ShutterLinux
vs
SnagitWindows
Shutter as a Linux alternative to Snagit
Updated
Our verdict
Shutter can replace Snagit for basic screenshot capture, annotation, and quick export, especially for Linux users who need a free, open‑source tool. It works well for developers, writers, and support staff who only need still images and simple annotations. However, it lacks advanced video capture, built‑in audio recording, and the polished workflow Snagit offers. Users who rely on screen‑recording with audio, advanced editing, or integration with Microsoft Office will find Shutter insufficient.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.99.7
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both capture full screen, windows, or regions
- Both offer keyboard shortcuts for quick access
- Both provide built‑in annotation tools (arrows, text, shapes)
- Both export to common image formats like PNG and JPEG
- Both allow editing/cropping after capture
What is different
- Shutter does not record screen video; Snagit does
- Shutter has no built‑in audio capture; Snagit records audio
- Shutter lacks advanced video editing features (trimming, overlays)
- Shutter does not support exporting to Office formats or direct embedding into documents
- Shutter’s workflow is less integrated with support ticketing or documentation platforms
Opening your Snagit files
Shutter cannot open Snagit’s proprietary .snag or .snagproj files. To migrate, export Snagit captures as PNG/MP4 and then import those files into Shutter for further editing.
Switching from Snagit to Shutter, step by step
- Export Snagit screenshots as PNG or JPEG; export videos as MP4
- Transfer exported files to your Linux machine
- Open PNGs in Shutter’s editor to add annotations or crop
- Use Shutter’s export function to save final images or videos
- If needed, upload directly to Imgur/Flickr via Shutter’s upload feature
Key features of Shutter
- Capture full screen, specific windows, or rectangular regions
- Built-in editor for adding text, arrows, shapes, and blur effects
- Direct upload to popular services like Imgur and Flickr
- Support for delayed captures with a customizable timer
- Ability to save screenshots in various formats including PNG, JPEG, and PDF
- Keyboard shortcuts for quick access to different capture modes
- Plugin system for extending functionality
- History panel to view and re-edit recent screenshots
How to install Shutter on Linux
sudo apt install shuttersudo apt install shuttersudo dnf install shuttersudo pacman -S shutterFrequently asked questions
Can Shutter record video with audio?
No, Shutter only captures still images. For video you would need a separate tool like OBS.
Does Shutter support Snagit’s annotation styles?
Shutter offers basic arrows, text, shapes, and blur, but lacks some of Snagit’s advanced annotation options such as callouts or color gradients.
Is Shutter available on all major Linux distributions?
Yes, Shutter is packaged for Arch, Debian, Fedora, and Ubuntu, and can be installed via standard package managers.
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