Top xScope Alternatives for Designers and Developers
xScope, created by ARTIS Software & The Iconfactory, is renowned among designers and developers for its powerful suite of tools designed for measuring, aligning, and inspecting on-screen graphics and layouts. Quickly accessible via the Mac OS X menu bar, xScope's flexible tools float above desktop windows and UI elements, making precise measurements a breeze. However, for various reasons—be it platform compatibility, specific feature needs, or budget considerations—users often seek a robust xScope alternative. This article delves into the best options available to help you achieve similar pixel-perfect results.
The Best xScope Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a free solution, a Windows-compatible tool, or a Mac-specific app with unique features, there's a great alternative out there for your design and development workflow. Let's explore some of the top contenders.
PixelSnap 2
PixelSnap 2 is an excellent xScope alternative for macOS users. This commercial application empowers designers and web developers to measure anything on their screens with simple click-and-drag functionality. It offers robust Developer Tools and Screenshot Tools, making it a versatile option for precise on-screen measurements, much like xScope.
Red Lines Tools
Red Lines Tools provides a collection of free tools specifically designed to assist developers and designers in building and inspecting UI on Mac. Its flexible settings make it a valuable xScope alternative for a wide range of tasks, particularly for those looking for developer-centric features without a cost.
PixelSake
For Windows users in search of an xScope alternative, PixelSake is a commercial application designed to measure distances between elements on the screen. It aims to simplify the measurement process for Web Developers and Web Designers, helping them save time on their projects.
QuickLens
QuickLens is a comprehensive commercial suite of tools for macOS users, offering functionalities such as zooming into pixels, sampling colors, inspecting alignments, and measuring dimensions. Its Lens tool and support for Multiple Monitors make it a strong xScope alternative for detailed on-screen tasks.
Ruler
Ruler is a lightweight commercial tool specifically designed for Windows, allowing users to measure the size and distance between on-screen elements in pixels. Its ability to create, layout, and adjust measurements, combined with a Screen magnifier feature, makes it a practical xScope alternative for Windows users.
Designer Tools
Designer Tools is a free Windows application aimed at simplifying routine work for designers and developers. It includes a loupe tool for copying pixel colors, making it a useful and accessible xScope alternative for those on a Windows platform seeking basic, yet essential, design inspection capabilities.
pXRay
pXRay offers a powerful commercial toolkit for on-screen graphics and layouts for Mac users. It features Dimension Measure, Color Loupe, and Alignment tools, making it a robust xScope alternative with strong Developer Tools capabilities for precision design work.
Choosing the right xScope alternative depends on your operating system, specific design and development needs, and budget. Each of these tools offers unique strengths, from detailed pixel measurement to comprehensive developer toolkits. Explore them to find the perfect fit for your workflow and achieve the pixel-perfect precision you need.