ImageSnap
ImageSnap is a free macOS command-line utility for capturing still images from an iSight or another video source.
What ImageSnap is
ImageSnap is a free macOS command-line utility for capturing still images from an iSight or another video source. It can list connected video devices and select one by full or partial name. Captures can be written as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, or BMP files. Timelapse capture is supported, including an option to limit the number of pictures. The historical documentation also describes sending JPEG output to standard output by using a dash as the filename. The current 0.3.0 implementation is described as a Swift rewrite of the original Objective-C tool using AVFoundation. Camera capture has a default three-second warmup period that can be adjusted. ImageSnap is released into the public domain and the original tool is attributed to Robert Harder. It requires macOS 13.0 Ventura or later and a connected built-in or external camera. macOS may request camera permission on first use. Building from source requires Xcode 15.0 or swiftc.
Good
- Free public-domain software
- Selects cameras by name
- Supports five output formats
- Includes timelapse capture
- Adjustable camera warmup
Watch out
- Command-line interface
- Requires macOS 13.0 or later
- Needs a connected camera
- Camera permission may be required
Who it suits
It suits macOS users comfortable with command-line capture, including timed or device-specific still-image workflows. A connected camera is required.
Verdict
ImageSnap provides focused command-line still capture with device selection, timelapse, and multiple image formats. Its newer macOS requirement and terminal-based workflow may narrow its audience.
Plans and prices
From ImageSnap's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| ImageSnap | Free | Public domain · command-line camera capture |
The facts
Each one read from ImageSnap's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build requirement
- The README lists Xcode 15.0 or later for building from source and also documents compiling with swiftc.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Camera permission
- The README says macOS may ask for permission to let imagesnap access the camera on first use.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Camera selection
- The tool can list available video devices and select a device by its full or partial name.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Current implementation
- The project README describes version 0.3.0 as a Swift rewrite of the original Objective-C tool using AVFoundation.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirement
- The README lists a connected built-in or external camera as a requirement.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Image formats
- Supported output formats are JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, and BMP.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The original ImageSnap page says the software is released into the public domain.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Output
- The historical page documents sending JPEG output to standard output by using a dash as the filename.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ImageSnap is a command-line tool for capturing still images from an iSight or another video source.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Timelapse
- The README documents timed image capture and an option to limit the number of timelapse pictures.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Warmup
- The README states that capture has a default three-second camera warmup period that can be adjusted.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker attribution
- The README attributes the original tool to Robert Harder.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform requirement
- The current README lists macOS 13.0 Ventura or later as a requirement.checked 9 Oct 2026
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