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This guide explains what Mint provides, how to capture and annotate images, how to install and configure Flameshot or Ksnip, and how X11 and Wayland affect shortcuts.
What screenshot program comes with Linux Mint?
Mint documents a built-in Screenshot utility. It is the right first choice when you only need an image of the whole desktop, a window, or a selected area and do not want another application running.
Do not assume that every Mint installation behaves identically. Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce editions, and different Mint releases, can use different defaults for the Print Screen key, save location, countdown, and selection interface. Open your desktop’s keyboard settings and the Screenshot utility itself to verify the labels on your system.
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Use the built-in utility
- Open the application menu and search for Screenshot.
- Choose the capture scope offered by your version: entire screen, current window, or a selected region.
- Set any delay or pointer option shown in the dialog.
- Capture, then choose where to save the image or copy it to the clipboard.
If pressing Print Screen does nothing, or it launches a different action, check System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts. The precise path can vary slightly by desktop edition.
Which screenshot tool is best for Mint?
The best choice depends on whether you want a minimal capture dialog or an editor that appears immediately after selection.
| Tool | Best fit | Documented strengths | Caveats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Screenshot | Basic captures with no extra installation | Included in Mint’s documented desktop tooling; simple save or copy workflow | Defaults and shortcut behavior differ by release and desktop edition; verify locally |
| Flameshot | Fast capture plus markup | Arrows, highlights, blur/pixelation, text, shapes, and numbered counters; Linux packages and AppImage are available | Print Screen integration may need a manual shortcut |
| Ksnip | Many capture modes in a Qt workflow | Region, full screen, focused window, monitor, cursor, delay, annotations, and optional Imgur upload; supports X11 and several Wayland portal environments | Flathub currently notes that global hotkeys are limited to Windows and X11 |
How to install Flameshot on Linux Mint
Mint is Ubuntu/Debian-based, so the Flameshot project documents installation with APT:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flameshotThe official Flameshot installation guidance also lists AppImage, Snap, and Flatpak for users who prefer a distro-agnostic package. Use one installation method at a time so you do not accidentally run two copies with competing tray icons or shortcuts.
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Start a capture
- Launch Flameshot from the application menu. It may remain available in the system tray.
- Use its interactive capture command and drag around the area you want.
- Use the on-screen toolbar to add arrows, lines, rectangles, circles, text, a highlighter, blur or pixelation, and numbered counters.
- Save the result or copy it to the clipboard. Choose a predictable screenshots directory if you need to find files from scripts or bug reports.
Flameshot describes itself as a free, open-source, cross-platform screenshot tool with built-in features intended to save time. Its feature set makes it particularly useful for support instructions and annotated bug reports.
Make Print Screen launch Flameshot
Linux often assigns Print Screen to Mint’s own Screenshot action. Flameshot’s key-binding guide documents configuring shortcuts for interactive capture, delayed capture, and saving directly to ~/Pictures/Screenshots.
- Open System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts.
- Find the existing screenshot binding for Print Screen. Disable or replace it if it claims the key.
- Add a custom shortcut named Flameshot interactive capture.
- Set the command to
flameshot guiand press Print Screen when the shortcut editor asks for a key. - Optionally add separate shortcuts such as
flameshot screen --delay 5for a delayed full-screen capture, or a command that saves to your chosen directory.
If the key still starts Mint Screenshot, log out and back in, then check for duplicate custom shortcuts and a running second desktop utility.
How to install and use Ksnip
Ksnip is available through Flathub and can also be selected from the Linux Mint Community software catalog. Its documented capture choices include a drawn rectangular area, the full screen, the focused window, the monitor containing the pointer, and a window under the pointer.
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- Install Ksnip from Flathub or the Mint software catalog.
- Open Ksnip and select a capture mode from its menu.
- Set a delay when you need to open a menu or move a window before capture.
- Annotate with its editor, then save or copy the image. Ksnip also offers optional Imgur uploading.
X11 and Wayland considerations
Ksnip supports X11 and several Wayland portal environments. However, Flathub notes that its global hotkeys are currently limited to Windows and X11. On Wayland, launch Ksnip from its menu or configure a desktop-level shortcut that invokes the application rather than relying on Ksnip’s own global-hotkey support.
Flameshot shortcut behavior can likewise depend on the desktop and session. If an interactive command works from a terminal but not from a key, the issue is usually shortcut ownership or Wayland permission boundaries rather than the capture command itself.
Choosing the right workflow
Choose Mint Screenshot when
- You take occasional full-screen, window, or region captures.
- You want the fewest background processes and no additional package.
- You can annotate later in another editor.
Choose Flameshot when
- You routinely mark up screenshots before sending them.
- You need blur or pixelation for credentials, email addresses, or personal data.
- You want counters, arrows, text, and highlights in the same capture session.
Choose Ksnip when
- You need monitor, focused-window, pointer-window, cursor, and delay options.
- You prefer a Qt application and want optional image uploading.
- You use X11 or are comfortable starting the application manually on Wayland.
Troubleshooting common problems
Print Screen opens the wrong program
Mint still owns the key. Remove or change Mint’s Screenshot binding, then assign a custom shortcut to flameshot gui. Check for duplicate desktop autostart entries.
The capture is blank or incomplete
Test the same action from the application menu. A single-window capture can fail when a window is minimized, on another workspace, or rendered through a protected surface. Try a region or full-screen capture and confirm whether you are running X11 or Wayland.
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Wayland shortcuts do not work
Use the desktop’s shortcut manager to launch the tool, or start it from the menu. Ksnip’s documented global-hotkey limitation on Wayland is expected behavior, not evidence that the installation is broken.
Annotations cannot hide sensitive data
Use a true blur or pixelation tool, enlarge the covered area beyond the text, and inspect the saved image before sharing. A translucent highlight is not redaction.
The command is not found
Confirm installation with command -v flameshot or by launching the program from the menu. If you installed a Flatpak, its command and permission model differ from an APT installation; launch it through the menu or Flatpak’s application entry.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Mint Screenshot include annotation tools?
The Mint utility is a capture tool; annotation options are not established as universal across Mint releases. Flameshot and Ksnip provide documented in-app annotation workflows.
Can I use Flameshot and Ksnip together?
Yes, but assign different shortcuts and avoid running duplicate background launchers that compete for the same key.
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Which tool should I use for a Wayland desktop?
Start with Mint Screenshot or test Flameshot interactively. Ksnip supports several Wayland portal environments, while its documented global hotkeys remain limited to Windows and X11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mint Screenshot include annotation tools?
The documented Mint utility is a capture tool; annotation options are not established as universal across Mint releases. Flameshot and Ksnip provide documented in-app annotation workflows.
Can I use Flameshot and Ksnip together?
Yes. Give them different shortcuts and avoid duplicate background launchers competing for the same key.
Which tool should I use on Wayland?
Start with Mint Screenshot or test Flameshot interactively. Ksnip supports several Wayland portal environments, but its documented global hotkeys are limited to Windows and X11.
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