PastScreen: Ultra-Fast, Clipboard-First Screenshots for macOS Developers
Capture high-quality screenshots in a matter of milliseconds with PastScreen, an essential tool for developers using macOS. This innovative application allows users to copy screenshots directly to the clipboard, making it easier than ever to integrate visuals into coding workflows without unnecessary delays.

Key Features

• Instant Clipboard Integration: Every screenshot is automatically copied as an image, ready for immediate use wherever needed.
• Smart App Overrides: Tailor the clipboard format to specific applications—use image mode for most apps and switch to path mode for terminals effortlessly.
• User-Friendly Menu Bar App: Enjoy a clean and efficient menu-bar interface, complete with a global hotkey shortcut (⌥⌘S) and an optional Dock icon for quick access.
• Elegant Liquid Glass Overlay: Experience a custom selection window with a translucent HUD for a visually appealing interaction.
• Native macOS Notifications: Receive banners with Finder reveal notifications after each capture, ensuring awareness of completed tasks.
• Siri and Shortcuts Compatible: Utilize App Intents, Automations, and Spotlight for quick captures through voice commands or shortcuts.

What's New in Version 2.2

• Refined Clipboard Behavior: Default settings ensure that screenshots are copied as image only, providing consistent results across various applications, including AI agents and web browsers.
• App-Specific Customizations: Users can personalize clipboard formats for different applications through the settings, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Enhanced User Interface: A larger and more intuitive Settings window facilitates easier navigation and usability.

Technology Stack

• Developed using Swift 5.9, with a combination of AppKit and SwiftUI for a seamless user experience.
• Utilizes ScreenCaptureKit for efficient, high-quality screenshot capability.
• Additional components include TipKit and AppIntents on macOS 14+, supporting localization across multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.

Permissions

• Screen Recording: Necessary for capturing screen content using ScreenCaptureKit.
• Accessibility: Required for implementing global hotkey functionality.
• Notifications: Enables banner alerts and Finder reveals post-capture.

Privacy Policy

PastScreen ensures user privacy by performing all operations locally, with no uploads or transmissions of captures.

Getting Started

PastScreen is freely available on the Mac App Store, where the signed and notarized version can be downloaded for seamless updates. For those interested in building the app, the source code is entirely open source and can be accessed on GitHub for personal customization.

PastScreen is built for developers seeking an efficient and effective way to capture and utilize screenshots within their workflows. Contributions are welcome, with opportunities to report issues, propose enhancements, and submit pull requests.