screencopy protocol
also: wlr-screencopy
A Wayland protocol that allows applications to capture and copy the contents of the screen or specific windows without requiring root privileges or X11-style screen-grabbing mechanisms.
The screencopy protocol is a Wayland extension that enables applications like screenshot tools, screen recorders, and remote desktop software to efficiently read pixel data from the display. Unlike traditional X11 methods that often require elevated permissions, screencopy provides a standardized, permission-aware way to request screen contents.
The protocol works by having a client request a frame from the compositor (the display server), which can grant or deny the request based on security policies. This allows Wayland to maintain better security by preventing unprivileged access to sensitive screen content.
Common use cases include grim (screenshot tool), wl-clipboard (clipboard management), and OBS or other screen recorders. The compositor can selectively allow access—for example, only capturing the active window or requiring user permission for sensitive content.