Quick WebM Recorder

A lightweight ShareX-style screen region recorder for Linux (X11). Select a region, record video with system audio, and get the file path copied to your clipboard.

Features

• Global hotkeys - Separate hotkeys for MP4 and GIF recording
  • MP4: Super+Shift+C (default)
  • GIF: Super+Shift+G (default)
• Region selection - Click and drag to select any screen region
• System audio capture - Records what you hear through PulseAudio/PipeWire (MP4 only)
• H.264/MP4 output - Compatible with all devices and platforms
• High-quality GIF output - Uses palette generation for optimal colors
• Quality presets - Choose from Lossless, High, Medium, Low, or Tiny
• Clipboard integration - File path copied automatically after recording
• System tray - Runs quietly in your system tray

Installation

Dependencies

# System packages
sudo apt install python3-gi python3-gi-cairo gir1.2-gtk-3.0 ffmpeg xclip

# Python virtual environment
python3 -m venv venv --system-site-packages
source venv/bin/activate
pip install pynput

Running

source venv/bin/activate
python src/main.py

Usage

1. Press the hotkey to start selection:
   • Super+Shift+C for MP4 video (with audio)
   • Super+Shift+G for GIF (no audio, smaller files)
2. Click and drag to select the recording region
3. Click "Start Recording" or press the hotkey again
4. Click "Finish and Save" or press the hotkey to stop
5. The file path is copied to your clipboard

Press Escape at any time to cancel.

Configuration

Right-click the tray icon and select "Settings" to configure:

• MP4 Hotkey - Click "Listen..." and press your preferred key combination
• GIF Hotkey - Separate hotkey for GIF recording
• Output folder - Where recordings are saved
• Framerate - 10-60 fps (GIF uses 15 fps by default for smaller files)
• Quality - Lossless, High, Medium, Low, or Tiny presets
• Audio source - Auto-detect, specific device, or no audio (MP4 only)

Settings are saved to ~/.config/quick-webm-recorder/settings.json

Known Issues

Flickering/flashing in recordings

When recording GPU-accelerated windows (browsers, video players, games), you may see occasional frame flashes where parts of the window briefly disappear. This is a limitation of x11grab screen capture on composited desktops.

Workarounds:

• Disable hardware acceleration in the app you're recording (e.g., Chrome: Settings → System → disable "Use hardware acceleration")
• Temporarily disable compositor effects (Mint: System Settings → Effects)
• Use a lower framerate (24 fps tends to be more stable)

This affects most x11grab-based recorders. A future version may implement PipeWire portal capture for flicker-free recording.

License

MIT License