wf-recorder

O que é o wf-recorder?

wf-recorder is a command-line screen recording tool built specifically for Wayland compositors like Sway and Hyprland. It uses the Wayland protocol's screencopy and desktop portal interfaces to capture screen content without needing X11 compatibility layers. Developed in C and based on FFmpeg, it's minimal by design and has matured quickly since its initial release, becoming a go-to for users in tiling Wayland environments.

It's best suited for users already comfortable with terminal commands and manual configuration, especially those on minimal or tiling window managers. Unlike full-featured GUI tools, wf-recorder doesn't manage scenes, sources, or streaming — it records what you specify and exits. This makes it ideal for lightweight workflows where simplicity and performance matter more than advanced features.

Compared to OBS Studio, wf-recorder feels barebones. There's no preview, no real-time controls, and no plugin system. If you're used to OBS's Game Capture or scene switching, wf-recorder will feel limiting. But for quick, reliable recordings on Wayland — especially when OBS struggles with capture — it's a solid, efficient alternative when you don't need complex setups.

Ideal para: Lightweight, scriptable screen recording on Wayland desktops without GUI overhead.

Principais recursos do wf-recorder

• Records full screen, specific outputs, or selected regions
• Supports audio capture via pipewire
• Configurable via command line or config file
• Supports multiple video codecs (H.264, VP9, etc.)
• Integrates with Wayland natively (no XWayland needed)
• Can record mouse cursor and pointer events
• Lightweight with minimal system impact

Dicas para quem vem do Windows

If you're used to OBS, expect fewer on-the-fly controls. wf-recorder starts immediately with your command and stops when you press Ctrl+C. Use -f to set output format (e.g., .mp4 or .mkv); H.264 is most compatible. Audio devices must be selected via pipewire tools or config. Map shortcuts in your compositor (e.g., Sway) to trigger recordings quickly, since there's no system tray or dock widget.