Linux
Set up capture services, grant optional interaction access and enable Instant file copying on Linux.
Choose AppImage, DEB or RPM
Choose the package for your distribution and CPU architecture. DEB/RPM packages declare runtime dependencies and install Beam’s protected input helper and Polkit rule. An AppImage keeps the application portable but still needs the capture services below.
Make the downloaded AppImage executable, then run it. Replace the example filename with yours. If it reports a FUSE error, use your distribution’s AppImage compatibility package or the matching DEB/RPM.
chmod +x "./Beam.AppImage"
"./Beam.AppImage"Check the screen-recording requirements
Beam records through XDG Desktop Portal, PipeWire and FFmpeg on Linux, including X11 sessions. The active portal backend must provide ScreenCast version 2 or later and the source type you want to capture.
Use the portal backend for your current desktop, such as GNOME, KDE Plasma or a compatible wlroots compositor. FFmpeg must provide a supported encoder and MP4 output. Beam reports unavailable requirements before starting a recording.
| Requirement | What to check |
|---|---|
| XDG Desktop Portal | A backend providing ScreenCast in your active desktop session. |
| PipeWire / WirePlumber | Running user services that can provide the selected stream. |
| FFmpeg | Available on PATH, or configured through BEAM_FFMPEG_PATH; includes the required encoder and MP4 output support. |
systemctl --user --no-pager status xdg-desktop-portal pipewire wireplumberConfirm the source in the portal
When the portal picker appears, authorize the screen or window you want. For Region, choose the monitor matching the rectangle drawn in Beam. Selecting a window cannot supply a monitor crop.
Move or minimize Beam before confirming a full-screen capture if its controls would be visible. Enable system audio before starting; toggling it during the take is not supported on Linux.
Allow click and shortcut recording
In Settings → Accessibility, enable Record keyboard & mouse events on Linux. This optional setting is off by default. Its protected helper captures clicks for automatic zooms and safe shortcut tokens for captions, filtering ordinary typed text.
DEB/RPM installation includes the helper and its authorization rule. An AppImage can request administrator authorization to install or update them. A matching installed helper can then run in an active desktop session without a new password prompt each time.
If access fails, fix the reported helper or authentication issue and retry from Accessibility settings. Include Settings → About → Copy system information in a persistent-error report.
Install the clipboard tool for Instant
DEB/RPM packages declare both tools. For an AppImage or development build, install the tool for your session and make it available on PATH. Instant copies a file URI for apps that accept attachments.
You can paste repeatedly until the clipboard is replaced. Wayland may briefly focus a temporary surface when Beam acquires the selection. If copying fails, the exported video remains saved.
| Session | Required tool |
|---|---|
| Wayland | wl-copy, supplied by wl-clipboard |
| X11 | xclip |
Overlay positions and project folders
Beam’s Linux windows use X11, including XWayland on a Wayland desktop, so camera and teleprompter positions can be restored. A Wayland desktop therefore needs XWayland available. Screen capture still uses the portal and PipeWire; Instant clipboard copying follows the host session.
The default content folder is under the system Videos location, usually ~/Videos/Beam/user. XDG user-directory settings can change that path. You can also choose Project location and Export folder in Settings → General; Explore in the project menu shows where an existing project actually lives.