Screen Recording Ubuntu: Built-In & Third-Party Ways
To screen record on Ubuntu, you can use the built-in GNOME Screen Recorder (press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R) or install a third-party tool like OBS Studio or Kazam for more options. The built-in tool records in WebM format with no audio by default, while third-party tools offer format selection, audio capture, and webcam overlays.
Built-In GNOME Screen Recorder
Ubuntu’s default desktop environment, GNOME, includes a simple screen recorder that has been part of the shell since version 3.28 (Ubuntu 18.04). It records the entire screen in WebM (VP8/VP9 video, Opus audio) and saves the file to your Videos directory with a name like Screen Recording from 2025-01-15 14-32-05.webm.
To use it:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R to start recording. A red dot appears in the top-right corner.
- Press the same shortcut again to stop. The file is saved automatically.
- To include audio, you must enable it first: open
Settings→Sound→Inputand select a microphone. The built-in recorder captures microphone audio only if you have an input device selected. - There is no pause or region selection – it records the whole screen.
If you need a specific area or audio from system speakers, the built-in tool is not enough. That’s where third-party applications come in.
OBS Studio: The Power User’s Choice
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free, open-source recording and streaming application available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It is the most feature-rich option on Ubuntu and is available in the official repositories.
Install it with:
sudo apt install obs-studioKey features include:
- Region, window, or full-screen capture
- Multiple audio sources (microphone, desktop audio, or both)
- Webcam overlay via a video capture device
- Recording in MP4, MKV, FLV, and more
- Hardware encoding (NVENC on NVIDIA GPUs, VA-API on Intel/AMD)
- Scene composition for tutorials or presentations
OBS has a steeper learning curve than simple tools, but for regular recording or streaming, it is the standard choice. The default settings record at 1080p 30fps, but you can adjust resolution, frame rate, and bitrate in Settings → Output and Video.
Kazam and SimpleScreenRecorder
For users who want something between the built-in recorder and OBS, two lightweight tools are popular:
Kazam – A simple GUI that lets you record the full screen, a region, or a single window. It supports audio from microphone or speakers and can save as MP4, WebM, or lossless formats. Install with sudo apt install kazam. It is no longer actively developed but works on current Ubuntu versions.
SimpleScreenRecorder – A more advanced tool that offers hardware encoding, frame rate control, and a preview window. It is more reliable than Kazam for long recordings and has a straightforward interface. Install with sudo apt install simplescreenrecorder.
Both are lighter than OBS and are good for quick tutorials or bug reports.
How to Choose the Right Tool
Consider what you need the recording for:
- Quick, no-audio screen capture – Use the built-in GNOME recorder.
- Tutorial with microphone narration – Kazam or SimpleScreenRecorder.
- Gaming or streaming – OBS Studio.
- Recording a specific window or region – Kazam or OBS (built-in cannot do this).
- Hardware-accelerated encoding – OBS or SimpleScreenRecorder with VA-API.
If you are on a laptop with an NVIDIA GPU, OBS can use NVENC to reduce CPU load. On Intel or AMD, VA-API works with both OBS and SimpleScreenRecorder.
Common Problems and Fixes
Users often encounter a few issues when recording on Ubuntu:
- No audio in built-in recorder – The GNOME recorder does not capture system audio (what you hear). It only records microphone input. Use OBS or Kazam if you need desktop audio.
- Black screen when recording with OBS – This usually happens on Wayland sessions. OBS uses X11 capture, which does not work under Wayland. Switch to Xorg (log out, click the gear icon on the login screen, select “Ubuntu on Xorg�) or use the PipeWire capture option in OBS 28+.
- Recording is choppy or laggy – Lower the resolution or frame rate, or enable hardware encoding. For OBS, go to
Settings→Outputand choose a hardware encoder if available. - File is too large – Use a more efficient codec like H.264 (MP4) instead of lossless, or lower the bitrate.
- No sound from microphone – Check input device in Ubuntu settings and in the recording tool’s audio settings.
Wayland vs Xorg: What It Means for Recording
Ubuntu’s default session is Wayland, which has a different security model than the older X11 (Xorg). Screen capture under Wayland requires the compositor to explicitly allow it. The built-in GNOME recorder works fine because it is part of the compositor. Third-party tools like OBS must use the XDG Desktop Portal (via PipeWire) to capture the screen, which is supported in OBS 28 and later.
If you are using an older version of OBS or a tool that does not support PipeWire, you will see a black screen. The simplest fix is to log into the Xorg session (choose “Ubuntu on Xorg� at login). This gives tools direct access to the screen and is still fully supported, though it lacks some Wayland features like fractional scaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I record a specific window on Ubuntu?
Use Kazam or OBS. In Kazam, choose “Window� from the main menu and click the window you want. In OBS, add a new “Window Capture� source and select the window from the dropdown. The built-in GNOME recorder only records the entire screen.
Can I record my screen with audio on Ubuntu?
Yes, but the built-in recorder only captures microphone audio. To record system audio (what you hear), use OBS Studio or Kazam. In OBS, add an “Audio Output Capture� source. In Kazam, select “Speakers� as the audio source.
Where are screen recordings saved on Ubuntu?
The built-in GNOME recorder saves files to ~/Videos with a timestamped name. OBS and Kazam let you choose the save location in their settings. By default, OBS saves to ~/Videos as well, and Kazam saves to ~/Videos or the directory you select.
Why is my screen recording black on Ubuntu?
This is most common on Wayland sessions with third-party tools that do not support PipeWire. Switch to Xorg at login, or update OBS to version 28 or later. Also check that the capture source is set correctly and that you are not trying to capture a protected window (like a DRM video).
What is the best free screen recorder for Ubuntu?
OBS Studio is the most capable free option, but it has a learning curve. For a simple tool, Kazam or SimpleScreenRecorder are excellent and free. The built-in GNOME recorder is the simplest but lacks features.
Can I record my screen without installing anything?
Yes, use the built-in GNOME screen recorder with Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R. It records the entire screen in WebM format with no audio unless you have a microphone selected. It is basic but requires no installation.
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