When it comes to capturing screenshots on a Linux system, Flameshot is a popular choice, offering a wide range of features for taking and editing screenshots. However, there are situations where precise timing is crucial, like capturing pop-up menus, tooltips, or context-sensitive elements. In such cases, having a countdown script can be incredibly useful. This article introduces a simple shell script that adds countdown functionality to Flameshot.

The Countdown Script

Here is the countdown script:

#!/usr/bin/env sh

countdown=3  # Default countdown value

# Check if the user provided a different countdown value as an argument
if [ $# -eq 1 ]; then
    countdown=$1
fi

for i in $(seq "$countdown" -1 1); do
    dunstify -h string:x-dunst-stack-tag:$i $i -t 1000
    sleep 1
done

# Trigger Flameshot after the countdown
exec flameshot gui

This script allows you to set a countdown value (in seconds) before Flameshot is activated. By default, the countdown is set to 3 seconds, but you can specify a different value as a command-line argument. Here’s how it works:

• The script checks if an argument is provided. If you provide an argument when executing the script, it will set the countdown to the specified value. For example, running ./countdown.sh 5 would initiate a 5-second countdown.
• It uses the dunstify command to create pop-up notifications at each second during the countdown. These notifications provide a visual representation of the remaining time.
• The sleep command ensures that each notification is displayed for one second.
• After the countdown reaches zero, Flameshot is triggered in graphical user interface (GUI) mode using exec flameshot gui.

How to Use the Countdown Script

1. Prepare Your Environment: Make sure you have Flameshot and Dunst (a notification manager) installed on your system. You can install them using your system’s package manager.
2. Save the Script: Save the provided script to a file, e.g., countdown.sh. Ensure the script is executable by running chmod +x countdown.sh.
3. Run the Script: To use the default 3-second countdown, simply execute the script:./countdown.sh
4. Custom Countdown: If you want to set a custom countdown value, pass it as an argument: ./countdown.sh 5
5. Capture Your Screenshot: Once the countdown reaches zero, Flameshot will activate, allowing you to take a screenshot with the added benefit of precise timing.

This simple yet effective script enhances your control over screenshot captures using Flameshot, ensuring you can capture exactly what you want, precisely when you want it.

In conclusion, the countdown script for Flameshot is a valuable addition for users who need precision in their screenshot captures. It simplifies the process and adds an extra layer of control, making it an excellent tool for a wide range of screenshot needs.

Using the Countdown Script for Flameshot in i3 Window Manager

If you are an i3 Window Manager user, you can easily integrate the countdown script for Flameshot into your workflow. This window manager is known for its efficiency and flexibility, making it a great choice for power users. Here’s how to use the script within the i3 environment:

1. Ensure Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have the required components installed on your system, which include Flameshot and Dunst. You can install them using your system’s package manager if they are not already installed.

# For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems
sudo apt-get install flameshot dunst

# For Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S flameshot dunst

2. Save the Countdown Script

Save the countdown script (e.g., countdown.sh) to a location of your choice. Remember to make the script executable by running chmod +x countdown.sh.

3. Configure i3 Keybinding

To use the countdown script with Flameshot in i3, you need to create a keybinding in your i3 configuration file. Typically, this file is located at ~/.config/i3/config.

Edit your i3 configuration file using a text editor:

vim ~/.config/i3/config

Add the following lines to create a keybinding that will execute the countdown script when a specific key combination is pressed. You can choose any key combination you prefer.

# Add a keybinding to execute the countdown script bindsym $mod+Shift+s exec /path/to/countdown.sh

In the above code, $mod represents the modifier key (usually the Windows or Super key), and Shift+s is the key combination for activating the script. Replace /path/to/countdown.sh with the actual path to your script file.

Save the i3 configuration file and exit your text editor.

4. Reload i3 Configuration

To apply the changes to your i3 configuration, you need to reload the i3 window manager. You can do this without logging out by pressing $mod+Shift+r, where $mod is your modifier key.

5. Capturing Screenshots with Countdown

Now that you’ve set up the countdown script and keybinding, you can capture screenshots with a countdown in your i3 environment:

1. Press the key combination you specified (e.g., $mod+Shift+s) to initiate the countdown.
2. The script will display a countdown notification using Dunst.
3. After the countdown reaches zero, Flameshot will be activated in GUI mode, allowing you to take a screenshot with precise timing.

This integration streamlines the process of capturing screenshots in i3, making it convenient and efficient, especially when you need to time your screenshot captures accurately.