How to record screen using Snagit?

Recording screen video is quite easy and there are many useful uses for screen video recording. For example, you can use it to describe on-screen workflows, document error messages, or use screen videos for training. Follow our instructions to make your own screen recording and save it as a video in MP4 format. Use our tips at the end to prepare a screen recording and capture clear screen video.

On-screen video or screenshot - the difference

The difference between a screenshot and screen recording as a video is obvious: static screenshot you capture a moment in the form of an image, while screen video or screen video shows what's happening on your screen over a period of time. It is usually transmitted as a video, but can also be transmitted as an animated GIF file.

Let's say you want to explain how to use an online account. With an on-screen video, you show the entire process from entering the URL and login information to all the mouse movements and clicks to log out.

While you are recording your screen, you can simultaneously record audio, such as a narrator's commentary, through the internal or external microphone. You can also record system sound (this is the sound you hear from your computer speakers, which includes email notifications, for example).

While simple screenshots can be taken using keyboard shortcuts, for videos you'll need the right screen recording tool. Snagit, for example, is suitable for simple screen recording. If you want to edit screen recordings later, combine them with other clips and media elements, add new background music, zoom and cursor effects, or text annotations, you need a recording tool with a video editor, like Camtasia.

How to Record Screen (Screen Video)

Below is an example of how to record screen using Snagit:

 Decide on screen capture software. As mentioned above, Snagit works very well for simple and short screen recordings. Camtasia is better for longer and more complex recordings. Camtasia also offers versatile editing capabilities in a professional video editor. However, you can also send Snagit recordings directly to Camtasia Editor for editing and merging with other videos.

Screen Capture Settings

Open the Snagit Capture window and go to the Video tab. Here you can make various settings:

• Selection: Determine whether you are capturing an area or the entire screen.
• Share: Determine whether the screen video will be immediately uploaded to the platform, shared, or saved as a local file.
• Editor Preview: Automatically open screen video in Snagit Editor for further editing and saving.
• Recording Cursor: Select whether to record or not record mouse movements.
• Microphone Audio: Record voice comments or background music and sounds.
• System Sound: Record system notifications, such as email notifications.

However, you can also limit the recording to a specific area, such as a program or browser window, to show specific steps or website navigation. The advantage of this method is that you don't have to record unnecessary information, such as the toolbar or desktop background, and delete it later. So if you only want to capture one area of ​​the screen, you can specify its size before starting the capture in Snagit.

 Starting and stopping screen capture

Now all you have to do is click the red record button in Snagit Recorder and your recording will begin. To stop, press the blue "Stop" button. Snagit also allows you to briefly pause your recording by clicking on the pause sign.

Editing a Screenshot

If you have enabled preview in the editor before recording your screen, the screen recording will automatically appear there. In the editor, you can correct errors or trim the beginning or end of the video. This is very easy to do in Snagit:

 Save screen capture as MP4 video

In Snagit and Camtasia, you can save your video as an MP4 file, a popular, widely used and highly compatible video file format, or as a GIF file. Both Snagit and Camtasia offer several options in the Share feature where you can upload your video, such as YouTube, Screencast.com, Google Drive or Dropbox. You can also save the video as a local file on your hard drive.

Tips for preparing for screen capture

Before you start screen recording, write down what you want to show or say so you don't forget anything and have a clear structure for viewers. A script or notes will help you stay on topic and make clear comments.

If you're recording your entire screen, make sure you tidy up your desktop first. Too many icons or private photos will only distract viewers, and you certainly don't want to tell the world (or your clients and colleagues) what programs you use or where you took your last vacation. Before recording бbrowser You should also delete your favorites, bookmarks, or recent browser activities. Sensitive data such as personal information or passwords should be hidden or made unrecognizable for security reasons.

Schedule at least one trial run of screen recording. It may take you a few tries before you get a good screen recording without any misses. Don't let this discourage you: Screen recording is very easy, and with a little practice you'll get faster and faster.

Tips for Clear Screen Recording

• Record a large area of ​​the screen: When recording in full screen mode, the recording dimensions usually match the resolution of your computer screen. If you select only one area of ​​the screen to record, the recording size will automatically decrease. Therefore, it makes sense to select the recording area on the screen as large as possible. For example, you can display the recording browser window in full screen mode to completely fill the screen.
• Avoid unnecessary scaling: Scaling means increasing or decreasing the original screen recording size. In particular, increasing will reduce the quality of the recording. Before recording your screen, consider what dimensions your recording needs to be for production. If possible, keep recording and production sizes the same to avoid loss of quality, or use a larger screen for recording so you can easily edit, enlarge or reduce the video on screen later.

Download free trial https://www.snagit.com/ and start creating screen videos. With Snagit, you can take a screenshot and then use a variety of editing features to get professional results.