How to configure frame rate and cursor in ffmpeg x11grab

Recording your Linux desktop with FFmpeg’s x11grab device allows for highly customizable screen captures. This guide provides a straightforward explanation of how to configure both the capture frame rate and the visibility of the mouse cursor during your recording sessions, ensuring you get the exact video output you need.

Configuring the Capture Frame Rate

To set the frame rate (frames per second) for your screen capture, use the -framerate input option. Placing this option before the input device tells FFmpeg how many frames per second to capture from your X11 display.

The syntax for setting the frame rate is:

ffmpeg -f x11grab -framerate <fps_value> -i :0.0 output.mp4

For example, to capture your screen at a smooth 60 FPS:

ffmpeg -f x11grab -framerate 60 -i :0.0 output.mp4

To capture at a standard 30 FPS:

ffmpeg -f x11grab -framerate 30 -i :0.0 output.mp4

Configuring the Mouse Cursor Display

You can control whether the mouse cursor is visible in the recorded video using the -draw_mouse option. This is an input option that accepts binary values:

• 1 enables the mouse cursor (default behavior).
• 0 hides the mouse cursor entirely.

Hide the Mouse Cursor

To record the screen without capturing any mouse movements, set -draw_mouse to 0:

ffmpeg -f x11grab -draw_mouse 0 -i :0.0 output.mp4

Show the Mouse Cursor

To ensure the mouse cursor is recorded (which is useful for tutorials), set -draw_mouse to 1 (or omit the option, as it is enabled by default):

ffmpeg -f x11grab -draw_mouse 1 -i :0.0 output.mp4

Combining Frame Rate and Cursor Options

In most scenarios, you will want to configure both options simultaneously. Here is how to combine them into a single, cohesive command.

To capture your screen at 60 FPS with the mouse cursor hidden:

ffmpeg -f x11grab -framerate 60 -draw_mouse 0 -i :0.0 output.mp4

To capture your screen at 30 FPS with the mouse cursor visible:

ffmpeg -f x11grab -framerate 30 -draw_mouse 1 -i :0.0 output.mp4