iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Do you want to make screenshots on your Linux system but don’t know how? This guide teaches three methods to accomplish that.
Option 1: Screenshot through the GUI
One way to take a screenshot on your Linux system is through the GUI (Graphical User Interface). In order to achieve that, follow the subsequent steps and screenshot images below.
- Click the Show applications icon on your Linux taskbar.
- After that, input “screenshot” (without the quotes) in the search box. Then, select Take a screenshot from the search result.
- Consequently, the screenshot/screencast panel with various screenshot options should appear. However, ensure that the Screenshot icon is selected on the panel, as shown in the screenshot below.
- Following that, you can either choose to screenshot a particular area using the Selection tool on the panel. The bright box above the panel indicates the area you wish to screenshot – you can expand the box by dragging it from the sides or edges.
However, if you wish to screenshot the entire screen of your Linux system, select the Screen tool on the panel. Meanwhile, select the Window tool if you want to screenshot a particular window opened on your Linux system – see the second screenshot.
- After deciding which screenshot mode you want, click the white capture button on the panel. Hence, your screenshot image will be saved to the Pictures folder of your system – see the second screenshot.
Option 2: Screenshot via the Terminal
Interestingly, you can also make a screenshot in your Linux system by running certain command lines in the terminal. Although there are various command line tools to make screenshots through the terminal, this section teaches how to use the ImageMagick command tool.
Popular on Amazon
- 【Large Print Keyboard】- 4X larger than standard keyboard fonts, clear and easy to find, and can really help those who have trouble seeing keyboards. Perfect for elderly, the visually impaired, schools, special needs departments and libraries, etc
- 【White LED Backlight】- Bright and evenly distributed backlit keys, easy typing in lower light environment. Ideal for studio work, office. Backlit can choose to turn on/off and adjust brightness.
- 【Full Size & Ergonomics Design】- Unfold the feet at back of the keyboard to reduce hand fatigue and enjoy long hours of playing. Full QWERTY English (US) 104 key keyboard layout with numeric keypad, Large Print keys provides superior comfort without forcing you to relearn how to type.
- 【Plug and Play & Wide Compatibility】 - This USB keyboard takes away the hassle of power charging or swapping out batteries and is easy to setup. No drivers required.Compatible with Windows 2000/XP/7/8/10, Vista,Raspberry Pi 3/4, Mac OS(Note: Multimedia keys may not fully compatible with Mac, OS System).Works with your PC, laptop.
- 【Spill-proof】- This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design. So you don't have to worry about spilling coffee and water. Enjoy Keys life of more than 5000W times.
To use this command tool to make a screenshot on your Linux system through the terminal, observe the following procedures and screenshot images.
- Open the terminal in Linux by right-clicking any free space on the desktop and selecting Open in Terminal from the displayed options. You may also use the Ctrl + Alt + T keyboard shortcut to open the terminal in Linux.
- When the terminal opens, input the following command to take a screenshot of the entire screen. However, replace “screenshot” with the name you want to save the screenshot as.
You can also replace “.png” with any other image extension.
import -window root screenshot.png
For this demonstration, I wish to save my screenshot with “itechguides” as its name. Additionally, I wish to save the screenshot as a JPEG image, meaning it will have a “.jpg” image extension.
Hence, below is what the command should look like after those modifications.
import -window root itechguides.jpg
- Consequently, the screenshot image of your Linux system’s entire screen will be automatically saved in the Home folder.
However, if you want to screenshot a particular area on your Linux system using the ImageMagick command tool, follow the steps below.
Also popular on Amazon
- 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Letters 4x larger than standard computer keyboards. Bold characters you can read first try, no squinting or guessing. Complete mice & accessories combo
- 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: This keyboard and mouse wired set has 7 LED colors & 4 brightness levels, easy on your eyes day or night. A wire keyboard that stays readable
- 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝗻 & 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: This large print keyboard needs no software, no drivers, no Bluetooth. USB into any Windows PC or Chromebook - typing in seconds, no setup headaches
- 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱: This wired mouse and keyboard combo has 4 speed settings - slow for precise clicks, fast for screen movement. 7 buttons for forward, back & scroll
- 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝟭𝟬7-𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁: This light up keyboard and mouse has number pad, arrow keys & function row - nothing missing. Spill-resistant, plug & play. Great gift for parents
- After opening the terminal in Linux, execute the following command line below. However, as stated above, replace “screenshot” with the name you wish to give the screenshot.
Also, you can replace “.png” with any other image extension.
import screenshot.png
Hence, if I wish to name my screenshot “itechguides” and give it a “.png” image extension, below is what the command should look like.
import itechguides.png
- Thereafter, your mouse cursor will change to a crosshair, allowing you to drag across the area of the screen you want to screenshot. Then, your screenshot will be automatically stored in the Home folder of your Linux system.
In some cases, when you run the aforementioned command lines, you will receive an error. That error occurs if the ImageMagick command tool is missing on your Linux system.
Nonetheless, you can manually install the command tool on your Linux system through the terminal. To do that, observe the subsequent procedures and screenshot images.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Execute the following command on your Linux terminal. Accordingly, you will be asked to input the password for your Linux system – do that and press the enter key on your keyboard to proceed.
sudo apt install imagemagick-6.q16
- Following that, a little information about the installation of the tool will display on your Linux terminal. Then, you will be asked if you want to continue with the installation – input “y” and press the enter key to proceed.
- Finally, Linux will begin to install the tool.
Option 3: Screenshot Using a Third-party Application
There are numerous third-party applications available on the Linux OS for making screenshots. However, a stand-out and recommended third-party application for making screenshots in Linux is the Shutter app.
Also popular on Amazon
- ⌨【Large Print Keyboard】With letter characters larger than usual and command keys in a larger bolder font, these high-contrast keys can really help those who have trouble seeing keyboards. Perfect for elderly, the visually impaired, schools, special needs departments and libraries, as well as companies.
- ⌨【Spill resistant keyboard】It is designed to keep electronic components of keyboard safe. Water-Resistant function protection against accidental spills provides extra peace of mind. Be sure to air dry completely after spill before further use.
- ⌨【High Contrast】Large print keyboard offers increased visibility with easy to see yellow key caps and crisp large print black letters, Easily seen print, even in low light. With a life cycle of 5 million keystrokes, membrane key switches provide a faster response along with a quieter typing experience.
- ⌨【Ergonomics Design】Unfold the feet at back of the keyboard to reduce hand fatigue and enjoy long hours of playing. Full QWERTY English (US) 104 key keyboard layout with numeric keypad, Large Print keys provides superior comfort without forcing you to relearn how to type.
- ⌨【Wide Compatibility & Lifetime After-Sales Service】Compatible with Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP / 2000 / 98 | Also works with Mac OSX and macOS. Easy to install with plug and play technology | No additional software required.Except for Windows systems, other system hotkeys may not work and are only used for typing
Hence, this section will teach you how to install and use the Shutter app in Linux. Nevertheless, I will be using the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system for this demonstration.
Step 1: Install Shutter
- Click the Show applications button on the taskbar and type “ubuntu software” (without the quotes) in the search box. Then, select the Ubuntu Software center from the search result.
- When the Ubuntu Software Center opens, click the magnifying glass icon at the top left corner. Next, input “shutter” (without the quotes) in the search field and select the Shutter app from the search result.
- Following that, click the green Install button.
- Consequently, you will receive a prompt requesting you to input your system password for authentication before proceeding. Hence, input your password and click Authenticate to proceed.
- Thereafter, the Shutter application should begin to install on your system.
Step 2: Use Shutter to Screenshot
- Click the Show applications icon on the taskbar, then type “shutter” in the search box. Next, select the Shutter application from the search result.
- When the Shutter app opens, click Selection from the above options if you want to screenshot a particular area. However, if you wish to screenshot the entire desktop, click Desktop from the options – see the second screenshot.
Meanwhile, to screenshot a particular window, click Window from the options.
- After making your screenshot, click the Share button from the prompt that appears. Hence, the screenshot should appear on the Shutter application – see the second screenshot.
- Next, click File at the top left corner of the app and select Save as… from the displayed options to save the screenshot.
- Finally, give the screenshot a name and click the Save button.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Windows Snipping tool is not compatible with the Linux OS. However, there are various alternative tools for making screenshots in Linux, such as the Shutter application.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallNo, the F12 function key isn’t the Print Screen key. The Print Screen key is usually labeled “Prt Sc,” “Prnt Scrn,” “Print Scrn,” or similar.
Also, this key is mostly found next to the F12 key.
Also popular on Amazon
- Large Print Keyboard: This keyboard features large print letters, and the keyboard font is 4X larger than a standard keyboard, which can help those who can't see the keyboard clearly to reduce the chance of pressing the wrong key. It is perfect for the elderly, students, office workers and the visually impaired
- Dual Interface : Works with Type-C interface and USB interface( NOTE: If you used the USB A interface, please make sure the Type-C is plugged into the USB A port.), one keyboard compatible with your all devices. Compatible with Windows, PC, Laptop, Tablet or Phone etc
- White LED Backlight : Soft and comfortable white backlight plus large print letters can effectively reduce your eye fatigue caused by long-term work
- Easy Plug and Play: Connect instantly and enjoy a stable connection without worrying about Bluetooth disconnection or USB loss. Plus,no need for charging or battery consumption 【 NOTE: Before use, please ensure that your devices has sufficient battery power , if the device is low power or not power, the keyboard will stop working during use 】
- Ergonomic Design: With an 8°lift, this keyboard provides the perfect wrist angle for comfortable typing. Full-size keyboard with multi-function media keys and independent numeric keypad, making daily typing more convenient and faster, improving work efficiency
On your Ubuntu system, screenshots are saved in the Pictures folder.
Yes, it is. The Shutter application is a tool for making screenshots and can be installed from the Ubuntu Software Center.
Yes, the Linux operating system is a free and open-source operating system.
Conclusion
Making screenshots in the Linux operating system can seem difficult. However, with the procedures provided in this guide, you should find it pretty easy.
Also popular on Amazon
- SEE WITH EASE, TYPE WITH CONFIDENCE – Featuring large, bold print, this large font key board makes every character easy to see. A great solution for seniors, students, and visually impaired users who want a more comfortable computer keyboard experience.
- SEE KEYS CLEARLY IN ANY LIGHT – Work day or night with a lighted keyboard for PC that includes 7 colors and 4 brightness levels. This backlit keyboard design ensures the keyboard light up keys stay visible in dim rooms, offices, or late-night study sessions.
- BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY – The full-size 107-key layout includes a number pad and 12 shortcut keys, making this keyboard wired perfect for faster navigation, smoother workflow, and more efficient typing on any project.
- PLUG AND PLAY RELIABILITY – A simple USB keyboard connection delivers instant setup for PC, Chromebook, or as a keyboard for laptop. No software required, just connect this wired keyboard and start typing right away.
- DURABLE AND DEPENDABLE DESIGN – Built to handle daily use, this desktop keyboard is a long-lasting solution for home, office, or shared workspaces. A reliable keyboard designed for comfort and ease of use.
To be specific, this guide taught us how to make screenshots in Linux through the GUI and terminal. We also learned how to perform this task using a third-party application known as Shutter.
I hope you found this guide helpful and explanatory enough. If you did, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.
You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Finally, for more Linux guides, visit our Linux how-to page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
