# Flameshot — Powerful Open-Source Screenshot Tool

> Flameshot is a cross-platform screenshot utility with a built-in annotation editor, upload support, and CLI integration for scripted capture workflows.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Flameshot — Powerful Open-Source Screenshot Tool

## Quick Use
```bash
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install flameshot
# Fedora
sudo dnf install flameshot
# macOS
brew install --cask flameshot
# Launch interactive capture
flameshot gui
```

## Introduction
Flameshot is a free screenshot application with an in-place annotation editor that lets you draw, highlight, blur, and add text before saving or uploading. It integrates with system tray, keyboard shortcuts, and the command line so it fits into any workflow.

## What Flameshot Does
- Captures full screen, active window, or custom rectangular regions
- Provides an in-place editor with arrows, circles, markers, blur, and numbering tools
- Uploads screenshots directly to Imgur or custom endpoints via CLI flags
- Supports delayed captures and pin-to-desktop for reference shots
- Offers a full CLI interface for scripting and automation

## Architecture Overview
Flameshot is written in C++ using the Qt framework. On Linux it leverages platform-native screen-grab APIs (X11 or Wayland via D-Bus portals). The annotation overlay renders on a transparent full-screen widget, and the final image is composited in-memory before export to clipboard, file, or HTTP upload.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install from your distro's package manager or download binaries from GitHub Releases
- Configure default save path, filename pattern, and UI colors in the settings dialog
- Set a global keyboard shortcut (e.g., Print Screen) to invoke `flameshot gui`
- Customize upload targets by scripting with `flameshot full --clipboard --path /tmp`
- On Wayland, ensure xdg-desktop-portal is installed for proper screen capture

## Key Features
- Zero-delay annotation: draw directly on the capture before saving
- Pin screenshots as floating always-on-top windows for reference
- CLI-first design enables integration with shell scripts and CI pipelines
- Cross-platform: Linux, macOS, and Windows support
- Lightweight with minimal dependencies beyond Qt

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **ShareX (Windows)** — more upload targets and workflow automation, but Windows-only
- **Greenshot** — similar annotation features, primarily Windows
- **GNOME Screenshot** — minimal built-in tool without annotation
- **Spectacle (KDE)** — KDE-native, fewer annotation options
- **Shutter** — feature-rich but heavier and less actively maintained

## FAQ
**Q: Does Flameshot work on Wayland?**
A: Yes, via xdg-desktop-portal. Some compositors may require extra configuration.

**Q: Can I upload to a custom server instead of Imgur?**
A: Yes. Use a script with `flameshot gui --raw | curl -X POST ...` to pipe output to any endpoint.

**Q: How do I capture a specific monitor in a multi-display setup?**
A: Use `flameshot screen --number 1` (zero-indexed) or the interactive selector.

**Q: Is there a portable/AppImage version?**
A: Yes. AppImage and Flatpak builds are available on the GitHub Releases page.

## Sources
- https://github.com/flameshot-org/flameshot
- https://flameshot.org

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-503760ec
Author: AI Open Source