Taking screenshots or recording your screen in Linux/Ubuntu is extremely simple — if you know the right shortcut keys and tools.
Whether you're a beginner, a student, or a developer, Ubuntu gives you built-in as well as advanced options for capturing your screen.
This guide explains all screenshot shortcuts, screen recording options, and the best apps you can use — step by step.
📸 1. How to Take Screenshots in Ubuntu (Shortcut Keys)
Ubuntu comes with built-in screenshot shortcuts that work instantly.
⌨ Shortcut Keys (Default)
| Action | Shortcut Key |
|---|---|
| Take Full Screenshot | Print Screen (PrtSc) |
| Take Screenshot of a Window | Alt + PrtSc |
| Select Area Screenshot | Shift + PrtSc |
| Copy Screenshot to Clipboard | Ctrl + PrtSc |
| Delay Timer Screenshot | Use Screenshot App |
📷 2. Use Ubuntu Screenshot Tool (GUI Method)
If you're not comfortable with keyboard shortcuts, you can use the Screenshot App.
🔹 Steps:
-
Press Super (Windows Key)
-
Search Screenshot
-
Choose:
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Entire Screen
-
Selected Window
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Selected Area
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Delay Timer
-
-
Click Capture
The screenshot saves automatically in your Pictures → Screenshots folder.
🎥 3. How to Record Screen in Ubuntu (Shortcut Keys)
Ubuntu 22.04+ has a built-in screen recorder.
⌨ Start / Stop Screen Recording
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R
-
A small red dot will appear in the system tray
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Press the same keys again to stop recording
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Videos save automatically in Videos → Screencasts
🎞️ 4. Change Screen Recording Settings (FPS, Format, Area)
Ubuntu’s default recorder is basic, so many users install OBS Studio for advanced recording.
🎥 5. Record Screen Using OBS Studio (Best Method)
OBS Studio is powerful and free.
🔹 Install OBS:
sudo apt install obs-studio
🔹 Use OBS for:
-
HD screen recording
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1080p or 4K quality
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Audio recording
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Gameplay recording
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Window or area capture
📸 6. Extra Screenshot Tools for Ubuntu
✔ Flameshot
A powerful annotation tool.
Install:
sudo apt install flameshot
Shortcuts:
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PrtSc → Flameshot GUI
-
Draw, crop, highlight, add arrows & text
✔ Shutter
For professional editing & uploading.
📂 7. Where Are My Screenshots Saved?
By default:
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Screenshots →
Home → Pictures → Screenshots -
Screen recordings →
Home → Videos → Screencasts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How do I take a full screenshot in Ubuntu?
Press Print Screen (PrtSc). The image saves automatically.
2. How do I take a screenshot of a selected area?
Press Shift + PrtSc, then drag and select.
3. How do I record my screen in Ubuntu without software?
Use the built-in shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.
4. Where do Ubuntu screen recordings save?
Recordings save in the Videos → Screencasts folder.
5. What’s the best screen recorder for Ubuntu?
OBS Studio is the best for HD, tutorials, gameplay, and professional recording.
6. How do I install Flameshot?
Run:
sudo apt install flameshot
7. Can I take screenshots using terminal commands?
Yes, using tools like gnome-screenshot or scrot.
If you want, I can create another Linux/Ubuntu tutorial article, like:
-
How to install software
-
How to enable dark mode
-
How to fix Wi-Fi issues
-
How to dual boot Windows + Ubuntu
Just tell me the topic!
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