RecordMyDesktop

What is RecordMyDesktop?

RecordMyDesktop is a command-line and GUI tool for recording screen sessions on Linux, originally developed in the mid-2000s. It uses open-source libraries like ALSA and X11 to capture desktop output and sound, writing directly to Ogg Theora video files. It has seen stable but minimal updates over the years, with most development happening before 2015.

It's best suited for users who need basic screen capture without complex settings or streaming. If you're recording tutorials, bug demonstrations, or simple desktop sessions and prefer minimal setup, this tool fits the need. It’s not built for live streaming or multi-source compositing.

Compared to OBS Studio, RecordMyDesktop feels limited and dated. It lacks scene switching, preview windows, and format flexibility. But for users overwhelmed by OBS’s interface or who only need occasional recordings, it’s a straightforward alternative—closer in spirit to basic Windows tools like Problem Steps Recorder with audio, not full studio suites.

Best for: Users who need simple, occasional desktop recordings without setup complexity.

Key features of RecordMyDesktop

• Records desktop screen and audio simultaneously
• Simple GUI frontends available (gtk-recordMyDesktop, qt-recordMyDesktop)
• Outputs to Ogg Theora (.ogg) video format
• Select specific screen regions or full display
• Adjust audio and video quality settings
• Low CPU overhead for basic recordings
• Built on standard Linux audio/video frameworks

Tips for Windows users

Coming from OBS Studio, expect far fewer options—RecordMyDesktop doesn’t support streaming, scenes, or multiple sources. Your recordings will be in .ogg, not MP4, so you’ll likely need to convert them with ffmpeg. Keyboard shortcuts are basic; there’s no studio-style control bar. Use it when you want to press record and walk away, not when you need precision or polish.