Squint
Squint is a lightweight desktop app that explains anything visible on your screen: press a hotkey, drag a box around what you want explained, and an AI-powered answer streams into a panel without switching apps or uploading files manually.
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Quick Overview
Best for: Chat
What it does
Chat software for decision-makers comparing workflow fit and alternatives.
Best fit
Chat
Pricing snapshot
Freemium from $0
Next step
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Squint is a desktop application that explains whatever is on your screen. It runs in the system tray and is activated with a hotkey; when activated it freezes the screen, you draw a box around the area you want explained, and an answer streams into a panel beside the selection. The product emphasizes minimal context switching — there is no persistent window to keep open, no file upload step, and the thing you point at becomes the question.
Answers are produced by an online model (two selectable models: Fast and Best). Squint stores chat history locally and supports follow-up questions per capture, with configurable streaming speed and a range of themes and UI options. It targets people who want fast, in-context explanations while working on their desktop.
Press a hotkey, drag a box around anything on your screen, and read the answer beside it. No switching apps, no describing what you are looking at, no chat window. For Windows and Linux.
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Hotkey Activation
Activate immediately using Win+Shift+Q (rebindable) to freeze the screen and start a capture without switching windows.
Streamed Response
Responses stream to the on-screen panel in real time; streaming speed is configurable in the app's settings.
Follow-up Questions
Ask follow-ups directly in the panel without taking a new screenshot or re-explaining; each capture permits a fixed number of follow-ups.
Two Models (Fast and Best)
Choose between a Fast model (default) and a Best model for difficult captures; model choice can be set per capture.
Rich Formatting
Supports Markdown, mathematical expressions, and code blocks in responses.
Themes and Appearance
Includes sixteen themes (Dracula, Nord, Gruvbox, Catppuccin, and more) and dynamic sizing of the response panel.
Multiple Regions
Hold Shift to select up to four regions in a single capture.
Chat History
Closed chats are stored locally, searchable, and can be continued; local storage can be turned off.
Cross-platform Desktop Builds
Distributed installers for Windows and Linux today (macOS coming soon); specific platform notes (Wayland-only AppImage for Linux).
Pricing
3 captures per day (or 10 per week), no card required, Fast model only, up to 2 follow-ups per capture.
Free
$0- 3 captures per day (resets at midnight UTC) or 10 captures per week (resets Monday at midnight UTC)
- Fast model only
- Up to 2 follow-up questions per capture
- All UI features available (multiple regions, archive, themes)
Plus
$10/month (or yearly with 17% savings)- 2,500 credits per month
- Access to all models
- Up to 10 follow-up questions per capture
- Signed in on up to 3 devices
Use Cases
In-context explanation while working
Capture a UI element, image, or document fragment and get an immediate explanation without leaving your current app or rebuilding context.
Reading dense or small text
Use the Best model for difficult captures such as dense fine print that you need read exactly.
Quick identification or information lookup
Ask questions about images or screen content (e.g., 'What is this place?', 'Who painted this?') directly from the desktop.
Integrations
Google Sign-In
Option to continue/sign in with Google (site shows 'Continue with Google').
Microsoft Store (distribution)
Microsoft Store listing noted as 'soon' for distribution on Windows.
Benefits
Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Squint watching my screen all the time?
What happens to what I capture?
Do I need an account?
Which model answers?
Does it work offline?
Can I change the hotkey?
Multiple monitors or high-DPI displays?
Is this a chat app?
Getting Started
- 1 Download the installer for your platform (Windows .exe, Linux AppImage; macOS coming soon) from the site.
- 2 Install and run the app; the app lives in your system tray until activated.
- 3 Press the hotkey (Win+Shift+Q by default), drag a box around what you want explained, and read the streamed answer. Sign in using your email link to access account features.
Support
Email support for questions, account trouble, and bugs — the site indicates a real person reads support messages and provides an email contact on the site.
docs
On-site help/FAQ content covers common questions (installation, privacy, models, hotkeys).
API
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