Tools like screen recorders are not used by normal computer users but there is a particular set of users whose work heavily relies on screen recorders such as professional YouTube Creators who make many video tutorials, gaming and software reviews, How-to guides and for professional gamers who like to go online while playing their favorite game.
There can be plenty reasons apart from these to use screen recorders and there are many really good and reliable screen recorders are available on internet for Linux and Ubuntu users. But finding the best is tough task because output video file is what matters the most and not every screen recorder gives you output file in the screen resolution, frame rate and quality you prefer.
Most people these days have smartphones. This means a lot of people are interested in screen recorders for smartphones. However, there are also a number of others who need screen recorders for Linux. If you fall into this latter category, you are probably wondering which screen recorder is best for Linux Ubuntu.
Linux and its distributions come with built-in screenshot tool out-of-the-box but screen recording tool is always missing. So today we’re going to give you in-depth guide to best screen recorders which you can find very useful on Linux and its distro’s like Ubuntu.
What are they?
Screen recording is a significant undertaking for some individuals for some reasons, including making a video instructional exercise, making a show, gathering a how-to instructional exercise, doing a product survey, or having a good time of streaming while at the same time playing computer games.
Also, these days, numerous clients are creating an acquiring open door for themselves through YouTube, Facebook video, or some other video facilitating destinations by making numerous supportive how-to direct recordings. This rundown of the best Linux screen recorder isn’t recorded in a particular request.
SimpleScreenRecorder
As the name suggests, SimpleScreenRecorder is very simple and one of the most reliable screen recorders for Ubuntu. It is lightweight QT based screen recorder which is very easy to use and requires less space for installation but records high quality videos.
When it comes to features there are not many screen recorders that can match SimpleScreenRecorders offerings. It offers features such as live preview option while recording, record particular area of the screen, option to record the video in multiple video file format, optimize audio recording, manage frame rate, live statistics, tweak options to get required video output.
Don’t worry if you have slow machine because it is flexible enough that it reduces video frame rate rather than eating too much RAM. User interface is old school but who cares when you have one of the best screen recording tools at your disposal.
Installing SimpleScreenRecorder is very easy, just run following commands in Linux Terminal. $ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install simplescreenrecorder
Use the following command if you want to record 32-bit OpenGL applications on your 64-bit system. $ sudo apt-get install simplescreenrecorder-lib:i386
You can also follow in-depth guide to setup SimpleScreenRecorder here.
Open Broadcaster Software Studio
Open Broadcaster Software Studio is free and open-source cross-platform screen recording and video streaming application. It is one of the most feature-rich screen-casting applications you will find for Linux and its distributions.
It has interactive user interface which you will find very easy to use. Talking about features it has everything you will ask for in a professional screen-casting application. Video source filters, highly configurable options, live streaming, audio mixing tool with added filters, and custom transitions are the main features of this screen recorder.
Isn’t this a great tool for Facebook and YouTube video bloggers who love to go live while playing favorite video games or doing their professional tutorials?
At the first start, Open Broadcaster Software Studio starts auto configuration wizards which auto detects the screen and gives you best configuration of screen resolution, frame rate (FPS) and output resolution which will be suitable for you.
Once you are comfortable with this screen recorder you will find some hidden tweaks and features which will take your screen recording and screen casting experience to next level. $ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pbsproject/obs-studio
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install obs-studio
Kazam
Kazam is simple and lightweight simple screen recording application for Linux and its distro’s like Ubuntu. It is minimal tool which records the screen and saves the video file that can be played with any media player or can be uploaded on online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, etc.
As you can see in above screenshot, Kazam sports very simple user interface with not so many options. But it gives you option to record full screen or particular area of the screen.
Even though it is a simple screen recorder it sports some handy features such as support for multiple video output file format, delay time support, audio recording from microphone or speaker. One thing that goes against this application is that you don’t get many tweaking options hence you have to stick with what you have. $ sudo apt-add-repository ppa:sylvain-pineau/kazam
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install kazam
$ sudo apt-get upgrade
recordMyDesktop
recordMyDesktop is free and open-source screen recording application especially developed for Linux and its distributions. Written in C, it is basically a command line tool for screen recording and casting. You can directly use it from command line by running recordmydesktop command in the terminal.
When it comes to features, it gives you option to tweak audio and video output quality and there are some advance options to tweak overall performance and video output.
It is simple but reliable screen recording tool as compared to other. We have tested it on latest Ubuntu 19.04 and it worked as expected. If you have older version of Ubuntu, it will also work fine there too.
Minimal user interface, lack of webcam recording support and video output limitations are some cons might lure you to look for an alternative. $ sudo apt-get install gtk-recordmydesktop
Peek
As the name suggests pick your spot on the screen and start recording screen with simple animated screen recorder Peek. You can resize the Peek recorder window to the size you want to record the screen.
It is simple and lightweight screen recorder which lets you record your screen in GIF, APNG, WebM and MP4 output video formats. Peek lets you configure frame rate and delay time and sports sleek graphical user interface which is very easy to use.
To install Peek run the following commands in Terminal. $ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:peek-developers/stable
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install peek
Wondershare DemoCreator
DemoCreator is an on-line screen recorder and video editor. You can record audio, screen, webcam and set the frame rate and resolution. After recording, you can quickly export your video or add some effects to your video. You can add captions, generate auto-caption, edit your video clips. add annotation, add stickers and more with DemoCreator. DemoCreatos is very fit for your presentation video because you can import your PowerPoint to edit and add voiceover. DemoCreator supports multply video export formats
RecordMyDesktop
Being a screen recorder software, offers every use to be user friendly but powerful for the original project. This software is connected by two main parts. The first one being the main line of directions for the basic uses for encoding and capturing of screen recording, written in C. While the second part opens the presentation to edit the way the recording is running with a very easy to use avenue. Having to add a third party feature to open the audio allowing it to record into the video. They do suggest to visit their documentation section to familiarize they way they work and how to better utilize the software.
SimpleScreenRecorder
This software was created with screen recorders in mind who needed an easy to use and get to know tool for every video in mind. Having a very to the point interface, the software for SimpleScreenRecorder has quite a range of features. Boasting as faster than most, you get the choice to record a complete screen or part them up to make all changes screen by screen. Having the option to preview your work while in recording of real time, is a dynamic feature to allow you to complete while in process. You could choose to have your recording completely as it is in an original state. This software gives you the easy to use tool tips for areas you need to define. The audio and video is harmonized correctly, which seems to have issues in competitive software.
Vokoscreen
Offering this software in many languages gives them a good vantage point for Vokoscreen. Not only is this good for video but the audio sources are recognized naturally. You have full control of stops and starts along with pauses and play. Having full use to make changes frame by frame, pulling the specific frame close to make customized changes or zoom out to see what that screen will look like completed. At the end of your recording, you can decide where to store your finished product.
ScreenStudio
As a full HD interface, ScreenStudio software is easy to use immediately upon downloading. Having the compatibility to use an overlay for your webcam or just text, will give you a custom look for your frame by frame performance. The audio is automatically sensed only when the software is in use, afterwards it is removed. Being this is a constantly updating download, it is free and that should be in your mind when you are configuring your project to a specific file. You have the ability to start and stop your recording to create a custom recording.
Wink
The main idea for Wink is for tutorial creating. This software does have a very competitive list of features for all the needs for screen recording, including cross platform for Linux and Windows. In order to distribute through to Wink portal, you will need permission to do so. A list of many languages allows for utilization for many users. You have the capability to record as you create. Customizing is fairly easy with the use of your mouse and keyboard during recording. The completed product is highly consolidated into Flash presentations to allow for web use.
Freeseer
Being a free software and having a cross platform resources, Freeseer is widely known for using during conferences. Both video and audio are supported in the streaming. Configuration is easy with the tools and profiles. Offering a multiple use for the audio is a plus. You have the ability to talk editing for the use of talking in the recording. A great feature is utilizing plug ins to give the developers a way to add any new features for the consumer’s use. Having the basic use of a keyboard will let you make the basic shortcuts without leaving the making the keyboard a great editing on the go. Once completed, access to YouTube is very easy.
Byzanz-record
Having an amazing features, Byzanz-record offers great options for those wanting to utilize GIF files. Every option allows the users to record with audio at the touch of a desktop surrounding. Recording the complete screen if need be or from a single program window or even a specific spot on the actual screen. You can record the utilizing a different set of great features than the previous have offered. These users will come from an area with working from the workstations is a favorite spot. Allowing all the recording actions to be straight from the command line, unless you are one who specifically wants to utilize the panel applet within the GUI itself.
OBS
With OBS the top features are dynamic for the user. Having a top performance level within the real time of video and audio, opens up the options to capture as well as mixing. In this feature you can effortlessly change between custom alterations with unlimited scenes. Allowing for filters not just within the audio areas to give you control off background noises but also for video origins for things including color changes, image concealing and more. The Settings panel has been revamped to give you a faster customizing for each recording or webcast. Having options with either lighter or darker schemes to match your choosings, all while being able to use the configurations options to brand new material or change up existing ones.
VLC
As a free software, VLC is fairly user friendly while offering a strong outcome. Crossing platforms is not an issue since the software is offered for at least 3 interfaces. Most of these features or gathered from the already manifested framework. Giving you the options to customize what they call skins of your creative videos. Within these skins, you are able to preview the changes before you submit for full creation. The availability of this software comes in different languages to help everyone they can reach.
Summary
If you’re an advanced user or someone with a highly specific use case you will likely find the integrated screen recording tool in Ubuntu far too barebones to be of much use.
There is no export or encoding control, there’s no option for audio recording, and the tool can only be used to record the desktop in whole, not a specific window, desktop or monitor.
Thankfully a stack of full-featured screen recorder apps for Linux are out there, including Green Recorder, SimpleScreenRecorder, and Kazam.
But don’t overlook this tool needlessly; for quick clips, B-roll, or demos it is still useful.
Conclusion
The educational screen recording has become a very important asset of a student these days. In fact, the importance of screen recorders have increased due to the easy availability and use of mobile phones and computers without any hassle. A student can use this tool whether it’s for self-study or presentation purposes.
The Linux world is home to thousands of open source applications that are usually free to use. But you should be careful though when selecting the best screen recorder for your Linux Ubuntu OS. There are many screen recorders that you can find online, but some of them may not work with the most recent versions of the popular operating system.