Annotate Screenshots on Linux with Ksnip

I recently switched from Mac OS to Elementary, a Linux distribution focused on ease of use and privacy. As both a user experience designer and free software supporter, I am taking screenshots and annotating them all the time. After trying out several different tools, the one I enjoy by far is Ksnip.

Installation

Install ksnip with your preferred package manager. In my case I installed it via apt

sudo apt-get install ksnip

Configuration

Ksnip comes with quite a few configuration options, including:

• Location to save screenshots to
• Default screenshot file name
• Image grabber behavior
• Cursor color and thickness
• Text font

You can also integrate it with your Imgur account.

Usage

My favorite part of Ksnip is that it has all the annotation tools I need (plus one I hadn't thought of!).

You can annotate with:

• pen
• marker
• rectangles
• ellipses
• text

You can also blur areas to remove sensitive information.

And my new favorite tool, numbered dots for steps on an interface.

KSnip Features List - https://github.com/DamirPorobic/ksnip#features

About the Creator

I'm enjoying Ksnip so much that I reached out to the creator, Damir Porobic, to learn more about the project.

I asked what inspired him to create Ksnip and here's what he said,

"I switched from Windows to Linux a few years ago and missed the Windows Snipping Tool that I was used to on Windows. All other screenshot tools at that time were either huge (a lot of buttons and complex features) or lacked key features like annotations so I decided to build a simple Snipping Tool Clone but with time it got more and more feature so here we are."

This is exactly what I found as I was evaluating screenshot tools. It's great that he took the time to build a solution himself and freely share it for others to benefit from.

As for the future of Ksnip, Damir would like to add Global Shortcuts (at least for Windows), tabs for new screenshots, and allow the application to run in the background. There is also a growing list of feature requests on GitHub.  

Ways to Help

The biggest need is with development. Damir and his wife are expecting a baby soon so he won't have as much time to devote to the project. He is available to review and accept pull requests though.

Also, the project could benefit from additional installation options via Snap, Flatpak and installers for MacOS and a Setup for Windows.

Lastly, use the project, rate it and review it on AlternativeTo.net and other tech comparison platforms and if you can spare a few bucks, donations are always appreciated.