Would you like to make a screencast, that is a video shot of your computer screen, but you don’t know how to do it? Don’t worry, whether you have a Windows PC or a Mac you can do it very easily and without spending a penny, at least not in most cases. In fact, there are numerous software that allow you to record the computer screen (or part of it) without the need for complicated configurations. Do not you believe it? Then read on.
In the following lines, in fact, you will find those that in my humble opinion represent the best tools useful for recording video screens , with the relative indications for use. The videos made can then be saved locally on the computer and / or shared online on all the most famous video sharing platforms.
How do you say? Would you like to make a screencast also on your smartphone or tablet? No problem, you can do this too. Just take advantage of the predefined functions offered by your device or download ad hoc apps and use them following my instructions and you’re done. Come on, what are you waiting for to start? I am sure that in the end you will be able to say that you are very happy and satisfied with what you have learned and the result obtained. Let it bet?
Index
- How to record screen video: PC
- Xbox Game Bar
- OBS
- Other solutions to record screen video: PC
- How to Record Screen Video: Mac
- Screenshot
- Other solutions to record screen video: Mac
- How to Record Screen Video: Android
- Default function
- Other solutions to record screen video: Android
- How to Record Screen Video: iPhone
- Screen recording
- Other solutions to record screen video: iPhone
How to record screen video: PC
If you want to find out how to record PC screen video , regardless of the version of Windows you are using, the resources to use and the instructions you need to follow are the ones below. Therefore, identify the solution that you think can do the most for you and start using it right away.
Xbox Game Bar
If you want to record video screens on Windows 10 and later versions of the Microsoft operating system, to succeed in your intent you can consider relying on the use of Xbox Game Bar . This is a utility included in the most recent versions of Windows, which allows you to record videos of game sessions, as well as any other activity that is carried out on the PC screen.
The only thing to note is that it only works on computers equipped with one of the following video cards: NVIDIA GeForce 600, NVIDIA 800M or later, AMD Radeon HD 7700 series, HD 7700M, HD 8500, HD 8500M, R7, R9 or later versions. If you don’t know what graphics card is mounted on your computer, you can find out by following the directions in my guide on how to see what video card I have .
That said, to start the Xbox Game Bar use the Win + G key combination on your computer keyboard. Alternatively, click on the Start button (the one with the Microsoft logo ) on the taskbar , type “xbox game bar” in the search field and select the relevant suggestion .
If you are using Windows 10 and in carrying out the above steps the Xbox Game Bar does not start, evidently it is because it is disabled in the OS settings. To fix it, click on the Start button on the taskbar and select the Settings icon (the one in the shape of a gear wheel ) from the menu that appears. In the screen that is now shown to you on the desktop, select the Games item , then the Xbox Game Bar one and make sure that the switch at the top right is set to On (otherwise you will do it).
After completing the above steps, you should see the various program components on your desktop. To use it, click on the Rec button in the Acquire tab (if the tab is not visible, to solve it, click on the button with the camera on the main bar of the application). For video capture started, if you want to hide the widget Xbox Game Bar (except the one for the recording control) use the key combination Win + G .
If you want, you can also record PC screen video with audio , using the microphone as a capture device. To do this, enable the appropriate function before starting the recording by clicking on the button with the microphone (which you can always find in the Acquire tab ). To select the audio capture device and adjust the volume, use the tools in the Audio box (if it is not visible, click on the button with the loudspeaker on the main bar of the utility to fix it ).
When you see fit, you can then stop recording your screen by pressing the square button on the Capture Status tab . The output video will be automatically saved in the Windows Video \ Captures folder .
Please note that you can take advantage of the Xbox Game Bar screen recording function without starting the application first, using the following keyboard shortcuts: Win + Alt + R to start and stop screen recording, Win + Alt + G to record the screen for 15 seconds and Win + Alt + M to enable or disable the use of the microphone during screen recording.
OBS
If you are looking for a third party solution to record PC screen video for free , I highly recommend you to try OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) . If you have never heard of it, it is a free and open source software that allows you to record the computer screen, in fact, but also to acquire audio / video streams from external sources and transmit videos in streaming. Its interface is perhaps not among the most intuitive in the world, but I assure you that after very few uses you will learn how to use it perfectly!
To download OBS to your computer, visit its website and click the Windows button . When the download is complete, open the .exe file obtained and, in the window that opens on the desktop, click on the Yes , Next (two consecutive times) and Install buttons , then complete the setup by pressing the Finish button .
Now that you see the main window of the software, select the Optimize only for recordings, I do not direct option that you find in the wizard configuration screen and press the Next (two consecutive times) and Apply settings buttons .
Now, click on the Settings button located at the bottom right, select the Exit item from the sidebar and make sure that the Simple item is selected in the Output Mode drop-down menu (otherwise you can do it yourself).
Therefore, indicate the folder in which to save the recordings, by clicking on the Browse button next to the Recording path field , then make sure that the Same as live option is set in the Recording quality drop-down menu (otherwise you always provide) and select the video format of the recording from the drop-down menu Recording format . To save your changes, click the Apply and OK buttons .
Now, you need to tell the program what sources to use for capturing videos. So, click on the (+) button under the Sources box , select the item Capture the screen from the menu that appears and press the OK button (twice in a row). Then move and / or resize the panel with the desktop in the OBS window, so as to include the area of the screen that interests you.
If you also want to associate the webcam recording with the desktop recording, in order to be displayed in a box, click on the (+) button located under the Sources field , select the Video capture device item from the menu that appears and click on the OK button (twice). Then proceed to modify the preview of the screen to be captured by manually moving the webcam frame to the point of the video you prefer.
If you want to record a video of the screen including the audio, press the (+) button again in the Sources box and choose the Capture audio in or the Capture audio output option .
When you want, you can start screen recording by clicking on the Start Recording button . To end the registration, call up the main OBS screen again and press the Finish registration button . For more details, I refer you to reading my specific guide on OBS .
Other solutions to record screen video: PC
None of the resources to record video screens on PC that I have already reported has particularly convinced you and would you like me to recommend other solutions ? No sooner said than done! You can find them in the following list.
- ShareX– it is a totally free and open source software that allows you to make screen recordings and screenshots and also offers various tools to edit the obtained contents and share them.
- Camtasia Studio– allows you to record desktop, webcam, computer audio, microphone audio and easily edit the resulting recordings thanks to an integrated editor. It is paid (costs 303.44 euros), but you can download it in a free trial version lasting 30 days. If you want to know more and want to learn more about how it works, read my tutorial on how to download Camtasia Studio .
- Screencast-O-Matic– is a popular application that allows you to make screen recordings at no cost for 15 minutes. Webcam footage and microphone audio can also be included. Note, however, that it applies a watermark that can eventually be removed by switching to the paid version (at a cost of $ 65 / month). I told you about it in detail in my guide on how to download Screencast-O-Matic .
How to Record Screen Video: Mac
Now let’s move on to the macOS side and then let’s find out how to be able to record video screen Mac . Find all the information you need right below.
Screenshot
On Macs updated to macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and later it is possible to record video screen using the Screenshot utility , included “standard” in the Apple operating system and used for the execution of the aforementioned operation, as well as for capturing screenshots.
To use it, use the key combination cmd + shift + 5 on your computer keyboard. Alternatively, you can start the utility from the Launchpad , by pressing on its icon (the one with the colored squares ) located on the Dock bar and then selecting the Screenshot application icon (the one with the camera on a white background ) that you find in the Other folder on the displayed screen.
You will then see the application toolbar appear on the screen. To start recording, click on the button to record the entire Mac screen (the fourth starting from the left) or on the one to record only a portion of the desktop (the fifth always starting from the left), then click on the Record button and create your own screencast.
When the operation is complete, press the stop button in the macOS menu bar at the top right and, if you wish, click on the video thumbnail that appears in the lower right corner of the screen, in order to access the editor to cut the movie, share it online or delete it, using the appropriate buttons in the window that will be shown to you. If you don’t click on the thumbnail, the video will automatically be saved to your desktop.
If you deem it necessary, before starting the screen recording you can press the Options button to decide to save the final file in a different location, to set a timer for the capture and adjust other settings.
Other solutions to record screen video: Mac
Looking for other solutions to be able to record screen video on Mac? Then try the ones I have included in the following list. I sincerely hope they are able to satisfy you.
- QuickTimePlayer– this is the default macOS media player thanks to which you can also record screen videos for free . For more details, read my guide specifically focused on how to record Mac screen .
- OBS– yes, the program I mentioned in the previous lines regarding Windows is also for Mac. Its operation on Apple-branded computers is practically the same as that already seen on the Microsoft operating system.
- ScreenFlow– this is an excellent macOS desktop and webcam recording software, which also allows you to record incoming and outgoing sounds. It also includes a very simple editor that allows you to edit the recorded videos, cut them and edit them with various effects. This is probably the best software of its kind available on the Apple platform. It is paid (it costs $ 129), but you can download it in a free version that has no use limits, but stamps a watermark on the acquisitions.
How to Record Screen Video: Android
Would you like to record Android video screens , but you don’t know which tools for mobile devices you can use? No problem, I’ll tell you. To find out more, read on.
Default function
Many Android smartphones and tablets have a built-in function whereby you can record screen videos without having to download and install third-party apps.
If your device offers this function, you can use it by selecting the appropriate registration icon in the notification center (accessible with a swipe from the top to the bottom of the display) and / or in the operating system app menu . In some cases, however, you need to press a special key combination .
After completing the above steps, a quick countdown should start , after which the screen recording will start . To stop it , simply select the appropriate command shown on the display or you have to call up the notification center again . The resulting video is automatically saved in the recordings section of the device’s gallery screen .
Unfortunately, I cannot be more detailed in my instructions, as the steps to take differ according to the make and model of the device used and the version of Android installed on it. To give a practical example, if you want to record Huawei screen videos you can use the Record Screen tool , to be started via the combination of the Volume Up + Power off key or by calling the notification center , swiping from top to bottom to expand the menu Quick Start icons and pressing the Record Screen button. For more details, read my specific guide on how to record Huawei screen .
Other solutions to record screen video: Android
If you are looking for other solutions for Android smartphones and tablets through which you can record the screen of the device or if your device does not have a predefined function useful for carrying out the operation covered by this tutorial, you can consider relying on the use of the apps you find. in the list below.
- AZ Screen Recorder – it is a famous application for recording the screen of Android devices. It is completely free and has no watermarks or time limits. Basically it is free, but offers in-app purchases (at a price of 3.29 euros) to remove advertising and support the application.
- ADV Screen Recorder– app to record what is displayed on the Android display, which offers various advanced functions, such as the ability to add a box with the front or rear camera framing to the recordings, the ability to enter notes and drawings etc. Basically it is free, but offers in-app purchases (at a cost of 1.19 euros) to unlock some extra functions.
- Mobizen Screen Recorder– this is an application that is best known for recording gameplay. In reality, however, it can also be used in any context. It is free, allows you to record videos with a maximum resolution of 1080p and take advantage of the front camera of the device, does not set time limits and also includes an editor to customize the recordings. Note that by making in-app purchases (at the base cost of 89 cents) it is possible to remove the watermark applied to the movies and unlock other additional functions.
How to Record Screen Video: iPhone
In conclusion, I want to show you how to record iPhone screen video (as well as how to record iPad screen video , it makes no difference). To find out, therefore, what are the solutions available for iOS / iPadOS , read on.
Screen recording
If you are looking for a way to record screen video on iPhone, you can consider using the default function of the “iPhone by”: Screen Recording . It is available on devices equipped with iOS 11 and later versions and allows you to “resume” everything that happens on the device display without using third-party apps.
To use it, call up the iOS Control Center by swiping from top to bottom from the top right corner (if you have an iPhone with Face ID) or by swiping from bottom to top starting from the center (if you have an iPhone with Face ID). you have an iPhone with Touch ID).
Then, tap the Rec button and after a short countdown the recording of what happens on the device display will start. When you want, you can stop recording by pressing the Rec button in the Control Center again .
You can then view all the recordings made by going to the iPhone or iPad Photos app and accessing the Video album (which you can possibly open immediately by touching the appropriate notification that you see appearing at the top of the screen when registration is complete).
If you are unable to see the button to activate the function to register the screen in the Control Center, it is because you have not yet activated the function in question from the settings. To solve, proceed as follows: select the Settings icon (the one in the shape of a gear wheel ) found on the home screen and / or in the App Library, tap on the Control Center item in the new screen displayed and press on the (+) button next to Screen Recording .
Other solutions to record screen video: iPhone
If you are looking for other solutions to be able to record video screen from the “iPhone by”, you can consider turning to the following solutions.
- Go Record– screen recording app that includes several advanced features, such as the ability to insert your face into recordings. Basically it is free, but offers in-app purchases (at a cost of 4.99 euros) to unlock extra functions.
- DU Recorder– this is a resource for making iPhone screen recordings that allows you to capture both application audio (where permitted) and microphone audio. Basically it is free, but offers in-app purchases (at the base price of 2.99 euros) to unlock extra functions.
- QuickTime Player– the default macOS media player, which I told you about in the previous lines regarding the Mac side , can also be used to record the iPhone screen, by connecting the smartphone to the computer with the cable and setting it as the video source. For more information, read my guide on how to record the iPhone screen .
