Show HN: Shot2 – Screenshots that don't waste your tokens (Free, OSS, MIT) (github.com)

Shot2, a new macOS menu bar application, has been launched to aid developers in efficiently sharing screenshots with AI models like Claude, ChatGPT, and Copilot. Unlike the default PNG format that results in large file sizes — consuming significant tokens when pasted into these tools — Shot2 provides a more economical solution by compressing screenshots to JPEG format before they hit the clipboard. This compression reduces the token cost by up to three times without compromising the readability essential for LLMs, making it easier and cheaper for developers to communicate issues or code snippets. The app features adjustable quality settings, allowing users to choose from four compression levels, including a highly aggressive "Ludicrous" mode, which further minimizes file size. With global hotkeys for capturing full-screen or selected areas and optional folder saving, the app prioritizes simplicity and user-friendliness while being built with zero dependencies, ensuring a lightweight footprint. Shot2 is released as open-source under the MIT License, presenting a valuable tool for the AI/ML community by making interactions with AI models more efficient and cost-effective.