Are you trying to work out how to record a video on your PC? There are numerous methods based on whether you want to record your screen or a webcam video, explore your screen-recording software options below.
Quick summary
For capturing from multiple sources: Movavi Screen Recorder
Game video recorder: Game Bar
A free built-in recorder: Windows Camera
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How to capture a video on a PC
Movavi Screen Recorder
Best for: capturing from multiple sources
OS: Windows, macOS
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 50 reviews
Those looking into the best way to make a video recording from multiple sources should consider Movavi Screen Recorder. Not only does this give you the option to set parameters on screen, you can choose between screen capture and video recording from webcam and any other on-screen source.
Movavi Screen Recorder has a simple interface and advanced features such as scheduling recordings and choosing a part of the screen to record rather than the whole thing[1]. You can also draw on the videos to illustrate points for future reference.
Check out the instructions below to learn how to video-record on your PC.
Pros:
Capture button clicks and cursor movement for in-depth guides and explainers
Draw right on your videos while recording live
Save anything from your screen in HD or 4K to boost your day-to-day productivity
Record webcam with or without the audio stream
Upload your videos to YouTube and Google Drive right from the app to streamline your work environment
Cons:
No limits to your creativity in the full version of the program
Step 1. Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder
Download the program from our website. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions on the screen to install the video capturing software. When that’s done, double-click the program icon to launch the recorder.
Step 2. Adjust the settings
To set the capture parameters before you start recording, click Preferences on the sidebar.
Here you’ll find different options. For example, in the General tab, you can choose to hide the recording panel. To select the folder for output videos, go to the Files tab. Open the Effects tab to change the cursor settings. Click OK when you’re finished.
Then click the Screen recording button. Using the mouse, draw the capture frame to set the area you want to record. After you click Screen recording and select the capture area, the recording panel will appear on the screen. Click System Audio to enable recording of internal sounds. The icon turns green when it’s activated. Make sure that the Webcam and Microphone are turned off.
Step 3. Record a video on your PC
Now click the REC button to start the PC video capture. There will be a 3-second countdown before the recording process begins.
You can hit Pause during the recording if you need to. To finish the recording, click the Stop button.
Step 4. Edit and save your video
Now you can remove any unnecessary segments from the recorded video. To do this, place the cursor at the edge of the unwanted segment and click Cut. Repeat as needed. Then select the part you want to remove and hit Delete fragment.
Next, click Export. In the dialog box that opens, you can change the output format, file name, and export folder. When all the necessary changes have been made, click Save.
AceThinker Aqua Demo
Best for: flexible screen recording
OS: Windows, macOS
With AceThinker Aqua Demo, it’s extremely easy to capture any type of screen activities on your PC. Simply follow the steps below to learn how to capture videos on your PC.
Pros:
Captures gameplay, webcam videos, and other screen activities
Can choose the size of your video-recording area (640 × 480, 854 × 480, 1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080, or 1024 × 768)
Exports in multiple video formats
Cons:
Some features only available in the premium version
Step 1. Download and install the program
Firstly, head to the website and download the software. After the installation, launch the program.
Step 2. Specify the recording settings
Click on Video Recorder to enter the mode. You will then get the option to record footage from your PC screen.
Choose your settings, such as inputs and sizes, for recording a video on a PC. You can also choose whether to use an external microphone for voice-over.
Step 3. Capture and save your video
Time for capturing a video on your PC. Click the REC button to start, Stop to finish, and the Save button to export the video.
OBS Studio
Best for: free capture and streaming
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5, 941 reviews
OBS Studio is one of the most popular open-source software for recording and streaming gameplay and other screen activities. Its features include capturing still images from your PC screen, as well as recording videos from your display. Read the guide below to find out how to record a video on your computer using OBS.
Pros:
Captures videos from different sources
Can place video sources on different layers
Perfect for recording when playing games
Cons:
May be too complex for beginners
Step 1. Download and install OBS Studio
Install OBS Studio by following the link and choosing your OS. Launch the program, and you’ll be ready to capture and record your computer screen.
Step 2. Select the settings
Choose your settings from the Sources box, where you can press the + button and choose your options for video capture. This will also prompt you to add a title before capturing a video.
You also need to know the sources and capture method, plus whether you want to record audio. After you’ve chosen settings in sources, you can select options such as display, multiple monitor recording, and more.
Step 3. Start recording
In settings, choose the Output icon and change the destination so that you will know exactly where the recordings will be saved. Click Start Recording to begin the capture and Stop when you are finished.
FlashBack Express
Best for: Windows capture and editing
OS: Windows
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 4 reviews
FlashBack Express is a straightforward screen-recording program that’s available completely free of charge. It’s very easy to use, which makes it a perfect choice for inexperienced users. If you’re wondering, “How do I make a video on my computer with FlashBack Express?”, then check out the instructions below.
Pros:
Has no watermarks or time limits
Can schedule your recordings
Captures from different sources
Cons:
Has limited export options
Step 1. Install the screen recorder
Download and install the software from the website, this will also give you the option to set your preferred language.
Step 2. Choose the recording settings
Alter the settings: choose if you want to record the full screen or just a region of your desktop. You can also choose microphone inputs or add a webcam input if you want to add commentary, for instance.
Step 3. Record your screen
Click the Record button or press Ctrl + F12 to start the recording process. When finished, Ctrl + F12 also finishes the recording. Click the popup that appears in the bottom corner of the screen and open the saved video. You also have the option to make some basic cuts and edits.
Awesome ChatGPT Screenshot & Screen Recorder
Best for: integration with ChatGPT
OS: any, works in Google Chrome
Google Web Store rating: 4.7 out of 5, 26,237 reviews
If you need to capture your browser activity, then Awesome ChatGPT Screenshot & Screen Recorder can be a great option. You can record your desktop or only a browser tab, add a webcam video if needed, and easily save the recorded videos to your online account. Below, we cover how to make a video on your PC using this browser extension.
Pros:
Don’t need to install any software, works in a browser
Can capture your desktop, only a tab, or a webcam
Share your videos directly from the extension
Cons:
Only exports in WebM or MP4 formats
Step 1. Get the browser extension
Add the screen recorder to Google Chrome – it works as a browser add-on.
Step 2. Choose the recording option
Once installed, the icon will appear on the right next to your URL bar. Click the icon to choose the options or the type of recording you want to make.
Navigate to Options and change the settings. When you are ready to capture, the same menu will give you options to record your PC screen, a tab, or a webcam. Click the option you want.
Step 3. Start recording
A toolbar will appear with controls to start and stop the recording. When finished, select Done and this will bring up another window. For short clips and short movies, you can share them directly to other apps, like Trello and ChatGPT. Long videos can be saved on Google Drive. This is the best way to store videos remotely.
How to record a video on your computer’s webcam
Game Bar
Best for: gamers to make a video recording
OS: Windows
PCMag rating: 3.5 out of 5
Windows users can record the screen with a built-in video capture program. PCs with Windows 10 have the Xbox app built-in, which includes Game Bar to enable you to capture game video. The app can also be used to capture video on a computer.
Pros:
Available for free for Windows users
Lots of hotkeys for managing the recording process
Cons:
Doesn’t work on older versions of Windows
Step 1. Open Game Bar
Tap the Windows key + G on your keyboard. You will see the Game Bar.
Step 2. Customize settings
To adjust the settings, you need to go to Windows settings and open Gaming. Next, select Captures. Here, you can select video quality settings, audio settings, and the length of your recording. Unfortunately, you can’t choose the folder in which to save your recordings. The Game Bar has a small settings menu too, which you can open by clicking the Settings symbol on the Bar. You can adjust the length of your video, switch to background recording mode, and change other clip settings.
Step 3. Start recording
To start recording, use the combination Windows + Alt + R or press the Start recording button on the Bar. You can also take a screenshot by using the Windows + Alt + Print Screen combination or clicking the camera icon.
Step 4. Finish the recording
Click the Stop sign to stop recording. You can also use the same hotkeys (Windows + Alt + R). Your video will be saved in the Capture folder, located in the C:\Users\%user_name%\Videos folder. The other way to locate your videos is to go to Windows settings > Gaming > Captures and select Open Folder.
Windows Camera
Best for: simple overlay for Windows 10
OS: Windows
Softonic rating: 3.5 out of 5, 602 reviews
If you want to record your webcam only, you can use Movavi Screen Recorder or Windows Camera. Windows Camera has some brilliant features for recording and capturing your computer screen or tablet screen if you are running Windows 10.
The camera app also lets you use a timer if you want to get yourself in a shot, and it automatically backs up your photo and video to OneDrive so you can see them on any device and keep them securely stored in the cloud. It has a simple interface for recording your desktop or PC screen with audio.
Windows Camera app even offers pro controls to adjust exposure, ISO, and other aspects of the video and webcam capture output. Up to 4K video capture means you can capture sharp stills, but don’t forget that this can take up a lot of hard drive space[2].
Pros:
Has a timer
Automatically saves files to OneDrive
Cons:
Some users report problems with recording microphone audio
Step 1. Install Windows Camera
Download and install Windows Camera using the link below. Open the app.
Step 2. Start recording
Select the small camera icon in the top corner, which will let you choose your video input, such as a webcam. Hit the Record icon to start recording and the Stop button when you are finished.
Step 3. Check the recorded video
Review the video that you have made. If you have issues with the webcam or the audio, you may need to change permissions within the Settings menu of your computer.
Screencapture.com webcam recorder
Best for: easy online capture
OS: any, works online
Trustpilot rating: 4,8 out of 5, 1,397 reviews
If you don’t want to download and install any additional software to your computer, then the best way is to use an online webcam recorder, like Screencapture.com. It works in all popular browsers and makes the process of recording your webcam very simple.
Pros:
Record your webcam with sound
Easily save and share recordings
Cons:
Adds watermarks in the free version
Step 1. Open the recorder
Firstly, you need to navigate to Screencapture.com.
Step 2. Adjust the settings
If you don’t want to record your webcam with audio, then uncheck the Microphone checkbox.
Step 3. Record your webcam video
Click Start Recording and allow access to your computer screen, webcam, and microphone. Press Stop when you have finished the recording and download the video.
Riverside.fm
Best for: separate audio tracks
OS: any, works online (apps for iOS and Android devices are also available)
G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5, 303 reviews
With Riverside.fm, you can record podcasts and videos in high quality. This software allows you to make recordings in your browser and other users can also log in and join.
Pros:
Works online and on mobile devices
Records up to the 4K resolution
Has the AI transcription feature
Cons:
Some users report that editing features are not useful
Step 1. Log in Riverside.fm
Create your account on Riverside.fm and log into the online platform or app.
Step 2. Choose your settings
Create a Studio (the recording session) and choose to capture from cameras and microphones. Choose your settings and click Join Studio.
Use the Settings icon to update or change the settings. Check that you see a preview of the video.
Step 3. Start recording
Click Record to get started and then Stop when you are ready. Make sure you keep the tab open, so you can edit or share from the online Studio Recordings page.
BombBomb Video
Best for: analytics
OS: any, works in Google Chrome
Google Web Store rating: 4.8 out of 5, 672 reviews
Another Google Chrome extension on our list that can help you with capturing your webcam and other screen activities. It can capture your webcam, save your video to a library, and even track who opens your clips.
Pros:
Captures your webcam and screen
Can track who opens your videos
Can record videos from your Gmail inbox
Cons:
Only offers a 14-day free trial
Step 1. Add the extension
Add BombBomb Video to your browser using the Google Chrome store.
Step 2. Specify the recording settings
Choose whether you want to record the camera only or to include your screen as well. Click Launch Recorder to get started.
Step 3. Record the webcam
Use the Record button to start recording. Then click the Stop button to finish. The video will then upload to the server, and you can choose whether to share via a link or to embed the video somewhere.
How to video-record with a phone or camera
Of course, we do not have to record videos using the computer as the central hub. You can just as easily use a phone or a traditional camera. So, how do you record with a phone or a camera?
Step 1. Set up the equipment
There are a lot of different ways to do this depending on what equipment you are using. Of course, the simplest method to make a recording is to film using your front-facing camera.
Step 2. Make a test recording
The best way to ensure that you record what you need is to take a test recording before you create the real thing. You should make a simple recording to check that the footage is working before you take a video for real.
Step 3. Make the real recording
Once you’ve successfully tested your recording, then you can try the real thing. It isn’t necessarily possible to get it the first time, but with most software options you can always just delete and start again.
Step 4. Save and backup the recording
If the video is on your phone or camera, you need to create a backup. Upload to a cloud storage to make sure you don’t lose the video. If you’re using a camera, then you may need to upload from an SD card or other storage format.
Most of us are familiar with making a recording on a phone or camera, but the purpose of the video should be considered. If you’re just sending a quick note to a colleague, then you might just use the front-facing camera on your iPhone. If you want to make a more in-depth recording, you might consider things like lighting and an external microphone to create a quality recording with audio.
Tips on recording a video on a PC
Only capture the window you require. Lots of software gives you the option to just record directly from one window, this avoids anything distracting, such as other tabs or windows on the screen. You may also want to turn off notifications.
Make sure you do a test recording. Run through what you want to show or the tutorial that you want to make before you start your recording for real. This way you can test the audio and be confident you know how to record video on your computer before the main video is made.
Capture in HD. Check your settings and record in the highest possible definition. If you don’t, it can be hard for some viewers to see the exact details of what you are doing.
Keep it brief. There is really no need to make your video longer than it needs to be. This can take up extra space on your hard drive, it takes longer to send, and a short video will often get your point across better.
Do some basic editing. You don’t have to be a pro, just making some simple edits, sometimes directly within your software, can make the video look a lot more professional.
Tips on choosing software for capturing videos on a PC
Check the system requirements and OS. Does the software work with your computer and the version of the operating system that you are running? It is a total waste of money if it turns out you don’t have the right computer to run screen-recording software.
Check the price. If you just want to share some simple videos, and you don’t mind a watermark, then a free app to record a video might be enough.
Make sure it can record the source you need. It is vital to consider whether you are making a video using a webcam or using your phone camera. The software should be suitable for capturing from your software, browser, or other source.
Check how easy it is to share videos. A lot of people are making videos for sharing them with others. How easy is this to do? Always consider what happens once the video is taken.
Editing features. As well as sharing, you may want to actually edit the video. Some of the software on the market will give you the option to make simple edits, add annotations, and more.
Check what support is available. If you run into problems while you are using the software, or if you need to access a specific tutorial, then being able to access support can be really helpful, too. The best companies out there will often also have great support and a knowledge base.
Summary
So there we have it, a guide on how to record stuff on your PC to send to colleagues, to keep as a recording, or just to send to your friends instead of a text message. There are different approaches to take based on whether you want to record your face, whether you need audio recording, or if you’re just looking to show the contents of a game or website. Our guide shows methods for all of these options.
Frequently asked questions
There are multiple methods of recording a video:
Recording your screen
Recording your webcam
Capturing a video with your phone or camera
If you wish to record your screen or your webcam as a video source, Movavi Screen Recorder can be a simple and professional way to do so.
The software and apps mentioned in this guide give you options to capture video for free.
Movavi Screen Recorder is great for capturing from multiple sources, including webcam and screen capture.
Game Bar is a good option for gamers who want to record video and audio from their games.
Windows Camera has a simple overlay and it is easy for Windows 10 users.
Screen recording is simple with Movavi Screen Recorder. Just follow these quick steps:
You can use Game Bar to record both audio and video on your computer.
While in a game, press Windows + G to bring up the Xbox Game Bar.
Select the Circle icon to start recording and the Square to end the recording. If you are using a full-screen mode, you can use the Windows + Alt + G keys together to stop recording.
If you wish to edit, select the Xbox button and open the app, before selecting Captures to start making edits.
Navigate to the camera app on your phone and select the video mode. Point the camera at what you want to capture and tap the recording button. When you are finished, tap Stop to finish recording your video.
Movavi Screen Recorder
The perfect way to record anything from your screen
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.
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