[2023] Top 12 Linux Screen Recorders Recommended for You

Screen recording has become quite normal as people conduct many remote meetings at home. People may need to record their screens using the Linux screen recorder for recording your screen and sharing bugs in an application, or streaming their favorite game while playing. For all of your reasons, Linux is easy to capture your screen on iPhone, Android, and even Windows and Mac as they come with a built-in feature.

Here is a list of the Best 12 screen recorders that can be used on Linux. All these tools are free and open-source. 

1. Kazam

First on our list is a very lightweight screencasting tool for Linux, i.e., Kazam. It is a simple and effective GUI-based tool used for recording screens. Though it comes with few configuration settings, it is the most suitable tool for beginners as it is easy to use without getting involved in too many different options. Apart from recording the screen, this tool can also be used for taking screenshots with its in-built feature.

Key Features

• It supports recording for a selected area or a single window
• This supports video output in various formats like VP8, WebM, etc.
• It supports audio recording from a microphone or speaker
• Allows users to add text such as title or description
• This can export videos directly to YouTube
• It is easy to use as it comes with minimal configuration settings

Pros

• Delay timer feature
• A simple but interesting user interface
• Easy autosave option
• Free of charge

Cons

• Low quality of screencast playback when capturing multiple screen locations
• Screen captures generally offer higher quality than screencasts

To install this application on your Linux system, open the terminal window and enter the following command: $ sudo apt install kazam

2. Vokoscreen

Another user-friendly Linux video screen capture software up on our list is Vokoscreen. This simple screen recorder Linux allows you to select a magnification level (200*200, 400*200, or 600*200). Also, this tool highlights a specific section of the screen. Also, this supports output videos in multiple formats and suitable audio input, and one application window recording.

Furthermore, it's equipped with a configurable on-screen camera with options like flip vertical or horizontal, removing the frame of the window or even frame size, invert, white, black, and gray.

Key Features

• Its GUI supports up to 40 languages.
• This can record the entire desktop area and a specified region
• Permits access of the webcam during recording
• Enables recording video after some seconds, i.e., with an initial delay
• Support Hotkeys
• Provides start, stop, pause, and play options
• Shows statistics like recording time, file size, and fps while recording
• Allows hiding the mouse cursor

Pros

• Outstanding customer support
• No cost involved
• Option to select preferred output video format

Cons

• Currently lacks "easy install" packages

you need to use it under the X11 session and not the default Wayland session that ships with Fedora Workstation. You can install it using the following command: $ sudo dnf install vokoscreenNG;

3. Gtk-recordmydesktop

The next entry is Gtk-recordmydesktop which is based on a command-line interface (CLI). It is preferred by users who choose not to work with a graphic user interface (GUI). Also, it is a simple tool, as, unlike other applications, it is limited to a specific video output format. Moreover, it supports video output only in .ogv format.

Also, it cannot live-stream your recordings. But this does not make it less appealing. It is equally equipped with appealing features that make it stand out in the market.

Key Features

• Linux screen recorder command line is quite simple to use
• You need not minimize the recording window while recording the full screen. Its recording window automatically gets out of your way.
• Follow Mouse feature ensures that the captured area follows the movement of your mouse cursor
• It comes with a feature to pause the video
• This supports an initial delay feature

Pros

• Intuitive user interface
• Free of charge
• Minimal impact on computer resources

Cons

• Limited to full screen recording, not individual windows
• Exclusive use of open formats for file output
• Audio recording routed through ALSA, OSS, or JACK audio server

RecordMyDesktop is available for installation from the official Ubuntu repository (doesn’t work on Ubuntu 20.04 at the time of updating this article). Just run the following command: $ sudo apt install gtk-recordmydesktop

4. Byzanz

It is a command-line interface (CLI) based tool used for recording video and audio. This screen recorder is equipped with exceptional features, like allowing users to record desktop sessions to animated gifs. It also allows users to record multiple displays. Additionally, it allows you to record in its internal debugging format.

Moreover, this is done by users for benchmarking purposes or later when they want to convert the recorded file to any other supported format. But, Byzanz does not allow you to stream recordings online on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, etc.

Key Features

• Easy to install and can be used right away
• This supports a single application window recording
• It enables the recording of the entire desktop
• This records video and audio in OGV, OGG, WebM, and FLV formats
• It allows you to set the recording limit by setting a specific duration time
• This enables customization of the height and width of the recording

Pros

• Simple installation on Ubuntu
• Highly lightweight
• Free of cost

Cons

• Absence of webcam recording feature
• No longer under active development

For Ubuntu 14.04 and above, Byzanz is available in the Universe Repository. To install, simply search for it in Ubuntu Software Center, or use the command: $ sudo apt-get install Byzanz

For Fedora, you can use the command: $ sudo yum install byzanz

5. ScreenStudio

Next on our list is easy yet powerful screen-casting software for Linux, which is simply named as ScreenStudio. It is a Java-based cross-platform screen recording tool. Also, it allows desktop recording in HD video format, which, later on, can be directly streamed through any video host service. 

It supports webcam recording, audio recording from a suitable source, and direct streaming from services like Hitbox, and Twitch. tv, etc. Moreover, this allows you to select the screen you want to record in case of multiple screens.

Key Features

• This records audio from appropriate input sources like microphone and speakers
• It supports the overlay layer (image and text layers) while recording.
• Since it is cross-platform, it can be used everywhere.
• It allows you to customize frames per second (fps)
• This offers video output in multiple formats like FLV, MOV, mp4, and GIF
• Built around ffmpeg
• It is equipped with various advanced configuration features

Pros

• Saves videos in Full HD format
• Supports adding of annotations like texts
• Directly stream videos to Twitch TV, UStream, and Hitbox

Cons

• No longer in active development
• Requires a substantial dependency

ScreenStudio is relying heavily on FFmpeg provided with Ubuntu 16.04. Any other distros or custom builds of FFMPEG may not be supported. If ScreenStudio does not work on your distro (or custom build), download the source code of ScreenStudio to adjust the proper command to use with FFmpeg. To install dependencies on Ubuntu:
$ sudo apt-get install ffmpeg openjdk-8-jre

6. SimpleScreenRecorder

Justifying its name, it is quite a simple screen recorder for Linux. Also, it comes with appropriate and rational default settings. You need not alter any option. Simple screen recorder Linux is equipped with small yet excellent and useful features, which involve getting notified of the sound or following the mouse. Also, you can even choose if you want, or you don't have to record the movement of the mouse's cursor.

It is a Qt-based screencasting tool with an easy-to-use interface. Furthermore, it consists of pausing and resuming options when it comes to recordings. It should be known that resuming after a pause leads to the creation of two files. Well, one with the recording prior to pausing and the second that contains the remaining recording.

Key Features

• Simple screen recorder for Linux supports recording selected screen area
• This records directly from OpenGL apps
• It approves output in multiple formats that includes MKV, mp4, WebM, OGG, M4V, and AVI
• It provides the option of a live preview during the recording process
• This shows statistics while recording
• This helps to reduce video frame rates for devices working slowly

Pros

• Flexibility in selecting export file format
• Simple recording of desktop, full screen, or specific selection
• Real-time recording statistics provided
• Free of cost

Cons

• Lacks support for webcam recording
• Encounters problems recording OpenGL window/apps

Simply type the command and install 'simplescreenrecorder': $ sudo pacman -S simplescreenrecorder

Add this if you want to record 32-bit OpenGL applications on a 64-bit system: $ sudo pacman -S lib32-simplescreenrecorder

7. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a one-stop solution for everything you need. OBS screen recorder Linux is one of the most advanced Linux screen recorders available in the market. This free and open-source application works well on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Though anyone can use OBS Studio after learning all the plugin and configuration settings, it is the best Linux screen recorder suited for users who are into tech videos or live game streaming. 

Moreover, it's highly expandable through plug-ins. Furthermore, this allows developers to use APIs to code their own plug-ins.

Key Features

• It comes with an audio mixer with filters and offers filters for video sources too.
• This supports video output in mp4 and FLV formats
• It assists in encoding using H264 and AAC
• This supports Intel QSV and NVENC
• OBS screen recorder Linux can hold an unlimited number of scenes and input sources
• It allows direct streaming through YouTube, Dailymotion, Twitch, etc.
• This enables access to webcam and capture cards while recording sessions

Pros

• Streamlined yet potent interface
• Swift keyboard shortcuts facilitate usage
• Comprehensive feature set
• Seamless source switching during recording

Cons

• Lack of an "undo" functionality
• Occasional memory usage and lag issues

The first time you start OBS Studio, its Auto-Configuration Wizard will be shown, allowing you to choose if you plan on using OBS Studio primarily for broadcasting or recording and then perform a series of tests to automatically configure everything for your computer hardware. You also have the option of installing OBS Studio on any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak by using the Flathub package. It comes with the OBS-XDG-PORTAL plugin. A built-in plugin that gets screen recording to work under Wayland. You can also check this OBS Screen Recording Full Guide to get more detailed information.

8. Gifine

If the fundamental altering highlights of Peek don't satisfy your GIF recording needs, at that point, Gifine is a decent other option. Characterize is a direct piece of the toolkit that may not extend to the sleekest interface yet positively completes the employment opportunity. It offers worked-in help for altering and managing your gifs which can save a ton of opportunities with regards to making something unique.

Its establishment is additionally not the least complex and can feel somewhat lumbering as well. The issue is that it is anything but a joke introduce order however a combination of various orders that contain certain conditions too. It needs around 6 orders to be run effectively to be utilized. Even though it is problematic in the establishment interaction, the advantages it brings exceed the underlying blockades.

Key Features

• This enables users to select a region of their desktop to record
• It supports output in both gif and mp4 format
• It allows adjusting frame rate, edits, or trimming the output video
• This allows loading a directory of frames as well.

Pros

• No cost involved
• Swift and user-friendly
• Ability to edit or trim GIFs before exporting

Cons

• Installation requires dependencies
• Conversion to GIF format can take some time

Installing Gifine is a bit of a lengthy process. Open a terminal window and carefully enter the following commands for installing Gifine on Ubuntu:

git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/lolilolicon/xrectsel.git
cd xrectsel
./bootstrap && ./configure
$ sudo make install
$ sudo apt install gifsicle luarocks libgirepository1.0-dev
$ sudo luarocks install --server=http://luarocks.org/dev Gifine

9. Shutter

The Shutter is a component-rich screen capture program for Linux-based working frameworks like Ubuntu. You can take a screen capture of a particular territory, window, your entire screen, or even of a site – apply various impacts to it, attract on it to feature focuses, and afterward transfer it to a picture facilitating site, all inside one window. if you are taking screen captures for composing instructional exercises or manuals, you need to alter the picture, for example featuring some piece of it. With Shutter, you don't have to open an outside illustrations proofreader like GIMP, since Shutter boats with its underlying supervisor.

Key Features

• It allows capturing a portion of the whole screen
• This can screenshot a window and capture a menu or tooltip
• It can capture even when you are browsing

Pros

• Many plugins available
• Offers one-click sharing to social media
• Free and open-source

Cons

• Session manager can be somewhat bothersome
• Occasional lagging

Write the commands below to start installing this toolkit in your Linux:

$ sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:shutter/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ Sudo apt-get install shutter

10. Green Recorder

Green recorder is a free, open-source, straightforward work area recorder for Linux frameworks and composed utilizing Python, GTK+3, and FFmpeg. It upholds sound and video recording on the majority of the Linux work area conditions like Unity, Gnome, Cinnamon, Mate, XFCE, and so forth Right now it upholds MKV, AVI, MP4, WMV, GIF, and NUT, and also WebM for Wayland's GNOME meeting. You would simply be able to begin and stop the chronicle by tapping the suitable catch in the fundamental menu. A play button has been included in the principal menu which permits a client to playback of a recorded video. The green recorder package is not available in the distribution official repository so we need to install it from another repository.

Key Features

• It works with multiple video formats
• This Linus screen recorder can work with default settings all the time
• It supports Wmv, gif, Avi, mp4, nut, and Mkv.

Pros

• Supports both Xorg and Wayland
• Records screen as Gif
• Easy to install on Ubuntu

Cons

• Lack of webcam recording capability
• Compatible with Python 2 but not Python 3

For Ubuntu/LinuxMint use the apt-get command or apt command to install the green recorder.

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:fossproject/ppa
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install green-recorder

11. Blue Recorder

Blue Recorder is a screen recording software designed for Linux operating systems. It empowers users to capture their on-screen actions, preserving them as video files. The software boasts an intuitive user interface that ensures ease of use for individuals at all skill levels, be it novices or experts. Within the program, users have the capacity to customize video and audio preferences. This encompasses the choice of video codec, fine-tuning of frame rates, and establishment of audio bitrates. Furthermore, the application extends the capability to record content in various formats, encompassing well-known choices like MP4 and AVI.

Key Features

• It currently supports recording in the following formats: mkv, avi, mp4, wmv, gif, and nut.
• It is available for Gnu / Linux systems and built using Rust, GTK + 3 and ffmpeg.
• You can choose the audio input source that we want from the available list.
• It also provides basic editing capabilities.

Pros

• Fork of Green Recorder
• Straightforward UI
• Support for Wayland

Cons

• Currently exhibits some minor bugs

Utilize the following commands to initiate the installation process of Blue Recorder on your Linux system: $ sudo apt install blue-recorder

12. Freeseer

Freeseer, a cross-platform and open-source software, serves as a versatile tool for capturing or live-streaming your desktop activities. Initially designed for presentation capture, it has been successfully employed at numerous free-software events to document a diverse range of talks. While its primary focus lies in presentations, Freeseer is equally applicable for recording lectures, Linux video recording, and various other purposes. Built on open standards, the tool ensures compatibility with royalty-free video and audio codecs.

Key Features

• It allows video & audio streaming (RTMP streaming support and Justin.tv plug-in)
• Freeseer uses a plug-in system so developers can easily add new features
• It is particularly good at handling very large conferences with hundreds of talks and speakers using varied hardware and operating systems.
• It can also record vga output or video from external sources such as firewire, usb, s-video, or rca.

Pros

• Customizable plugins
• Smooth and swift user experience
• Clear and comprehensible recordings preview

Cons

• Outdated user interface
• Lacks webcam recording feature

To initiate the installation process of Freeseer on your Linux system, employ the provided commands: $ sudo apt install freeseer

Summary Table

Related FAQs about Linux Screen Recorder

1. Does Linux have a built-in screen recorder?

Linux has a reputation for offering a wide array of tools with similar functions, and screen recording is no exception. Ubuntu, however, stands out by providing an excellent built-in screen recorder.

This preinstalled recorder requires no additional applications, command-line operations, or complex activation steps. Its user-friendly and straightforward nature makes it a compelling choice for screen recording, eliminating the need to install external applications and making it a worthwhile option to explore.

2. How do I record my desktop in Ubuntu?

Recording your screen on Ubuntu using the default screen recorder is incredibly straightforward. There's no hidden application or shortcut, but you can access the recorder by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R. You can tell if recording has started from the orange dot in the top tray area.

The recording lasts for thirty seconds by default and then stops automatically. To manually stop recording, press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R again. Recordings are saved in the Videos folder within your Home directory in WebM format, which is the only supported format. The default media player in Ubuntu supports the WebM format.

3. How do I record screen and audio in Ubuntu?

A simple one is ‘simplescreenrecorder’ which can be found in the 18.04 repo. Install it with: sudo apt install simple screen recorder

After that go to start it > Continue > choose the size of the screen to record > tick the box for audio.

For Backend choose PulseAudio. For source choose built-in audio analog stereo which would record the mic instead of the internal audio > choose to save location and the default codec parameters should be ok.

4. Can I screen record for 2 or more hours?

With the right screen recording software, you can screen record indefinitely. As long as the action continues on your screen, you can continue to capture it. However, that does not necessarily mean that you can always capture hours upon hours of footage. Take into consideration:

• File size: Large files are clunky, hard to send, and difficult to store. The longer you screen record, the longer your file will be.

• Resolution: You can record your screen in various resolutions, depending on the settings on your monitor and your video recorder. 

• Available storage: Some free screen recording software will limit the size of the file you can save to the platform.

Check the specific limitations of your screen recording software before you begin recording, and make sure you have a backup solution if needed to allow you to continue capturing your screen for the time you need.