How to Take a Screenshot on Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, and More)

Taking a screenshot on a Linux system is easy and can be done using built-in shortcuts, terminal commands, or third-party applications. Whether you’re using Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or any other Linux distribution, this guide covers multiple methods to capture your screen.

1. How to Take a Screenshot Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Most Linux distributions support the following default shortcuts:

  • Full-Screen Screenshot: Press PrtSc (Print Screen) to capture the entire screen.
  • Active Window Screenshot: Press Alt + PrtSc to capture only the active window.
  • Custom Area Screenshot: Press Shift + PrtSc to select a specific area to capture.
  • Save Screenshot to Clipboard: Press Ctrl + PrtSc to copy the screenshot instead of saving it.

2. How to Take a Screenshot Using GNOME Screenshot (Ubuntu & Fedora)

GNOME-based distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora come with a built-in screenshot tool:

  • Step 1: Open the Screenshot tool by searching for it in the application menu.
  • Step 2: Choose between Full Screen, Window, or Selection.
  • Step 3: Click Take Screenshot and save the file.

3. How to Take a Screenshot Using Terminal Commands

For those who prefer the command line, you can use gnome-screenshot or scrot:

  • Take a full-screen screenshot: gnome-screenshot
  • Take a screenshot and save it to a specific location: gnome-screenshot -f ~/Pictures/screenshot.png
  • Take a delayed screenshot (5 seconds): gnome-screenshot -d 5

If gnome-screenshot is not available, install it using:

sudo apt install gnome-screenshot

For lightweight systems, scrot is another option:

scrot 'screenshot.png' -d 5

4. How to Take a Screenshot Using Flameshot (Advanced Tool)

Flameshot is a powerful screenshot tool with annotation features:

  • Step 1: Install Flameshot: sudo apt install flameshot # Ubuntu/Debian sudo dnf install flameshot # Fedora
  • Step 2: Run the command: flameshot gui
  • Step 3: Select the area to capture and edit before saving.

5. Where to Find Screenshots on Linux

  • Screenshots are usually saved in the ~/Pictures directory.
  • If copied to the clipboard, paste using Ctrl + V in an image editor.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I take a screenshot in Linux without a Print Screen button?

Use gnome-screenshot in the terminal or install Flameshot for more options.

2. Where are screenshots saved in Linux?

Most screenshots are saved in the ~/Pictures folder by default.

3. How do I take a screenshot of a specific window in Linux?

Press Alt + PrtSc or use gnome-screenshot -w in the terminal.

4. How do I capture a selected area on Linux?

Press Shift + PrtSc or use flameshot gui for advanced selection.

5. Can I take a delayed screenshot on Linux?

Yes, use gnome-screenshot -d 5 or scrot -d 5 for a delay of 5 seconds.

6. How do I edit screenshots on Linux?

Use GIMP, Flameshot, or Shutter for editing captured images.

7. What is the best screenshot tool for Linux?

Flameshot is recommended for advanced users, while GNOME Screenshot works well for beginners.

8. How to take a screenshot online in Linux?

To take a screenshot online in linux you can use our free screenshot tool.