How to install Shutter on Linux Mint 19.1

Introduction to Shutter

Shutter is a versatile screenshot utility for Linux environments that allows users to capture their screens with ease. With a range of features that support basic screenshots, editing tools, and advanced options, Shutter stands out as an essential application for anyone who frequently engages with visual content. If you are using Linux Mint 19.1, installing Shutter can significantly enhance your productivity. This article will guide you step-by-step through the installation process and explore some of Shutter’s compelling functionalities.

Why Choose Shutter?

There are a plethora of screenshot tools available on Linux, but Shutter has earned a reputation for its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities. Some of its notable features include:

• Flexible Capturing Options: Capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a designated area.
• Built-in Editor: Annotate and edit your screenshots by adding text, arrows, and shapes directly within the application.
• Effects: Apply various effects, such as blurring and borders, to make your captures more visually appealing.
• Integration with External Tools: Save your screenshots directly to image hosting services or share them via email.

If you are on Linux Mint 19.1 and want to leverage these features, follow the instructions below to install Shutter and get started.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation process, ensure that you have root privileges or access to an account with sudo privileges, as administrative access is required for installing software packages.

Updating Your System

It’s a good practice to keep your system updated to the latest packages. You can do this with the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands will update your package list and install any available updates. After running these commands, you will be ready to install Shutter.

Installing Shutter

Method 1: Using the Terminal

One of the straightforward methods to install Shutter on Linux Mint is via the terminal. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Open the Terminal: You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for “Terminal” in your applications.

2. Add the Shutter PPA: Before installing Shutter, you need to add its Personal Package Archive (PPA) to your system. Run the following command:

   bash
   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:shutter/ppa

   Adding a PPA allows your package manager to fetch software from an external source, often providing newer versions than the default repositories.

3. Update the Package List Again:

   After adding the PPA, update your package list to include the new source:

   bash
   sudo apt update

4. Install Shutter:

   Now, you can install Shutter by executing the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt install shutter

5. Launch Shutter:

   Once the installation is complete, you can launch Shutter by searching for it in your applications menu or by executing the following command:

   bash
   shutter

Method 2: Installing via GUI Software Manager

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can also install Shutter using the Software Manager in Linux Mint:

1. Open Software Manager: Navigate to the menu and click on “Software Manager.”

2. Search for Shutter: In the search bar, type “Shutter” and wait for the application to appear in the results.

3. Install the Application: Click on Shutter in the list of applications and then hit the “Install” button. The Software Manager will handle the installation process for you.

4. Run Shutter: Once installed, find Shutter in your applications menu to launch it.

Exploring Shutter’s Features

Screenshot Capabilities

Shutter offers diverse options when it comes to capturing screenshots. Let’s take a closer look:

• Full Screen: To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply select the ‘Full Screen’ option from the capture menu.

• Active Window: If you only wish to capture a single window, choose the ‘Active Window’ option. This is particularly useful if you are multitasking and want to focus on one application.

• Region: The ‘Selection’ option allows you to capture a specific area. You can click and drag your mouse to create a rectangular selection.

Editing Screenshots

After capturing your screenshot, you can utilize the built-in editor to enhance it further. Some of the editing features include:

• Add Annotations: Include text or draw shapes directly onto your screenshot to highlight important areas.

• Apply Effects: Effects such as shadows and reflections can make your captures more professional.

• Cropping: Remove unwanted parts of your screenshot with the cropping tool.

Sharing Screenshots

Shutter simplifies the process of sharing your captures. You can directly upload your screenshots to image hosting services or copy them to your clipboard for easy sharing in emails or chat applications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing Shutter is generally straightforward, you might encounter a few common issues. Here are some solutions:

Dependency Issues

If Shutter fails to install due to missing dependencies, you can resolve this by running:

bash
sudo apt-get install -f

This command will automatically fix broken dependencies and complete the installation of Shutter.

Running Shutter as a Regular User

If you encounter permission errors while using Shutter, ensure that you are running it as a standard user and not as root.

Uninstalling Shutter

If you ever need to uninstall Shutter, this can be done with the following command:

bash
sudo apt remove shutter

You can also purge the application to remove any configuration files by using:

bash
sudo apt purge shutter

Alternative Screenshot Tools

While Shutter is a great option, you may want to explore other screenshot tools available for Linux Mint:

1. Flameshot: A powerful and customizable screenshot tool featuring an easy-to-use interface and plenty of annotations.

2. Kazam: Primarily a screen recording application that also offers screenshot capabilities, ideal for capturing video content.

3. GNOME Screenshot: The built-in screenshot utility for GNOME desktops, simple and straightforward for quick tasks.

Conclusion

Installing Shutter on Linux Mint 19.1 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your screenshot capabilities. With its wide range of features, from capturing different screen sections to editing and sharing, Shutter stands out as an indispensable tool for many users. By following the steps laid out in this article, you can quickly get started with Shutter and make your screenshot experience enjoyable and efficient.

FAQ

1. Is Shutter compatible with other Linux distributions?

Yes, Shutter is compatible with multiple Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Debian-based systems. However, you may need to follow different installation methods depending on your specific distribution.

2. Can I take screenshots of web pages with Shutter?

Yes, Shutter allows you to capture entire web pages as well as specific sections. You can simply select the desired area on your screen.

3. Does Shutter support keyboard shortcuts?

Absolutely! Shutter supports various keyboard shortcuts to streamline the screenshot process. You can customize these shortcuts according to your preferences.

4. Is there a version of Shutter for Windows or macOS?

No, Shutter is specifically designed for Linux environments. However, there are plenty of alternatives available for Windows and MacOS users, such as Snagit and Lightshot.

5. How do I report a bug in Shutter?

You can report bugs or request features by visiting the official Shutter GitHub repository. It’s advisable to follow the contribution guidelines when submitting an issue.

6. Does Shutter support image editing after capturing a screenshot?

Yes, Shutter includes a built-in image editor that allows you to annotate, crop, and apply effects to your screenshots before saving or sharing them.