In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various methods you can employ to record your screen on Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution. We’ll explore a range of tools, from simple and lightweight to feature-rich and powerful, to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
To record your screen on Ubuntu, you have several options available. Some popular tools include gtk-recordmydesktop, recordmydesktop, Kazam, Byzanz, SimpleScreenRecorder, Vokoscreen, OBS Studio, and Peek. Each tool offers different features and capabilities, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
gtk-recordmydesktop
gtk-recordmydesktop is a user-friendly tool that allows you to record your screen with audio and video capture. However, it’s worth noting that it is no longer actively supported and may not be available in the main repository.
To install gtk-recordmydesktop, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt install gtk-recordmydesktoprecordmydesktop
recordmydesktop is the non-GUI backend of gtk-recordmydesktop and is still available in Ubuntu 20.04. It’s a more lightweight option if you don’t need a graphical user interface.
To install recordmydesktop, run:
sudo apt install recordmydesktopTo start recording, use the command:
recordmydesktop --on-the-fly-encodingThe --on-the-fly-encoding option allows the program to encode the video as it is being recorded, which can save time and disk space.
Kazam
Kazam is a versatile application for screen recording on Ubuntu. It allows you to record a selected area of the screen and provides useful keyboard shortcuts.
To install Kazam, run:
sudo apt install kazamTo start recording, use the shortcut Super + Ctrl + R.
Byzanz
Byzanz is a lightweight tool that records your screen activity as a GIF file. It’s ideal for shorter screencasts that you want to share on a webpage or in an email.
To install Byzanz, run:
sudo apt install byzanzTo start recording, use the command:
byzanz-recordSimpleScreenRecorder
SimpleScreenRecorder is a feature-rich screen recording tool for Linux. It allows you to record programs and games and offers various options for customization.
To install SimpleScreenRecorder, add the PPA and then run the install command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:maarten-baert/simplescreenrecorder
sudo apt-get install simplescreenrecorderVokoscreen
Vokoscreen is a screencasting tool that allows you to record your screen and microphone/audio output. It offers a simple interface and can be installed by adding the PPA and then running the install command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:vokoscreen-dev/vokoscreen
sudo apt-get install vokoscreenOBS Studio
OBS Studio is a powerful screen recording and streaming tool. It allows you to record your screen, microphone, and monitor output with ease.
To install OBS Studio, add the PPA and then run the install command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:obsproject/obs-studio
sudo apt-get install obs-studioPeek
Peek is a screen recording tool that allows you to record a selected region and save it as a GIF. It is lightweight and easy to use.
To install Peek, add the PPA and then run the install command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:peek-developers/stable
sudo apt-get install peekIn conclusion, Ubuntu provides a wide range of tools for screen recording, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Whether you’re recording a quick screencast to share with a colleague, creating a tutorial video, or streaming your gaming session, there’s a tool for you. Take some time to experiment with these options and find the one that best fits your needs.
No, screen recording is not available by default on Ubuntu. You will need to install a screen recording tool from the Ubuntu repositories or through third-party sources.
Yes, many screen recording tools on Ubuntu allow you to record audio along with the screen. Make sure to check the documentation or settings of the specific tool you are using to enable audio recording.
Some screen recording tools, such as Kazam and OBS Studio, allow you to select a specific area of the screen to record. They usually provide options or shortcuts to define the recording area.
Yes, tools like Vokoscreen and OBS Studio allow you to record your microphone or audio output along with the screen. Make sure to configure the audio settings in the respective tool to enable this feature.
Yes, Byzanz and Peek are screen recording tools on Ubuntu that allow you to save the recordings as GIF files. These tools are ideal for shorter screencasts that you want to share on webpages or via email.
Yes, Byzanz and Peek are lightweight screen recording tools that consume fewer system resources compared to some other options. They are suitable for basic screen recording needs.
Yes, tools like SimpleScreenRecorder and OBS Studio provide various options for customization, such as selecting the video codec, adjusting frame rates, and configuring audio settings. Check the documentation or settings of the specific tool to explore the customization options available.
Yes, gtk-recordmydesktop, Kazam, SimpleScreenRecorder, Vokoscreen, and OBS Studio are some of the screen recording tools on Ubuntu that offer a graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of use.
Yes, tools like SimpleScreenRecorder and OBS Studio allow you to record not only the screen but also specific programs and games. They provide options to select the window or application you want to record.
To uninstall a screen recording tool, you can use the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt remove [tool-name]Replace [tool-name] with the actual name of the tool you want to uninstall.
