For those who frequently capture and annotate screenshots on Linux, finding the right tool can be a challenge. After experimenting with numerous options, I discovered Gradia, an application that elegantly balances simplicity and functionality. This tool allows users to transform ordinary screenshots into polished, share-ready graphics within mere seconds.
Introducing Gradia
Gradia stands out as a free and open-source application tailored for Linux users. It merges the ease of traditional screenshot shortcuts with robust features for styling and annotation. In contrast to more cumbersome software, Gradia operates swiftly and efficiently, even on older systems, granting users comprehensive control over their screenshots. Users can enhance their visuals directly within Gradia by adding arrows, highlights, and text annotations, eliminating the need for separate editing tools.
Optimally designed for windowed application screenshots—typically saved in PNG format—Gradia allows customization of backgrounds, rounded borders, and drop shadows, providing users with an array of layout options. While it supports multiple image formats, its advanced features are especially effective for enhancing screenshots rather than serving as generic editing software.
Installing Gradia
Although Gradia may not be present in the default repositories of many Linux distributions, users can conveniently install it using either Flatpak or Snap—a versatile packaging system developed by Canonical. If you’re on Ubuntu, Snap is already configured on your system.
To install Gradia via Flatpak, you need to set up Flatpak on your system first. Once that’s complete, run the following command:
flatpak install flathub be.alexandervanhee.gradia
With Gradia installed, you can launch the application from your app menu or execute:
flatpak run be.alexandervanhee.gradia
If you prefer Snap, installation can be done through the Snap Store using the following command:
sudo snap install gradia
Once the Snap installation is complete, you can launch Gradia from the application menu or by simply typing gradia in your terminal.
Utilizing Gradia for Screenshot Capture
Gradia integrates seamlessly with your system’s screenshot utility to capture exactly what you require. You have the flexibility to initiate a full-screen capture, snapshot a single window, or select a specific region using your desktop’s screenshot function. After capturing, Gradia opens the screenshot for immediate editing and annotation.
If you’d like Gradia to automatically open after taking a screenshot, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut. Access your Keyboard settings, navigate to the Shortcuts tab, and locate Custom Shortcuts. From there, create a new shortcut and enter this command:
flatpak run be.alexandervanhee.gradia --screenshot=INTERACTIVE
You can alternatively use --screenshot=FULL for a complete screen capture. Once set, select a convenient key combination, and your screenshots will automatically open in Gradia, streamlining your workflow.
Effortless Annotation and Styling Options
Gradia simplifies the process of annotating screenshots, making it an intuitive experience. As soon as you capture an image, the application transitions into editing mode, offering a streamlined toolkit designed for effective markups.
With tools for drawing arrows, lines, rectangles, and circles, you can easily highlight essential information. The text tool is ideal for adding labels, instructions, or titles, with options to adjust font size and color for optimal readability. Additionally, features to blur or pixelate sensitive information—such as emails or usernames—enable users to protect private data directly within the app.
Seamless Exporting and Sharing
Gradia supports exporting images in popular formats like PNG, JPEG, and WebP, allowing you to choose between quality and file size. Moreover, the application enables you to copy the final image to your clipboard, facilitating quick pasting into emails, chat applications, or documents without cluttering your desktop with additional files.
Importantly, Gradia maintains the integrity of your original screenshot by saving the styled or annotated version as a separate file, allowing you to revisit the original if further adjustments are needed.
Conclusion
For users seeking a quick screenshot tool, the default options available may suffice. However, if you aspire to enhance your screenshots with a professional touch, Gradia is the ideal choice. Its focus on practical, user-friendly features—including effective styling, annotations, and simple export processes—makes it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to create visually appealing screenshots.
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