Spectacle review
A Linux screenshot tool with flexible capture options and built-in annotation.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Spectacle is KDE’s open-source screenshot application for Linux desktops, aimed at people who need to capture and mark up what is on screen. Capture choices include the entire desktop across all monitors, the current monitor, an active window, the window under the cursor, or a rectangular region. That range makes it relevant for one-off screenshots as well as repeat capture tasks, while its annotation editor keeps basic callouts in the same application. Spectacle is distributed under the GPL-2.0-or-later license.
Capture controls are a notable part of its scope: users can configure a delay, capture on click, and choose cursor or window-decoration capture. Keyboard shortcuts and command-line capture options provide alternate ways to trigger screenshots. After capture, screenshots can be copied, saved, or opened in associated image applications; PNG is explicitly supported. The annotation editor provides arrows, pen, markers, text boxes, numbers, and effects, which suits explaining a screen state without requiring a separate annotation step. KIPI Plugins are listed as an integration.
The focus is desktop capture and annotation rather than a broader screenshot workflow. Spectacle does not include scrolling capture or OCR, and verified sharing is not part of its stated capabilities, so users who need those functions should consider another tool. Its Linux-only platform scope also makes it a poor fit for teams standardizing on other desktop systems. For Linux users who want open-source capture options, configurable controls, and practical markups, Spectacle is a focused choice; it is less suitable when capture must extend beyond visible screen areas or include text recognition and sharing.
Spectacle pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Captures the desktop, a monitor, a window, or a rectangular region
- Includes arrows, text boxes, numbers, pen, markers, and effects for annotation
- Offers configurable delays, keyboard shortcuts, and command-line capture options
- Where it doesn't
- Designed for Linux rather than other desktop platforms
- Does not include scrolling capture
- Does not include OCR or verified sharing
Spectacle fact sheet, pricing and score →
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