Best Carbon.now.sh Alternatives (2026)
Carbon pioneered beautiful code screenshots and earned 35,900+ GitHub stars. But the project has been dormant since December 2024 — no updates, no bug fixes, no API.
Comparison
| Feature | Ray by Tinte | Carbon | ray.so | Snappify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themes | 500+ | ~29 | 17 | ~50 |
| Languages | 16 | ~75 | 50+ | 90+ |
| Export | PNG, SVG, Clipboard | PNG, SVG | PNG | PNG, SVG, PDF, GIF |
| API | Free (60 req/min) | No | No | Paid only |
| AI skill | Claude, Cursor | No | No | No |
| Price | Free | Free | Free | $0-32/mo |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Status | Active | Dormant | Active | Active |
1. Ray by Tinte
500+ syntax highlighting themes, free REST API (60 req/min), native Claude Code and Cursor skills, PNG/SVG/clipboard export. Open source and actively maintained.
Honest weakness: 16 languages vs Carbon's ~75. Covers all major languages.
Try Ray by Tinte →2. Snappify
Feature-rich commercial tool with animated snippets, 90+ languages, PNG/SVG/PDF/GIF export. API on paid plans only ($10+/mo). Not open source.
Visit Snappify →3. ray.so
Raycast's code screenshot tool. Clean interface, 17 themes, 50+ languages. PNG-only, no API, no AI integration. Free but closed source.
Visit ray.so →4. chalk.ist
Markdown-based approach to code screenshots. Free and minimal. No API, limited themes.
Visit chalk.ist →FAQ
Is Carbon.now.sh still maintained?
No updates since December 2024. The tool works but receives no new features or fixes.
What is the best free alternative?
Ray by Tinte — 500+ themes, free API, clipboard copy, open source.
Which tools have an API?
Ray by Tinte (free, 60 req/min) and Snappify (paid plans only).
Can I use these with AI coding assistants?
Only Ray by Tinte has native AI integration. Install with npx skills add Railly/tinte.