import command in Linux with Examples

import command in Linux system is used for capturing a screenshot for any of the active pages we have and it gives the output as an image file. You can capture a single window if you want or you can take the entire screen or you can take a screenshot of any rectangular portion of the screen.

Here, we will explore the usage of the import command in detail, its syntax, options, and practical examples that will help you take full advantage of this tool.

Syntax

import [options] output-file

where,

• 'output-file': The name and format of the file where the screenshot will be saved (e.g., screenshot.png).
• 'options': Additional command-line options to customize the screenshot process (e.g., to capture a specific window, add a border, etc.).

Common Options used with the 'import' command

The import command comes with several options to customize your screenshot capture process. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:

1. --help:

It will print the general syntax of the command along with the various options that can be used with the import command as well as gives a brief description about each option.

Example:

2. -adjoin:

This option allows you to join multiple images into a single multi-image file. It’s particularly useful when you want to combine screenshots into one output.

import -adjoin sample.png

Example:

3. -border:

If you want the output image to include the window border, use this option. This is useful when you want to capture the exact look of the window with its decorations.

import -border sample.png

Example:

4. -descend:

Capture images by descending the window hierarchy. This option is useful when you want to capture a series of windows starting from the root to the most specific child windows.

import -descend sample.png

Example:

5. -frame:

This option includes the window manager’s frame in the screenshot. If you're working with floating windows or window managers like i3, this option is particularly helpful.

import -frame sample.png

Example:

6. -identify:

This option is used to identify the image format and characteristics (like size and format) without actually creating a file. This is helpful for debugging or when you’re unsure about the image type.

import -identify sample.png

Example:

7. -quiet:

Suppresses any warning messages that may arise during the screenshot capture process. Use this when you want to avoid cluttering the terminal output with unnecessary warnings.

import -quiet sample.png

Example:

8. -monitor:

Displays the progress of the capture process. If you're capturing a large image or a sequence of images, this option can be useful to monitor the process.

import -monitor sample.png

Example:

9. -screen:

This option captures the entire screen, including the root window. It’s useful for full desktop screenshots that include everything visible on the screen.

import -screen sample.png

Example:

Other Useful Options in the import Command

Other available options in the import command are:

Conclusion

The 'import' command in Linux is an efficient tool for capturing screenshots of various parts of your display. With additional features like adding window borders, frames, and the ability to monitor progress, import is an invaluable tool for Linux users looking to capture high-quality screenshots.