How to Screenshot on Linux

Taking screenshots on Linux might seem tricky if you’re new to the system, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Whether you want to capture your entire screen, a specific window, or a custom area, Linux offers several easy methods. You don’t need to install anything extra if you prefer the built-in tools, but there are also powerful third-party apps if you want more features.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the most popular ways to screenshot on Linux. You’ll learn keyboard shortcuts, command-line options, and graphical tools. By the end, you’ll be confident capturing exactly what you need, whether for work, tutorials, or sharing moments with friends.

Using Built-in Keyboard Shortcuts

Most Linux desktop environments come with default keyboard shortcuts for screenshots. These shortcuts are quick and don’t require opening any apps.

• Print Screen (PrtSc): Captures the entire screen and saves it to your Pictures folder or clipboard.
• Alt + Print Screen: Captures the currently active window.
• Shift + Print Screen: Lets you select a specific area to capture.

These shortcuts work in popular environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, and XFCE. When you press these keys, the screenshot is usually saved automatically or copied to the clipboard, depending on your settings.

If you want to change where screenshots are saved or how they behave, you can adjust settings in your desktop environment’s screenshot tool or system settings.

Using the GNOME Screenshot Tool

If you use GNOME, the default screenshot tool is simple and effective. You can launch it from the applications menu or by pressing the keyboard shortcuts mentioned above.

The GNOME Screenshot tool offers options like:

• Capture the whole screen
• Capture the current window
• Capture a selected area
• Include or exclude the mouse pointer
• Set a delay timer before taking the screenshot

To open it manually, press Alt + F2, type gnome-screenshot, and hit Enter. This tool is perfect if you want a quick graphical interface without installing anything.

Taking Screenshots with KDE Spectacle

KDE Plasma users have a powerful screenshot app called Spectacle. It offers more control and editing options than basic tools.

Spectacle features include:

• Capture full screen, window, or region
• Set a delay timer
• Annotate screenshots with arrows, text, and highlights
• Save in multiple formats like PNG, JPEG, or BMP
• Copy to clipboard or save directly to disk

You can open Spectacle by pressing Print Screen or searching for it in the application launcher. It’s great if you want to edit or annotate your screenshots immediately after capturing.

Using Command-Line Tools for Screenshots

If you prefer the terminal, Linux has several command-line tools for screenshots. These are useful for scripting or remote sessions.

Using scrot

scrot is a lightweight command-line screenshot utility. To install it, run:

sudo apt install scrot

Basic usage:

scrot

This command saves a screenshot of the entire screen in the current directory.

You can also capture a specific window or area:

• Capture with a delay of 5 seconds:

  scrot -d 5
  

• Capture a selected area interactively:

  scrot -s
  

Using import from ImageMagick

import is part of the ImageMagick suite and can capture screenshots from the command line.

Install ImageMagick if needed:

sudo apt install imagemagick

To capture the whole screen:

import -window root screenshot.png

To select an area interactively:

import screenshot.png

You click and drag to select the area.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools for Linux

If you want more features like advanced editing, cloud sharing, or better UI, several third-party apps are popular among Linux users.

Flameshot

Flameshot is a powerful, user-friendly screenshot tool with annotation features.

Key features:

• Easy area selection
• Drawing tools: arrows, boxes, lines, text
• Blur sensitive info
• Upload screenshots to Imgur directly
• Customizable shortcuts

Install Flameshot with:

sudo apt install flameshot

Run it with:

flameshot gui

It’s great for users who want to edit screenshots on the fly.

Shutter

Shutter is another popular screenshot tool with editing and uploading features.

Features include:

• Capture full screen, window, or custom area
• Built-in editor for annotations
• Upload to image hosting services
• Take screenshots of websites by URL

Install Shutter:

sudo apt install shutter

Launch it from your applications menu.

How to Change Screenshot Save Location

By default, screenshots usually save to the Pictures folder. You might want to change this for better organization.

GNOME

In GNOME, you can change the save location by:

• Opening the Settings app
• Navigating to Keyboard Shortcuts
• Finding the screenshot shortcuts and editing their commands to save to a custom folder

Alternatively, use the gsettings command:

gsettings set org.gnome.gnome-screenshot auto-save-directory 'file:///home/yourusername/CustomFolder'

Replace yourusername and CustomFolder with your actual path.

KDE Plasma

In KDE, Spectacle lets you choose the save location each time you take a screenshot or set a default folder in its settings.

Tips for Taking Better Screenshots on Linux

Here are some handy tips to improve your screenshot experience:

• Use delay timers to prepare your screen before capture.
• Use annotation tools to highlight important parts.
• Save screenshots in PNG format for better quality.
• Use clipboard options to paste screenshots directly into documents or chats.
• Explore scripting with command-line tools for automation.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

Sometimes screenshots don’t work as expected. Here’s what to check:

• Make sure your keyboard shortcuts are enabled and not conflicting with other apps.
• Check if your desktop environment’s screenshot tool is installed and updated.
• For command-line tools, verify they are installed properly.
• If screenshots save but are blank or black, try updating your graphics drivers.
• Restart your system if shortcuts suddenly stop working.

Conclusion

Now you know several ways to screenshot on Linux, from quick keyboard shortcuts to powerful third-party tools. Whether you prefer graphical apps like GNOME Screenshot or Flameshot, or command-line utilities like scrot, Linux has you covered. You can capture your entire screen, a window, or a custom area with ease.

Experiment with different tools and find what fits your workflow best. Screenshots are essential for sharing information, troubleshooting, or creating tutorials, and Linux offers flexible options to make this simple. With these tips, you’ll be ready to capture anything on your Linux desktop confidently.

FAQs

How do I take a screenshot of a specific window on Linux?

Press Alt + Print Screen to capture the active window. Alternatively, use tools like GNOME Screenshot or Spectacle to select the window graphically.

Can I take a screenshot using the Linux terminal?

Yes, tools like scrot and import allow you to take screenshots from the command line, including delayed or area-specific captures.

How do I change where screenshots are saved on Linux?

In GNOME, use the gsettings command or adjust keyboard shortcut commands. In KDE, set the default save folder in Spectacle’s settings.

What is the best screenshot tool for Linux with editing features?

Flameshot is highly recommended for its easy-to-use annotation tools and direct upload options. Shutter is another good choice with built-in editing.

Why are my screenshots black or blank?

This can happen due to graphics driver issues or conflicts with your desktop environment. Updating drivers or restarting your system usually fixes this problem.