
In the world of Ubuntu, screenshots are a vital tool for explaining solutions, illustrating problems, and sharing information. Whether you’re an experienced Ubuntu user or a beginner, knowing how to take and edit screenshots can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively on platforms like Ask Ubuntu. This article will explore some of the top screenshot tools available for Ubuntu users.
There are several top screenshot tools available for Ask Ubuntu answers, including Shutter, GNOME Screenshot, Flameshot, Scrot, Screencloud, GIMP, Nanoshot, ImageMagick, KSnapshot, HotShots, and Spectacle. Each of these tools has its own unique features and capabilities, allowing Ubuntu users to easily capture and edit screenshots for effective communication on Ask Ubuntu.
1. Shutter
Shutter is a feature-rich screenshot program that allows you to capture a specific area, window, your whole screen, or even a website. You can then edit these screenshots using the inbuilt drawing and highlighting tools.
To install Shutter, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install shutter
The -get install
parameter is used to download and install the package.
However, please note that Shutter hasn’t had a release or security fix since 2014, so it may not be the most up-to-date option.
2. GNOME Screenshot
GNOME Screenshot is a simple and effective tool that comes pre-installed with Ubuntu. It offers options to capture the entire desktop, a specific window, or a manually selected area.
To take a screenshot, simply press PrtSc
on your keyboard, or use the following command:
gnome-screenshot
3. Flameshot
Flameshot is a powerful open-source screenshot software. It provides a range of editing tools, such as freehand drawing, lines, arrows, and highlighting. It also supports saving images, uploading to the cloud, and adding text.
To install Flameshot, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install flameshot
4. Scrot
Scrot is a command-line tool for taking screenshots. It is easy to use and supports transparency. To install Scrot, use the command:
sudo apt-get install scrot
To capture a screen area, run:
scrot -s /tmp/foo.png
The -s
parameter allows you to select a specific area to capture.
5. Screencloud
Screencloud is a screenshot utility with built-in editing features. It allows you to easily share screenshots via the internet and supports uploading to an FTP or SFTP server.
To install Screencloud, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install screencloud
6. GIMP
GIMP is a powerful image editing tool that also has a screenshot feature. It allows you to capture a portion of the screen and provides options for pausing and selecting specific areas.
To install GIMP, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install gimp
7. Nanoshot
Nanoshot is a simple screenshot utility that offers basic functionality. It is a more lightweight alternative to other screenshot tools.
To install Nanoshot, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install nanoshot
8. ImageMagick
ImageMagick is a command-line tool that supports capturing screenshots. It can be used with the import
command, but it may not work well with Compiz.
To install ImageMagick, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install imagemagick
9. KSnapshot
KSnapshot is a screenshot tool from KDE. It allows you to capture specific windows, include the mouse cursor, and offers additional features like sending screenshots directly to applications.
To install KSnapshot, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install ksnapshot
10. HotShots
HotShots is a screenshot tool with editing capabilities. It supports cropping, adding text, arrows, rectangles, and more.
To install HotShots, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install hotshots
11. Spectacle
Spectacle is the default screenshot capture utility in KDE Framework 5. It offers various screenshot options, including capturing the entire desktop, a single monitor, or a specific window.
To install Spectacle, use the following command:
sudo apt-get install spectacle
Each of these screenshot tools has its own unique features and capabilities. Depending on your needs, you may find one more useful than the others. Whether you need to take a quick snapshot of your screen or require a tool with advanced editing features, there’s a screenshot tool for you in Ubuntu.
To capture a specific area using Shutter, open the program and click on the "Selection" button in the toolbar. Then, click and drag your mouse to select the desired area. Release the mouse button to capture the screenshot.
To take a screenshot using GNOME Screenshot, simply press the "PrtSc" (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. The screenshot will be saved in your Pictures directory.
Yes, you can. After taking a screenshot with Flameshot, it will open in a separate window where you can use the various annotation and highlighting tools provided by Flameshot. Simply select the tool you want to use and click and drag on the screenshot to add annotations or highlights.
To capture a specific area using Scrot, open a terminal and run the command scrot -s /tmp/foo.png
. This will allow you to select the desired area by clicking and dragging your mouse. The screenshot will be saved as "foo.png" in the "/tmp" directory.
Yes, you can. Screencloud allows you to easily share your screenshots online. After taking a screenshot with Screencloud, it will provide you with a link that you can share with others. Additionally, you can configure Screencloud to automatically upload your screenshots to an FTP or SFTP server.
To capture a portion of the screen using GIMP, open the program and go to "File" > "Create" > "Screenshot". In the screenshot dialog, you can choose to capture the whole screen or a specific area. Click on the "Snap" button to capture the screenshot.
No, Nanoshot is a basic screenshot utility and does not offer advanced editing features. It is more suitable for simple and quick screenshots without extensive editing requirements.
ImageMagick’s import
command may not work well with Compiz, a window manager for Ubuntu. It is recommended to use other screenshot tools mentioned in this article for capturing screenshots with Compiz.
To capture a specific window using KSnapshot, open the program and click on the "Window" button in the toolbar. Then, click on the desired window to capture it. KSnapshot also allows you to include the mouse cursor in the screenshot and send screenshots directly to applications.
Yes, you can. HotShots provides editing capabilities, including the ability to add annotations, text, arrows, rectangles, and more to your screenshots. Simply select the desired tool from the toolbar and apply it to the screenshot.