How to Take a Screenshot on Linux
Linux offers various ways to capture your screen, depending on the desktop environment you use. Here is how to screenshot on most major distributions.
How to Take a Screenshot on Linux
Using the Print Screen Key
On most modern desktop environments (like GNOME or KDE Plasma):
This will typically capture the entire screen and save it to your Pictures folder, or open a screenshot utility dialog.
Capture the Entire Screen
Press PrtScn to capture everything visible on your monitors.
Capture a Specific Area
Your cursor turns into a crosshair allowing you to drag and select an area.
Capture an Active Window
Captures only the window you are currently working in.
Linux Screenshot Shortcuts
- PrtScn: Save entire screen to Pictures folder.
- Shift + PrtScn: Save specific area to Pictures.
- Alt + PrtScn: Save active window to Pictures.
- Ctrl + PrtScn: Copy entire screen to clipboard.
- Ctrl + Shift + PrtScn: Copy specific area to clipboard.
How to Take a Screenshot on Ubuntu
Ubuntu uses the GNOME screenshot tool by default. Pressing PrtScn brings up the new interactive screenshot UI where you can choose between screen, window, or selection capture, as well as screen recording.
How to Take a Screenshot on Linux Mint
Linux Mint (Cinnamon desktop) includes the gnome-screenshot tool. Pressing PrtScn captures the screen immediately, or you can search for "Screenshot" in the Mint menu for a GUI with delay options.
How to Take a Screenshot on Debian
Depending on your desktop environment (GNOME, XFCE, KDE), standard PrtScn keys work. For XFCE, the xfce4-screenshooter tool provides a lightweight GUI.
How to Take a Screenshot on Fedora
Fedora uses the latest GNOME features, so like Ubuntu, pressing PrtScn launches the built-in screen capture UI.
How to Take a Screenshot on Arch Linux
Because Arch Linux is custom-built, you will need to install a tool yourself. Popular options include scrot, maim, or spectacle (if using KDE).
Best Screenshot Tools for Linux
- Flameshot: The best tool for capturing and immediately annotating (arrows, blur, text).
- Spectacle: The default KDE screenshot tool, very powerful.
- Shutter: A feature-rich screenshot and editing tool.
How to Take Screenshots Using the Terminal
You can use the terminal to capture screenshots. For example, if you install scrot:
$ scrot my_screenshot.png
Or with a 5-second delay:
$ scrot -d 5 my_screenshot.png
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Linux?
By default, most desktop environments save screenshots to the Pictures folder in your home directory (~/Pictures).
How to Fix Linux Screenshot Not Working
If Wayland is causing black screenshots in your third-party tools (like Flameshot), switch to an X11 session from your login screen, or use the native GNOME/KDE tools which have better Wayland support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my screen on Linux?
Yes, in GNOME, press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R (or use the new PrtScn menu) to start recording.