it contains no bundled adware.
Does Flameshot work on Windows 11?
Yes. The current version runs on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, including high-resolution displays.
Can Flameshot record videos of my screen?
No. Flameshot is designed for still screenshots and annotation. For video recording you would need a separate screen recorder.
How do I make Flameshot start with Windows?
Open Flameshot’s settings from the tray icon and enable the option to launch at startup, or add its shortcut to the Windows Startup folder.
Can I change the Print Screen shortcut?
Yes. Open the configuration window from the tray icon and set any key combination you prefer for taking a capture.
Conclusion
Flameshot is one of the best free screenshot tools you can put on a Windows PC. It captures, annotates and shares screenshots in seconds, it is completely free, and it respects your privacy. Download it only from the official website linked in this guide, follow the installation steps above, and you will be taking clean, professional screenshots within minutes.
Related Guides
- ShareX for PC: How to Download and Install on Windows
- Greenshot for PC: How to Download and Install on Windows