How do I know whether Linux Mint uses X11 or Wayland?

Run echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE in Terminal. It reports x11 or wayland for the current session.

Can Linux Mint record microphone and system audio?

Yes. Screenix and OBS can capture both. In Screenix, enable each source from its toolbar before recording.

Does SimpleScreenRecorder work on Mint Wayland?

SimpleScreenRecorder's capture design targets X11. Use Screenix, OBS PipeWire capture, or another portal-based recorder on a Wayland session.

A practical Linux guide

How to Record Your Screen on Linux Mint

First check whether Cinnamon is using X11 or Wayland. Use OBS for streaming, SimpleScreenRecorder on X11, or Screenix to record, automatically polish, edit, transcribe, and share.

Why Screenix is the better value

One Linux app. $39/year or $59 once.

Record, polish, edit, transcribe, and share without stacking separate tools or giving up local ownership.

Native Linux

Direct X11 and portal-based capture on supported Wayland desktops

One complete workflow

Record, polish, edit, transcribe, and share

Your files, your choice

Keep recordings local, use hosted sharing, or bring your own storage

Simple pricing

$39/yr with hosted sharing or $59 lifetime with your own storage

The short answer

Run echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE to identify your session. Install Screenix with the official installer, enable microphone or system audio in the toolbar, choose a screen or window, and record. On Wayland the desktop portal asks what you want to share; on X11 the app selects the source directly.

1. Screenix 2. OBS Studio 3. SimpleScreenRecorder

3 Ways to Record Linux Mint

Exact steps for Cinnamon, Wayland, X11, microphone, and desktop audio

Best complete workflow

Screenix

Best for tutorials that need editing and automatic zooms

Linux Mint (.deb), Wayland and X11$39/yr or $59 lifetime

Screenix installs as a Debian package, detects the session type, records audio, and opens the result in its editor.

Step-by-step

1
Check whether Cinnamon is using X11 or Wayland.
echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE
The result should be x11 or wayland.
2
Install Screenix with its official installer.
curl -fsSL https://screenix.studio/install | sh
3
Open Screenix and enable microphone, system audio, or both from the toolbar.
4
Choose the screen or window. On Wayland, approve the source in the desktop portal picker.
5
Start recording, stop when finished, then adjust generated zooms, cuts, cursor effects, and audio in the editor.
6
Export the finished recording to MP4.

Pros

Wayland and X11
Microphone and system audio
Automatic zooms and built-in editor
Native .deb installation

Cons

Paid after the trial: $39/yr or $59 lifetime
No livestreaming

OBS Studio

Best for streaming and multi-source scenes

Linux MintFree and open source

OBS combines screen, camera, and audio sources but requires scene setup.

Step-by-step

1
Install OBS using its official Ubuntu PPA instructions or the recommended Flathub package.
2
Add Screen Capture (PipeWire) on Wayland or an XSHM display source on X11.
3
Add microphone and desktop-audio sources and verify their meters.
4
Choose the recording format and output folder, then start recording.

Pros

Streaming
Advanced audio mixer
Wayland and X11
Multiple scenes

Cons

More setup
No automatic tutorial zooms

SimpleScreenRecorder

Straightforward recording for Cinnamon X11

Linux Mint X11Free and open source

SimpleScreenRecorder captures a screen, region, or OpenGL application and synchronizes audio and video, but it is not a native Wayland recorder.

Step-by-step

1
Confirm the session reports x11.
echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE
2
Install the package from Mint's Ubuntu-based repositories.
sudo apt install simplescreenrecorder
3
Select the screen or region and choose an audio source.
4
Choose a codec and output file, start recording, then save the result.

Pros

Detailed codec controls
Audio synchronization
Pause and preview

Cons

X11 only
No editor or automatic zooms

Which Linux Mint Method Should You Use?

Choose by session support and workflow

Method	Best for	Effort
Screenix	Edited tutorials	Low
OBS Studio	Streaming	Medium
SimpleScreenRecorder	X11 controls	Medium

SupportedNot supported

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Ready to record?

Record a Complete Linux Mint Tutorial

Capture Cinnamon with audio, polish the video, and share it for $39/year or $59 lifetime.

7-day trial, no credit card. Instant shares have no watermark. Edited exports include a small trial watermark.