How To Take A Screenshot On Linux

You can capture your entire desktop on Linux by using the dedicated screenshot tool built into your GNOME environment. But if you’re wondering how to take a screenshot on linux across different desktop environments or distros, this guide covers all the major methods. Whether you use Ubuntu, Fedora, or Linux Mint, you’ll find a simple solution here.

Taking screenshots on Linux is straightforward once you know the right tools and shortcuts. Many users think it’s complicated, but it’s actually quite easy. This article walks you through built-in utilities, command-line tools, and third-party apps.

Linux offers multiple ways to capture your screen. The method you choose depends on your desktop environment and personal preference. Below, we cover the most common approaches.

Using Built-In Screenshot Tools

Most Linux distributions come with a pre-installed screenshot tool. For GNOME, it’s called “Screenshot” or “GNOME Screenshot.” Here’s how to use it:

Press the PrtSc (Print Screen) key on your keyboard.
A dialog box appears with options: capture the entire screen, a window, or a selection.
Choose your option and click “Take Screenshot.”
The image saves to your Pictures folder by default.

You can also access the tool via the Activities overview. Search for “Screenshot” and launch it from there.

Keyboard Shortcuts For Quick Captures

Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to take screenshots on Linux. Here are the default ones for GNOME:

PrtSc – Capture the entire screen.
Alt + PrtSc – Capture the current window.
Shift + PrtSc – Capture a selected area.
Ctrl + PrtSc – Copy the screenshot to clipboard instead of saving.

These shortcuts work out of the box on most GNOME-based distros like Ubuntu and Fedora. If they don’t, check your keyboard settings.

Using The Command Line

For advanced users, the terminal offers powerful screenshot tools. The most common is gnome-screenshot. Here are some examples:

gnome-screenshot – Captures the entire screen.
gnome-screenshot -w – Captures the active window.
gnome-screenshot -a – Captures a selected area.
gnome-screenshot -d 5 – Adds a 5-second delay.

You can also use import from ImageMagick if installed. Run import screenshot.png and click on the area you want.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools

If the built-in tools don’t meet your needs, try these popular alternatives:

Flameshot – Feature-rich with annotation tools. Install via sudo apt install flameshot.
Shutter – Great for editing and uploading. Available in most repositories.
Ksnip – Lightweight and cross-platform. Supports multiple formats.

These tools offer more flexibility, like adding arrows, text, or blurring sensitive info.

Screenshots On Different Desktop Environments

Each desktop environment has its own tools. Here’s a quick overview:

KDE Plasma

KDE uses Spectacle. Press PrtSc to open it. You can capture regions, windows, or the full screen. Spectacle also allows you to annotate and share directly.

XFCE

XFCE includes the “Screenshot” utility. Access it from the Applications menu or run xfce4-screenshooter in the terminal. It supports full screen, window, and region captures.

LXQt

LXQt uses a simple screenshot tool. Press PrtSc to capture the screen. You can also use the lxqt-screenshot command for more options.

Cinnamon

Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop has a built-in screenshot tool. Press PrtSc or find it in the menu. It offers similar features to GNOME’s tool.

Taking Screenshots With Delay

Sometimes you need a delay to capture menus or tooltips. Here’s how:

In GNOME Screenshot, select “Grab after a delay of X seconds.”
In the terminal: gnome-screenshot -d 10 for a 10-second delay.
In Flameshot, use the -d flag: flameshot gui -d 5000 (delay in milliseconds).

This is useful for capturing context menus that disappear when you press a key.

Saving Screenshots To Clipboard

To paste a screenshot directly into an app, copy it to the clipboard. Use these shortcuts:

Ctrl + PrtSc – Copy full screen to clipboard.
Ctrl + Alt + PrtSc – Copy current window to clipboard.
Ctrl + Shift + PrtSc – Copy selected area to clipboard.

Then paste it into an image editor or document with Ctrl + V.

Changing Screenshot Save Location

By default, screenshots save to the Pictures folder. To change this:

Open the Screenshot tool.
Click the settings icon (gear icon).
Choose a new folder under “Save Screenshots to.”

For command-line users, specify a path: gnome-screenshot --file=/home/username/Desktop/screenshot.png.

Using Flameshot For Annotations

Flameshot is a favorite among Linux users. It’s easy to install and use:

Install Flameshot: sudo apt install flameshot (Ubuntu/Debian) or sudo dnf install flameshot (Fedora).
Launch it from the menu or run flameshot gui.
Select the area you want to capture.
Use the toolbar to add text, arrows, shapes, or blur.
Save, copy, or upload the image.

Flameshot also supports uploading to Imgur directly.

Taking Screenshots In Wayland

Wayland is the modern display server replacing X11. Screenshot tools work differently here. Most built-in tools support Wayland, but some third-party apps may not. For Wayland:

Use gnome-screenshot – it works natively.
Use wl-screenshot from the wl-clipboard package.
Flameshot has limited Wayland support; use flameshot gui with QT_QPA_PLATFORM=wayland.

If you encounter issues, switch to X11 temporarily or use a Wayland-compatible tool.

Using ImageMagick For Screenshots

ImageMagick’s import command is versatile. Install it with sudo apt install imagemagick. Then:

import screenshot.png – Click on the window to capture.
import -window root screenshot.png – Capture the entire desktop.
import -delay 5 screenshot.png – Add a 5-second delay.

This tool is great for scripting and automation.

Automating Screenshots With Scripts

You can write a simple bash script to take screenshots at intervals. Here’s an example:

#!/bin/bash
for i in {1..5}
do
  gnome-screenshot -d 2
  sleep 10
done

Save it as screenshot_script.sh, make it executable with chmod +x screenshot_script.sh, and run it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes screenshots don’t work as expected. Here are fixes:

PrtSc key not working: Check if the key is remapped. Go to Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
Screenshot saves as blank: This may happen with Wayland. Use a Wayland-compatible tool.
No screenshot tool installed: Install one via your package manager.
Permission errors: Ensure you have write access to the save folder.

Most issues are resolved by updating your system or reinstalling the tool.

Editing Screenshots After Capture

After taking a screenshot, you might want to edit it. Use these tools:

GIMP: Full-featured image editor. Install via sudo apt install gimp.
Pinta: Simple and lightweight. Great for quick edits.
KolourPaint: For KDE users. Basic drawing tools.

You can also use online editors like Photopea if you prefer a browser-based solution.

Sharing Screenshots Quickly

To share a screenshot immediately, use these methods:

Upload to Imgur via Flameshot or a script.
Use curl to upload to a file hosting service.
Share via email or messaging apps directly from the file manager.

Many tools like Flameshot have built-in upload features.

Taking Screenshots Of Specific Windows

To capture only a specific window, use these methods:

Press Alt + PrtSc to capture the active window.
In Flameshot, select the window from the dropdown.
In the terminal: gnome-screenshot -w.

This is useful for documenting software or tutorials.

Using Screenshot Tools In Virtual Machines

If you’re running Linux in a VM, host-guest integration tools help. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions or VMware Tools for seamless screenshot capture. Then use the host’s screenshot key or the VM’s built-in tool.

Keyboard Shortcuts For KDE Spectacle

KDE users can customize Spectacle shortcuts:

PrtSc – Open Spectacle.
Meta + PrtSc – Capture region.
Meta + Shift + PrtSc – Capture window.

You can change these in System Settings > Shortcuts.

Taking Screenshots On Older Distros

Older Linux distributions may lack modern tools. Use import from ImageMagick or install scrot. Scrot is lightweight and works on minimal systems:

scrot screenshot.png – Capture full screen.
scrot -s screenshot.png – Capture a selection.
scrot -d 5 screenshot.png – Add a delay.

Scrot is available in most repositories.

Recording Screenshots As GIFs

For animated screenshots, use byzanz or peek. Peek is user-friendly:

Install Peek: sudo apt install peek.
Open it and select the area.
Click “Record” and then “Stop.”
Save as GIF or video.

This is great for showing workflows.

Security Considerations

Be cautious when sharing screenshots. They may contain sensitive info like passwords or emails. Use blur tools in Flameshot or Shutter to redact areas. Also, check the metadata; tools like exiftool can strip it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I take a screenshot on Linux without a Print Screen key?

You can use the terminal. Run gnome-screenshot or import screenshot.png. Or assign a different key in keyboard settings.

What is the best screenshot tool for Linux?

Flameshot is popular for its annotations. For simplicity, GNOME Screenshot works well. Shutter is great for editing.

Can I take a screenshot on Linux using the command line?

Yes. Use gnome-screenshot, import, or scrot. They offer various options for delay and selection.

Why are my screenshots blank on Linux?

This often happens with Wayland. Use a Wayland-compatible tool like wl-screenshot or switch to X11 temporarily.

How do I change the screenshot format on Linux?

Most tools allow format selection. In GNOME Screenshot, choose PNG, JPEG, or BMP. For command line, specify the extension: screenshot.jpg.

Now you have a complete guide on how to take a screenshot on linux. Whether you prefer shortcuts, terminal commands, or third-party apps, there’s a method for you. Practice these steps, and you’ll capture your screen in no time.