Video is definitively the most popular media format for entertainment. If you own multiple devices, you know the hardship of finding compatible media formats. Things are worse when you have an iPhone and Android device, you know. I mean, you cannot simply copy an MKV file to an iPhone 16 and expect it to work.

And, this is why we need to talk about video converters.

Similarly, if you want something to work natively on macOS, you have to convert it into specific formats. The basic case of iOS devices is not different either. Because neither macOS nor Windows comes with a built-in utility for converting videos, you need something third-party.

TL;DR: a quick look at top 3rd-party video converter tools

• HandBrake: Free and Open-Source
• Permute: Easy and Affordable
• VideoProc: AI Video Converter and Enhancer
• Picmal: Versatile and Local Media Conversion
• Movavi Video Converter: Fast Conversion Option
• Waltr Pro: Best for Apple Devices
• UniConverter: All-in-one Video Solution

Converting video in the digital age

There was a time when video converters were just some tools for shifting between media formats. It means they were used to stop the ‘Incompatible error” message. Nowadays, however, video converters do offer various benefits. Some of them are:

• You can easily manage videos shot using various devices like GoPro, iPhone, Android smartphones, or high-end video-focused cameras. Even if you are on a non-ecosystem device, these videos would play very well.
• When you convert videos, it means they become more shareable. The point here is that you can have the video in a more popular, convenient format — something that works across the web. This is one way to transcend the ecosystem boundaries.
• While our videography techniques have grown, we still starve regarding data storage. So, you may want to reduce video size by compressing your 4K video to 1080p or 720p before uploading it to YouTube. Of course, it should be done without quality loss: Ergo, video converters.
• If you love organizing video content, you’d love to have all videos in the same format for filing. A video converter can really help you at this point. Regardless of whether you got it from YouTube or downloaded it from somewhere else, you can have all of them in MP4, AVI, MKV, etc.
• Video converters now also come with added features like web video downloader and converter. It means you’ll be able to directly download content from sites like YouTube.  Of course, you can go for a real YouTube Downloader, but having these extra features is indeed a help.

Choosing the best video converter

There is no scarcity of video converters for Mac or PC.

We first created a basic list of 20+ video converters, based on popularity and reviews. After that, all of these video converters were thoroughly tested, based on the following criteria. All of these were given the same importance unless specified otherwise.

• User Interface: This is something we look at every software we test at SweetBits. We needed the video converter to be easy to use and intuitive. Of course, you don’t have to spend hours on the UI when you want to convert something.
• Format Compatibility: The converter should be able to handle hundreds of media formats, at least. On top of this, we also looked for support for popular codecs like MPEG-4, H.264, and H.265/HEVC. This was paramount.
• Conversion Speed: This refers to the time a video converter takes to convert a video. Because a normal video file weighs several hundred MBs or several GBs, you need the best speed you can get. It is great to have hardware acceleration (more about that later)
• Conversion Quality: Of course, you don’t want to lose quality while doing the conversion. Because of this, we also looked at the output quality of the video converter. While we ignored the minimal loss of quality, consistency was of most importance.
• Added Features: These features are always time-savers, you know. We checked the software for added features like a basic set of editing tools, quick presets, batch conversion, or auto-shut-down.

With these criteria in mind, we have chosen the best video converter for Mac and PC.

Our testing environment and methodology

Our idea is to test each of the shortlisted apps for their performance and features (Read the full rundown of how we select tools to feature on TheSweetBits blog). Once we had the basics ready, we moved on to hands-on experience. In this step, we wanted to understand the speed, performance, and overall User Experience of each of the video converter utilities.

To make this possible, we tested the video converter tools on an M1 Mac mini with 8GB of Unified Memory and 256GB of SSD storage. As you can imagine, the same video file was used as the source and a couple of media formats were tested in each scenario.

In this case, we have downloaded a full HD+ version of a YouTube video from MKBHD. It was downloaded via Downie, and the size is close to 800MB. This WebM file was used as the source for the entire test.

Regardless, we understand that the numbers are not universal. Therefore, you may have a slightly different set of speeds in different use-case scenarios. Anyway, since you have the basic idea now, we shall move on to the options.

Diving into top video converters for Mac (&Windows)

#1 HandBrake: Free and Open-Source

HandBrake is one of the best options when you need a free and open-source video converter that works on Mac and Windows. It calls itself an open-source video transcoder because you get ultimate options when it comes to customization.

The UI

The user interface of HandBrake is not the most graphical one, in the sense that you have to spend some time to get used to it. However, once you have gotten used to the UI, you can make the best use of the customizability. That is, you get to choose different aspects of video conversion and transcoding that other tools don’t really offer.

Conversion and Performance

The conversion process with HandBrake is pretty straightforward because you can simply load the video that you want to convert and choose the aspects you wish. We also loved how there are multiple options to choose between in terms of not just the format, but also the overall quality of the output content. There is always an option to optimize the content for different scenarios, such as the web or different devices.

According to our hands-on experience, the performance is pretty optimized for M1 and M2 devices. When we used our standard video for testing, the process was pretty quick, and it was able to convert the video without compromising the quality, which is something quite impressive. Because the tool offers multiple profiles, it is easy to choose the right and the most compatible option for the device.

Format Compatibility and Customization

As we said, customization and compatibility are the strongest things you can rely on when it comes to HandBrake. For instance, because it has multiple device profiles and presets, you can simply not worry about the format and choose the preset. As far as compatibility is concerned, you can create content in MP4, MKV, and WebM. It also supports video encoders such as AVI, H.265, and H.264, for instance.

Even without launching a particular preference pane, HandBrake allows you to customize the output and the conversion process. For instance, you can choose the right audio encoder and audio path through technology. There is also an option to maintain the quality and bitrate of the video. In fact, the tabbed interface of this tool makes it easy to focus on specifics during the video encoding process.

Additional Features

As we can expect, the tool comes with a couple of additional features. For instance, it allows you to select the range in terms of titles and chapters. There are also options to batch scan and queue typical encoders that you may come across. The constant quality option is also impressive in that you do not have to worry about how the content turns out. Finally, there is an option for live and static video previews on your Mac.

Availability, Pricing, and Value

The best thing about HandBrake is that it’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux and you don’t have to pay a single amount of money for this tool.

It is completely open source and receives constant updates, and it’s a go-to option for most people, even when you are a professional.

Pros

• Built-in device profiles
• Incredible compatibility
• Rich feature-set for professionals
• Fairly easy to use

Cons

• The UI is not as graphical as other options
• No specific hardware acceleration

#2 Permute: Easy and Affordable

Permute from Charlie Monroe Software is another option when you want premium features without spending a lot. This media converter has been designed for maximum effectiveness without compromising the usability factor. That is, if you need the same amount of control that you could expect on HandBrake, Permute offers that without charging you a lot.

The UI

Compared to the user interface of our first pick, Permute has a very basic interface. It takes time to learn a bit, but once you are used to the process of opening files and adding the details, you don’t have to worry about a single thing. In that way, the clean interface of Permute makes it a great option for those who want to deal with multiple video files.

Conversion and Performance

The conversion process with Permute is pretty easy in that you can simply add the video to the list. Once you have added it, you can choose one of the presets. Once you have done this part, there are also options to crop, trim, and change the audio track of the selected video. Then, a single press of a button is all it takes for permute to get the job done.

In our hands-on testing, Permute was pretty fast in that we did not even have to turn on a specific hardware acceleration tech. Instead, it was able to convert the file into the desired format without any action from our side. The timing support for the conversion was also precise in that we could understand how much progress it was attaining every second.

Format Compatibility and Customization

Something we love about Permute is that it has support for some rare formats that do not get proper support from the common video-converting tools. For instance, you get complete support for WebP, SVG, and PDF. So you can use this media converter to handle almost all the types of files that you will come across as a content creator.

And because the developers are frequently adding better compatibility, there is never an instance where Permute lets you down. The customization aspect of the tool is also equally impressive in that you can access the options right before you convert it. Of course, you can always create a preset that maintains a balance between quality and compatibility as you wish.

Additional Features

The additional feature set of Permute is pretty professional-focused. For instance, there is an option to schedule the tasks, for instance, when you are not using the computer. And the UI is also great, as we said before, for multitasking. The support for tools itself and the drag-and-drop technology are helpful when you want better control over the process.

Availability, Pricing, and Value

Permute is currently available for macOS only, and you can get its permanent license code for $14.99. There is also an option to get a subscription through Setapp.

The developer also offers discounts for students. Overall, compared to the features it offers, Permute is an incredible deal for professionals and beginners alike.

Pros

• Simple and focused UI
• Impressive value for money
• Top-notch compatibility
• Rich editing options

Cons

• Advance options need training

#3 VideoProc: AI Video Converter and Enhancer

In this age of AI, it is difficult to not include a video converter powered by Artificial Intelligence. VideoProc Converter AI offers all the standard options for video conversion on Mac and Windows and offers the option to enable certain features and options thanks to the AI tools.

The UI

First, we should understand that Video Pro Converter is an all-in-one tool. It means you get multiple options for video conversion, DVD ripping, downloading, and screen recording. So, when you get started, you have to select the actions that you are looking for. In this particular case, you can choose the option to convert 4K audio and video.

Conversion and Performance

The conversion process is pretty straightforward, and you can enable certain features like the High-Quality Engine or auto-copying before you do the conversion process itself. As far as the process is concerned, you can drag and drop the files that you want to convert and choose one of the target formats. There is an option to choose between different criteria such as video, device, and popular options.

During the testing process, the conversion process was pretty quick and VideoProc Converter offers a real-time overview of the conversion process when you are waiting. There are also options to shut down the computer when the conversion is completed. The hardware acceleration features work flawlessly, which is an impressive task.

Format Compatibility and Customization

VideoProc Converter does not compromise in terms of compatibility either. As we said earlier, you have an option to choose the target format depending on the need. For instance, if you are not sure about the format that suits the device best, you can simply select which device you are converting it for. You can also choose between specific formats from the available options.

Similarly, the toolbox makes it easy to customize the video before it is converted.  This is in addition to the standard editing features that you get when choosing a video. That is, you can cut, crop, or add effects to the video. There is also an option to add a watermark. As far as advanced customizability is concerned, you have a wonderful option to choose a quality video codec and audio codec.

Additional Features

There are many additional features in the package, and the developer says that most of the AI-based tools will be coming to the macOS version pretty soon. In particular, we allowed the option to edit different aspects of the video and the quick edit tools are pretty effective compared to the softer footprint of the tool. We should also appreciate the fact that you get a powerful media download engine and editing options,

Availability, Pricing, and Value

VideoProc Converter is available for both macOS and Windows, but specific features are available only on the Windows version.

You can use the free trial of the tool to understand how things work, but a lifetime license of the tool would set you back at $65.95. Instead, you can also go for a subscription, which will cost $39.95 per year.

Once again, the value proposition of this tool is pretty impressive, considering that you get multiple utilities that will be beneficial.

Pros

• All-in-one video management tool
• Built-in downloader and recorder
• Best-in-class format compatibility
• Native support for acceleration

Cons

• Specific features are unavailable on Mac

Also: Read our full review on VideoProc Converter AI

#4 Picmal: Simple, Local Mac Media Conversion

Picmal takes a refreshingly straightforward approach to video conversion. Instead of packing conversion into a large video-editing suite, it gives you a simple drag-and-drop workflow for converting and compressing media files on your Mac.

What makes Picmal stand out is that video is only part of the package. The same app handles images and audio, while additional tools cover things like audio and PDF merging. Everything runs locally, with no uploads, watermarks, or file-size limits.

The UI

Picmal keeps things remarkably simple. The entire workflow lives in a single window: drop in your files, choose what you want to convert them to, adjust the settings if necessary, and start the conversion.

The simplicity is particularly useful for batch jobs. You can drop an entire folder into Picmal instead of processing files one at a time, while more advanced controls remain available when you need them.

Conversion and Performance

The conversion process is straightforward. Picmal can convert common video formats to MP4 and supports H.264 and H.265 encoding. You can also convert videos to formats such as MOV and WebM, extract audio, or create GIFs from video clips.

Compression is another strength. Rather than simply choosing a generic “smaller file” option, Picmal gives you a quality control that lets you find a balance between file size and output quality.

It also supports batch processing, so you can hand it a collection of videos and let it work through them together. That’s particularly useful when you’re preparing a folder of clips for storage, sharing, or uploading.

Format Compatibility and Customization

Picmal covers the formats most Mac users are likely to encounter. You can convert MOV, MKV, AVI, WebM, WMV, FLV, M4V, TS, M2TS, 3GP, VOB, MPG, HEVC, and several other formats to MP4. It also supports conversions to MOV, WebM, GIF, and audio formats such as MP3.

For video compression and conversion, you can control settings such as resolution, quality, codec, frame rate, and other output options. Picmal also lets you resize video while preserving its aspect ratio, which is handy when you’re preparing large footage for sharing or storage.

It’s not as deeply configurable as HandBrake, and that’s intentional. Picmal gives you the controls most people actually need without turning the conversion window into an encoding laboratory.

Additional Features

This is where Picmal becomes more interesting than a dedicated video converter.

You can use the same app to convert and compress images and audio, merge audio files, work with PDFs, remove image backgrounds, and vectorize images. For repetitive workflows, Picmal also integrates with Finder, Shortcuts, and Raycast, while its CLI lets more advanced users script conversions or run them from the terminal.

These extras don’t make Picmal a video editor—and we wouldn’t recommend it as one. Instead, they make it useful as a general-purpose media utility that happens to handle video particularly well.

Availability, Pricing, and Value

Picmal is available for Mac and works offline, so your files don’t leave your computer during conversion. It supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and requires macOS 15 or later.

The direct version uses a one-time purchase rather than a subscription. The current price starts at $39 for two Macs, with higher tiers available for multiple Macs, and free updates are included. There’s also a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Picmal is also available through the Mac App Store, although the direct and App Store versions don’t offer exactly the same capabilities. For users who want the complete set of automation and power-user features, the direct version is the more flexible choice.

Pros

• Simple, clean interface
• Local and offline processing
• Supports a wide range of video formats
• Batch conversion and compression
• Useful quality, codec, and resolution controls
• Also handles images, audio, and PDFs
• Finder, Shortcuts, Raycast, and CLI integration
• One-time purchase

Cons

• Mac only
• Not a video editor
• Less granular control than HandBrake
• Some advanced capabilities vary between the direct and Mac App Store versions

Also: Read our full review on Picmal

#5 Movavi Video Converter: Fast Conversion Option

Movavi Video Converter stands as a formidable contender in the realm of video conversion tools, catering to both macOS and Windows users. It strikes an admirable balance between functionality and user-friendliness, a combination that makes it a viable option for both novices and seasoned users.

The UI

The interface of Movavi Video Converter is a notable highlight. Its design philosophy centers around simplicity without sacrificing efficiency. The layout is intuitive, with toolbars strategically placed for easy access.

Conversion and Performance

Adding videos for conversion is effortlessly straightforward, thanks to the drag-and-drop functionality. The ability to handle audio files, images, and even DVDs in batch conversions is a significant plus, streamlining the conversion process. The SuperSpeed Conversion feature, leveraging GPU resources, ensures quick conversion times without compromising video quality.

In terms of performance, Movavi Video Converter is a fast option for many. The best part is that it maintains the core quality of the video content even with compression. You also have the option to choose between multiple compression techniques. For instance, if you want the output video file to have a specific file size, Movavi can help you set that up.

Format Compatibility and Customization

Movavi’s format compatibility is extensive, supporting a wide range of audio and video formats. The feature that stands out is its ability to select the optimal format based on the user’s device, simplifying the process for those less versed in technical details. The customization options, including codec selection and AI video upscaling, are commendable, adding a layer of flexibility to the tool.

The customization options include adjusting audio settings such as volume, sample rate, and channels. Moreover, Movavi Video Converter offers a range of tools for trimming, cropping, and rotating videos, as well as adding watermarks and subtitles. This comprehensive package caters to personalizing and enhancing video content.

Additional Features

Movavi has added a balanced set of additional features to the package. For instance, you can use the video upscaling feature to improve the overall quality. Similarly, the built-in editing features are helpful when you want to make quick changes to the content. Finally, Movavi has added subtitle support, making it a suitable choice for content creators.

Availability, Pricing, and Value

Movavi Video Converter is available as a free trial with a watermark, allowing users to test its capabilities. The premium version, priced at $54.95, offers a full suite of features sans watermark.

Considering its performance, range of features, and ease of use, the price tag seems reasonable, positioning it as a worthwhile investment for those in need of a reliable video conversion tool

Pros

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface.
• Fast conversion speeds with SuperSpeed Conversion.
• Extensive format support and device-specific optimization.
• Effective maintenance of original video quality.
• Batch conversion capabilities for efficiency.

Cons

• Limited video editing features.
• The free version includes a watermark.

Also: Read our full review on Movavi Video Converter

#6 Waltr Pro: Best for Apple Devices

Waltr Pro from Softorino positions itself uniquely in the realm of video converters, especially for macOS and iOS users. This software goes beyond traditional conversion methods, offering a streamlined experience for transferring content to iPhones and iPads.

The UI

Waltr Pro’s interface deviates from conventional video converters. It eliminates the typical window-based interface, favoring a drag-and-drop system. This approach simplifies the process of transferring and converting files to iOS devices. By recognizing the file type and automatically converting it to a compatible format, Waltr Pro ensures that videos and music find their way to the appropriate applications on the device.

Conversion and Performance

Waltr Pro claims to offer impressive conversion speeds, reportedly five times faster than its competitor. This efficiency is a significant advantage for users who need quick conversions. However, at the same time, the tool focuses on the convenience of quick conversion. Instead of worrying about which formats work for your Apple devices, you can simply drag and drop the files.

In testing, Waltr Pro demonstrated its prowess in speed and efficiency. Conversions were completed swiftly, and the files were readily accessible in the corresponding iPhone apps. The seamless Wi-Fi connectivity further enhances the user experience, offering flexibility in how content is transferred. But it also means you have to compromise the level of customization you get.

Format Compatibility and Customization

Waltr Pro takes a unique approach to compatibility management. The tool simplifies the process by focusing on seamless compatibility with iOS devices. Its strength lies in its ability to automatically recognize and convert various file types — be it audio or video — into formats that are readily playable on iPhones and iPads.

However, this simpler approach has a downside when it comes to customization. People who want to have precise control over the conversion process, like adjusting bit rates, resolution, or codec preferences, might find that Waltr Pro’s abilities are somewhat limited. This makes Waltr Pro perfect for users who prefer a straightforward and hassle-free experience without extensive customization in their file conversions.

Additional Features

Probably the best feature, Automatic Content Recognition, helps Waltr Pro in identifying the correct format for files, ensuring compatibility with iOS devices. Similarly, the tool supports wireless transfers, which is convenient for users preferring a cable-free experience. The automatic Wi-Fi feature promises optimal upload rates and consistent connection quality.

Availability, Pricing, and Value

Currently, the only purchasing option is the Softorino Universal License, which includes Waltr Pro among 12 premium software packages, available for $9.95 per month or $2.92 annually. Even though the package can be less appealing for some, it offers a lot of value.

Pros

• Streamlined, drag-and-drop interface.
• Fast and efficient file conversion.
• Automatic content recognition and format compatibility.
• Wireless transfer capabilities.
• Integration with iOS apps for immediate file access.

Cons

• Limited customizability and control over the conversion process.
• Premium pricing may deter some users.

Also: Read our full WALTR PRO review

#7 UniConverter: All-in-one Video Solution

Wondershare UniConverter, formerly known as Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate, is a comprehensive tool that stands out in the crowded field of video converters. Its broad range of features surpasses many competitors, including Movavi, making it a top choice for an all-in-one video converter solution.

The UI

The software’s user interface is intuitively designed, making it easy to start even with its multitude of features. Tasks like video conversion, audio conversion, video compression, DVD burning, and downloading from platforms like YouTube are handled with consistent speed. It’s important to note, though, that this uniform performance might slightly impact speed and quality.

Conversion and Performance

Unique to Wondershare UniConverter is its ability to choose the device profile directly, avoiding the need to guess the correct video format. The software also offers options for in-depth format customization, including codec adjustments. Users can create custom presets, which is beneficial for those seeking an optimized conversion experience. The software efficiently handles batch conversions, further enhancing its utility.

The developer says that Wondershare UniConverter offers 130x faster conversion speeds, with the help of GPU acceleration.

Format Compatibility and Customization

UniConverter offers full support for numerous video formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, MKV, and lesser-known formats like VOB and WEBM, making it really versatile. This extensive range is essential for users who work with various media types, from standard video files to more niche formats. For audio conversions, it supports formats like MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC.

The customization capabilities of UniConverter are particularly noteworthy. Users can delve into detailed settings, adjusting video codecs (such as H.264, HEVC, or VP9), tweaking resolutions up to 4K, and modifying bit rates to balance file size and quality. This level of control is invaluable for professionals who need to meet specific technical criteria for their projects.

Additional Features

The editing features in Wondershare UniConverter are extensive. Users can crop, split, and modify video attributes, burn videos to DVD, or transfer content directly to smartphones. The included Toolbox adds even more value, with tools like a GIF maker, VR converter, DVD copier, CD ripper, Screen Recorder, and Image Converter. These additional tools are handy for professional users.

Availability, Pricing, and Value

Wondershare UniConverter is available for both macOS and Windows. It offers a free version with some limitations and a full version priced at $49.99 annually or a one-time fee of $79.99 for lifetime access.

This pricing positions it as a competitive option for users needing a versatile, all-encompassing video conversion tool.

Pros

• Intuitive Interface
• Broad Conversion Capabilities
• Device Profile Selection
• Advanced Customization
• Versatile Editing Tools

Cons

• Performance Trade-offs
• The options can be overwhelming for some

Also:  Read our full UniConverter review.

FAQs

What criteria should I consider when choosing a video converter?

Selecting the right video converter depends on your specific needs. Consider factors such as supported formats, conversion speed, ease of use, and additional features like editing capabilities. Our guide in Section 3 provides detailed criteria to assist you in making an informed decision.

Are there free video converters that are as effective as paid ones?

Yes, there are many free video converters that offer excellent performance. However, the features and capabilities may vary. In Section 4, we’ve highlighted both free and paid options, detailing their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the best one based on your requirements.

Can video converters handle large files efficiently?

Most modern video converters are designed to handle large files efficiently. However, conversion speed may still depend on factors like your computer’s processing power and available resources. Choosing a converter with optimization for large files, as discussed in our guide, can enhance performance.

Are there converters that support batch processing?

Yes, many video converters support batch processing, allowing you to convert multiple files simultaneously. This feature is convenient for saving time, especially when dealing with a large number of videos. Check the features section of our recommended converters to find options that support batch processing.

Online vs. desktop converters: how to choose?

It depends on your specific needs. If it is a one-time thing or you need to convert small files, you may go for the online converters like Veed.io. But if you need to convert large videos and get high quality along the way, go for the offline ones. They offer advanced features, customizations, and enhanced security.

The bottom line

We believe you found our collection useful. As always, a diversity of options was our aim here, and you will be able to find a video converter that suits your needs. For instance, you may be looking for maximum speed, compatibility, or control.

For starters, if you are looking for the fastest conversion speed, you can use VideoProc Converter AI or Movavi Video Converter. Both of these tools enable hardware acceleration, which makes the process easier. But, if you want something more focused and dedicated, you can check out Permute or Picmal. Both of which are designed to make the process simpler.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a balance of control and customization, you have a free option like HandBrake. On this option, you will have an easy way to change the codec and other aspects of the video output.

Then again, all these tools have been tested and compared against the popular options in the market, and we have chosen the best options considering reliability and security as well. Therefore, you might not find some tools that are not supported by the developers.

* Readers like you help support TheSweetBits. When you buy something through the links in this article, we may get a small commission at no extra charge to you.

<p>The post The Best Video Converters for Mac (and Windows) first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

We recently spent some time testing Picmal for our review, and that philosophy stood out. So we wanted to go beyond the feature list and talk to the person building it.”

TheSweetBits: Picmal started as a simple image converter. What was the original problem you wanted to solve, and what made you keep expanding it?

Alberto: “I was getting tired of visiting different websites to upload my files, waiting for them to be uploaded to some random server, then waiting for the conversion or compression, and finally downloading them again. For those of us who work online and regularly deal with PDFs, images, audio, or video, it’s something we have to deal with all the time.

I looked for existing options, and there were some really nice apps that could do this locally on a Mac, but their interfaces were often a bit tricky. I was a big fan of ImageOptim because of how simple its UI was, so I thought, “I’m going to build ImageOptim, but for file conversion.”

And that’s how Picmal started. I got some really nice initial feedback, mainly on Reddit, which motivated me to keep going with the project.

From a business perspective, it’s still far from being profitable, partly because this is a pretty crowded market. I still haven’t figured out exactly how to make it work in the long term, but my main reason for keeping it going is that I keep getting feedback, new ideas, and, every time I use Picmal, I find myself thinking, “It would be nice to have this.”

It’s something I use every week, multiple times a week, and that’s ultimately why I want to keep working on it for the long run.”

Picmal has grown quite a bit, but it still feels pretty simple. How do you decide which features to add without losing that simplicity?

“I love sticking to one simple rule: a person should be able to open the app and start using it immediately. If they have to mess around with configurations first, something isn’t quite right, and we probably need to rethink the whole thing.

This is also the baseline I use when deciding whether to add new features. My main approach is to listen to customer requests and try to make Picmal available wherever it makes sense. That’s why you can now use it with Raycast, Shortcuts, Finder, and even through a CLI.

My own use cases for the app are pretty basic, but other customers, especially musicians and designers, have more complex workflows. Their feedback has helped me discover different ways to improve Picmal and support more use cases, while always keeping that first rule in mind.”

You’ve mentioned listening closely to customer requests. What’s one request that really changed the way you thought about Picmal?

“I think it was about a month ago. Convert and compress had been my main focus for roughly a year, but one day a user said, “It would be nice to have something like Picmal for splitting my PDFs.”

I had actually been thinking about building another app focused specifically on PDFs, but at that moment I thought, “Conversion and compression are already too crowded. Maybe the differentiation is to expand Picmal a bit and turn it into a media toolkit.”

That conversation probably changed the direction of Picmal more than anything else. It opened up a whole new door of possibilities for the app.”

Local processing is one of Picmal’s core principles. How important is it to you to keep Picmal local-first, especially as more conversion and editing tools move to the cloud?

“Very, very important. We’re seeing more and more services, like Lightroom, which I use and pay for, increasing their prices because they’re introducing AI. This is happening across a lot of software, even when users never asked for these AI features.

In the end, you end up paying more for decisions that were made mainly for the business, rather than for the customers.

That’s why, for me, Picmal has to be local. I don’t ask you to create an account, I don’t ask for your data, and I only track errors in the app. Every feature I add works both offline and online.

And, selfishly, it’s good for me too. Keeping everything inside the app keeps my running costs very low because I don’t have to rely on expensive server infrastructure, apart from my licensing server. It’s a win-win for everyone. I really hope we see more local tools in the future and less reliance on the internet for absolutely everything.”

You don’t track what people do inside Picmal, so we’re curious: which features do you personally rely on most that you wish more users knew about?

“Following up on the last question, I don’t really know which features are used the most and which ones aren’t. Yeah, as I mentioned, I don’t track anything, so I have no idea what users actually do with Picmal.

But if I had to pick, there are two features I personally find tremendously useful: the CLI, which sadly is only available in the direct distribution and not through the Mac App Store, and clipboard optimization.

For example, sometimes I just want to attach an image to an email, but the file is too large. I can use clipboard optimization, copy the image, let Picmal optimize it, and then paste it directly into the email. That’s it. It’s really convenient because it doesn’t break my flow.

The same goes for the CLI. Everyone is using AI and agents nowadays, and sometimes I’m writing a blog post and need to compress some images to keep the website fast. I can simply tell an agent to generate a script using the Picmal CLI, and that’s it.

The nice thing about this approach is that whenever I improve the compression engine, the improvements benefit both the CLI and the main app.”

You now offer Picmal both directly and through the Mac App Store. What made you decide to go down both paths, and how do you feel about the trade-offs?

“It’s really about distribution. I want Picmal to be everywhere for a reason. Being available in different places shows users that you’re serious about the project. It shows that you care about it, that you’re proud of what you’re building, and that you want people to discover and use it.

From a business perspective, every distribution channel is also another door for people to discover the project and, hopefully, buy it.

I’ve been a bit hesitant about bringing Picmal to the Mac App Store. The main differences compared to the direct distribution are that the App Store version doesn’t have the CLI or watched folders, and you need to grant access to each folder you want to work with. That can break the flow a little bit.

But honestly, it’s not a huge trade-off. Once you grant access to a folder, you keep that permission, so you only really have to deal with it once.

So, looking at it from the long-term perspective, I think being on the App Store would probably bring more benefits than downsides for the longevity of the project.”

Picmal remains a one-time purchase despite the growing pressure toward subscriptions. Has building the business changed the way you think about one-time pricing?

“I’ve always thought of Picmal as a short-term investment with a long-term vision. I keep coming up with new features and ideas, but at some point, the product itself should be complete. There’s a point where adding more features no longer makes sense and can actually make the product worse.

Thinking about it this way, I believe a one-time purchase is the fairest pricing model. The hardest part is that every month you basically start from zero again, and as I mentioned earlier, I still haven’t found a way to make Picmal profitable in the long term.

But if the product doesn’t have any recurring costs, apart from the time I spend supporting customers, which I genuinely enjoy, I think it makes sense to charge a one-time price rather than a subscription.

That said, I’m still trying to figure out how to make this sustainable in the long run, and which channels work best for this kind of product. If anyone is reading this, I’m all ears.”

You recently wrote about turning down a five-figure offer to acquire Picmal. What made you decide to keep building it yourself?

“It might sound funny, but I actually flipped a coin. It’s a pretty stupid way to make a decision, but the moment the coin was in my hand and I was about to look at the result, my first thought was: “I hope it’s a no.”

Right now, I don’t need the money, and I genuinely enjoy working on the project. The buyer also wasn’t very clear about what they wanted to do with Picmal in the long term, and I don’t want to see a product like this get ruined.

The values I’ve built Picmal around are important to me. If someone buys the app in the future, which I’m definitely not looking to do anytime soon, I’d want them to respect those values 100% and have the same long-term mindset that I do.”

If we talk again a year from now, what would you love Picmal to look like — and is there anything you never want it to become?

“As I said, unless another email arrives and opens up a new door, Picmal should be more or less feature-complete within the not-too-distant future.

Beyond that, what I’d like to see a year from now is a more robust business, both financially and in terms of the product itself. I’m always looking for ways to improve Picmal. I still hear from customers who use multiple apps because Picmal doesn’t always give them the best results for every use case, and I’d like to close those gaps as much as possible.

That’s what would make Picmal the go-to option. My goal from the beginning has been to build the best app for this kind of work, so I’m always looking for ways to make it better.

I don’t know if I’ll get there, but I’m going to try.”

Final Words

After talking with Alberto, what stayed with us wasn’t a particular Picmal feature. It was how closely the product seems to reflect the way he wants to build software.

He isn’t trying to turn Picmal into an everything app. He isn’t particularly interested in collecting user data to figure out which buttons people click. He isn’t convinced that every useful feature needs a cloud service behind it, and he still believes a piece of software can be sold for a one-time price when it doesn’t come with significant recurring costs.

That’s also what makes the story interesting. Picmal isn’t a finished success story; it’s an indie software project still being figured out in public.

For now, Alberto seems happy to keep building it—and perhaps the most revealing answer in our conversation came when we asked why he turned down an acquisition offer. He flipped a coin, and just before looking at the result, he realized he was hoping it would be a no.

Sometimes that’s enough of an answer.

Read our full Picmal review   |     Visit official website to Learn more about Picmal

<p>The post Building Picmal: Why Alberto Gallego Still Believes in Simple, Local Mac Software first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

It is usually the result of years of accumulation:

• apps you no longer use
• forgotten downloads
• duplicate photos and files
• leftover data from old software
• projects and backups that quietly pile up

Modern Macs are powerful, but digital clutter can still create friction. Finding files takes longer, storage becomes harder to understand, and everyday tasks feel less effortless.

Digital decluttering is not about deleting everything or chasing empty storage.

It is about restoring the flow between you and your Mac.

Digital Clutter Has Become a Bigger Problem

Our digital lives have become much more complicated.

We no longer manage only files on one computer.

We manage:

• photos captured across years of smartphones
• cloud-synced documents
• multiple versions of creative projects
• apps and utilities that leave behind data
• backups from previous devices

For software collectors and longtime Mac users, clutter often runs deeper:

• orphaned Library folders from old applications
• abandoned files from experimental software
• duplicate exports from creative workflows
• hidden storage growth inside macOS
• the mysterious “System Data” category that keeps expanding

The challenge is not that we lack storage.

The challenge is that we have accumulated more digital information than we can easily understand.

And that is why digital decluttering is changing.

Our Digital Decluttering Test

To understand what digital decluttering can actually change, we revisited an older 2019 Intel MacBook Pro.

Instead of replacing it, we treated it like a long-term digital workspace that needed attention.

We focused on three areas:

• removing abandoned software leftovers
• rebuilding hidden macOS structures
• reducing visual distractions

The result was not a magical performance upgrade.

A seven-year-old Mac will not suddenly match Apple Silicon.

But the daily experience improved.

Finder felt cleaner.

Old clutter disappeared.

The system felt easier to navigate.

That experiment changed how we think about digital decluttering.

The goal is not making old hardware feel new.

The goal is removing the friction that accumulates between you and your computer.

The Tools That Help You Declutter Today

Digital decluttering is not one single task.

Different types of clutter require different solutions.

System Maintenance Tools

These tools focus on keeping macOS healthy:

• rebuilding indexes
• refreshing databases
• troubleshooting system behavior
• maintaining hidden system structures

Tools like OnyX are valuable because they address problems that are not always visible through normal macOS settings.

Mac Cleanup Tools

Cleanup utilities focus on removing unnecessary leftovers:

• unused applications
• old installers
• caches
• large forgotten files

Modern Mac cleaners have moved beyond simple deletion.

The best ones do not just remove files.

They help users understand:

• what was found
• why it matters
• whether it is safe to remove

A trustworthy cleanup tool should help you make decisions, not simply encourage you to delete more.

Duplicate File Finders

There is another major category of digital clutter that traditional cleaners often overlook:

files we intentionally created — multiple times.

Duplicate files are different from junk files.

They are usually valuable data that has simply multiplied.

Common examples include:

• duplicate photos from phone imports
• exported video versions
• repeated downloads
• multiple document revisions
• backup copies

Tools like duplicate file finders help answer a more difficult question:

Not:

“What can I delete?”

But:

“Which version actually matters?”

This distinction will become increasingly important as our digital libraries continue growing.

Why AI May Change Digital Decluttering Forever

For years, cleanup software worked mainly through rules.

Find files with matching fingerprints.

Locate the largest folders.

Remove outdated temporary files.

These approaches remain useful, but digital clutter is rarely just a technical problem.

It is a judgment problem.

A computer can tell us:

“These two files are identical.”

But it cannot always answer:

“Which one should I keep?”

This is where AI becomes interesting.

Future digital assistants may understand more context:

• similar photos
• old projects
• unused applications
• repeated documents
• forgotten archives

Instead of opening a cleanup application, users may eventually ask:

“What is taking up space on my Mac?”

or:

“Show me files I probably no longer need.”

However, there is an important difference between assistance and automation.

Users may trust AI to summarize information.

They may not immediately trust AI to delete personal memories, important documents, or creative projects.

The future is unlikely to be:

“AI cleaned everything automatically.”

More likely:

“AI helped me understand what deserves attention.”

The Future: From Digital Decluttering to Digital Stewardship

Digital decluttering has always been about more than storage.

It is about maintaining a healthy digital environment.

The evolution looks something like this.

Yesterday: Manual Organization

Users managed everything themselves.

Folders.

Naming systems.

Backups.

Archives.

Today: Specialized Tools

Dedicated utilities solve specific problems:

• cleaners remove leftovers
• duplicate finders reduce redundancy
• disk analyzers reveal hidden storage usage
• uninstallers remove software completely

Tomorrow: Digital Stewardship

As AI becomes more integrated into operating systems, our computers may become better partners in managing information.

Instead of periodically cleaning our Macs, we may have systems that continuously help us understand them.

They may answer:

• Which files are worth keeping?
• Which photos are duplicates?
• Which projects are finished?
• Which data should be archived?

The goal is not a perfectly empty computer.

The goal is a digital environment that supports creativity instead of creating friction.

The Verdict: Restoring “Sweet Mac Flow”

No amount of software can turn an aging Intel Mac into a modern Apple Silicon machine.

Hardware still matters.

But our experiment revealed something important:

A computer can feel old not only because of its processor.

It can feel old because years of digital accumulation create friction.

After a careful backup, system maintenance, cleanup, and visual organization, our 2019 MacBook Pro felt more focused and responsive.

Not chasing empty storage numbers.

Not deleting files for the sake of deleting.

Restoring flow.

The future of Mac maintenance may involve AI assistants that better understand our digital lives. But until then, thoughtful tools — and thoughtful users — still play the most important role.

A well-maintained Mac is not just cleaner.

It is a better place to think, create, and work.

Further Reading

• The Best Mac Disk Space Analyzer (Paid and Free)
• Is CleanMyMac Still Worth It in the Age of AI-Built Mac Utilities?
• CleanMyMac vs Sensei: Battle of Mac Performance Tools
• Is OnyX Mac Safe? How to Put It to a Good Use?

<p>The post The Guide to Digital Decluttering: Restoring Your Mac’s Flow first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

• macOS still doesn’t offer a universal scrolling screenshot feature across apps.
• Safari Web Inspector provides a free way to capture full-page screenshots of webpages.
• Browser extensions are convenient for webpage captures, but they can’t capture desktop apps.
• Dedicated screenshot tools work across browsers, PDFs, chats, documents, and desktop apps.
• For advanced workflows like OCR, annotation, recording, and sharing, a dedicated screenshot app can save significant time.

Apple has made taking screenshots incredibly easy. Press ⌘⇧3 or ⌘⇧4, and you can capture your screen in seconds.

The limitation appears when the content extends beyond what’s currently visible. Whether it’s a long webpage, an email thread, a Slack conversation, or an application settings window, the built-in Screenshot app only captures what’s on screen.

That’s why scrolling screenshot tools continue to be popular among Mac users.

When You’ll Actually Need a Scrolling Screenshot

Scrolling screenshots aren’t just for webpages.

During our testing, we found ourselves using them for all kinds of everyday tasks:

• Saving long ChatGPT conversations
• Capturing complete Slack or Discord discussions
• Sharing lengthy error logs with developers
• Documenting software settings
• Saving online receipts and invoices
• Creating tutorials and knowledge-base articles
• Capturing research without stitching multiple screenshots together

If you’ve ever taken five or six screenshots just to capture one page, you’re exactly the type of user who benefits from scrolling capture.

3 Ways to Take Scrolling Screenshots on Mac

Unlike iPhones, where full-page screenshots are available in some apps like Safari, macOS still doesn’t provide a universal scrolling screenshot feature. The reason is simple: every Mac app handles scrollable content differently. A webpage, PDF viewer, chat app, and desktop application all render content differently, making a system-wide solution more complicated. Here’re three ways for full-page scrolling screenshots.

Method 1. Use Safari web inspector (free, built-in)

This is the strongest free native method because it produces an actual full-page screenshot.

Safari includes a hidden but powerful feature through its developer tools that lets you capture the entire webpage without installing another app.

How to enable Safari Developer Tools

• Open Safari.
• Go to Safari → Settings → Advanced.
• Enable Show features for web developers (or Show Develop menu in menu bar, depending on macOS version).

How to capture a full-page screenshot

• Open the webpage you want to capture.
• From the menu bar, choose Develop → Show Web Inspector.
• Right-click the top-level HTML element (html).
• Choose Capture Screenshot.
• Safari saves the entire webpage as an image.

Best for

• Full webpage screenshots
• Articles
• Documentation
• Research pages
• Users who want a free solution

Limitations

Safari’s built-in capture is powerful, but it only works for webpages. It cannot capture:

• Apps
• PDFs
• Finder windows
• Slack conversations
• Desktop applications

It also requires enabling developer tools first, which makes it less convenient for casual users.

Tip: If you only want to save an article for offline reading, Safari’s File → Export as PDF option is often simpler than taking a screenshot.

Method 2. Use a browser extension (free)

If you primarily browse in Chrome or Firefox, a browser extension is another simple way to capture an entire webpage.

Popular options include extensions such as GoFullPage can automatically scroll through the page and stitch everything into a single image or PDF.

How it works

After installing the extension:

• Open the webpage.
• Click the extension icon.
• Choose Capture Full Page.

Wait a few seconds while it scrolls automatically.

Save the image, that’s done.

Best for

• Blog posts
• News websites
• Documentation
• Product pages

Limitations

Browser extensions only work inside the browser.

They can’t capture:

• Apple Mail
• Slack
• Discord
• Notes
• Finder
• System Settings
• Code editors
• Local PDF files

If your workflow goes beyond webpages, you’ll probably want a dedicated screenshot tool.

Method 3. Use a dedicated screenshot tool (best for advanced workflows)

If you regularly capture long webpages, application windows, documents, or chat conversations, a dedicated screenshot tool provides the most reliable experience.

Unlike Safari or browser extensions, these apps work across almost the entire macOS system—including browsers, desktop applications, PDFs, messaging apps, and code editors.

Most modern screenshot apps follow a similar workflow. The exact steps vary slightly between apps, but the process usually looks like this:

• Open the app and choose the scrolling capture mode in the menu bar.
• Select the scrollable window or content area.
• Click Start Capture button.
• Wait while the app scrolls and stitches everything together.
• Review, crop, annotate, or share the final screenshot.

For example, CleanShot X uses this approach for scrolling captures:

During our testing, CleanShot X (read our full review) and other dedicated tools were consistently faster and more reliable than browser-based methods, especially when capturing complex layouts or long documents.

Beyond scrolling capture, many of these apps also include features such as:

• OCR for copying text from images
• Annotation tools
• Blur or pixelation for sensitive information
• Screen recording
• Quick sharing links
• Cloud syncing

These features save time because you can capture, edit, and share everything from a single application instead of switching between multiple tools.

If you need more advanced features or want to compare dedicated apps, check out our guide to The Best Mac Screenshot Tools for Every Workflow, where we compare CleanShot X, Shottr, macshot, Snagit, Xnapper, and other options.

What to Do After Capturing a Long Screenshot

Taking the screenshot is only half the job.

Modern screenshot tools can also help you finish the task faster.

Extract Text with OCR
Instead of retyping text from an image, OCR lets you copy error messages, receipts, tables, and notes directly from your screenshot.

Blur Sensitive Information
Before sharing screenshots publicly, hide email addresses, phone numbers, API keys, license numbers, or customer information with blur or pixelation tools.

Add Context with Annotations
Arrows, numbered steps, highlights, and callouts make screenshots much easier for colleagues, customers, or readers to understand.

Share Instantly
Many screenshot tools generate shareable links or cloud uploads, eliminating the need to manually export and attach images.

Related Guides

• Best Mac Screenshot Tools for Every Workflow
• How to Take a Screenshot on Mac?
• Cleanshot vs. Xnapper
• CleanShot vs Shottr
• How to Use the Snipping Tool on Mac?
• How Cleanshot Transformed My Screenshot Game

<p>The post How to Take Scrolling Screenshots on Mac: Full-Page Capture, OCR & Annotation first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

We see that you are looking for a great screenshot app for Mac. We also take it that you are not so happy with the built-in screenshot utility. Well, you are at the right place.

At TheSweetBits, we heavily depend upon screenshots, especially for preparing the best how-to content and reviews for our readers. It also means we have to use the best screenshot apps available for macOS. And we thought we should recommend some of these tools to those in need.

TL;DR: Our Top Picks

• CleanShot → Best overall
• Xnapper → Best for beautiful screenshots
• macshot → Best free open-source alternative
• Snagit → Best for professionals
• Shottr → Best for pixel-perfect screenshots

Why Go Beyond Apple’s Screenshot App

Again, you can access the native screenshot utility on Mac using some keyboard shortcuts.

• You can press Shift + Command + 3 to capture a screenshot of the entire screen.
• You can press Shift + Command + 4 to capture a screenshot of a select area.
• You can press Shift + Command + 4 + Space Bar to capture the screenshot of a specific window.

The Good

By default, macOS will save the screenshots to the Desktop. But, of course, you can change the location through the Screenshot app settings. You can also use the app to record a video of the screen. Apple has integrated a timer into the Screenshot app as well. So, it’s all a piece of cake.

The Bad

Despite all these standard features, the native screenshot utility is not enough when you want to take better screenshots. For instance, there are no options for enhanced annotation or editing. You cannot customize the entire workflow and enable the cloud-sharing, either.

The Worse

Also, you cannot use the native screenshot utility everywhere. For instance, it does not let you capture the content from Apple TV. These issues might come your way if you have to take professional screenshots regularly.

On the bright side, most third-party screenshot apps can help you overcome these issues! They also offer multi-device syncing, scrolling screenshots, and advanced editing tools.

But you should know what’s best for your needs.

Best 3rd-party Screenshot Apps to Snip on Mac

We tested over 20 screenshot apps for Mac and chose the best four options (Read the full rundown of how we select tools to feature on TheSweetBits blog). More importantly, we have recommended the best apps for particular needs. For instance, if you need ultimate editing options, we have one recommendation. On the other hand, if you want something straightforward, there is something else.

#1 CleanShot X: Best overall

Even after years, CleanShot X remains the best overall screenshot app for Mac. It packs all the core features you would expect from a screenshot/screencast utility. By any level of comparison, CleanShot X is way better than the built-in macOS screenshot app.

Accessing CleanShot X is a breeze, either through the menu bar or keyboard shortcuts. You can capture screenshots in various modes, including area selection, full screen, individual windows, and scrolling shots. A built-in timer helps schedule your captures precisely. We regularly use the options for OCR screenshots as well as screen recordings.

Editing is effortless with CleanShot X’s extensive annotation tools. Crop, highlight, redact, draw, mark, and add shapes and text to tailor your screenshots perfectly. Sharing is equally convenient – upload with a single click and copy the link to your clipboard. Advanced features like team management and self-destruct control ensure secure and efficient collaboration.

It is also impressive that you can customize almost every aspect of a screenshot. For instance, you can select the background for the image or how it interacts with other graphical elements. We use CleanShot X as an annotation utility for images from other apps as well.

Pros

• An intuitive and productive UI
• It integrates so well with macOS
• It offers advanced editing options
• Suitable for content creators

Cons

• Many features are limited to the paid version

Pricing: You can use the basic features of CleanShot X for free. But the paid version costs $29 (one-time payment) or $9.99 per month per user of Setapp subscription.

Also: read our full CleanShot review here.

#2 Xnapper: Best for quick and beautiful screenshots

Xnapper is probably one of the most underhyped screenshot apps for Mac. It allows you to capture stunning screenshots and share them in a jiffy. While doing it, you do not have to worry about how it looks on target platforms, either.

It packs many features that make our lives easier. For instance, you can use automatic balancing to get optimized screenshots in a click. Similarly, social media templates can save time when preparing screenshots in bulk. We loved how you can use multiple presets to save your preferences for later. Once done, you can select a preset to make specific changes.

We also loved the annotation tools from Xnapper. Even though some of these features are in the beta stage, you can count on them. In the end, you can easily annotate the screenshots based on your needs. For us, it is convenient to add tutorial elements like highlights and instruction graphics. It also brings the standard set of features for drawing and markup.

An area where Xnapper needs improvement is sharing. Unlike CleanShot X, Xnapper does not offer options for built-in sharing. It does not have a cloud storage option, either. Considering how share-worthy Xnapper screenshots are, we would love to see such features in the package.

Pros

• Instant, share-worthy screenshots
• Plenty of social media templates
• Auto-balancing and presets

Cons

• No built-in cloud sharing options

Pricing: While a free trial is available, unlocking the full potential requires a one-time purchase of $24.99, or $9.99 per month per user from a Setapp subscription.

Also: read our full Xnapper review here.

#3 macshot: Best free and open-source option

macshot is one of the most exciting newcomers in the Mac screenshot space. As a free and open-source utility, it challenges the idea that advanced screenshot tools have to come with a subscription. Built specifically for macOS, it combines scrolling screenshots, OCR, screen recording, and annotation into a lightweight app that feels right at home on the platform.

Despite being a relatively new project, macshot already covers many features users expect from premium screenshot software. It supports everything from standard area captures to scrolling screenshots. During our testing, scrolling captures worked reliably on most webpages, while OCR and translation made it easy to copy text from images without switching to another app. The clean interface and native performance make it a compelling choice for students, developers, and anyone looking for a capable alternative to commercial tools.

Perhaps the biggest reason to try macshot is its philosophy. It’s a free, open-source project that proves premium screenshot workflows don’t have to come with recurring fees. While it may not yet offer every advanced workflow found in mature tools like CleanShot X, it already delivers an impressive balance of speed, functionality, and simplicity. For many Mac users, it could easily become the only screenshot app they need.

Pros

• Completely free and open source
• Native macOS design with excellent performance
• Supports scrolling screenshots, OCR, and screen recording
• Clean interface with useful annotation tools

Cons

• Some advanced workflow features are still catching up to premium competitors

Pricing: macshot is completely free and open source. You can download the latest version from the official website or its GitHub repository.

#4 Snagit: Best professional suite

Snagit is often called the best screen capture software for professionals. We think this fully-fledged tool from TechSmith deserves a place on this list. We recommend you consider this app if you need advanced editing and screen recording capabilities.

Snagit’s core features are designed for optimal results. For example, you can record video and audio when you capture the screen — a suitable approach for recording tutorials and presentations. Beyond standard all-in-one and scrolling screenshot options, Snagit offers support for creating animated GIFs and recording screens from your macOS and iOS devices.

Despite its feature set, we found the editing options on Snagit to be smarter and easier to use. For instance, the ‘Step Tool’ simplifies creating informative tutorials, while the ‘Grab Text’ tool seamlessly extracts text from screenshots. Additionally, pre-made layouts and templates expedite the creation of polished videos and GIFs.

You can easily share your screenshots with other platforms as well. For instance, Snagit easily integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Word. By the way, you can also capture screenshots or record videos from most apps.

Pros

• Snagit enables a professional workflow
• Advanced features for editing videos
• It supports video and audio recording
• Excellent tech support and community

Cons

• It does not offer a free version

Pricing: You can purchase Snagit for a yearly subscription of $39.99, which is reasonable enough. You can explore education/enterprise discounts as well.

#5 Shottr: Best for pixel-perfect screenshots

Shottr is the dark horse of Mac screenshot utilities—a lightweight, native app that punches far above its weight class, especially given its generous free tier and low one-time purchase price. Where competitors focus on cloud sharing and video, we found Shottr to be an uncompromising dedication to pixel perfection and speed.

Just like CleanShot X, Shottr can capture an entire webpage or document that scrolls off-screen. It’s a tiny app (only 2.3mb), but we love the advanced features built purely for efficiency.

For example, you can measure distances in pixels between elements right on your screen before or after capture, use the magnifier tool to inspect details or instantly capture any color code (HEX or RGB) from the screen with a zoomed preview. What’s more, its new hand-drawn annotation style option adds a human, informal touch to marks and highlights, which is perfect for documentation or casual sharing.

If your daily work involves UI design, web development, or detailed documentation, Shottr feels indispensable.

Pros:

• Lightning-fast and highly optimized for Mac Silicon.
• Scrolling screenshots of long pages.
• Pixel screen ruler and color picker/magnifier.
• Hand-drawn annotation style for informal marking.

Cons:

• Upgrade prompts appear after 30 days of free use.

Pricing: Shottr is a free app, meaning you can use the full feature set indefinitely for personal use. A license (Basic Tier: $12 one-time purchase) is required for commercial use and removes the periodic upgrade prompts that begin after the initial 30 days of use.

Other Screenshot Tools We’ve Tested

Here are some of the other screenshot apps we looked at:

#6 LightShot: Simple free tool

LightShot is the classic free screenshot app for Mac by all means. Before we shifted to CleanShot X, LightShot was our go-to option for great screenshots. So, if you do not want to spend money on a screenshot tool, you can check out LightShot.

You can capture screenshots of the selected area with just two clicks. Once you have captured an area, you can access the annotation/editing tools from the integrated widget. Though not a lot, the editing tools from the LightShot package are sufficient for most users. You can add a variety of elements and annotate the screenshot. You can also add text boxes and shapes to the image. It also features an integrated sharing interface that helps you instantly upload and share screenshots with ease.

Price: LightShot is free to use and does not contain any ads. You can download it from the official website, and the app is also available for Windows.

#7 ScreenFloat: Great for reference-heavy workflows

While most apps focus on capturing and saving, ScreenFloat focuses on keeping your captures useful while you work. It’s a unique utility that allows screenshots to “float” above all other windows, making it an essential tool for developers, researchers, or anyone who needs to reference information without window-toggling.

The app has recently seen significant updates, including version 2.3.6, which introduces a “Finder Auto-Import” feature. This allows you to drag any image into a specific folder and have it instantly become a floating reference. Like CleanShot X and Shottr, it also features robust OCR capabilities, allowing you to extract text from a floating shot instantly.

Pricing: ScreenFloat is available for a one-time purchase of $17.99 on the Mac App Store and the developer’s website (it is also included in a Setapp subscription).

#8 Monosnap: Great for business use

We recommend you check out Monosnap if you are looking for additional features for sharing screenshots within your business. Even though it packs the standard editing/annotation features, the better focus is on how easily you can create a workflow with screenshots.

Though Monosnap does not have as many features as CleanShot X, there are ample ways to annotate or edit your screenshot. You can use tools like highlighter, blurring, shapes, and text. You can also export the image to your desired photo editor app.

You can do more with the enterprise plan from Monosnap. It will give you access to awesome features like team management, quality control, custom sharing, and enterprise-grade security. You can also get tailor-made workflows.

Pricing: You can get a limited free version, which gives you 2GB of cloud storage and supports most formats. If you want additional features, the non-commercial and commercial plans cost $2.50 and $5, respectively.

#9 Capto: Screenshot and screen recording suite

Capto is more than a screenshot tool—it combines screen capture, screen recording, and media organization into a single productivity app. If your workflow involves creating tutorials, software demonstrations, or documentation, Capto helps you capture, edit, and manage everything from one place instead of juggling multiple utilities.

Beyond taking screenshots, Capto includes a built-in editor for annotations, callouts, highlights, and blur effects, along with a capable screen recorder for video tutorials and presentations. We especially like its content management library, which keeps screenshots and recordings organized in one place. Compared with Snagit, Capto may appeal more to users who want a simpler capture-and-organize workflow rather than a larger professional documentation toolkit.

Pricing: Capto is available as a one-time purchase on the Mac App Store and is also included with a Setapp subscription.

Your Turn to Capture Better Screenshots

The built-in macOS screenshot tool is fine for a quick grab, but today’s workflows often demand much more. Whether you’re creating tutorials, documenting bugs, extracting text with OCR, or sharing polished screenshots with clients and teammates, the right tool can save you countless clicks every day.

If you’re still unsure where to start, here’s our quick guide:

Ultimately, don’t choose the screenshot tool with the longest feature list—choose the one you’ll actually enjoy using every day. The best screenshot app is the one that quietly disappears into your workflow, helping you capture ideas, explain problems, and share information without getting in your way.

* Readers like you help support TheSweetBits. When you buy something through the links in this article, we may get a small commission at no extra charge to you.

<p>The post The Best Mac Screenshot Tools for Every Workflow first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Modern Macs rarely need aggressive “optimization”. What most users actually need is better control over storage: removing forgotten app leftovers, clearing unnecessary caches, finding giant files, and cleaning developer junk.

The challenge is that many popular Mac cleaners bundle these simple tasks into subscription-based packages.

Fortunately, the Mac community has built sweet free and open-source alternatives that focus on transparency, privacy, and user control.

Quick look: top free Mac cleaners

Why look beyond subscription cleaners

For years, Mac cleaners promised a simple solution: scan your Mac, find junk files, and free up space with one click.

Today, many Mac users are looking for something different: more transparency and control over what happens on their Macs. Instead of relying entirely on automated cleanup, they want tools that clearly explain what can be removed and why.

This has increased interest in free and open-source alternatives that focus on:

• Transparency — knowing exactly what will be deleted.
• Privacy — fewer background services and less telemetry.
• Control — reviewing files before removing them.

Modern macOS already manages many temporary files, caches, and system tasks automatically. A good cleaner is not about deleting everything—it is about helping you identify files you no longer need.

Top free Mac cleaning tools

After testing these tools across everyday Mac workflows, we found that each one solves a slightly different problem.

There is no single “best free Mac cleaner”.

The right choice depends on whether you want deep cleaning, simple app removal, storage analysis, or system maintenance.

PureMac — Free & open-source Mac cleaner for most users

PureMac is one of the most promising open-source Mac cleaning utilities for users who want a simpler alternative to subscription-based cleaners.

Unlike Terminal-based tools, PureMac provides a familiar graphical interface that makes it easier to review and remove unnecessary files.

Its approach is straightforward:

• identify files that may be safely removed
• review detected files
• remove selected data

What makes PureMac attractive is its balance between simplicity and transparency. It avoids the “magic optimization” approach used by some commercial cleaners and gives users more visibility into what is being removed.

For everyday Mac users who want a free CleanMyMac alternative without subscriptions, PureMac is the easiest starting point.

Pros:

• Open source
• Native macOS interface
• Beginner-friendly workflow
• No subscription model

Cons:

• Smaller ecosystem than established commercial tools
• Not designed as a complete system maintenance suite

Our take:

PureMac is the closest match for readers searching for a free, transparent Mac cleaner that feels familiar from the first launch.

Pearcleaner —  Open-source app uninstaller

Pearcleaner focuses on one of the most practical Mac maintenance tasks: removing applications completely.

Deleting an app by moving it to Trash does not always remove everything. Related files may remain in locations such as:

• Application Support folders
• Preferences
• Caches
• Supporting files

Pearcleaner helps identify these leftovers and remove them together with the original application.

Although it started as a lightweight app uninstaller, Pearcleaner has expanded with additional utilities for managing application-related files and cleanup tasks, making it a useful companion for Mac users who frequently test software.

Pros:

• Open source
• Excellent app removal workflow
• Lightweight and simple
• Removes leftover files

Cons:

• Not a full replacement for a system maintenance tool
• Limited storage visualization features

Our take:

Every Mac user who installs and removes apps regularly should have an uninstaller. Pearcleaner is one of the best free choices.

OnyX — Classic Mac maintenance utility

OnyX has been part of the Mac utility landscape for many years and remains a favorite among experienced Mac users.

However, OnyX is not a traditional “cleaner” focused on deleting junk files.

Instead, it works more like a maintenance toolbox, providing access to options such as:

• maintenance scripts
• cache management
• database rebuilding
• system checks
• Finder and macOS customization

Because OnyX exposes deeper system controls, it is better suited for users who understand what they are changing rather than beginners looking for a one-click cleanup button.

Pros:

• Free
• Long development history
• Powerful maintenance options
• Trusted by Mac enthusiasts

Cons:

• Interface feels dated
• Requires more technical understanding

Our take:

OnyX is not the easiest Mac cleaner, but it remains one of the most respected free maintenance utilities for experienced users.

Mole CLI — Open-source terminal cleaner for power users

Mole CLI started as an open-source command-line utility designed for users who prefer controlling their Mac through Terminal.

Unlike graphical cleaners, Mole CLI focuses on visibility and automation. It helps users handle tasks such as:

• uninstalling applications
• removing leftover files
• cleaning caches
• managing unnecessary data
• identifying storage waste

For developers and advanced Mac users, Mole offers a more transparent cleaning workflow because every action happens through explicit commands rather than hidden automated scans.

Mole also has a separate native Mac application with a graphical interface and additional features, but that version is outside the scope of this free and open-source guide.

Pros:

• Open source
• Powerful Terminal workflow
• Excellent for developers
• Transparent cleaning process

Cons:

• Requires Terminal knowledge
• Not suitable for beginners
• Less convenient than GUI cleaners

Our take:

Mole CLI is not the first recommendation for casual users, but it is one of the most capable free cleaning tools for Mac users who prefer complete control.

GrandPerspective — Visual disk analyzer

GrandPerspective takes a different approach from traditional Mac cleaners.

Instead of automatically suggesting files to delete, it helps you understand where your storage is going.

The app displays your disk usage as a visual tree map, making it easy to discover:

• large folders
• old backups
• forgotten downloads
• massive media files

This approach is often safer than automatic cleaning because you decide what should be removed.

Pros:

• Open source
• Excellent storage visualization
• Lightweight
• Safe manual cleanup

Cons:

• Does not automatically clean files
• Requires manual decisions

Our take:

Before deleting anything, understand what is taking up your disk space. GrandPerspective is one of the best tools for doing exactly that.

How we tested

For this update, we evaluated Mac cleaning tools based on the criteria that Mac enthusiasts actually care about:

Criteria	Why it matters
Transparency	Does it clearly explain what it removes?
Privacy	Telemetry? Background services?
Cleaning depth	App leftovers, caches, developer files, etc.
Ease of use	Can beginners use it confidently?
Maintenance	Is it actively updated and compatible with the latest macOS?
Value	Free, open source, one-time purchase, or subscription?

We also considered Reddit community feedback from Mac users who have moved away from subscription cleaners and prefer free, open-source alternatives.

Why we don’t recommend aggressive cleaners

A cleaner is not automatically better because it deletes more.

Some applications promote large “junk” numbers to make users feel their Mac needs urgent maintenance.

That approach creates unnecessary anxiety.

A safer cleaning philosophy:

• remove what you understand
• keep backups
• avoid deleting system files blindly
• let macOS handle normal maintenance

The goal is not an empty Mac.
The goal is a Mac where you understand what occupies your storage.

When premium options are still worth paying for

Free tools are excellent, but if you value convenience and an all-in-one workflow, premium apps still have advantages.

Sensei — A premium Mac maintenance suite

Sensei is one of the better choices for Mac enthusiasts who want more control than basic cleaners provide, the app offers deeper Mac monitoring and maintenance features while maintaining a polished interface.

Instead of focusing only on deleting junk files, Sensei combines:

• disk cleaning
• storage analysis
• performance monitoring
• hardware information
• battery and SSD health insights
• system optimization tools

Also: Read our full Sensei review

DaisyDisk — Best premium disk analyzer

DaisyDisk is another premium tool worth considering.

Its strength is not cleaning.

It is visualization.

The beautiful disk map makes it incredibly easy to discover what is consuming your storage, whether that means old downloads, large media files, forgotten backups, or application data.

Unlike automatic cleaners, DaisyDisk does not decide what should be deleted. Instead, it helps you understand your disk and lets you make the final decision.

Also: Read our full DaisyDisk review

FAQ

Are free Mac cleaners safe?

The safest free cleaners are those that show exactly what they remove and allow manual review.
Avoid cleaners that aggressively delete system files or make exaggerated performance claims.

Does cleaning my Mac make it faster?

Sometimes. Removing a nearly full disk, abandoned applications, or huge caches can improve your workflow.
However, cleaning alone will not transform an old Mac into a new one.

What is the best open-source Mac cleaner?

For power users, Mole is the strongest open-source cleaning tool.
For beginners, PureMac provides a more approachable experience.

Is Pearcleaner better than App Cleaner & Uninstaller?

For most users looking for a free, open-source app uninstaller, Pearcleaner is our top pick. It removes apps and their leftover files without subscriptions or telemetry.

If you need advanced features like batch uninstalling, startup item management, or browser extension cleanup, App Cleaner & Uninstaller offers a more complete toolkit. It includes a 2-day free trial of its Pro features, while the Free version lets you scan your Mac and remove leftovers manually.

Clean smarter, not more often

In reality, modern macOS already handles many temporary files, caches, and system maintenance automatically. Most users don’t need to run a cleaner every week.

Instead, build a few simple habits:

• Uninstall apps completely using tools like Pearcleaner instead of simply dragging them to Trash.
• Review your storage regularly with a disk analyzer before deleting files.
• Clean developer caches only when necessary, especially if you use Xcode, Docker, or Homebrew.
• Avoid deleting system files or caches blindly. If you’re unsure what a file does, leave it alone.
• Keep a backup before performing major cleanup, especially when removing large amounts of data.

The best Mac cleaner isn’t the one that deletes the most files—it’s the one that helps you understand your Mac and clean with confidence.

* Readers like you help support TheSweetBits. When you buy something through the links in this article, we may get a small commission at no extra charge to you.

<p>The post Best Free & Open-Source Mac Cleaner Apps first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Here’s what we’ve learned after digging through this kind of mess more times than we’d like to admit: a RAW partition doesn’t mean your data is destroyed. It usually just means Windows lost the map it uses to find your files, not the files themselves.

This guide walks through the right order to fix a RAW drive, recovery first, repair second, so you don’t lose anything you don’t have to. Along the way, you’ll see what each step actually looks like on screen, so you’re not guessing your way through menus while your data is on the line, and you’ll know which parts of the process apply no matter what software ends up in your hands.

Also: Disk Partition Management: Merging, Extending, Adding, and More

Highlights

• RAW ≠ lost data. Windows just lost the map to your files — they’re usually still there.
• Recover first, repair second. Pulling files off before running any repair avoids overwriting what you’re trying to save.
• Never format when prompted. That’s the #1 way a fixable RAW drive turns into permanent data loss.
• Check logical vs. physical first. Clicking or grinding means a dying drive — stop repairing and just pull off what you can.
• Same order works everywhere: scan → recover → check for bad sectors → repair. Menu names differ by tool; the sequence doesn’t.
• Prevent it: back up regularly, eject safely, and match the file system (exFAT for cross-platform, NTFS for Windows-only) to how you use the drive.

What does it mean when a partition shows as RAW?

A RAW partition means Windows no longer recognizes the file system on that drive, so it has no way to read what’s stored there. It isn’t a format like NTFS or FAT32; it’s the absence of one Windows understands.

This usually comes from an unsafe ejection, a power cut mid-write, malware, a damaged partition table, or bad sectors piling up gradually over time, and in our experience, an unsafe ejection is the single most common trigger we run into. That “format this disk” prompt looks urgent and final, but formatting at this stage is one of the worst moves you can make.

Logical vs. Physical RAW: know your odds before you start

Not every RAW drive has the same problem, and the fix depends entirely on which one you’re actually facing.

Logical RAW is corruption in the file system or its metadata. The physical disk is fine, and recovery software can usually rebuild that map without much trouble. In our experience, most of the RAW drives we come across turn out to be logical, which is the good news buried in an otherwise stressful moment. Physical RAW means the drive itself is failing, from bad sectors or mechanical damage building up over time. No software fixes a dying disk, and pushing it with repeated scans just risks losing what’s still recoverable.

Listen to the drive before deciding. Clicking, grinding, or repeated disconnects point to physical failure. A drive that sounds normal but won’t mount is more likely a logical issue, and a quick bad sector scan can confirm which one you’re dealing with. If it’s logical, keep going, recovery software gives you strong odds. If it’s physical, stop running repair tools and focus on pulling off whatever data you still can before the drive gets worse.

Before you do anything: the one rule that matters

Stop using the drive the moment you see RAW. We’ve learned this the hard way: every action from here can either save your files or wipe them for good.

• Don’t format, even though Windows keeps asking
• Don’t save or copy new files onto the drive
• Don’t run deep repair commands before you’ve recovered anything
• Hearing clicking or grinding? Disconnect the drive and stop trying to fix it yourself.

How to recover and repair a RAW drive

Recovery always comes before repair; it’s the one rule we never break, no matter how confident a tool looks. Pulling your files off first protects you from anything a repair action might do to the data still sitting there, so you’re never trusting an irreversible step with files you haven’t backed up yet. The general workflow looks like this, regardless of which tool you use:

1. Scan the drive for file system errors first, without letting the tool fix anything yet. This shows you how deep the corruption goes before you commit to the next step.
2. Run a recovery scan and pull your files off before touching any repair option. A quick scan first, then a deeper scan if needed, should surface your original data as a recoverable partition you can preview before committing.
3. Check for bad sectors to rule out physical failure before you commit to a repair. This confirms whether you’re facing a software problem or a drive that’s actually dying.
4. Once your files are safely recovered, run the tool’s dedicated RAW repair function to rebuild the file system and restore the drive to a format Windows can read again.

Most recovery tools follow this same order, just under different menu names and layouts. Here’s what that looks like in practice, using EaseUS Partition Master as one example.

Step 1: Scan for file system errors

Right-click the problem partition inside the app’s disk list, head into Advanced, then pick Check File System.

Leave the Fix Errors box ticked before you hit Start. This tells the tool to repair issues as it finds them instead of just flagging them for later.

Let the scan run its course, then close out with Finish.

Step 2: Recover your files before anything else

Open Partition Recovery from the sidebar, pick the RAW disk, then hit New Scan and wait.

The tool runs a Quick Scan first, then a deeper Full Scan if the quick pass doesn’t find everything. Anything it recognizes as your original data gets tagged as Lost in the results, that’s the partition you want. This is the step we’ve seen people rush, closing out the moment the quick scan finishes because nothing looks recovered yet, when the full scan is what actually turns up everything.

Select it, then click Recover. Double-click it first if you want to confirm the contents match what you’re expecting, then click OK to close the preview.

Once the transfer finishes, close out with Done.

Step 3: Check for physical damage

Go to Toolkit and open Bad Sector Scan.

Select the drive you want checked from the dropdown and enable Scan Disk.

Start the scan and let it map out any damaged areas on the disk. A clean result points to a logical issue you can repair. Heavy damage points to a drive that’s failing and needs replacing instead.

Step 4: Run the one-click RAW repair

Launch the tool, go to Partition Rescue, choose Repair RAW Partition, then continue.

Once it finishes, the drive should show its original format again, NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT, with your files still there. It’s a moment that never really stops feeling like a small miracle, watching a drive Windows swore was unreadable show up clean again.

This order, scan, recover, check, repair, holds regardless of which software you reach for. The menu names will differ between tools, but skipping straight to a repair step before recovering your files is the one mistake that carries across all of them.

Also: Read our full EaseUS Partition Master review

How to fix a RAW partition on different devices

The core approach stays the same everywhere, recover first, repair second, but the tools and warning signs shift depending on the device.

Internal and external Windows drives follow the standard flow above: recover, repair, check for bad sectors if the problem returns, and treat formatting as a last resort once your data is safe elsewhere.

On a Mac, boot into macOS Recovery Mode, open Disk Utility, and run First Aid on the affected disk. We’ve found First Aid clears up the majority of logical errors on its own, no extra software needed. If First Aid can’t fix it, that’s your sign to move on to dedicated recovery tools rather than repeating First Aid over and over.

SD cards and USB flash drives fail RAW more often than hard drives do, usually from a card being pulled mid-write or a camera reporting something like a card error. The reader or port matters more here than people expect; a flaky reader can throw the same RAW-style errors as a damaged card, so try a different one before assuming the card itself is dead.

We’ve swapped a reader more than once and watched a supposedly dead card come right back to life.

Resist running repair attempt after repair attempt on flash storage too, since each pass adds wear, and flash memory doesn’t tolerate repeated write cycles the way a hard drive does. If a card keeps failing across multiple readers, treat that as a sign the card itself is on its way out, not something worth another repair pass.

Also: How to Partition a Hard Drive in Windows 11

Keeping a drive from turning RAW in the first place

Most RAW drives don’t happen out of nowhere. They’re usually the result of one bad habit or one unlucky moment that was completely avoidable, and in our experience, the same handful of habits come up again and again. A few things keep drives healthy long term:

• Back up regardless of everything else; this is the one habit we push harder than any other. A second copy kept somewhere else entirely is still your strongest safety net, no matter what else you do right.
• Match the file system to how you use the drive. NTFS works best for Windows-only drives. exFAT is the better call if you’re moving between Windows and Mac, and FAT32 is worth skipping on anything large since it’s more prone to corruption.
• Give the drive stable, consistent power. This matters most for external mechanical drives, since a cheap cable or an underpowered USB hub can cause enough instability over time to corrupt the file system.
• Run a periodic disk check on a healthy drive. Right-click it, go to Properties, then Tools, and run Error Checking, or use chkdsk from an admin Command Prompt. This only works before a drive goes RAW, since chkdsk needs a file system it can recognize to check in the first place.
• Keep malware off the system entirely, since some malware and ransomware go straight after partition tables.
• Handle portable drives with actual care. Shaking or moving an external drive while it’s reading or writing puts real strain on it.
• Never interrupt a transfer mid-way. Don’t force a shutdown, restart, or unplug a drive while it’s copying, formatting, or running a disk check.
• Always eject drives the proper way, using Safely Remove Hardware in your system tray before disconnecting anything.

Common mistakes that turn a RAW partition into permanent data loss

A RAW drive rarely destroys data on its own. What causes permanent loss is usually the panic response that follows, and we’ve watched this play out the same way more times than we can count.

• Formatting because the prompt told you to. That wipes the map to every file still sitting there recoverable.
• Reaching for repair tools before recovering anything. CHKDSK can’t actually run on a RAW drive, since it needs a recognized file system to check in the first place. The real risk is jumping into a recovery tool’s repair function before pulling your files off, which can overwrite the exact data you’re trying to save.
• Continuing to use the drive while troubleshooting. Every new file written can land on top of data you haven’t recovered yet.
• Choosing recovery software with no preview option, so there’s no way to confirm what’s usable before committing.
• Repeating a failed fix instead of trying a different method. This adds wear without changing the outcome, especially on flash storage.

RAW Partition vs. Lost or Deleted Partition, what’s the difference

People bring us both problems expecting the same fix, but they’re not the same at all. A RAW partition is still there. Windows can see it; it just can’t read the file system. A lost or deleted partition has vanished from the list entirely, though the data beneath it usually hasn’t. Same panic, different problem. RAW needs a file system repair.

Final thoughts

We’ve walked through more RAW drives than we’d like to count at this point, and the pattern never changes. Recover first, repair second, and figure out whether you’re dealing with a logical issue or a dying drive before you touch anything else. Skip that order, and you’re gambling with data you could’ve easily saved. The tool you pick matters far less than the order you follow, the same lesson buried in that flashing prompt we opened with.

Learn more…

• Top Partition Management Programs for Windows
• How to Delete System Reserved Partition
• Best Partition Manager Apps for Mac
• Top Hard Drive Recovery Software for Windows

<p>The post How to Repair a RAW Partition Without Losing Data first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

At a glance

Buy Pulltube if…

You want a smooth, minimal way to download YouTube videos

You want smart extensions for seamless browser integration

You want audio extraction, subtitles, and format conversion in one app

Buy Downie if…

You pull video from more than YouTube, and Downie covers 1,200+ sites

You’d rather download the full video first and trim later in an app you already trust

You want an automated media pipeline with room for integration

A Quick Word on Pricing

Pulltube vs Downie: TheSweetBits’ Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More…

• Our Full Downie Review
• Our Full Pulltube Review
• Guide to The Best YouTube Downloaders for Mac
• From Vision to Reality: Charlie Monroe Discusses Downie’s Journey

<p>The post Pulltube vs Downie: Which Mac Video Downloader Should You Buy first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Exclusive Offer

• Discount: 15% off
• Coupon Code: TheSweetBits
• Valid Until: September 30, 2026

Whether you’re upgrading to a new iPhone, transferring data from Android, or simply looking for a better way to manage your iPhone or iPad, this offer helps you save on AnyTrans.

How to Redeem

• Visit the AnyTrans product page.
• Click ‘See Pricing’ button, then choose your preferred license.
• Enter the coupon code TheSweetBits during checkout.
• Your 15% discount will be applied before payment.

Why Choose AnyTrans?

AnyTrans is one of our favorite iPhone management tools for users who want to:

• Transfer data between iPhone, iPad, Android, and computer
• Move to a new iPhone with minimal effort
• Selectively transfer photos, videos, music, messages, and other files
• Back up and manage iPhone content beyond what Finder or Apple Devices offers

If your primary goal is fast phone migration and flexible data transfers, AnyTrans remains one of the easiest tools we’ve tested.

Terms

• Coupon code: TheSweetBits
• Discount: 15% off
• Expires: September 30, 2026
• Valid on eligible AnyTrans purchases through iMobie.
• Cannot be combined with other promotions unless stated by iMobie.

Don’t wait too long—the offer expires on September 30, 2026.

Read Also

• AnyTrans dedicated review
• The Best iPhone Manager & Transfer Software We’ve Tested
• AnyTrans vs. iMazing: Which One Should You Buy?
• Ultimate Guide: How to Back Up Your iPhone

<p>The post AnyTrans Exclusive Deal: Save 15% with Coupon Code TheSweetBits first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

TL;DR: iMazing vs. AnyTrans at a Glance

• Choose iMazing if you regularly back up your iPhone, manage multiple Apple devices, or need access to messages, backups, and files that Finder can’t easily expose.
• Choose AnyTrans if you’re upgrading to a new phone, moving from Android to iPhone, or want the quickest way to transfer photos, apps, and media.
• Use Finder (or Apple Devices) if you simply want to back up your iPhone or migrate everything to a new iPhone. Apple’s built-in tools are now good enough for many users.

	iMazing	AnyTrans
Best for	Advanced iPhone management & backups	Fast phone migration & cross-platform transfers
Local backups		☆
Selective restore		☆☆
Android → iPhone	☆☆
Media management	☆
Message & WhatsApp export		☆
Ease of use	☆
Overall recommendation	Best for most users who need advanced management	Best for transfers and phone upgrades

The Basics

• iMazing

• AnyTrans

The Interface

• iMazing

• AnyTrans

The Functionalities

• iMazing

• AnyTrans

The Performance

The Compatibility

The Pricing

Where iMazing Wins

• Comprehensive device overview and detailed information on a single screen.
• Extensive feature set, including data transfer, full backups, and data management modules.
• Advanced device control features such as system file explorer and spyware analyzer.
• Enterprise-level device management.
• Wi-Fi connectivity after initial USB connection and backup.

Where AnyTrans Wins

• Simple user interface with shortcuts for everyday actions.
• Focus on data migration, with options for full-way transfer and selective data types.
• Additional features include a ringtone maker, screen mirroring, iCloud manager, and media library.
• Does not require an initial complete backup.
• Supports the latest iOS and iPadOS versions.

Where Apple Finder Is Already Enough

• Back up your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
• Restore an entire backup to the same or a new iPhone.
• Upgrade from one iPhone to another using Quick Start.
• Sync photos, music, and other media using Apple’s built-in tools.
• Keep automatic iCloud backups for everyday protection.

iMazing vs. AnyTrans: Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose iMazing if you want the best long-term iPhone management software.
• Choose AnyTrans if your primary goal is fast, hassle-free phone transfers.
• Stick with Finder if you only need occasional backups or are simply upgrading to a new iPhone.

* Readers like you help support TheSweetBits. When you buy something through the links in this article, we may get a small commission at no extra charge to you.

<p>The post iMazing vs. AnyTrans: Which One Should You Buy? first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>