SimpleScreenRecorder icon
SimpleScreenRecorder icon

SimpleScreenRecorder

 143 likes

SimpleScreenRecorder is a Linux screen recorder that supports X11 and OpenGL. It is easy to use, feature-rich, and has a Qt-based graphical user interface. It can record the entire screen or part of it, or record OpenGL applications directly.

SimpleScreenRecorder screenshot 1
SimpleScreenRecorder screenshot 2

License model

  • FreeOpen Source

Platforms

  • Linux
4.3 / 5 Avg rating (19)
143likes
19comments
0news articles

Features

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Properties

  1.  Lightweight

Features

  1.  Screen Recording
  2.  Capture Video
  3.  Record videos
  4.  Record HD screen
  5.  Live Screen Recording
  6.  Legacy Firefox Addon
  7.  No registration required
  8.  Support for Gestures

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Comments and Reviews

   
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Comment summary: SimpleScreenRecorder (SSR) is praised for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and efficient performance on Linux systems. Users highlight its compatibility with various video formats, ease of use, and ability to handle resource-intensive tasks without system lag. SSR is recommended over other similar tools like RecordMyDesktop, especially for casual users who prefer a lightweight alternative to OBS Studio. However, users note its limitation on platforms like Windows and express a desire for improved repository access and better error messaging.
Top Positive Comment
TerrifiedTyphlosion
Feb 10, 2019
7

SimpleScreenRecorder is a reminder that simple != light on features. Nay, SSR comes with lots of features. I think if you compare it to OBS, then SSR would be geared more towards casual users.

You're first asked to choose your video settings. Options include capture area, scaling of your resolution, framerate, and mouse capturing. Then, you can choose whether to record audio and, if so, what backend to use and the source of your audio (external microphone? computer playback?).

The next page asks you what format you want. I remember reading on their website that the list when you click on "Other..." is powered by FFmpeg, so even though an option might appear, it may not be supported. After you decide that, you choose your codec, constant rate factor, and whether you want frame skipping.

The last page is where you get to record. You can set a hotkey to record/pause at will. You can preview to see how your settings look, and can go back to change it if needed. You'll also have a log in case something goes wrong (sometimes I forget to turn on the JACK server), and information about your file as you record.

When you finish, just hit the save recording button at the bottom.

...and that's it! Simple, right? It sure lives up to its name.

There's one little thing that I am not sure if I like or dislike, and that is when you are making another video after finishing one, the file name will be the same as the video you just completed. On one hand, I would have expected some default name like "VideoClip_001", then the next video would be "VideoClip_002" or something. On the other hand, if you have your own method of naming your videos, this could cut down on typing time and get you into recording sooner.

If you're just looking for some quick and easy way to record your screen, give SSR a try.

Top Negative Comment
VeryBadHellie
Dec 12, 2024
0

It would have been potentially a great and simple screen recorder, where only pachidermic alternative solutions are present. Unfortunately it has two very bad flaws. 1 you cannot specify the destination folder !!! 2 you are forced to record in .mkv, you can't record i.e in standard mp4 or avi or other "normal" formats ! So I voted 1 hoping to encourage the author to be smarter. Without those flaws, I would have voted 4.

arsCynic ??
Jan 19, 2024
0

Quite extensive array of settings. The error messages could improve though; when it fails to record it doesn't specify why. For example, I could record a rectangular selection and save it as webm, but the same failed when trying to save as a gif.

Anyway, a piece of software that will be part of my default installs from now on.

Paul
Oct 13, 2023
1

I've tried many screen recorders on Linux, and it's the best one I've found! The user interface is not the best, but it has many features and settings, and it does everything I need it to.

Guest
Aug 1, 2022
0

Since OBS stopped working for me, for 3 months or so, on my Ubuntu machine, I had to use an alternative. And this works perfectly.

Guest
Jan 25, 2022
-2

please porting to windows.

ab1
Jun 6, 2021
0

Use crf 18 ultrafast or lower for somewhat demanding titles or older CPUs.

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What is SimpleScreenRecorder?

SimpleScreenRecorder is a Linux screen recorder that supports X11 and OpenGL. It is easy to use, feature-rich, and has a Qt-based graphical user interface. It can record the entire screen or part of it, or record OpenGL applications directly. The recording can be paused and resumed at any time. Many different file formats and codecs are supported, and easy to add more.

SimpleScreenRecorder information

  • Developed by

    Unknown
  • Licensing

    Open Source (GPL-3.0) and Free product.
  • Written in

  • Rating

    Average rating of 4.3 (19 ratings)
  • Alternatives

    133 alternatives listed
  • Supported Languages

    • English

AlternativeTo Categories

Video & MoviesPhotos & GraphicsWeb Browsers

GitHub repository

  •  2,705 Stars
  •  304 Forks
  •  510 Open Issues
  •   Updated Jun 14, 2025 
View on GitHub

Our users have written 19 comments and reviews about SimpleScreenRecorder, and it has gotten 143 likes

SimpleScreenRecorder was added to AlternativeTo by cpfotiadis on Dec 29, 2013 and this page was last updated Sep 24, 2024.