How To Take A Screenshot In Ubuntu

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by

Vector Linux
in

Hey there! Taking screenshots in Ubuntu is super easy and convenient. As someone who works with Ubuntu on a daily basis, I find myself taking screenshots quite often to share images and illustrate concepts. In this article, I’ll walk you through the various methods to take a screenshot in Ubuntu, with some personal touches and commentary along the way.

Using the Print Screen key

The simplest and most straightforward way to take a screenshot in Ubuntu is by using the Print Screen key on your keyboard. Just press the Print Screen key, and Ubuntu will automatically capture a screenshot of your entire screen.

Once you’ve pressed the Print Screen key, you’ll notice that nothing visually happens. Don’t worry! Ubuntu has quietly saved the screenshot to your Pictures directory. To access it, open the Files application, navigate to the Pictures folder, and look for the screenshot file named with the date and time of capture.

Capturing a specific window

Sometimes, you may only want to capture a specific window instead of the entire screen. Ubuntu makes this a breeze too! Just follow these steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture to bring it into focus.
  2. Hold down the Alt key and press the Print Screen key.

Similar to the previous method, Ubuntu will save the screenshot to your Pictures directory. Keep in mind that the saved screenshot will only contain the contents of the selected window, not the entire screen.

Taking a screenshot of a specific area

If you need to capture only a portion of your screen, Ubuntu has you covered! Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press the Print Screen key.
  2. Click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture.

Once you release the mouse button, Ubuntu will save the selected portion as a screenshot. Again, you can find the screenshot in your Pictures folder. This method is particularly handy when you want to emphasize a specific part of the screen.

Using the Screenshot application

If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) over keyboard shortcuts, Ubuntu provides a dedicated application called Screenshot. To access it, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Activities button in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Type Screenshot in the search bar and click on the Screenshot application.
  3. Choose from the available options: Grab the whole desktop, Grab the current window, or Select area to grab.

The Screenshot application offers additional features such as a timer to delay the capture and the ability to include the mouse pointer in the screenshot. Take some time to explore these options and find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots in Ubuntu is a breeze, whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts or a graphical interface. The simplicity and flexibility of Ubuntu make it a joy to work with. So go ahead, capture those screens and share your Ubuntu journey with others!