FlameshotLinux
vs
GreenshotWindows
Flameshot as a Linux alternative to Greenshot
Updated
Our verdict
Flameshot is a strong replacement for Greenshot on Linux, especially for users who take screenshots and need quick annotation, saving, or sharing. It matches Greenshot’s core functionality: capturing regions, windows, or full screens, then editing and exporting instantly. The built-in editor, Imgur upload, and clipboard support work reliably. If you rely on lightweight, keyboard-driven screenshot workflows and don’t need OCR or complex plugins, Flameshot covers most use cases well. It’s ideal for everyday users and developers who prefer simplicity and speed over extensive customization.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 14.0.0 (June 8, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are free, open-source screenshot tools focused on speed and annotation
- Support region, window, and full-screen capture modes
- Include in-app editing with arrows, text, and blur tools
- Allow direct save to file or copy to clipboard
- Offer configurable keyboard shortcuts and export to PNG/JPEG
What is different
- Flameshot lacks OCR and direct printing, which Greenshot supports
- No built-in plugin system like Greenshot’s for JIRA, Trello, or custom destinations
- Greenshot allows custom output templates and file naming rules; Flameshot has simpler naming
- Flameshot has a DBus interface for scripting—unavailable in Greenshot
- Greenshot supports more upload targets out of the box; Flameshot focuses on Imgur
Opening your Greenshot files
Flameshot doesn’t read Greenshot’s configuration or annotation files directly, and there’s no known tool to convert them. However, both save screenshots in standard PNG or JPEG formats, so any exported image from Greenshot can be opened and re-edited in Flameshot without issue. Configuration and shortcut preferences must be re-set manually in Flameshot.
Switching from Greenshot to Flameshot, step by step
- Install Flameshot via your package manager (e.g., apt install flameshot)
- Set a global keyboard shortcut in your desktop environment to launch it
- Open Flameshot settings to customize appearance, save directory, and Imgur integration
- Test capture modes (region, window) and annotation tools
- Configure DBus scripts if automating tasks
- Replace Greenshot shortcuts in workflows with Flameshot equivalents
Key features of Flameshot
- Customizable crosshair and toolbar appearance
- In‑app drawing, text, arrows, and blur tools
- One‑click upload to Imgur
- DBus interface for scripting
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts
- Copy to clipboard or save to file instantly
- Support for PNG and JPEG output
How to install Flameshot on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.flameshot.Flameshotsudo apt install flameshotsudo apt install flameshotsudo dnf install flameshotsudo pacman -S flameshotsudo zypper install flameshotFrequently asked questions
Can Flameshot upload to services other than Imgur?
Not directly. Imgur is built in, but you can copy the screenshot to clipboard and use external tools or scripts for other services.
Is Flameshot as fast as Greenshot?
Yes, both launch quickly. Flameshot’s interface is minimal and responsive, especially with keyboard shortcuts.
Does Flameshot support delayed captures?
Yes, it has a countdown timer (e.g., 5 or 10 seconds) before capture, similar to Greenshot’s delay feature.
4 other alternatives to Greenshot
ShutterShutter is a powerful, open-source screenshot tool for Linux with built-in editing, annotation, and direct…Open sourceFreeShutter vs GreenshotGNOME ScreenshotGNOME Screenshot is a lightweight tool for capturing and saving screen images in GNOME-based Linux systems.Open sourceFreeGNOME Screenshot vs GreenshotScrotScrot is a command-line screenshot tool for Linux that captures screens, windows, or selections with minimal…Open sourceFreeScrot vs GreenshotMaimMaim is a lightweight screenshot tool for Linux, similar to Greenshot, that captures screen regions, windows…Open sourceFreeMaim vs Greenshot