How To Install Blue Recorder on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Blue Recorder on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Screen recording capabilities are essential for creating tutorials, demonstrating software features, or documenting bugs on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Blue Recorder stands out as an elegant, lightweight solution for capturing screen activity without consuming excessive system resources. This comprehensive guide will walk you through installing and configuring Blue Recorder on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, providing you with the knowledge to create high-quality screen recordings.

What is Blue Recorder?

Blue Recorder is a simple yet powerful screen recording application designed specifically for Linux systems. It was developed as a continuation of the Green Recorder project but completely rewritten in Rust for improved performance and reliability. Released under the GNU General Public License v3, Blue Recorder exemplifies the open-source philosophy that drives Linux development.

This lightweight tool leverages Rust, GTK+3, and ffmpeg to deliver smooth recording capabilities. Blue Recorder supports an impressive range of output formats, including mkv, avi, mp4, wmv, gif, and nut, giving users flexibility in how they save their recordings.

One of Blue Recorder’s most notable features is its native support for both Wayland and Xorg display servers, making it particularly valuable for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users who might be using either display server technology.

Why Choose Blue Recorder for Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users have several screen recording options available, but Blue Recorder offers distinct advantages:

Lightweight Design: Blue Recorder consumes minimal system resources during recording sessions, ensuring your computer remains responsive even when capturing resource-intensive applications.

User-Friendly Interface: Blue Recorder features an intuitive, straightforward interface that doesn’t overwhelm users with unnecessary options. Within moments of launching the application, even beginners can configure and start recording without navigating complex menus.

Format Flexibility: Whether you need high-quality MKV files for editing, universally compatible MP4 files for sharing, or animated GIFs for quick demonstrations, Blue Recorder accommodates your needs without requiring additional conversion tools.

Wayland Compatibility: With native support for Wayland, Blue Recorder works seamlessly with Ubuntu 24.04’s default display server, unlike some other recording tools that struggle with Wayland sessions.

Customization Options: Blue Recorder allows you to select specific recording areas, choose audio input sources, adjust frame rates, and set custom save locations.

Pre-Installation Requirements

Before installing Blue Recorder, ensure your system is properly prepared:

1. Verify Ubuntu Version: Confirm you’re running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with:

   lsb_release -a

2. Update System Packages: Ensure all existing packages are up to date:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

3. Check Disk Space: Blue Recorder itself requires minimal space, but your recordings might need substantial storage depending on length and quality.
4. Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is necessary to download Blue Recorder and its dependencies.
5. Administrative Access: You’ll need sudo privileges to install packages.

Method 1: Installing Blue Recorder via Snap

Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical and comes pre-installed on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Updating Snap

First, ensure your Snap system is up to date:

sudo snap refresh

This command updates Snap itself and any installed Snap packages.

Installing Blue Recorder

With Snap prepared, install Blue Recorder by executing:

sudo snap install blue-recorder

This command downloads and installs the latest stable version of Blue Recorder from the Snap Store.

Configuring Permissions

Blue Recorder requires specific permissions to function correctly. Connect the necessary interfaces with:

sudo snap connect blue-recorder:audio-record :audio-record
sudo snap connect blue-recorder:screencast-legacy :screencast-legacy

These commands grant Blue Recorder permissions to record audio and capture your screen.

Verifying Installation

Confirm successful installation by searching for “Blue Recorder” in the Applications menu or launching it from the terminal:

blue-recorder

If the application launches without errors, you’ve successfully installed Blue Recorder via Snap.

Troubleshooting Snap Installation

If you encounter issues:

• Permission Errors: Ensure you’re using sudo with installation commands.
• Connection Issues: Check your internet connection.
• Missing Interfaces: If the application launches but can’t record, verify you’ve connected the required interfaces.
• Snap Store Access: Ensure snap support is enabled in your Desktop store.

Method 2: Installing Blue Recorder via Flatpak

Flatpak offers an alternative installation method that sometimes provides more up-to-date versions. Unlike Snap, Flatpak isn’t pre-installed on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Installing Flatpak

Install Flatpak on your system:

sudo apt install flatpak

Adding the Flathub Repository

Add Flathub, the primary repository for Flatpak applications:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

After adding the repository, reboot your system for changes to take effect:

sudo reboot

Installing Blue Recorder

With Flatpak and Flathub configured, install Blue Recorder:

sudo flatpak install flathub sa.sy.bluerecorder

During installation, you’ll be prompted to confirm the installation of Blue Recorder and its dependencies.

Verifying Flatpak Installation

Confirm successful installation by searching for “Blue Recorder” in the Applications menu or launching it from the terminal:

flatpak run sa.sy.bluerecorder

If the application starts without errors, you’ve successfully installed Blue Recorder via Flatpak.

When to Choose Flatpak Over Snap

Consider using Flatpak if:

• You prefer the latest version of Blue Recorder.
• You’re experiencing compatibility issues with the Snap version.
• You already use other Flatpak applications and prefer consistency.
• You need better integration with certain desktop environments.

Launching and Initial Setup

After installation, familiarize yourself with launching and configuring the application.

Finding and Launching Blue Recorder

Launch Blue Recorder through the Applications menu:

1. Open the Applications overview (press the Super/Windows key)
2. Type “Blue Recorder” in the search field
3. Click on the Blue Recorder icon

Alternatively, launch from the terminal:

• If installed via Snap: blue-recorder
• If installed via Flatpak: flatpak run sa.sy.bluerecorder

Understanding the Interface

When first launched, Blue Recorder presents a straightforward interface with these key elements:

• Format Selection: Choose your preferred recording format
• Recording Area: Select full screen or a specific area
• Audio Input: Choose your preferred audio source
• Frames: Adjust the frame rate
• Delay: Set a countdown delay before recording begins
• Record Button: Start recording once settings are configured

Configuring Blue Recorder

Blue Recorder offers various configuration options to customize your recording experience.

Setting Output File Format

Select from multiple output formats:

• MKV: Excellent quality and compression
• MP4: Widely compatible format
• AVI: High quality but larger file size
• WMV: Compatible with Windows systems
• GIF: Animated image format for short clips
• NUT: Raw format with minimal processing

Configuring Recording Area

Record either your entire screen or a specific area:

1. From the main interface, select either “Full Screen” or “Select Area”
2. If choosing “Select Area,” click and drag to define the recording region

Recording a specific area is useful when focusing on a particular application without capturing unnecessary screen elements.

Selecting Audio Input Source

For recordings with audio:

1. Click the “Audio Input” dropdown menu
2. Select your preferred audio source
3. To record without audio, select “Disabled”

Frame Rate and Quality Settings

Adjust the frame rate based on your needs:

• Higher frame rates (30+ FPS) produce smoother video but create larger files
• Lower frame rates (15-20 FPS) are suitable for most desktop applications
• For gaming, aim for 30-60 FPS

Setting Save Location

Change where recordings are saved:

1. Click the folder icon in the interface
2. Navigate to your preferred save location
3. Click “Select” to confirm

Delay Timer Configuration

Set a countdown before recording begins:

1. Set your desired delay in seconds
2. When starting recording, Blue Recorder will count down
3. Recording begins automatically once the countdown completes

Saving Default Preferences

Blue Recorder automatically saves your configuration between sessions:

1. Configure all settings as desired
2. Close Blue Recorder
3. Your settings will be restored next time you launch the application

Recording Your First Screen Capture

With configuration complete, you’re ready to create your first recording.

Preparing Your Desktop

Before starting:

1. Close unnecessary applications
2. Organize windows and content
3. Consider disabling notifications
4. If recording with audio, check your microphone

Starting the Recording Process

To begin recording:

1. Launch Blue Recorder
2. Configure your desired settings
3. Click the “Record” button
4. If you set a delay, wait for the countdown
5. Once recording begins, Blue Recorder minimizes to the notification area

Visual Indicators During Recording

While recording:

• A red recording icon appears in your notification area
• Hovering over this icon displays the recording duration

Methods to Stop Recording

When ready to end your recording:

1. Right-click the recording icon and select “Stop Recording”
2. Middle-click the recording icon (works on most desktop environments)
3. Launch Blue Recorder again and click “Stop”

Blue Recorder automatically saves your file to the designated location.

Accessing and Playing Your Recorded Files

After stopping:

1. Blue Recorder displays a notification with a “Play” button
2. Clicking “Play” opens the recording in your default video player
3. Alternatively, navigate to your save location to find the file

Advanced Usage Tips

After mastering the basics, explore these advanced techniques.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficient Workflow

Improve efficiency by:

• Creating custom keyboard shortcuts to launch Blue Recorder
• Using desktop environment shortcuts to quickly access the notification area
• Utilizing your video player’s keyboard shortcuts when reviewing recordings

Optimizing Quality vs. File Size

Balance quality and file size by:

• Using MP4 format with moderate frame rates for most tutorials
• Selecting MKV for higher quality when file size isn’t a concern
• Choosing GIF only for very short clips without audio
• Recording only the necessary screen area

Best Practices for Different Recording Scenarios

Adapt settings for different use cases:

• Software Tutorials:
  • Record at 1080p or lower
  • Use 15-20 FPS
  • Consider recording with microphone audio only
• Gaming:
  • Use MKV format
  • Set 30-60 FPS
  • Record full screen
• Presentations:
  • Record the presentation window only
  • Use moderate compression
  • Ensure clear audio if narrating

Audio Synchronization Tips

To maintain proper audio-video sync:

1. Close resource-intensive applications
2. Use a consistent frame rate
3. Test audio levels before starting
4. If experiencing desync, try recording at a lower resolution or frame rate

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions to common problems:

Audio Recording Problems

If experiencing audio issues:

• Verify the correct audio input is selected
• Check system sound settings
• For Snap installations, confirm audio-record permissions are connected
• Consider using a dedicated microphone for better quality

Video Quality Issues

For video quality problems:

• Increase recording resolution if possible
• For text-heavy content, avoid excessive compression
• Record only the necessary area for higher detail
• Try a different output format

Performance Lag During Recording

If your system slows down during recording:

1. Reduce the recording resolution and frame rate
2. Close unnecessary applications
3. Try recording to a different storage drive
4. Disable desktop effects
5. Use a more efficient output format like MKV

Updating Blue Recorder

Keep Blue Recorder updated for the latest features and bug fixes.

Updating via Snap

Update Blue Recorder installed via Snap with:

sudo snap refresh blue-recorder

Or update all Snap packages:

sudo snap refresh

Updating via Flatpak

For Flatpak installations:

sudo flatpak update sa.sy.bluerecorder

Or update all Flatpak applications:

sudo flatpak update

Uninstalling Blue Recorder

If needed, remove Blue Recorder from your system.

Removal via Snap

Uninstall Blue Recorder installed via Snap:

sudo snap remove blue-recorder

Removal via Flatpak

For Flatpak installations:

sudo flatpak uninstall sa.sy.bluerecorder

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Blue Recorder. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Blue Recorder simple desktop recorder on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Blue Recorder website.