Need to take a screenshot in Linux? Here’s how you can do much more than screenshotting with Shutter.
Screenshot tools are a frequently used tool in any system. But unlike Windows, Linux-based systems usually don't come with built-in screenshot tools. Fortunately, there are many third-party apps available for this purpose in Linux.
Shutter is one of such screenshot tools that can help you take your screenshot game to a whole other level.
What Is Shutter?
Shutter is an open-source, comprehensive, and feature-rich screenshot tool that provides functionalities like multiple capture options, editing, plugins for different effects, and one-click share all under one roof.
Shutter stands out from other screenshot tools because it offers a wide range of supplement functionalities. That is why we have prepared this unofficial user guide to Shutter, so you can use each Shutter’s feature to its best.
How to Install Shutter
To install Shutter, go to Software Centre or Ubuntu Software and search and select Shutter > Install.
On Launching Shutter, You might notice that in some cases some functions like Edit are marked grey, or the plugin is giving errors. This happens due to some old or missing packages from the official repository.
If that case occurs use the alternative method provided below.
An Alternate Installation Method
A Personal Package Archive (PPA) for Shutter is maintained by Linux Uprising. To install the updated version of Shutter, open Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and run the following command to add this PPA repository.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linuxuprising/shutter
Now, update your system and install Shutter:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt install shutter
Also, install gnome-web-photo package to enable website screenshots.
sudo apt install gnome-web-photo
Capture Screenshots With Shutter
Shutter provides multiple convenient capture options. Here are several different ways you can use Shutter to take screengrabs.
1. Capture a Screenshot of a Selection
You can take a screenshot of the specific part of your screen through selection capture. To take a screenshot, simply click on Selection in the shutter toolbar.
Click, hold and drag your mouse to select the specific area and hit Enter.
2. Capture a Screenshot of a Desktop
As the name indicates, this feature lets you capture the whole desktop screen. To take a Desktop screenshot, click on Desktop in the Shutter toolbar.
You can also take screenshots of different workspaces by selecting targeted workspace from the Desktop dropdown in the Shutter toolbar.
3. Capture a Screenshot of a Window
To take a screenshot of an individual window, Go to Window and select the window you want to capture from the dropdown.
4. Capture a Screenshot of a Website
Website screenshot captures the whole website page. To take a screenshot of a website, copy the URL of the website page that you want to capture and then click on the Website icon in the toolbar.
The dialogue will appear with the autofill URL of the website page. Check the URL, then click on the Capture button to take a website screenshot.
Shutter will then display the captured webpage.
5. Capture a Screenshot of a Menu and ToolTip
A Menu and Tooltip screenshot can be taken by clicking on Menu and Tooltip in the Shutter toolbar respectively.
Menu is represented by the notepad icon, as shown below.
And if you want to capture a Tooltip, select the bubbles with the question marks in them.
Once clicked, the default timer will start. Navigate to the specific menu or tooltip. The screenshot will be taken once the timer runs out.
Edit Screenshots With Shutter
Shutter comes with an in-built Shutter Drawing Tool that provides a lot of editing options. To open this tool simply take or open a screenshot you want to edit and click the Edit button in the top right corner. You will see vertical toolbars that provide various editing options.
Crop Your Screenshot
To crop the screenshot to your desired selection or dimensions in Shutter, select the last icon in the vertical toolbar. Then select a region or enter dimensions and click on the Crop button.
Highlight Screenshots With Shapes, Text, and Arrows
You can emphasize and highlight part of your screenshot through highlights, shapes, and arrows in Shutter. Just go to the highlighter, shapes, and arrow icons respectively, in the vertical toolbar and click hold and drag over the specific region.
You can also label or explain specific parts of the screenshot etc., by adding text. Select the Text icon from the toolbar and click where you want the text to be. It will create a text box at the position, you will be prompted with Preferences. Type text and click OK.
Insert an Auto-Incremented Shape
You may seen how some screenshots have step numbers defined in the screenshot. That is usually done manually. But Shutter offers the unique feature of auto-increment Shape which provides this functionality automatically.
To add steps in your screenshot, select the Auto-Increment icon from the toolbar and click on specific positions in the order.
Pixelate Sections to Hide Personal Data
You can pixelate or blur specific areas of the screenshot with Shutter. This feature can prove to be useful when you want to hide any sensitive data in your screenshot. You can censor by selecting the Pixelate icon in the toolbar. Again, click, hold and drag the mouse over the specific area.
Add Effects to Screenshots With Plugins
Shutter offers multiple built-in plugins and effects that take its editing to a new scale. To apply the plugin, open Screenshot > Run a Plugin.
You will then be prompted to select the plugin. Select a plugin from the dropdown and hit Run.
According to the plugin you will be prompted to set the plugin-specific settings. Save these settings and the plugin effect will be applied to your screenshot.
Share and Upload Screenshots With Shutter
That's not all, Shutter also has a very comprehensive export function. It lets you upload your screenshots to sites like Imgur or Dropbox. Additionally, it also has a built-in FTP client so you can upload your screenshots effortlessly. Simply click on the Export button in the top right corner.
Select the platform when prompted and proceed to authenticate and click Upload. Similarly, select the FTP tab to use the FTP transfer protocol.
How to Uninstall Shutter
Uninstall Shutter through GUI by going to Ubuntu Software and selecting Shutter through installed software then click Remove.
Alternatively, open a terminal and run:
sudo apt-get remove shutter
Capture and Customize Your Screenshots With Shutter
No matter, If you are starting in Linux or a frequent user, screenshot tools are a basic necessity. Shutter is a powerful screenshot tool that combines an awesome set of features in one program and saves you the trouble of using different tools to achieve the same results.