Peek as a Linux alternative to Snagit
Updated
Our verdict
Peek is a solid, lightweight replacement for basic Snagit needs, particularly for users who primarily capture screenshots and short screen clips. It handles region selection, window capture, and basic annotation well. However, it is not a full 1:1 replacement for complex documentation workflows. If you rely on Snagit’s advanced video editing, audio mixing, or cloud sharing, Peek will feel limiting. For simple bug reporting or quick visual notes, Peek is efficient, free, and runs natively on Linux without bloat.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.0.12
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Covers full screen, specific window, and region capture modes
- Includes built-in tools for adding arrows, text, and simple shapes
- Exports images to standard formats like PNG and JPEG
- Lightweight design with low system resource usage
- Accessible via keyboard shortcuts for quick capture
What is different
- Lacks MP4 video export; supports GIF and short clips only
- No audio input recording or mixing capabilities
- Annotation tools are basic compared to Snagit’s extensive library
- No built-in cloud sharing or direct email integration
- Video editing features are minimal or absent
Opening your Snagit files
Peek does not open or edit Snagit’s native .snag file format. You can export Snagit images as PNG or JPEG on Windows and open them in Peek for further annotation. Conversely, images exported from Peek can be opened in Snagit if you switch back, but the project metadata and specific Snagit annotations will not transfer. Video files recorded in Peek are typically GIFs, which Snagit can import as media, but the workflow is manual.
Switching from Snagit to Peek, step by step
- Install Peek from your distribution’s package manager
- Configure global keyboard shortcuts in Peek’s settings
- Export existing Snagit images as PNG or JPEG from Windows
- Test region capture and annotation tools in Peek
- Adjust output format preferences to match your needs
Key features of Peek
- Capture full screen, specific window, or selected region
- Record short video clips of desktop activity
- Built-in editor for basic annotations like arrows and text
- Supports multiple output formats including PNG, JPG, and GIF
- Lightweight footprint with low resource usage
- Available in major Linux distribution repositories
- Simple interface with minimal learning curve
- Open-source codebase allowing for customization
How to install Peek on Linux
sudo apt install peeksudo apt install peeksudo dnf install peeksudo pacman -S peeksudo zypper install peekFrequently asked questions
Does Peek record audio with video?
No, Peek does not support recording system audio or microphone input. It captures visual screen activity only.
Can I export videos as MP4 from Peek?
No, Peek primarily exports screen recordings as GIF files. For MP4 output, you would need a different tool like OBS Studio.
Is Peek available on all Linux distributions?
Yes, it is packaged in major distributions including Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and openSUSE, making it easy to install via standard package managers.
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