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Asked: 2024-09-25T15:12:27+05:30 In:

What are the methods to capture a screenshot of a single window instead of the entire desktop on Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to figure out how to take a screenshot of just one window on my Ubuntu setup, but I’m getting kind of frustrated. Whenever I try to hit the usual button combinations, I end up capturing the whole desktop, which is not what I want at all. I mean, it’s great to show off my cool wallpapers and all, but there’s a reason I want just that one window, you know?

So, I’m wondering, what are the actual methods to capture a screenshot of a single window on Ubuntu? I know there are a few different ways to go about it, especially with how customizable Linux is, but I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve been in the same boat as me. Do you just rely on default keyboard shortcuts, or is there a specific tool or app you use that simplifies the whole process?

I’ve heard about the Print Screen key, but every time I press it, I always end up with a screenshot of everything on my screen. Is there a trick to it? Do I have to hold down another key like Alt or something? And what about using terminal commands? I know Linux enthusiasts love their command line, and I wouldn’t mind learning if that’s a cleaner way to do it.

I want to avoid opening a whole new program to get the job done because that just feels cumbersome when I’m in the middle of something. Plus, I don’t want to mess around with too many settings or configurations.

So, if anyone has some tips or methods that work for them, please share. It would be super helpful! Screenshots are such a handy way to share info or save important stuff, so any advice on how to do it efficiently would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

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    2 Answers


    1. Taking a screenshot of a single window in Ubuntu can be achieved easily using built-in keyboard shortcuts. If you want to capture just the active window without cluttering your screenshot with the entire desktop, you can hold down the Alt key and then press the Print Screen key. This combination will allow you to capture only the window currently in focus. A visual cue, such as a highlight or shadow, will indicate which window is being captured. Alternatively, you might consider using the Shift + Print Screen combination to select a window manually, giving you control over exactly what you wish to capture.

      For those who prefer command-line methods, the gnome-screenshot command provides a convenient option. You can execute gnome-screenshot -w in the terminal, which will take a screenshot of the currently active window. This provides a quick way to capture visuals without needing to navigate through multiple graphical interfaces or additional software. If you enjoy scripting or automation, you can also create a custom bash script to simplify this process further. By making use of these methods, you can effectively capture screenshots according to your needs without any unnecessary hassle.




    2. How to Screenshot a Window in Ubuntu

      Screenshots on Ubuntu: Capturing Just One Window

      So you’re stuck trying to figure out how to take a screenshot of just one window, huh? Yeah, it can be a bit tricky sometimes, especially with Ubuntu.

      Keyboard Shortcuts

      First off, there are a couple of keyboard shortcuts that you might wanna try.

      • Alt + Print Screen: This one should take a screenshot of the active window only. Just click on the window you want to capture first, then hit those keys.
      • Shift + Print Screen: This lets you select an area to capture. You can drag your mouse to outline the window you want!

      Super easy, right? Just remember to make sure that the window you want is open and active when you press those keys. If you’re still getting the whole desktop, maybe check if your keyboard shortcuts are set up correctly in the settings.

      Using Terminal Commands

      If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also do this from the terminal. Here’s the command that you can use: 

              gnome-screenshot -w

      Just open up the terminal and type that command. It takes a screenshot of the currently active window, which is kinda neat if you prefer typing over clicking.

      Screenshot Tools

      There are also some screenshot tools like Flameshot or Shutter that you can install if you want more features. But if you’re looking to keep it simple and avoid extra programs, the shortcuts or terminal commands should do just fine.

      Final Thoughts

      Hopefully, this clears stuff up a bit! Just try those shortcuts, and you should be good to go with capturing your specific window. Screenshots can be super handy, and with a bit of practice, it’ll all feel a lot smoother. Good luck!


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