Feature Request: Standardized Screen Capture API for Wayland

[BiteClassroom]

Dear System76 Developers,

I am writing to request your consideration for implementing a standardized API for screen capture on Wayland desktops like COSMIC.

Currently, due to Wayland's restrictions, applications like Pick cannot directly capture the screen. This limitation necessitates relying on the desktop environment itself to provide screen capture functionality. While COSMIC Shell offers some built-in capabilities, a standardized API would offer several advantages:

• Universal Compatibility: A standardized API would allow applications like Pick to work seamlessly across different Wayland desktops, regardless of the specific environment (like COSMIC). This would improve user experience and provide developers with a wider audience for their screen capture tools.
  • Flexibility and Innovation: A well-designed API could offer more granular control and features for screen capture beyond what individual desktop environments might provide. This would empower developers to create more versatile and innovative screen capture applications.

I understand that developing and implementing a new API requires resources and collaboration. However, I believe a standardized screen capture API for Wayland would be a valuable addition to the desktop environment ecosystem. It would benefit both application developers and users seeking a wider range of screen capture options.

If there are existing efforts or discussions regarding a standardized screen capture API for Wayland, I would be grateful for any information you can share. Additionally, if there's a preferred way to contribute to such an initiative, I'd be happy to learn more.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Drakulix]

We do.

The xdg-desktop-portal interface for ScreenCapture is the de-facto standard protocol and supported by COSMIC.