Scrot
Scrot: A free, open-source Linux utility for local screenshots and scripted capture workflows. Ranked #56 of 61 in Screen Capture Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple Linux command-line screenshots.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSimple Linux command-line screenshots
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Annotation toolsNo
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Captures full screens, focused windows, or interactively selected regions.
- Offers delay, countdown, border, image-quality, and thumbnail options.
- Saves locally with configurable filenames and can run a command after capture.
Where it doesn't
- Linux only; it is not a browser extension or cross-platform desktop tool.
- No built-in annotation editor, OCR, or scrolling capture.
- No hosted workspace or cloud-sharing service.
Our verdict on Scrot
Scrot is a free, open-source command-line screen-capture utility for Linux. It suits people who want to save screenshots locally, especially those comfortable with command-line workflows or scripting. Capture options include the full screen, the currently focused window, and an interactively selected rectangular region. Rather than offering a visual editing workspace, Scrot keeps its focus on producing image files for lightweight desktop tasks.
Capture controls cover delays and countdowns, including whether window borders are included, image quality, and thumbnail creation. A command can also run after capture, which makes Scrot relevant to workflows that need an additional action once a screenshot is saved. Filenames are configurable, and the output image format is selected by the filename extension. This narrow, local approach is a fit for users who value direct capture controls over a graphical interface or a managed library.
Scrot does not provide an annotation editor, OCR, scrolling capture, a browser extension, or cloud sharing. Its deployment is local rather than hosted, and support channels are documentation and community. Choose it for straightforward Linux capture and command-line workflows; consider another screen-capture product if you need built-in markup, text recognition, browser capture, or sharing through an online workspace. It is not aimed at users seeking an all-in-one capture, editing, and collaboration service.
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Scrot pricing
Scrot fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Scrolling capture | No |
| Annotation tools | No |
| OCR | No |
| Browser extension | No |
| Desktop platforms | Not verified |
| Cloud sharing | No |
| Export formats | Image format selected by filename extension |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Scrot
- SnagitA polished capture and editing toolkit for teams that can budget for an annual subscription.9.3
- ShareXA flexible Windows capture toolkit with scrolling screenshots, OCR, recording and upload workflows.9.1
- ZightA cross-platform capture tool with team workflows, integrations, and a free plan.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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