Indirect detection is a versatile way to detect hard x-rays. It is based on an x-ray-to-light converter, optical coupling, and a visible light detector. The converter screen, known as a scintillator, is deployed in both imaging and point detection, using either signal integration or counting. Two applications are explored in this review---sample examination and x-ray beam diagnostics for synchrotron sources. A large variety of scintillators are available to fulfill the needs of synchrotron applications. High dynamic range, small pixel size, and radiation hardness are the major advantages of scintillators. This article provides a review of the technical and scientific aspects of scintillators used in synchrotron radiation (i.e., storage rings and x-ray free-electron lasers). The advantages and drawbacks of implementation of the most popular scintillators on synchrotron beamlines are described.