Is Lightshot Safe?

If you use or plan to use Lightshot, you need to know: Is Lightshot safe? 

Below, we explain whether Lightshot is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Lightshot?

Lightshot is a free screenshot tool available for Windows and macOS and as a browser extension. 

It allows users to quickly capture selected areas of their screen, edit the screenshot with basic tools (like adding text, arrows, or shapes), and share the image directly via a URL. 

In addition to its core features, Lightshot allows users to upload screenshots to a cloud server, providing a shareable link for easy distribution. The tool also includes a search function that enables users to find similar images online.

Is Lightshot Safe?

Depends on what you’re using it for. 

Screenshots uploaded to Lightshot’s servers are accessible via a public URL. In other words, anyone can access them, and users have no way to encrypt or protect them once uploaded. 

The website openly states that it is not intended to be a private platform.

While no data breaches are associated with Lightshot at the time of writing, Lightshot does not claim to keep user screenshots secure. 

Is Lightshot Private?

No, Lightshot is not private.

When you upload screenshots to Lightshot’s cloud service, they become accessible via a public URL, which means anyone with the link can view the image. This can pose privacy risks, especially if sensitive or personal information is captured in the screenshot. 

It’s possible to make small changes to URLs and uncover other people’s screenshots. 

According to Wired, who looked at random Lightshot URLs, many URLs include names, contact numbers, addresses, bank details, and screenshots of intimate video calls. 

Lightshot’s privacy policy makes it clear that they do not collect anything that users post, nor do they process anything that is posted. 

The company does collect information given by users (meaning full name, contact email, and any profile information) if an account is created, but account creation is not required. They also collect anonymous information. 

User information is not sold or shared with any other parties. 

Lightshot’s privacy policy has not been assessed by review sites such as Terms of Service; Didn’t Read or the Common Sense Privacy Program at the time of writing. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On Lightshot

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience while using Lightshot. 

• Avoid cloud uploads. Instead of uploading screenshots to Lightshot’s cloud service, save them locally on your device to prevent them from being publicly accessible online.
• Be cautious with content. Don’t capture or share screenshots containing sensitive information using Lightshot’s public URL feature.
• Use strong passwords. If using Lightshot with an account, ensure that your account is protected with a strong, unique password.
• Use anonymously. Don’t create an account on Lightshot’s website unless you need to use the cloud service feature for a particular reason.