On most devices you can take a screenshot, and if you wonder if it is possible to do it on the Raspberry Pi, The answer is yes. Although this small computer has certain limitations, it does many of the things that any conventional PC would do, what there is is that know how to do it.
Currently, it is almost essential take a screenshot to have an important document handy, to show someone what you are seeing on the monitor, to solve a problem or to save any curious moment, to name a few cases. There are many applications on the web that are useful to fulfill the task, easily and simply.
The process to make a “screenshot” on Raspberry Pi is quite simple, you just have to use the best tools. We will show you the best way to do it.
Learn step by step how to make a screenshot on Raspberry Pi from scratch
The tools that we bring in this tutorial are compatible with most Raspberry Pi models and they work both on their native operating system, as well as on many other Linux distributions.
We show you how to use Scrot and VCN:
In Scrot
This tool, that is included in the Raspberry Pi OS pack, allows us to do the same as any other application in terms of screenshots. Some of its functions are create thumbnails, delay recording, name the file and rename it.
The program is used as follows:
-
If it is not installed in your version, or you use another operating system, add it with this command:
sudo apt install Scrot. -
If you want to capture of the entire screen, use the command:
Scrot. -
The captured image You will find it with the following configuration: date, time and resolution. In the end, take the word
Scrotfollowed by the format.png. -
Specify the “file location” using this command:
scrot/home/pi/Desktop/example.pngand will be saved in/home/pi/Desktop/. -
If you want to take the catch of a specific window use:
Scrot –sand find the place you want to save. -
And you can also do it remotely. For this you have to enable SSH of your Raspberry Pi. Once done, enter the terminal using the following command:
PANTALLA =: 0 scrot.
In VNC
Virtual Network Computing is a software that allows you to manipulate a computer remotely from anywhere, this because it works with an internet connection.
Once the application is installed on your Pi, and the remote connection has been activated, follow the steps below to take a screenshot:
- Browse the toolbar remote viewer call ScreenSharingMenulet.
- Go to “Preferences”, followed by “Raspberry Pi”.
- A window will open that contains the desktop of the plate and from that moment it is possible to make a capture.
- If you wish record the entire desktop, activates the command “-Shift-4”.
- Press the space bar on the keyboard, move the mouse over the window and clicking on it will record the screenshot.
- The file it will be saved in “.png” format on your computer desktop.
List of the best programs to take screenshots on Raspberry Pi that you should know
Besides Scrot and VNC, there are many other components that contain the necessary settings to take screenshots. On the web you will get hundreds of options, but there are some that are complicated, heavy and even take several seconds to process. But we know that you want applications that help us perform simply, quickly and without complications the screenshots on the Raspberry Pi.
Therefore, we have compiled some of the best programs available:
GNOME
This tool has various options for screenshot, including choosing specific segments. You can also use keyboard shortcuts to do it faster and recordings go to the home directory automatically.
Another possibility is to run it through your tabs, where you only have to select the action you want to perform with the mouse and it will indicate the steps to follow. GNOME has a disadvantage and that is once you make the capture, it closes and you must start it again if you want to do another.
Kazam
It is an open source application makes it possible to capture what is on the screen, either in images or video. For this it has the modes “Screencast” and “Screenshot”, each with different actions. To work you must select one of them and then configure the additional parameters.
ScreenCloud
ScreenCloud provides the user with the possibility of taking screenshots and also managing them, with an image editor, so no need to use a third-party program to complete the job. It should be added that the files can be immediately upload to the cloud, on servers such as Imgur, Ubuntu One and Dropbox.
Flameshot
The simplicity of this tool has nothing to do with its power. After you take the capture, you can edit it and it has, among other functions, the integration of text with different sources. Without any complications, you export the captured image to your device. And if we talk about advantages, one that stands out compared to its competitors is the low resource consumption on the computer.
Shutter
If you are looking for quality images to use in your work, I present this tool to you. Bring an editing set that leaves the image ready. Likewise, it allows you to choose which area of the computer you want to save, including independent windows, web page or the entire desktop. With Shutter you will save a lot of work and you will improve your file.
Maim
This little program is similar to Scrot and works fast. With it it is possible to take captures by specifying the file, as well as making advanced selections on the screen. What you should keep in mind is that to use it, The distribution you are using must be updated to its latest version.