Fix Print Screen Key In Kubuntu 16.10

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Hey guys! Having trouble with your print screen key in Kubuntu 16.10? It's a pretty common issue, and thankfully, there are a few things you can try to get it working again. Let's dive into some troubleshooting steps to get your screenshot tool back in action. This problem often arises due to incorrect keybindings or conflicts with other software, but don't worry, we'll walk through the solutions together.

Understanding the Issue

First off, let's make sure we're on the same page. The Print Screen key, usually labeled as PrtSc, Print Scrn, or something similar, should automatically open the screenshot tool in Kubuntu. This tool allows you to capture your entire screen, a specific window, or a selected region. When it doesn't work, it can be super frustrating, especially when you need to quickly grab a screenshot for work, tutorials, or just to share something cool you found online. Identifying the root cause is the first step to resolving this issue. Is the key completely unresponsive? Does it do something else entirely? Or does the screenshot tool simply fail to launch? Knowing these details will help you narrow down the possible solutions. Additionally, consider whether you've recently updated your system or installed new software, as these changes can sometimes interfere with system-level configurations like keybindings. Also, check if the ksnapshot tool, which is the default screenshot application in Kubuntu, is properly installed and configured. You can do this by opening a terminal and typing ksnapshot. If it's not installed, you'll need to install it using the command sudo apt-get install ksnapshot.

Checking Keybindings in KDE

KDE, the desktop environment Kubuntu uses, allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts. Sometimes, the Print Screen key might be unbound or assigned to a different action. Here’s how to check and fix that:

  1. Open System Settings: Go to your Kubuntu start menu and search for "System Settings". Open it up.
  2. Navigate to Shortcuts: In System Settings, look for "Shortcuts" or "Global Shortcuts". Click on it. It might also be under the "Input Devices" section.
  3. Find KSnapshot: In the Global Shortcuts settings, there’s usually a search bar. Type “ksnapshot” to quickly find the screenshot tool settings. Alternatively, you can scroll through the list to find it manually.
  4. Check the Shortcut: Once you find ksnapshot, check what keybinding is assigned to it. If it says “None” or something other than “Print”, you’ll need to assign the Print Screen key.
  5. Assign the Print Screen Key: Click on the current shortcut (if there’s one) and then press the Print Screen key. KDE should recognize it. If it doesn't, try clicking the "Input" tab and manually selecting the Print Screen key from the list. Sometimes, you might need to disable other shortcuts that are using the Print Screen key to avoid conflicts.
  6. Apply Changes: After assigning the Print Screen key, click “Apply” to save the changes. You might need to enter your password to confirm the changes. After applying the changes, test the Print Screen key to see if it now opens the screenshot tool. If it still doesn't work, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Using xev to Diagnose Key Presses

If the keybinding settings look correct, but the Print Screen key still isn't working, the issue might be at a lower level. The xev tool can help you diagnose whether the key is even being recognized by the system.

  1. Open a Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a terminal window.
  2. Run xev: Type xev and press Enter. This will open a small window.
  3. Press the Print Screen Key: With the xev window in focus, press the Print Screen key. Look at the terminal output. You should see information about the key press and release events.

If you don’t see any output when you press the Print Screen key, it means the key isn’t being recognized at all by the X server. This could indicate a hardware issue or a problem with your keyboard driver. If you do see output, but it’s not what you expect, it could indicate a misconfiguration or a conflict with another program. Pay close attention to the keycode and keysym values in the output. These values identify the specific key that was pressed. If the keycode or keysym is incorrect, you may need to remap the key using xmodmap or a similar tool.

Checking for Conflicting Applications

Sometimes, another application might be intercepting the Print Screen key. This is especially common with screen recording software or custom keyboard utilities. Close any applications that might be using global keyboard shortcuts and see if that fixes the issue. Common culprits include:

  • Screen Recorders: Programs like OBS Studio or SimpleScreenRecorder might be grabbing the Print Screen key for starting and stopping recordings.
  • Custom Keyboard Utilities: Tools like AutoKey or xbindkeys can remap keys and interfere with default shortcuts.
  • Cloud Storage Applications: Some cloud storage apps, like Dropbox or OneDrive, might use the Print Screen key for uploading screenshots.

To identify which application is interfering, try closing applications one by one and testing the Print Screen key after each closure. Once you find the culprit, you can either disable its global shortcut or uninstall the application if you don't need it. Additionally, check your system tray for any running applications that might be using the Print Screen key in the background. Right-click on each icon in the system tray to see if they have any keyboard shortcut settings that might be conflicting.

Reinstalling KSnapshot

If the keybinding is correct and no other applications are interfering, the ksnapshot tool itself might be corrupted or misconfigured. Try reinstalling it to see if that fixes the issue.

  1. Open a Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a terminal window.
  2. Uninstall KSnapshot: Type sudo apt-get remove ksnapshot and press Enter. Enter your password if prompted.
  3. Install KSnapshot: After the uninstallation is complete, type sudo apt-get install ksnapshot and press Enter.

Reinstalling ksnapshot ensures that you have a fresh copy of the application with its default configurations. This can often resolve issues caused by corrupted files or incorrect settings. After reinstalling, check the keybindings again to ensure that the Print Screen key is properly assigned to ksnapshot. If the issue persists, consider trying an alternative screenshot tool to see if the problem is specific to ksnapshot or a more general system issue.

Trying a Different Screenshot Tool

If all else fails, consider using a different screenshot tool. There are many alternatives available for Kubuntu, such as Spectacle, which is the default screenshot tool in later versions of KDE. To install Spectacle, open a terminal and type sudo apt-get install spectacle. Once installed, you can configure it to use the Print Screen key instead of ksnapshot.

  1. Install Spectacle: Open a terminal and type sudo apt-get install spectacle and press Enter.
  2. Configure Spectacle: Go to System Settings -> Shortcuts -> Global Shortcuts. Find Spectacle in the list and assign the Print Screen key to it.

Spectacle offers a range of features, including the ability to capture full-screen, rectangular regions, active windows, and more. It also allows you to save screenshots in various formats, such as PNG, JPEG, and BMP. If you find that Spectacle works better for you, you can uninstall ksnapshot to avoid confusion. Additionally, Spectacle is actively maintained and receives regular updates, so it may offer better compatibility and stability compared to older screenshot tools.

Checking for Updates

Sometimes, these types of issues are resolved in system updates. Make sure your Kubuntu system is up-to-date.

  1. Open a Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a terminal window.
  2. Update the System: Type sudo apt-get update and press Enter. Then, type sudo apt-get upgrade and press Enter.

Keeping your system up-to-date ensures that you have the latest bug fixes and security patches. These updates can often resolve compatibility issues and improve the overall stability of your system. After updating, restart your computer to ensure that all changes are applied. Then, test the Print Screen key again to see if the issue has been resolved. If not, continue with the remaining troubleshooting steps.

Creating a Custom Script

If none of the above solutions work, you can create a custom script to take screenshots and bind it to the Print Screen key. This involves using a command-line tool like scrot to capture the screenshot and then assigning the script to the Print Screen key in KDE's global shortcuts.

  1. Install scrot: Open a terminal and type sudo apt-get install scrot and press Enter.
  2. Create a Script: Create a new file named screenshot.sh in your home directory and add the following content:
#!/bin/bash
scrot '%Y-%m-%d_$wx$h_screenshot.png' -e 'mv $f ~/Pictures/'

This script uses scrot to capture a screenshot and save it to the ~/Pictures/ directory with a timestamp in the filename. 3. Make the Script Executable: Open a terminal and type chmod +x ~/screenshot.sh and press Enter. 4. Bind the Script to the Print Screen Key: Go to System Settings -> Shortcuts -> Global Shortcuts. Click "Edit" -> "New" -> "Global Shortcut" -> "Command/URL". 5. Configure the Shortcut: * Set a name for the shortcut, such as "Custom Screenshot". * In the "Command/URL" field, enter /home/yourusername/screenshot.sh (replace yourusername with your actual username). * Go to the "Trigger" tab and assign the Print Screen key to the shortcut. 6. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” to save the changes.

This custom script provides a workaround for capturing screenshots if the default screenshot tool is not working. It also gives you more control over the screenshot process, such as specifying the save location and filename format. If you prefer a different screenshot tool, you can modify the script to use that tool instead of scrot.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several ways to tackle the Print Screen key issue in Kubuntu 16.10. By systematically checking keybindings, diagnosing key presses, identifying conflicting applications, and exploring alternative screenshot tools, you should be able to get your screenshot functionality back up and running. Remember to keep your system updated and consider using a custom script for more control. Good luck, and happy screenshotting!