How to Uninstall CleanShot X | Complete Removal Guide

---

🤔 Why Is It Hard to Uninstall CleanShot X?

CleanShot X is a popular screenshot and screen recording tool for macOS, offering advanced features like annotation tools, scrolling screenshots, and screen capture automation. While it’s easy to install, many users find that uninstalling CleanShot X completely isn’t as simple due to:

• Hidden background processes that keep running
• Preference files and caches left behind after deletion
• Accessibility permissions not revoked automatically
• Menu bar extensions that remain active
• LaunchAgents or daemon services still registered

These leftover components can slow down your Mac, take up unnecessary disk space, or even cause conflicts with future apps.

In this article, we’ll explain why CleanShot X doesn’t always uninstall cleanly, provide step-by-step methods to remove it fully, and give you the success rate of each approach. We’ll also review top uninstall tools — highlighting PerfectUninstaller as the most effective solution for deep cleaning stubborn software like CleanShot X on macOS.

---

📦 What Is CleanShot X?

CleanShot X is a premium screenshot utility developed by Apexis Software, designed for macOS users who want more control over their screen captures. Key features include:

• Capture full-screen, selected areas, windows, or scrolling content
• Edit screenshots directly with annotation tools
• Record screen videos with audio
• Searchable screenshot history
• Integration with Finder, Safari, and other macOS apps

While CleanShot X is lightweight and user-friendly, it installs helper tools, launch agents, and preferences in hidden system folders, which are often overlooked during standard removal.

---

🔧 Step-by-Step Ways to Uninstall CleanShot X

✅ Method 1: Delete from Applications Folder (Success Rate: 50%)

This is the most basic method, but it leaves behind preference files, cache data, and system integrations.

Steps:

1. Open Finder
2. Go to Applications
3. Right-click CleanShot X > Move to Trash

📌 Note: This removes only the main app — not configuration files or background services.

---

✅ Method 2: Remove Preference Files Manually (Success Rate: 75%)

macOS stores user-specific settings in hidden directories.

Steps:

1. Open Finder
2. Press Cmd + Shift + G and type ~/Library/Preferences
3. Look for files named:

• com.cleanshot.CleanShot.plist
• com.apexis.cleanshot.helper.plist

1. Move them to the Trash

💡 Tip: Also check ~/Library/Application Support/CleanShot and delete if present.

---

✅ Method 3: Clear Caches and Logs (Success Rate: 85%)

System caches and logs can take up space and cause issues during reinstallation.

Steps:

1. Go to ~/Library/Caches/com.cleanshot.CleanShot
2. Delete the folder
3. Also check ~/Library/Logs/CleanShot

🛠 These folders may contain crash reports and temporary files used by the app.

---

✅ Method 4: Remove Launch Agents & Services (Success Rate: 90%)

CleanShot X uses macOS launch agents to run background tasks.

Steps:

1. Press Cmd + Shift + G in Finder
2. Navigate to /Library/LaunchAgents
3. Find and delete any files related to:

• com.apexis.cleanshot.helper.plist
• com.cleanshot.CleanShot.plist

1. Restart your Mac

⚠️ Warning: Be careful not to delete unrelated system agents.

---

✅ Method 5: Revoke Accessibility Permissions (Success Rate: 95%)

CleanShot X requires accessibility access to function properly.

Steps:

1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
2. Find CleanShot X in the list
3. Uncheck the box or click – to remove it

📌 This ensures CleanShot X cannot interact with your system anymore.

---

🛠️ Top Tools That Help Uninstall CleanShot X

Tool Name	Description	Success Rate
PerfectUninstaller	Deep cleans all traces including registry, cache, logs, and system services	⭐ 98%
AppCleaner & Uninstaller	Removes associated files and dependencies	⭐ 85%
CleanMyMac X	Powerful Mac cleanup suite with smart uninstaller	⭐ 80%
AppZapper	Zaps apps and leftovers easily	⭐ 75%

🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out

Unlike generic uninstallers, PerfectUninstaller performs a deep scan that removes every trace of CleanShot X — including:

• Hidden preference files
• Cache and log entries
• Background services and daemons
• System-level permissions and hooks

It supports forced uninstallation of stubborn entries and features an intuitive interface perfect for both beginners and advanced macOS users.

🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here

---

✅ Summary: Best Way to Remove CleanShot X

Here’s how to choose the right method based on your experience level:

• Beginner: Use PerfectUninstaller alone for full cleanup
• Intermediate: Delete the app manually + clear preferences and caches
• Advanced: Combine LaunchAgent removal, accessibility revocation, and PerfectUninstaller

Always remember to restart your Mac after uninstalling to ensure all changes take effect.

---

💡 Final Pro Tip

To keep your Mac clean and efficient:

• Always read installation steps carefully — avoid bundled software
• Set up a scheduled maintenance routine using trusted tools like PerfectUninstaller
• Regularly scan for leftover drivers, toolbars, and unused programs