How to Take Screenshots in Ubuntu

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, offers several straightforward ways to capture screenshots, making it easy to document and share what's on your screen. Whether you need to capture your entire desktop, a specific window, or a custom area, Ubuntu provides the tools you need. This guide will explore the different methods available for taking screenshots in Ubuntu, ensuring you can capture exactly what you need with ease.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Ubuntu comes with default keyboard shortcuts that make taking screenshots extremely convenient:

  • Print Screen (PrtScn): Press this key to capture the entire screen. The screenshot will be saved to your Pictures directory by default.
  • Alt + Print Screen: Use this combination to capture the active window.
  • Shift + Print Screen: This shortcut lets you select a specific area of the screen to capture.

These shortcuts are handy for quick captures, making them a favorite among users who need to take screenshots without interrupting their workflow.

Using the Screenshot Tool

Ubuntu includes a built-in tool called Screenshot, which provides more options than the keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Open the Screenshot Tool: You can find it by searching for "Screenshot" in the Ubuntu Activities overview.
  2. Choose Your Screenshot Type: The tool allows you to select from capturing the entire screen, a single window, or a specific area.
  3. Set a Delay: If you need to set up something on your screen before capturing it, the tool lets you set a delay (in seconds).
  4. Take the Screenshot: After setting up your preferences, click "Take Screenshot" to capture your screen. You can then save the image to your preferred location.

Using GNOME Screenshot Extension

For those who prefer even more flexibility, the GNOME Screenshot extension can enhance the screenshot functionality:

  • Install GNOME Screenshot Extension: This can be added from the GNOME Extensions website or through Ubuntu Software.
  • Access More Features: Once installed, this extension allows for more customization, such as keyboard shortcuts and saving options.

Using Third-Party Applications

If you need more advanced features, such as editing and annotating screenshots immediately after taking them, consider third-party applications like Shutter or Flameshot:

  • Shutter: Known for its editing capabilities, Shutter allows you to capture screens, edit them, and upload them directly from the application.
    • Install Shutter via the terminal:
sudo apt install shutter
  • Flameshot: Excellent for quick edits and annotations, Flameshot is a modern tool that integrates well with Ubuntu.
    • Install Flameshot via the terminal:
sudo apt install flameshot

Conclusion

Taking screenshots in Ubuntu is straightforward, thanks to its range of built-in tools and easy-to-use keyboard shortcuts. For more advanced features, third-party applications offer additional functionality like editing and immediate annotations. Whether you are creating a tutorial, reporting a bug, or simply saving something important, Ubuntu provides all the necessary tools to capture your screen effectively. By following this guide, you can choose the method that best suits your needs and enhance your productivity in Ubuntu.