Screenix

How to Record Your Screen on Linux

Four ways to record your Linux desktop, from the zero-setup GNOME shortcut you can use right now, to OBS for streaming, to Screenix if you want automatic zooms and cursor tracking without editing. Each method includes step-by-step instructions for Ubuntu, Fedora, and other distros.

Ubuntu · Fedora · Arch · Debian · Manjaro · X11 & Wayland

4 Ways to Record Your Screen on Linux

Step-by-step instructions for each method, from quickest to most polished

Best Overall
1

Screenix

Record professional-looking tutorials in one take, automatic zooms and cursor tracking included

Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 40+, Arch)$9.99/mo or $89 lifetime

Pros

  • Open Screenix and click Record, the app captures your screen at 60fps on Wayland and X11
  • Automatic zoom effects follow your cursor during recording, no editing needed
  • Built-in blur zones let you redact sensitive info in real time while recording
  • Cursor tracking with smooth movement and click highlighting
  • Export directly to MP4, no post-production workflow required
  • 7-day free trial with full exports, no credit card to start

Cons

  • Paid software after trial, $9.99/mo or $89 lifetime
  • No live streaming support
  • Needs Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 40+, or Arch Linux
2

OBS Studio

Free and powerful for streaming and recording, but expect a setup process

Linux, Windows, macOSFree

Pros

  • Install with sudo apt install obs-studio on Ubuntu, or dnf install obs-studio on Fedora
  • Add a Screen Capture source, pick your monitor or window, then click Start Recording
  • Free and open source with a large plugin ecosystem
  • Built-in support for live streaming to Twitch and YouTube

Cons

  • No automatic zoom or cursor effects, you will need to add those in a separate editor
  • Setting up scenes and sources takes time, especially your first time
  • Wayland support requires OBS 30+ and a PipeWire source, not always straightforward
3

GNOME Built-in Recorder

Zero install, works right now, press three keys and you are recording

Linux (GNOME desktop)Free, built in

Pros

  • Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R to start recording, press the same shortcut or click the red dot in the top bar to stop
  • No installation needed, it ships with every GNOME desktop including Ubuntu and Fedora
  • The recording saves automatically to ~/Videos/Screencasts as a WebM file
  • Works on Wayland without any extra configuration

Cons

  • Does not record audio, screen only
  • No zoom effects, cursor overlay, or any editing features
  • WebM output only, you will need to convert to MP4 for sharing on some platforms
  • GNOME only, not available on KDE, Xfce, or other desktop environments
4

SimpleScreenRecorder

Lightweight and reliable for straightforward recordings on X11 systems

Linux (X11 only)Free

Pros

  • Install with sudo apt install simplescreenrecorder on Ubuntu or from Flathub
  • Pick your input source, set the output file path, click Start Recording
  • Very low CPU and memory usage, good for older hardware
  • Supports custom frame rates, codecs, and audio inputs

Cons

  • X11 only, does not work on Wayland sessions
  • No zoom, cursor effects, or annotations
  • Interface is functional but dated, and the project updates infrequently

Frequently Asked Questions

Record Your First Linux Screencast

Screenix works out of the box on Ubuntu and Fedora with automatic zooms, cursor tracking, and real-time blur. Start your 7-day free trial, no credit card required.

Works on Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Debian, Manjaro, Mint, CachyOS), X11 and Wayland, works offline, cancel anytime.