Ubuntu 20.04 is a popular Linux distribution that offers a wide range of features and tools for users. One of the essential features that many users look for is the ability to screen record with audio. Whether you’re a developer, a gamer, or a content creator, screen recording can be a valuable tool for creating tutorials, demos, and other types of content. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for screen recording in Ubuntu 20.04 with audio.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Screen Recording Tool
Ubuntu 20.04 comes with a built-in screen recording tool that allows you to record your screen with audio. This tool is called the “Screen Recording” tool, and it’s accessible from the Activities menu.
How to Access the Screen Recording Tool
To access the Screen Recording tool, follow these steps:
- Click on the Activities menu in the top left corner of your screen.
- Type “Screen Recording” in the search bar.
- Click on the “Screen Recording” icon to open the tool.
How to Use the Screen Recording Tool
Using the Screen Recording tool is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Screen Recording tool.
- Select the area of the screen you want to record by clicking and dragging the mouse.
- Choose the audio input device you want to use (e.g., your computer’s built-in microphone or an external microphone).
- Click the “Record” button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click the “Stop” button.
Limitations of the Built-in Screen Recording Tool
While the built-in Screen Recording tool is convenient, it has some limitations. For example:
- It can only record a single window or a selected area of the screen.
- It doesn’t allow you to customize the recording settings, such as the video codec, frame rate, or audio quality.
- It doesn’t support advanced features like webcam overlay, mouse highlighting, or keyboard shortcuts.
Method 2: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular open-source screen recording software that’s available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It’s a powerful tool that offers advanced features and customization options.
How to Install OBS Studio in Ubuntu 20.04
To install OBS Studio in Ubuntu 20.04, follow these steps:
- Open the Terminal app.
- Type the following command:
sudo apt install obs-studio - Press Enter to run the command.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
How to Use OBS Studio for Screen Recording
Using OBS Studio for screen recording is a bit more complex than the built-in Screen Recording tool, but it offers more features and customization options. Here’s how to do it:
- Open OBS Studio.
- Create a new scene by clicking the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the window.
- Select the screen capture option and choose the display you want to record.
- Choose the audio input device you want to use (e.g., your computer’s built-in microphone or an external microphone).
- Customize the recording settings, such as the video codec, frame rate, and audio quality.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click the “Stop Recording” button.
Features of OBS Studio
OBS Studio offers a wide range of features that make it a powerful screen recording tool. Some of the key features include:
- Multi-source recording: OBS Studio allows you to record multiple sources simultaneously, including your screen, webcam, and audio.
- Customizable recording settings: OBS Studio allows you to customize the recording settings, such as the video codec, frame rate, and audio quality.
- Webcam overlay: OBS Studio allows you to overlay your webcam feed on top of your screen recording.
- Mouse highlighting: OBS Studio allows you to highlight your mouse cursor during recording.
- Keyboard shortcuts: OBS Studio allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping recordings.
Method 3: Using FFmpeg
FFmpeg is a powerful command-line tool that allows you to record your screen with audio. It’s a bit more complex to use than the built-in Screen Recording tool or OBS Studio, but it offers advanced features and customization options.
How to Install FFmpeg in Ubuntu 20.04
To install FFmpeg in Ubuntu 20.04, follow these steps:
- Open the Terminal app.
- Type the following command:
sudo apt install ffmpeg - Press Enter to run the command.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
How to Use FFmpeg for Screen Recording
Using FFmpeg for screen recording requires some command-line knowledge, but it’s a powerful tool that offers advanced features and customization options. Here’s an example command to get you started:
ffmpeg -video_size 1920x1080 -framerate 30 -i :0.0 -f pulse -i default -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -c:a aac output.mp4
This command records the entire screen at 30 frames per second, with a resolution of 1920×1080, and saves the output to a file called “output.mp4”.
Features of FFmpeg
FFmpeg offers a wide range of features that make it a powerful screen recording tool. Some of the key features include:
- Customizable recording settings: FFmpeg allows you to customize the recording settings, such as the video codec, frame rate, and audio quality.
- Multi-source recording: FFmpeg allows you to record multiple sources simultaneously, including your screen, webcam, and audio.
- Advanced filtering: FFmpeg allows you to apply advanced filters to your recordings, such as cropping, scaling, and overlaying text or images.
Conclusion
Screen recording is a valuable tool for creating tutorials, demos, and other types of content. Ubuntu 20.04 offers several methods for screen recording with audio, including the built-in Screen Recording tool, OBS Studio, and FFmpeg. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use depends on your specific needs and preferences. By following the instructions in this article, you can start screen recording with audio in Ubuntu 20.04 and create high-quality content for your audience.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your screen recording experience:
- Use a high-quality microphone: A good microphone can make a big difference in the quality of your audio. Consider investing in a high-quality external microphone for better sound.
- Choose the right video codec: The video codec you choose can affect the quality and file size of your recordings. Consider using a codec like H.264 or VP9 for high-quality recordings.
- Customize your recording settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recording settings to find the ones that work best for you.
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts can save you time and effort when recording. Consider customizing your keyboard shortcuts to start and stop recordings quickly.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create high-quality screen recordings with audio in Ubuntu 20.04 and take your content creation to the next level.
What is screen recording and why is it useful in Ubuntu 20.04?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on a computer screen, often accompanied by audio, and saving it as a video file. This feature is useful in Ubuntu 20.04 for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls. It allows users to share their experiences, demonstrate software usage, or preserve memories.
In Ubuntu 20.04, screen recording can be particularly helpful for developers, educators, and content creators. They can use it to create instructional videos, record presentations, or showcase their work. Additionally, screen recording can be used to troubleshoot issues, as it allows users to capture and share error messages or problematic behavior.
What are the system requirements for screen recording in Ubuntu 20.04?
To record the screen in Ubuntu 20.04, your system should meet certain requirements. First, ensure that your computer has a compatible graphics card and sufficient RAM (at least 4 GB). A multi-core processor is also recommended for smooth recording. Additionally, you’ll need a microphone to capture audio, if desired.
In terms of software, Ubuntu 20.04 comes with several built-in tools for screen recording, such as GNOME Screen Recorder and FFmpeg. You can also install third-party applications, like OBS Studio or Kazam, which offer more advanced features. Make sure your system is updated and has the necessary dependencies installed to ensure smooth screen recording.
How do I record my screen in Ubuntu 20.04 using the default tool?
To record your screen in Ubuntu 20.04 using the default tool, GNOME Screen Recorder, follow these steps: First, press the Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R keys simultaneously to start the recording. You’ll see a red circle in the top-right corner of the screen, indicating that the recording has begun. To stop the recording, press the same key combination again.
The recorded video will be saved in the Videos folder in your home directory, in the WebM format. You can play the video using a media player, such as VLC, or upload it to video sharing platforms. Note that GNOME Screen Recorder has limited features, so you may want to explore other tools for more advanced options.
Can I record my screen with audio in Ubuntu 20.04?
Yes, you can record your screen with audio in Ubuntu 20.04 using various tools. For example, you can use FFmpeg, a powerful command-line tool, to capture both video and audio. Alternatively, you can install third-party applications like OBS Studio or Kazam, which offer user-friendly interfaces for recording screen and audio.
To record audio, you’ll need a microphone connected to your computer. Make sure the microphone is selected as the input device in your recording software. Some tools may also allow you to choose between recording system audio, microphone audio, or both. This flexibility makes it easy to create high-quality video tutorials, presentations, or gameplay recordings.
How do I edit my screen recordings in Ubuntu 20.04?
To edit your screen recordings in Ubuntu 20.04, you can use various video editing software available for Linux. Some popular options include Shotcut, Lightworks, and OpenShot. These applications offer a range of features, such as trimming, cutting, and arranging clips, as well as adding transitions, effects, and audio tracks.
Once you’ve edited your screen recording, you can export it in various formats, such as MP4, AVI, or WebM. You can also upload your edited video to video sharing platforms, like YouTube or Vimeo, or share it with others via email or cloud storage. Make sure to choose a video editor that suits your needs and skill level.
Can I record a specific window or region in Ubuntu 20.04?
Yes, you can record a specific window or region in Ubuntu 20.04 using certain tools. For example, OBS Studio allows you to select a window or region to record, giving you more control over the content you capture. Kazam also offers this feature, enabling you to record a specific window, a selected region, or the entire screen.
To record a specific window or region, simply select the desired option in your recording software and adjust the settings as needed. This feature is particularly useful when you want to focus on a specific application or area of the screen, rather than capturing the entire desktop.
Are there any limitations or potential issues with screen recording in Ubuntu 20.04?
While screen recording in Ubuntu 20.04 is generally a smooth process, there are some limitations and potential issues to be aware of. For example, some tools may not work well with certain graphics cards or drivers, leading to performance issues or poor video quality. Additionally, recording at high resolutions or frame rates can be resource-intensive, potentially causing system slowdowns.
To minimize potential issues, make sure your system meets the recommended requirements, and choose a recording tool that suits your needs. You may also need to adjust your recording settings, such as resolution, frame rate, or audio quality, to achieve the best results.