Screen Capture

10 Best Free Linux Screen Capture Tools (Updated 2023)

The phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the idea that a solitary still image can provide as much information as a large amount of descriptive text. Essentially, pictures convey information more effectively and efficiently than words can.

A screenshot is an image captured by a computer to record the output of a visual device. Screen capture software enable screenshots to be taken on a computer. This type of software has a wide range of uses. As an image can illustrate the operation of computer software so well, screenshots play a crucial role in software development and documentation. Alternatively, if you have a technical problem with your computer, a screenshot allows a technical support department to understand the problems you are facing. Writing computer-related articles, documentation and tutorials is nigh on impossible without a good tool for creating screenshots.

Linux has a good selection of versatile open source screenshot programs, both graphical and console based.

The two most popular desktop environments, GNOME and KDE, each offer a competent screenshot utility. However, the functionality offered by their screenshot utilities is relatively basic. Furthermore, some Linux users prefer to use an alternative desktop environment.

Screen capture functionality is not only provided by dedicated applications. GIMP and ImageMagick, two programs which are primarily image manipulation tools, also offer competent screen capturing functionality.

This chart summarizes our view of the software. Note the rating awarded to the software relates only in the context of their screen capture functionality.

Ratings chart

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 10 screen capture tools. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wants to demonstrate a program, or a particular problem with others.

Let’s explore the 10 screen capture tools at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, screenshots, together with links to relevant resources.

Screen Capture Tools
flameshotComplete screen capture and snipping tool with unique features
KsnipQt-based cross-platform tool that provides many annotation features
scrotSimple command line screen capture utility
ScreenGrabCompetent Qt-based tool
ShutterFeature-rich screenshot program
SpectacleSimple KDE application for capturing desktop screenshots
CoreShotSimple lightweight screen capture utility for C-Suite
gnome-screenshotScreen capture tool for GNOME
GIMPThe GNU Image Manipulation Program
ImageMagickSoftware suite to create, edit, and compose bitmap images
Best Free and Open Source SoftwareRead our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software.

The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk.

There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more.
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John Smith
John Smith
5 years ago

I think scrot deserves to be on this list.

James Scott
James Scott
5 years ago

How do you decide how many software to be included in a Group Test?

The Pxl.one
The Pxl.one
4 years ago

Been using shutter and xfce-screenshooter alternatively with a quick key assigned to capturing a portion of the screen. After reading this article I discovered flameshot, I cannot thank you enough. It is exactly what i was looking for in a screen capture and annotation application. Finally a real alternative to windows sniping tool. And better even.

William B Peckham
William B Peckham
2 years ago

What does “best” mean in this context? How ere the ratings done, what is the basis of the number, and who was doing the rating? I do not understand the criteria for selection or scoring, and it is not made clear in the article. How did you select what screenshot applications were to be included or excluded? So many answers left unclear here!

john
john
1 year ago

do any of these work like the screenshot on zorin os.press prtsc and takes picture automatically saves.perfect