Limelight

A CleanShot X alternative for live screen presenting

CleanShot X is a polished capture-and-record tool. Limelight is a live overlay that makes whatever is on your screen easier to follow in the moment.

CleanShot X is a well-loved Mac app for taking clean screenshots, recording quick screen videos, and marking captures up before you share them. If your job is to produce a tidy screenshot or a finished clip, it does that job nicely.

Limelight is built for a different moment: the live one. It is a macOS menu-bar overlay that runs on top of any app while you are presenting, recording, or on a call. It gives you a cursor spotlight that follows your pointer, an on-screen keystroke display that shows your shortcut keys as badges, and freehand drawing you can sweep across the whole screen. Nothing is captured or uploaded; it simply sits on top.

Choose CleanShot X when you need to capture and annotate a still or record a clip to send later. Choose Limelight when you need your audience to follow along right now, and run them together when you want a polished recording with a guiding spotlight and visible shortcuts layered on top.

Why Limelight

  • Cursor spotlight (⌃⌥1) so eyes track your pointer during live demos
  • On-screen keystroke display (⌃⌥2) that surfaces your shortcuts as badges
  • Freehand draw across the whole screen (⌃⌥3, clear with ⌃⌥C)
  • Pure overlay that works on top of any recorder or meeting app
  • One-time $15, no subscription, all future updates included
Try it free — download

7-day free trial · no card required · macOS 14+

Or buy now — $15 one-time · See how it works →

One-time payment, no subscription. 7-day free trial, then $15 once. macOS 14+, notarized by Apple.

FAQ

Can I use Limelight together with CleanShot X?
Yes. Limelight is just an overlay, so you can run it on top while CleanShot X records, giving your clip a cursor spotlight, visible keystrokes, and freehand annotation in real time.
Does Limelight take screenshots or record video like CleanShot X?
No. Limelight does not capture, record, or upload anything. It only draws a live overlay on screen, so you pair it with whatever capture or meeting app you already use.

Keep reading