Best Ray.so Alternative for Offline, Private Code Screenshots (2026)
28 languages. GitHub Dark and Light themes. PNG to file or clipboard. No account, no upload, no Raycast required.
For backend engineers, DevRel folks, indie hackers, and team leads who paste snippets into tweets, blog posts, README files, slide decks, and code reviews — including snippets from private repos that should never touch a web tool. Ray.so is excellent for quick public snippets — Raycast's designers built it. FileHop is what you reach for when the snippet contains anything you wouldn't paste into a public chat.
Why Look for a Ray.so Alternative
Ray.so is polished and free, but it has a few specific friction points worth flagging:
Pasted code leaves your device
Ray.so is a web app — the snippet you paste enters the browser session of a remote-hosted page.
API keys and secrets at risk
Pasting a snippet that contains a private token, a DSN, or proprietary logic from a private repo means it has been pasted into a web tool.
Needs an internet connection
Ray.so doesn't work offline — no plane, no air-gapped network, no on-call SSH session without coverage.
Tied to the Raycast ecosystem
Many features double as Raycast on-ramps — if you don't use Raycast or are on Windows without it, you lose part of the value.
No PNG-to-clipboard hotkey
Ray.so downloads to a file every time, then you have to drag the PNG into the post — there's no native desktop clipboard write.
Limited language coverage
Ray.so's curated list is shorter than a 28-language tool — uncommon languages like Dockerfile, Makefile, GraphQL, and TOML are missing or limited.
You want a tool that works like a code editor — paste in, image out, nothing touches the network — and that is happy to run without a Raycast subscription.
Top Ray.so Alternatives
1. FileHop
Type: Desktop (Free)
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Why Choose:
- ✅ 28 programming languages via Shiki (JavaScript, TypeScript, Rust, Go, Python, Swift, Kotlin, SQL, GraphQL, Dockerfile, Makefile, and more)
- ✅ GitHub Dark and GitHub Light themes (only 2 — Ray.so ships more)
- ✅ 7 font sizes from 12 to 24 px
- ✅ Line numbers and a window title field
- ✅ 5 padding presets (None, S, M, L, XL)
- ✅ Solid, gradient, or transparent backgrounds
- ✅ PNG export to file or directly to your clipboard
- ✅ Runs entirely on your Mac or Windows machine — your code never leaves the device
- ✅ No account, no signup, no usage caps, no watermark, no Raycast dependency
vs Ray.so:
- Local rendering: Yes vs Ray.so's web rendering
- Clipboard: PNG to clipboard vs file-only download
- Native: Mac & Windows standalone vs browser-only Raycast on-ramp
- Raycast: Not required FileHop is independent of any launcher
Best For: Snippets from private repos, offline workflows, anyone who wants a clean PNG straight onto the clipboard without touching Raycast
Download FileHop Free2. Carbon
Type: Web (Free)
Platforms: Web browser
Why Choose:
- ✅ Massive community recognition
- ✅ Open source (MIT) on GitHub
- ✅ Many themes and language modes
- ✅ Shareable URLs for collaborative sharing
Limitations:
- ❌ Web-only — your snippet enters the browser of a hosted app
- ⚠️ No offline mode
- ⚠️ No native PNG-to-clipboard from a desktop hotkey
- ⚠️ No standalone desktop app
vs Ray.so:
- More themes than FileHop, but web-based
- Older and more recognized than Ray.so
- Free, no signup — same as Ray.so
Best For: A fully public snippet where you want the most recognized web tool and a shareable URL
3. Snappify
Type: Web (Freemium)
Platforms: Web browser
Why Choose:
- ✅ Multi-snippet canvas (good for slides and tutorials)
- ✅ Animation / typing-effect export
- ✅ Wide template library
- ✅ IntelliJ + VSCode extensions
Limitations:
- ❌ Web-only core — code is uploaded into the browser tool
- ⚠️ Free tier is limited; paid tiers gate the most useful features
- ⚠️ Account required for project saving
- ⚠️ Heavier than needed for a one-off screenshot
vs Ray.so:
- Multi-snippet canvas + animation export
- Web-based vs local
- Paid tiers vs Ray.so's free model
Best For: Slide decks or tutorials with multiple snippets and animations
4. codeimage.dev
Type: Web (Free)
Platforms: Web browser
Why Choose:
- ✅ Open source
- ✅ Multi-tab snippets in one image
- ✅ Modern, clean UI
- ✅ No watermark
Limitations:
- ❌ Browser-based — snippet still goes through the hosted instance
- ⚠️ No offline mode in the hosted version
- ⚠️ Self-hosting requires deploying it yourself
- ⚠️ No native desktop hotkey
vs Ray.so:
- Open source — Ray.so is closed source
- Multi-tab support
- Both web-based
Best For: Multi-tab code images and open-source contributors
5. Codeimg.io
Type: Web (Free)
Platforms: Web browser
Why Choose:
- ✅ Lightweight UI
- ✅ Quick to use for one-off snippets
- ✅ Free with no signup wall
Limitations:
- ❌ Web-only
- ⚠️ Limited theme variety
- ⚠️ No clipboard export, only download
- ⚠️ No native desktop app
vs Ray.so:
- Lighter UI than Ray.so
- Web-based vs local
- Both free
Best For: Fast one-off snippet exports in the browser
6. Polacode (VSCode extension)
Type: VSCode extension (Free)
Platforms: VSCode extension
Why Choose:
- ✅ Lives inside VSCode — no context switch
- ✅ Uses your existing VSCode theme automatically
- ✅ Free, open source
- ✅ Local — runs inside the editor
Limitations:
- ❌ Only works inside VSCode — not a standalone tool
- ⚠️ Limited styling options vs Ray.so
- ⚠️ No background gradients or padding presets
- ⚠️ Requires the extension to be installed and maintained
vs Ray.so:
- Also local (like FileHop) — but tied to VSCode
- No background or padding presets
- Free, open source
Best For: Developers who live in VSCode and want zero context switch
7. Silicon (CLI)
Type: CLI (Free, open source)
Platforms: CLI (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Why Choose:
- ✅ Local — fully offline CLI
- ✅ Open source, Rust
- ✅ Scriptable in build pipelines
- ✅ No browser, no electron
Limitations:
- ❌ Command-line only — no GUI
- ⚠️ Setup required (cargo install or homebrew)
- ⚠️ No visual preview before export
- ⚠️ Theme list curated by the CLI's bundled syntax-highlighting set
vs Ray.so:
- Also local (like FileHop) — but CLI-only
- Scriptable in CI / build pipelines
- Free, open source
Best For: Engineers automating code-to-image generation in scripts or CI
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Type | Price | Languages | Themes | Offline | Clipboard Export | Privacy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FileHop | Desktop | Free | 28 | 2 (GitHub Dark + Light) | ✅ Yes | ✅ PNG to clipboard | 🔒🔒🔒 Local | Privacy-sensitive code |
| Ray.so | Web | Free | ~15 curated | ~11 curated | ❌ No | ❌ Download only | ⚠️ Cloud | Quick polished public snippets |
| Carbon | Web | Free | Many | Many | ❌ No | ❌ Download only | ⚠️ Cloud | Community + shareable URLs |
| Snappify | Web | Freemium | Many | Many | ❌ No | ❌ Download only | ⚠️ Cloud | Slides + animations |
| codeimage.dev | Web | Free | Many | Many | ❌ No | ❌ Download only | ⚠️ Cloud | Open-source web |
| Codeimg.io | Web | Free | Many | Limited | ❌ No | ❌ Download only | ⚠️ Cloud | Quick web snippets |
| Polacode | VSCode extension | Free | Many | Uses VSCode theme | ✅ Yes | Limited | 🔒 Local | Inside VSCode (also local) |
| Silicon (CLI) | CLI | Free | Many | Bundled set | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 🔒 Local | CLI / scriptable (also local) |
| Karbonized | Tauri (desktop + web) | Free | Many | Many | ✅ Yes | Limited | 🔒 Local | Tauri Mac/Win/Linux (also local-leaning) |
Privacy: Why Local Code Rendering Matters
⚠️ What happens when you paste code into a web tool
When you paste a snippet into Ray.so or any hosted code-screenshot tool, that snippet enters the browser session of a hosted app — that is how web tools work architecturally.
For backend engineers, DevRel teams, and contractors, the snippet often contains an API key by accident, a function name from a private repo, an internal table schema, a customer SQL query, or proprietary algorithmic logic.
Even reputable tools like Ray.so have analytics, error reporting, and CDN caching that can incidentally capture the pasted text. A snippet from a private repository, a query that includes a customer ID for a bug report, or an internal SDK function name from an unreleased product is now out of your control.
🔒 How FileHop handles this
FileHop renders code locally via Shiki on your own CPU, then exports the PNG to your file system or your clipboard. Nothing is uploaded. Nothing is cached on a server. You can unplug the ethernet cable and it still works.
This is not a claim — it is how the architecture works. There is no server to send the snippet to.
Looking for the same offline story for the Carbon side of the SERP? See our Carbon.now.sh alternative guide. For screenshots and device mockups, see the Shots.so alternative guide.
28 Languages and What FileHop Ships With
Four categories, 28 total languages via Shiki, plus GitHub Dark and GitHub Light themes.
Web
JavaScript, TypeScript, JSX, TSX, HTML, CSS, SCSS
Backend
Python, Rust, Go, Java, C++, C, C#, Ruby, PHP
Mobile + Systems
Swift, Kotlin, Bash, SQL, GraphQL
Config + Markup
JSON, YAML, TOML, XML, Markdown, Dockerfile, Makefile
Themes FileHop Ships
GitHub Dark
Dark background, the default for most code editors.
GitHub Light
Light background, the default for blog posts and documentation.
Two themes today (GitHub Dark and GitHub Light). Ray.so ships ~11 curated theme presets including breeze, midnight, candy, crimson, falcon, meadow, raindrop, sunset, vercel, supabase, and tailwind — FileHop ships fewer themes but ships them with PNG-to-clipboard, full offline rendering, and a wider language list including Dockerfile, Makefile, TOML, and GraphQL.
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Choose FileHop If
FileHop
- ✅ You paste snippets from private repos or production code
- ✅ You want offline mode and PNG-to-clipboard
- ✅ You want a native Mac or Windows window without Raycast
- ✅ You primarily use mainstream languages with GitHub Dark or Light themes
Choose Carbon If
Carbon
- ✅ You want the most community recognition
- ✅ You need the shareable URL workflow on a public snippet
Choose Snappify If
Snappify
- ✅ You build slide decks or tutorials with multiple snippets
- ✅ You need typing-effect or animation export
Choose Polacode If
Polacode
- ✅ You live in VSCode and want zero context switch
- ✅ You're happy with your current VSCode theme as the snippet style
Stay with Ray.so If
Ray.so
- ⚠️ You already use Raycast as your launcher
- ⚠️ You want the prettiest curated themes and gradients out of the box
- ⚠️ Your snippets are fully public and you don't need clipboard export
Try the Offline Ray.so Alternative
28 languages. Local rendering. PNG to clipboard. No Raycast required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to Ray.so?
FileHop is the best free alternative for engineers who paste code from private repositories or want PNG-to-clipboard — it is a desktop app for Mac and Windows that ships 28 languages via Shiki and renders entirely on your machine. Carbon and codeimage.dev are reasonable free web options if you prefer staying in the browser, and Polacode is a strong fit if you live in VSCode.
Is there an offline desktop alternative to Ray.so?
Yes. FileHop is a native desktop app for Mac and Windows. The code snapshot generator is part of the Screenshot Beautifier feature and renders entirely on your device using Shiki. You can use it on a plane, on a VPN, or in an air-gapped environment — no internet connection required, and no Raycast install required either.
Does FileHop upload my source code to generate the screenshot?
No. FileHop runs locally on your computer. The code is highlighted by Shiki, rendered into a canvas element on your own CPU, and exported as a PNG directly to your filesystem or your clipboard. There is no server round-trip, no temporary upload, and no cache.
Do I need Raycast to use FileHop for code screenshots?
No. FileHop is a standalone desktop application — it does not require Raycast or any launcher. It runs as its own native window on Mac and Windows. Ray.so is built by Raycast and several of its features double as Raycast on-ramps; FileHop is independent of that ecosystem.
How many programming languages does FileHop support?
FileHop supports 28 languages via Shiki: JavaScript, TypeScript, JSX, TSX, Python, Rust, Go, Java, C++, C, C#, Ruby, PHP, Swift, Kotlin, Bash, YAML, JSON, TOML, XML, HTML, CSS, SCSS, Markdown, SQL, GraphQL, Dockerfile, and Makefile.
What themes does FileHop ship for code snapshots?
FileHop ships two themes today — GitHub Dark and GitHub Light. Ray.so ships approximately 11 curated theme presets (breeze, midnight, candy, crimson, falcon, meadow, raindrop, sunset, vercel, supabase, tailwind), and those gradients are designed by Raycast's team — that is a real strength of Ray.so. If theme variety is your top priority, Ray.so may be the better pick. FileHop's edge is the local rendering and the PNG-to-clipboard workflow, not theme breadth.
Can I copy the code screenshot directly to my clipboard?
Yes. FileHop can export the PNG to a chosen file path or directly to your system clipboard. You can paste the image straight into a tweet, a Notion doc, a GitHub issue, or a Slack message without first saving it to disk. Ray.so downloads to a file every time, so this is a real day-to-day difference.
Does FileHop work on Windows?
Yes. FileHop has native Mac and Windows desktop builds. The code snapshot feature works identically on both. Ray.so works on Windows as well — it is web-based — but FileHop gives you a real native window you can command-tab to, which is particularly useful on Windows where Raycast itself is not as well established.
Is there a Linux version of FileHop for code screenshots?
Not currently. FileHop ships Mac and Windows desktop builds today. If you specifically need a Linux-native code-screenshot tool, Silicon (CLI) is a solid offline option for Linux users, and codeimage.dev runs in any browser including on Linux.
Should I switch from Ray.so to FileHop?
Honest answer: it depends on what you paste. If your snippets are fully public — open-source code, public APIs, blog post examples — and you live inside Raycast already, Ray.so is a great choice and you can keep using it. If you regularly paste snippets from private repos, you want PNG-to-clipboard, you want a native window without Raycast, or you want it to work offline, FileHop is the better fit. Many engineers will use both: Ray.so for public tweets, FileHop for private-repo snippets. That is fine.