OPEN-SOURCE PICK · FREE
Kap for Mac
Screen recorder in your menu bar
- Menu bar
- Audio & video
- Open source · MIT
- Free
- ★ 19.4k on GitHub
Kap is a free, open-source screen recorder for Mac that lives in your menu bar. Pick a part of the screen, record, and export a clip you can share, with plugins for more.
Key features
RECORD FROM THE MENU BAR
Click the icon, select an area, record, click again to stop.
PAUSE WHILE RECORDING
Option-click the menu bar icon to pause, right-click for more options.
PLUGINS
Extend exports and sharing with plugins.
Who Kap is for
- Developers making bug reports and demos
- Designers sharing short clips
- Anyone who needs a quick screen recording
Install
With Homebrew:
Or use the Download button above and drag the app to your Applications folder.
Requirements: Builds for Apple silicon and Intel.
A free alternative to CleanShot X, QuickTime Player and Screen Studio
People often look for Kap when they want what CleanShot X or QuickTime Player or Screen Studio does without paying. Kap is free and its source code is public, so you can see exactly what it does on your Mac.
FAQ
Is Kap free?
Yes, free and open source under the MIT license.
How do I install it?
Download from getkap.co or run brew install --cask kap.
Kap is made by wulkano, not by OneClickTool. We list it because we use it and recommend it; we are not paid to. Details checked against its README on 2026-10-07.