Updated March 2026

How to Record Your Screen on Linux

From the GNOME built-in shortcut to professional apps with zoom effects — here are all the ways to record your screen on Linux, ranked by ease of use.

No credit card required7-day free trialUbuntu & Fedora support

Best Apps to Record Your Screen on Linux

Ranked by ease of use, features, and recording quality

Easiest to Use
1

Screenix

The easiest way to record professional videos on Linux

Linux (Ubuntu 24.04+, Fedora)$4.99/mo or $79 lifetime

Pros

  • Automatic zoom effects — just record and export
  • Works on Wayland and X11 without any config
  • Cursor tracking built-in
  • No post-production needed for tutorials
  • 7-day free trial, no credit card required

Cons

  • Paid software (not free)
  • No streaming support
  • Ubuntu 24.04+ or Fedora required
2

OBS Studio

Free, powerful, and great for streaming — but complex to set up

Linux, Windows, macOSFree

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Best option for live streaming
  • Highly customizable with plugins

Cons

  • Requires manual scene and source setup
  • No automatic zoom or cursor effects
  • Can take hours to configure properly
3

SimpleScreenRecorder

Lightweight and reliable for basic recordings on X11

Linux (X11 only)Free

Pros

  • Simple interface, no configuration needed
  • Low resource usage
  • Works on older Linux setups

Cons

  • X11 only — no Wayland support
  • No effects, zoom, or cursor tracking
  • Basic controls only
4

GNOME Built-in Screen Recorder

Zero-install option that works right now on GNOME

Linux (GNOME)Free (built-in)

Pros

  • No installation required
  • Wayland supported
  • Quick shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R

Cons

  • No audio recording options
  • No zoom or effects
  • GNOME desktops only
  • Saves to WebM format only

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quickest way to record your screen on Linux?

If you're on GNOME (Ubuntu or Fedora), press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R to start and stop a basic recording instantly. For professional recordings with zoom effects, Screenix requires minimal setup — download, install, and hit record. Your first polished video takes under 5 minutes.

How do I record my screen with audio on Linux?

Screenix and OBS Studio both support microphone and system audio recording on Linux. The built-in GNOME recorder does not record audio. On Wayland, Screenix handles audio capture automatically through PipeWire with no manual configuration.

How do I record my screen on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 ships with the GNOME built-in recorder (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R) for quick recordings. For more control, install Screenix using the native .deb package, or install OBS Studio via apt. Screenix is recommended if you need zoom effects or cursor tracking for tutorials.

Does screen recording work on Linux Wayland?

Yes — but not all recorders support Wayland. Screenix uses PipeWire for Wayland screen capture and works on Ubuntu 24.04+ and Fedora without any setup. OBS Studio v30+ also supports Wayland. SimpleScreenRecorder and Kazam are X11 only.

How do I add zoom effects when recording on Linux?

Screenix is the only Linux screen recorder with built-in automatic zoom effects. It tracks your cursor and applies smooth zooms during recording — no plugins or post-editing required. OBS can do zooms with Lua scripts, but requires manual keyframe configuration.

Record Your Screen on Linux the Easy Way

Screenix works out of the box on Ubuntu and Fedora. Automatic zooms, cursor tracking, Wayland support — professional results from your first recording.

Works on Ubuntu 24.04+ • X11 & Wayland supported • Cancel anytime