The 8 Best Ubuntu Screen Recorders to Simplify Your Recording Process

What is Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free operating system based on Linux. It is open-source, so anyone can use and change it according to project requirements. Many people like Ubuntu because it is simple to use. It has many programs available and works well on computers, laptops, and servers. Ubuntu is perfect for beginners who want to try Linux.

Requirements for using Ubuntu screen recorders

Before you start recording on an Ubuntu screen recorder with audio, you need to make sure your display is ready. A few things must be in place so that the recorder works well and gives you a good video.

• Compatible hardware

Your computer must be strong enough to handle screen recording. A slow or outdated system may freeze or skip parts of the video. A working processor, enough RAM, and a good display card help your recorder run smoothly.

• Recording software

Not all recorders work on every Ubuntu system. You need a Ubuntu video recorder that matches your current system. Some apps have more features, while others are simple and fast. Pick the one that fits what you need to do, like recording lessons or short clips.

• Audio configuration

If you want clear sound, your mic and system sound settings must be correct. Ubuntu may not record system audio by default. You might need to change sound settings or add plugins. Bad sound can ruin a good video, so always test it first.

• Storage space

Screen videos take up space fast. If your disk is almost full, the recording may stop or not save. Check your storage before you begin. It's smart to keep extra space ready for longer videos or better quality.

• Updated drivers

Your system drivers must be current. Video and sound drivers help recorders run better. Old drivers may cause crashes, sound loss, or screen glitches. Updating them can fix many problems and make the recorder work as it should.

The 8 best screen recorders for Ubuntu

Finding the right simple screen recorder for Ubuntu depends on your project needs or demands. Each tool listed here has features and limitations. Let's explore these in detail.

OBS Studio

It is a free, pro-level screen recorder. It's often the go-to choice for gamers, teachers, and live streamers. You can mix screen capture, webcam, and mic audio in real-time. It supports hotkeys, plugins, filters, and custom scenes. Whether you want to stream or just record in high quality, OBS gives you complete control. It does take some time to learn, but once you figure it out, it's one of the best.

Kazam

Kazam is a lightweight screen recorder made for people who want to hit record and go. It doesn’t confuse you with menus or buttons. Simply select your screen area, hit record, and the video is saved in MP4 format. You can also easily record audio or take screenshots. It’s not packed with features, but that’s the point—it's meant to be quick and easy.

RecordMyDesktop

This software is a no-frills Linux tool made for users who just want to record their screen with sound. It works in both graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line modes. While it only exports to OGG format, it’s ideal for creating basic tutorials or showing off bugs. It's not flashy, but it does the job without consuming much space or system resources.

SimpleScreenRecorder

It is exactly what its name says, but it also packs more features than you might think. You can record the whole screen, a section, or OpenGL games directly. It supports live preview, frame control, and pauses. You'll get crisp video without slowing your system or blurry video quality. It's perfect if you need better quality without the weight of OBS.

ScreenStudio

ScreenStudio lets you record or stream to platforms like YouTube or Twitch. It supports overlays, text, webcam, and background music. It runs on Java, so it works across various systems, but it hasn't been very active in updates lately. Still, it's a good choice for basic streaming, and you can easily set the output quality and resolution.

Byzanz

Byzanz is distinct from the rest, as it only creates animated GIFs. It's not designed for full videos, but rather short clips that loop. This software is excellent for showing quick steps or UI interactions. It runs from the command line, making it suitable for users who are comfortable typing a few commands. This software is very lightweight and fast, but lacks audio and advanced settings.

VokoscreenNG

VokoscreenNG is an excellent tool for educators and tutorial creators, enabling simultaneous recording of the screen, webcam, and microphone. It also highlights mouse clicks and key presses, which is particularly beneficial for instructional content. The software offers features such as audio input selection, delay start, and auto-stop functions, all within a user-friendly interface.

VLC

Most people use VLC primarily to watch videos, but it can also be used to record your screen. It's not a full-featured recorder, but if you need something quick, it works. You can set the input source, frame rate, and audio. It's handy because almost every Ubuntu system already has VLC. It's not designed for professional use, but it's useful for basic tasks.

Record and edit screen recordings on Windows and Mac with CapCut

CapCut desktop video editor is a free, all-in-one video editor that allows you to record and edit your screen with ease on both Windows and Mac. It supports high-quality screen recording along with built-in voice capture. Additionally, CapCut automatically analyzes your footage and suggests relevant editing tools, such as face auto-cut, voice enhancement, and color correction. This innovative workflow enables faster and more accurate editing for all skill levels.

Key features

• Capture in full HD

CapCut's screen recorder captures your screen in full HD, delivering sharp and clear visuals for any type of content.

• Remove backgrounds instantly

The video background remover tool enables you to remove distracting backdrops with a single click and replace them with clean visuals.

• Auto-focus on key subjects

CapCut automatically keeps the main subject sharp and clear, ensuring the focus remains where it matters most throughout the video.

• Generate captions in seconds

The auto caption generator instantly converts spoken words into accurate subtitles. This makes your videos more accessible and professional with minimal manual effort.

• Enhance faces with AI touches

CapCut’s face retouching feature utilizes AI to smooth skin, balance lighting, and enhance facial features naturally, resulting in videos with a refined and clean appearance.

How to record and edit screen recordings with CapCut

When you start screen recording, ensure that CapCut is installed and up to date on your PC. If it's not already installed, you can download it easily by clicking the button below.

STEP 1
1. Record the screen

Open CapCut and look for the "Record screen" button. This option may be either on the main screen or near the import section inside your project. Select whether you want to record the entire screen or just a section of it. Click "Start recording." Once you’re done, hit "Stop recording", then press "Edit more" to jump into editing mode.

STEP 2
1. Edit the screen recording

To edit, navigate to the "Video" tab and use the "Remove flickers" feature to eliminate graininess from your footage for a sharper, clearer look. Next, go to "Caption" > "Auto captions," select your spoken language, and click "Generate" to add subtitles automatically. You can also enhance the video colors by fine-tuning brightness, contrast, saturation, and more for a polished finish.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

When you finish editing, click the "Export" button and select the video's resolution, format, and frame rate. Then click "Export" again to save it to your computer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ubuntu screen recorders help address issues such as blurry visuals, lag, and challenging audio synchronization. Each of the eight tools we covered brings unique strengths—some focus on performance, while others offer editing features or easy sharing options.

Another great software for screen recording is the CapCut desktop video editor. It not only records in HD but also provides fast editing tools, such as background removal and auto-captions. If you want to skip stress and create clean videos quickly, CapCut is worth trying.

FAQs

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1. Is it possible to record in full screen using recordMyDesktop on Ubuntu?

Yes, recordMyDesktop provides full-screen recording on Ubuntu. You can select the entire screen as your capture area through its graphical interface or by using command-line options. This makes it simple for users who want to record presentations or tutorials without having to crop anything. However, it only supports output in OGG format and lacks editing tools. Another great software for recording the full screen is CapCut, a desktop video editor. It features a built-in screen recorder and offers advanced tools for post-editing.

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1. Can you record system audio with a screencast on Ubuntu?

Yes, you can record system audio during a screencast on the Ubuntu screen recorder, but it depends on the tool you use. Apps like OBS Studio and SimpleScreenRecorder support capturing internal audio with proper settings. You may need to adjust PulseAudio or use extra plugins. Some basic tools only support mic input. Moreover, to record high-quality audio along with the screen, use the CapCut desktop video editor. It also provides audio editing tools like voice enhancement and noise reduction for refining your audio.

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1. What file formats does Ubuntu screencast software support?

Ubuntu screencast software supports popular video formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI for recording. Many tools also provide options for audio export in formats such as MP3. Specific format support may vary depending on the software used. For recording and downloading videos in MP4 or MOV, the CapCut desktop video editor is an ideal choice. It ensures your screen recordings are easy to edit, share, and upload without formatting issues.