How to Record Videos on Ubuntu with Cheese
Cheese is a simple app for recording videos on Ubuntu using your computer’s webcam.
It lets you easily take photos and capture video clips straight from your camera.
Cheese saves your recordings as .webm files by default, usually in your Home folder’s Videos/Webcam directory. For example, on Ubuntu 2026, Cheese might not be installed automatically. You can add it through the Ubuntu Software Center or by typing ‘sudo apt install cheese’ in the terminal.
Open the Cheese application from your Ubuntu dock or search. Ensure Video mode is selected, then click the Record button or press Space to start and stop. Your recordings automatically save to your Videos/Webcam folder.
How to record video with Cheese in Ubuntu Linux
You can record videos on Ubuntu using the Cheese app by opening Cheese from your applications menu. Search for 'Cheese' after clicking the grid icon at the bottom of your screen, then click the Cheese icon to start recording. This simple tool lets you capture videos easily.
Cheese, a video recording application, opens when you click the Cheese icon. To open Cheese, first click the 'Show Applications' icon, which looks like a grid of dots at the bottom of your dock. Then, type 'Cheese' into the search bar at the top and click the application's icon to open Cheese.
Look at the side of the window. Make sure you are in Video mode. The Video button should be highlighted.
To change where your videos are saved, click the menu button (three lines) in the top right corner and select Preferences. You can change the folder location there.
To start recording, click the large Record a video button at the bottom of the screen. You can also press the Space key on your keyboard.
To stop recording, click the button again or press the Space or Esc key.
After you stop recording, the finished video appears in the bar at the bottom of the Cheese window. You can click the finished video to watch the finished video or right-click the finished video to delete the finished video.
That is all there is to it!
Summary
- Record Fun Moments: Use your webcam to capture quick clips easily.
- Automatic Saving: Your videos save automatically to your chosen folder.
- Special Effects: Use the Effects menu in Cheese to add filters to your video.
What is the alternative to cheese in Ubuntu?
Webcamoid is a full featured and multiplatform webcam suite. Kamoso is a simple and friendly program to use your camera. "guvcview" is much better than cheese.
What is the free video player for Ubuntu?
SMPlayer is a great free video player for Ubuntu that can play almost any video or audio file without needing extra downloads. It comes with all the necessary parts built-in, so you just install it and it works, making it super easy to watch your videos.
Was this guide helpful?
0% of readers found this helpful (2 votes)
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!