Recording your screen on Ubuntu is useful for creating tutorials, explaining software, recording presentations, capturing bugs, or sharing a quick demonstration with colleagues. Fortunately, Linux users have several screen recording options, ranging from Ubuntu’s built-in recorder to advanced applications such as OBS Studio and browser-based tools like Flonnect.

Choosing the right Ubuntu screen recorder depends on what you need. If you only want a quick screen capture, the built-in option may be enough. For professional tutorials, audio recording, webcam overlays, or streaming, a dedicated recorder can provide more flexibility.

What Should You Look for in an Ubuntu Screen Recorder?

Before choosing a Linux screen recorder, consider the features that matter most to your workflow.

A useful screen recorder should offer good video quality, reliable performance, audio recording, and simple controls. If you create tutorials, microphone support is particularly important. Users recording games or high-resolution demonstrations may also need adjustable frame rates and hardware encoding.

Other useful features include webcam recording, screen-area selection, multiple output formats, editing options, and easy video sharing.

Best Screen Recorders for Ubuntu

Here are some popular options to consider when you need to record your Ubuntu desktop.

1. Ubuntu Built-in Screen Recorder

Ubuntu's GNOME desktop includes a built-in screen recording feature, so you don't always need to install additional software. You can start recording with Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R, or use the screen-recording option available through the desktop interface. Recordings are saved in the Videos/Screencasts folder.

The built-in recorder is useful when you need a quick recording without configuring complicated settings. You can record the whole screen or a selected region on current Ubuntu desktop versions.

However, its customization options are limited compared with dedicated applications. Therefore, users who need advanced audio, webcam, streaming, or production controls may want another tool.

2. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free, open-source application designed for screen recording and live streaming. It supports multiple sources, scenes, audio sources, webcams, and customizable recording settings.

OBS Studio is particularly useful for professional tutorials, online courses, gaming videos, presentations, and livestreams.

Ubuntu users can install OBS Studio through supported Linux installation methods. Once installed, you can add a screen-capture source, configure your audio, select your recording settings, and start capturing.

OBS provides much more control than the basic Ubuntu recorder, but beginners may need some time to understand scenes, sources, audio mixers, and output settings.

3. Flonnect Screen Recorder

Flonnect offers a simple approach for users who want to record their screen without dealing with a complicated desktop recording setup. According to Flonnect's Ubuntu guide, its recorder supports screen recording, camera recording, and combined screen-and-camera recording.

This can be useful for tutorials, demonstrations, team communication, and videos that need both the screen and presenter.

The workflow is straightforward: open the recorder, choose the recording mode, select your preferred quality, enable audio if required, and begin recording. After finishing, you can save the recording or use sharing options provided by the platform.

For users who prioritize a simple workflow and easy sharing, Flonnect can be a convenient option.

4. SimpleScreenRecorder

SimpleScreenRecorder has traditionally been a popular Linux screen recording application because of its straightforward interface and configurable recording options. It can be useful when you want more control than the basic desktop recorder without setting up a complete streaming environment.

Depending on your Ubuntu version and desktop session, compatibility and capture methods can vary. If you use Wayland, it is worth checking that the application's capture method works correctly with your setup before beginning an important recording.

5. GPU Screen Recorder

Users who care about recording performance can also consider GPU Screen Recorder. Ubuntu's documentation describes GPU Screen Recorder as a tool designed around GPU-based screen capture and encoding, with support for recording, streaming, and instant replay. It supports both X11 and Wayland and can work with AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA graphics hardware.

This option can be particularly interesting for users who want efficient recording during demanding workloads such as gaming.

How to Record Your Screen on Ubuntu

The easiest method is to use Ubuntu's built-in recorder.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R.
2. Select the screen or recording area if your desktop provides the selection option.
3. Start the recording.
4. Perform the actions you want to capture.
5. Stop the recording using the desktop recording controls.
6. Find the saved video in your Videos/Screencasts folder.

For more advanced recordings, open OBS Studio or another dedicated recorder and configure the screen, microphone, webcam, resolution, and frame rate before recording.

Ubuntu Screen Recording With Audio

Audio is an important consideration when choosing an Ubuntu screen recorder. A screen recording may be less useful for tutorials or demonstrations if your microphone or application audio is missing.

Before recording, check your microphone permissions and audio input. Make a short test recording and play it back before starting a long session.

On modern Linux desktops, the Wayland display server can also affect how applications capture screens. Screen capture commonly uses desktop portals and PipeWire on Wayland, so a recorder may behave differently depending on your desktop environment and configuration.

Which Ubuntu Screen Recorder Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your recording requirements.

• Quick screen capture: Ubuntu's built-in recorder
• Professional recording and streaming: OBS Studio
• Simple recording and sharing: Flonnect
• Traditional configurable desktop recording: SimpleScreenRecorder
• GPU-focused recording: GPU Screen Recorder

There is no single solution for every Linux user. A beginner may prefer a minimal interface, while a content creator may need multiple scenes, audio sources, webcam support, and advanced encoding controls.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu provides several ways to record your desktop, making it easier for Linux users to create tutorials, demonstrations, presentations, and other video content. The built-in Ubuntu recorder is convenient for quick captures, while OBS Studio provides extensive control for advanced workflows. Flonnect offers another option for users who want a straightforward recording and sharing experience.