pyscreenshot

library3.1pypypiunverified

Pyscreenshot is a Python library (version 3.1) designed for taking screenshots across various operating systems. It acts as a pure Python wrapper around existing backend tools. While often considered 'obsolete' in favor of Pillow's native ImageGrab on Linux/macOS, it remains useful for its flexible backend support, Wayland compatibility, and optional subprocess handling. The library's release cadence is irregular, with the latest major update in March 2023.

testing

pip install pyscreenshot Pillow

github ↗package ↗

INSTALL

IMPORT

SIG · PYSCREENSHOT

pyscreenshot

testingpythonv3.1

Install

2.4s avg

Import

87ms

Disk

37MB

Pass rate

10/ 10

Env Coverage10 / 10

glibc

3.9–3.13

musl

3.9–3.13

Install & Compatibility

Where this runs

tested against v3.1 · pip install

no network on importno background threads

Install × environment matrix

Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux

musl

py 3.10–3.910 runs

installs and imports cleanly · install 0.0s · import 0.090s · 38.9MB

glibc

py 3.10–3.910 runs

installs and imports cleanly · install 2.4s · import 0.084s · 40MB

37MB installed

● package 37MB

Code

Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

ImageGrab

✓ import pyscreenshot as ImageGrab

Captures the entire screen and saves it as a PNG file. You can also specify a bounding box for partial screen captures. Ensure Pillow is installed to save and display images.

import pyscreenshot as ImageGrab import os # Grab the entire screen im = ImageGrab.grab() # Save image to a file file_path = "screenshot.png" im.save(file_path) print(f"Screenshot saved to {file_path}") # Optionally grab a specific region (bbox = (left, top, right, bottom)) # im_region = ImageGrab.grab(bbox=(10, 10, 510, 510)) # im_region.save("screenshot_region.png") # print("Region screenshot saved to screenshot_region.png") # To display the image (requires an image viewer configured for .show()) # im.show()

Debug

Known issues

deprecatedPyscreenshot is often considered obsolete as Pillow's native ImageGrab module now supports Linux and macOS. Use Pillow directly unless you need pyscreenshot's specific backend flexibility or Wayland support.

fix

Consider using `from PIL import ImageGrab` directly if Pillow meets your needs.

affects: All versions

gotchaOn Wayland, certain desktop environments (KDE, GNOME) might display on-screen notifications or flash effects during a screenshot, or `xdg-desktop-portal` might trigger a confirmation dialog. Not all Wayland compositors are equally supported by all backends.

fix

Experiment with different backends (e.g., `ImageGrab.grab(backend='grim')` on Sway) or be aware of desktop environment behaviors. Check `xdg-desktop-portal` settings for confirmation dialogs.

affects: All versions

gotchaIf the operating system's display zoom factor is applied, `ImageGrab.grab()` may not capture the full screen correctly, resulting in black borders or incomplete images.

fix

Adjust OS display scaling to 100% if encountering this issue, or explore alternative screenshot tools if this is a persistent problem in your environment.

affects: All versions

gotchaRunning `pyscreenshot` commands directly in IDEs like IDLE can cause the application to hang or freeze.

fix

Run your Python script from a command-line terminal instead of IDLE. If hanging persists, try `im = ImageGrab.grab(childprocess=False)` to disable subprocess isolation for the backend.

affects: All versions

gotchaThe `grab_to_file` function (if used) might ignore the `bbox` parameter, always capturing the entire screen, and may struggle with image formats other than PNG.

fix

Use `ImageGrab.grab()` to get an `Image` object and then `im.save()` for more reliable control over saving, format, and region.

affects: All versions

Upgrade

Version history

3.1latest on PyPI · released Mar 12, 2023

Audit

Dependencies

PillowrequiredRequired for handling the captured image in memory (e.g., saving to file, displaying).

EasyProcessoptionalUsed internally by pyscreenshot for calling external programs.

entrypoint2optionalUsed internally for generating command-line interfaces.

MSSoptionalA fast, pure Python, multiplatform backend.

jeepneyoptionalUsed for D-Bus calls, relevant for some Wayland backends.

Agent activity

7 hits · last 30 days

node

Resources

githubhttps://github.com/ponty/pyscreenshot ↗

packagehttps://pypi.org/project/pyscreenshot/ ↗