BetterScreenShotUse Quick Access and Floating References

This documentation applies to BetterScreenShot v0.5.47 and above. Last reviewed August 1, 2026.

Quick Access in plain language

Quick Access is the compact result window that appears after a screenshot, recording, GIF, OCR result, or imported file when the active post-capture profile enables it.

It lets you move from capture to the next action without reopening the full History view.

Actions available

Depending on result type and configuration, Quick Access can provide:

• Copy.
• Save.
• Save As.
• Annotate or edit.
• Pin as a floating reference.
• Drag to another application.
• Open OCR.
• Rotate or flip.
• Change image scale.
• Use Windows Share.
• Open the result in History.
• Delete the app-managed result when permitted.

Not every action applies to every result type.

Stack recent results

BetterScreenShot can keep several recent Quick Access cards visible. A stack is useful when a workflow produces several captures that must be copied, dragged, compared, or saved in sequence.

Pause the close timer

If automatic close is enabled:

• Move the pointer over the card to pause its timer.
• Move keyboard focus into the card to pause its timer.
• Move away or leave the card to resume the countdown.

Adjust the duration in Settings > Quick Access if the card regularly closes before you finish.

Configure post-capture profiles

BetterScreenShot can use different post-capture behavior for:

• Screenshots.
• Video recordings.
• GIF recordings.
• OCR results.
• Imported or opened files.

A profile can combine actions such as:

1. Add the result to local History.
2. Copy it to the clipboard.
3. Show Quick Access.
4. Open the editor or Studio.
5. Save automatically to the configured folder.
6. Run another supported local action.

These actions are independent. A result appearing in History does not prove that a permanent file was saved.

Drag a result

Quick Access can expose a normal local file for drag-and-drop into another application. The destination application decides whether it copies, uploads, attaches, imports, or rejects that file.

Review the destination before dropping private content. BetterScreenShot cannot control what another application does after it receives the file.

Pin a floating reference

A floating reference keeps an image above other windows while you work.

You can create one from:

• A new screenshot.
• A local History image.
• A clipboard image.
• A supported local image file.

Floating reference controls

A reference can support:

• Always-on-top display.
• Preset or direct width control.
• Opacity adjustment.
• Smooth or pixelated scaling.
• Click-through locking.
• Keyboard nudging.
• Closing without deleting the source image.
• Optional restoration after restart.

Use click-through lock when the reference should remain visible without intercepting work in the application below it. Unlock the reference before trying to move or close it.

Privacy and capture exclusion

BetterScreenShot attempts to exclude its own Quick Access, floating controls, camera preview, and recording controls from capture where Windows supports exclusion.

Capture exclusion depends on Windows, graphics drivers, source type, and rendering path. Always inspect sensitive output before sharing it.

Quick Access and History

Quick Access is a temporary action surface. History is the local working catalog.

Closing Quick Access does not automatically delete the History item. Deleting a History item can be blocked while Quick Access or a floating reference is still using it.

Before permanent deletion:

1. Close Quick Access cards using the item.
2. Close floating references using the item.
3. Save or export anything important.
4. Confirm the permanent-deletion explanation.

Quick Access does not appear

1. Open Settings > Quick Access.
2. Confirm that Quick Access is enabled for the current result type.
3. Review the active post-capture profile.
4. Confirm the result was created successfully.
5. Check whether the card appeared on another connected display.
6. Try one small Area capture.

The card cannot save, edit, or delete

The result may still be finalizing, rendering, recovering, protected by another surface, or unavailable on disk. Open History for the full state and error details.

A reference is stuck above everything

• Unlock click-through mode.
• Use the reference controls to close it.
• If controls are off-screen after a display change, reconnect the display or use the app's reference management controls.
• Do not end the app from Task Manager while captures or recordings are active.

Related help

• Getting Started
• Screenshots and Editing
• History and Recovery
• Privacy and Security