How to Record Videos on Ubuntu with Cheese

This guide explains how to record video using your webcam on Ubuntu Linux. Why do this? It is a fast way to save memories or create quick video clips. What happens when you are done? You will have a saved video file ready to share with friends.

Most Ubuntu users use the Cheese application for this. Please note that Cheese is not always pre-installed on newer versions of Ubuntu 2026. If you do not see it, you can install it easily. Open your terminal and type sudo apt install cheese, or find it in the Ubuntu Software Center.

While Cheese is simple, it is aging. You might also consider GNOME Snapshot, which is replacing Cheese as the modern default for GNOME. If you need professional features like streaming or advanced editing, use OBS Studio instead. Cheese is best for quick, simple recordings.

The Cheese application lets you take still photos and videos. By default, your files are saved in the Videos/Webcam folder inside your Home directory as .webm files.

How to record video with Cheese in Ubuntu Linux

If your computer has a camera, you can use Cheese to take still photos and videos. Here is how to use it.

First, open the application. Click the “Show Applications” icon (the grid of dots) at the bottom of your dock. Type “Cheese” into the search bar at the top and click the icon to open it.

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.

Once you stop, the video appears in the bar at the bottom of the window. You can click it to watch it or right-click to delete it.

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.