How to film on computer?

The task is easier than you might think, as Windows 10/11, MacOS, and even Chrome OS have built-in tools that can get the job done. In this guide, we’ll show you how by using native, open-source, and paid third-party tools.

Windows 10 includes a native video capture tool, but it’s primarily designed for gamers. However, it can be used for any open application, offering a convenient way to record the screen and even add audio if needed.

Note: All steps for Windows devices will also all work on Windows 11, including options to use PowerPoint explained below. However, Windows 11 will look a little different from the images we are using. If you prefer step-by-step instructions for Windows 11, be sure to check out our Windows 11-specific screen recording how-to guide.

To use the Xbox Game Bar feature, your PC needs to support one of the following encoders. Most modern graphics cards or processors support them.

Step 1: Select the Start button, followed by the Gear icon located in the Start Menu.

Alternatively, you can select the Notifications message bubble icon on the taskbar and select the All settings tile in the Action Center. Both of these methods will open the Settings app.

Step 2: Select Gaming in the Settings app.

Step 3: The Xbox Game Bar section should load by default. As shown below, there’s a toggle under the second paragraph that should be set to On. If it reads Off, then select the toggle.

Step 4: Select Captures listed on the left to view and adjust further customization options if needed.

Under Captures, you can change your save location for your recordings and screenshots, enable background recording, and enable recordings even when your laptop isn’t plugged in. There are also options to enable recording while projecting your screen, set a maximum recording length, and adjust your audio settings and video quality settings.

Step 5: When you’re done adjusting your settings, type the default keyboard shortcut to open the Xbox Game Bar: Win + G.

You may or may not see a prompt asking if the highlighted application on your screen is a game. If you do, just select Yes. Sure, it’s a lie, as Xbox Game Bar is meant for capturing gameplay, but this little fib extends this feature out to other applications. However, Xbox Game Bar does not record the desktop or File Explorer, it only opens with applications.

Step 6: The Xbox Game Bar appears near your screen’s top-center edge. It provides buttons to access these overlays and settings:

The Game Bar’s Capture overlay should appear by default. If not, select the Webcam icon on the Xbox Game Bar, as shown below.

Note: If your PC has more than one connected display, like a three-monitor setup, the Xbox Game Bar interface will appear on the screen where you last clicked.

Step 7: To begin, select the round Start Recording button on the Capture overlay. To stop the recording, select the Stop recording button, which looks like a square within a circle.

Alternatively, you can type the Win + Alt + R key combination to start and stop recording with Xbox Game Bar enabled.

All captured videos are saved as MP4 files in the Videos > Captures folder under This PC in File Explorer.

Recording your screen with PowerPoint is relatively easy. The drawback is that you need Microsoft’s desktop software for this to work — and a Microsoft 365 subscription. This does not work with the online-only version.

Step 1: With a PowerPoint file already open, select Insert on the menu bar followed by the Media icon on the far right side.

From the drop-down menu that appears, choose the Screen recording option.

Step 2: The screen dims white and renders a toolbar along your screen’s top-center edge, as shown below. Select the Select area button and use your mouse to draw a box around the area you want to record. The target area is then outlined with a red dashed line and devoid of the white transparency.

Alternatively, press the Windows + Shift + R keys simultaneously to record the entire screen.

Step 3: Select the Record button or press the Windows + Shift + R keys simultaneously.

Step 4: You can choose the Pause button — it replaces the Record button — to halt the recording as needed. Select the square Stop button to end the capture.

Step 5: To save the recording, right-click on the video displayed within PowerPoint and select the Save media as option on the pop-up menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to save your recording.

When you’re done, you can save the video as a separate file to access or embed as you see fit. Editing and control options are very limited after that, but PowerPoint is a great option for quick-and-dirty recording — especially if you’re doing it for a looming presentation.

Included with macOS Ventura is a native feature that allows you to record the screen and take screenshots. Here’s how:

Step 1: Press Shift + Command + 5 to bring up the screenshot toolbar.

Step 2: The toolbar appears on the screen with two sets of buttons: Three on the left to capture a screenshot and two in the middle for recording the screen. It also provides Options and Capture (or Record) buttons.

Step 3: Select the Record entire screen button (left) or the Record selected portion button (right) followed by the Record button — it replaces Capture if the tool was originally in screenshot mode — located on the right.

Step 4: When done, select the little Record button located on the menu bar at the top of the display, as shown below. Alternatively, press Command + Control + Esc. The video saves to the desktop by default.

If you’re running a version of MacOS older than Mojave, you can always use QuickTime Player for basic screen recording, as well as audio recording. QuickTime recordings aren’t easy to edit, but if you want a fast and easy recording method, it’s one of the simplest.

Note: QuickTime Player is also available on Catalina and Big Sur.

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player from the Launchpad. If you don’t see it, check the Launchpad’s Other folder.

Step 2: With the app open, select File, located on the Menu Bar.

Step 3: Choose the New screen recording option listed on the drop-down menu.

Step 4: You may see a prompt asking permission to record the computer’s screen. Select the Open System Preferences button and add a tick to the checkbox next to QuickTime Player. You may need to restart QuickTime Player. If not, skip to Step 6.

Step 5: When QuickTime restarts, select File, followed by New screen recording.

Step 6: The Screenshot tool toolbar appears on the screen with two sets of buttons: Three on the left to capture a screenshot and two in the middle for recording the screen. Choose Options to add or remove mouse clicks, use the built-in microphone, and designate the video’s destination.

Step 7: Select the Record entire screen or Record selected portion button, followed by the Record button located on the right.

Step 8: When finished, navigate to the menu bar and select the Stop recording button, as shown below. Alternatively, select the appropriate symbol if your Mac has a Touch Bar.

Step 9: To save your recording, select File on the menu bar, followed by Save in the drop-down menu. Choose an appropriate save location (if you haven’t already) and name for the recording, then select Save to confirm.

Google now offers a native screen recording tool for Chrome OS — no hopping to the beta required. Google continues to update its screen recording options with new capabilities over time.

Step 1: Log in to Chrome OS. Simultaneously press Shift + Ctrl + the Show windows button (which looks like a box with lines beside it).

Step 2: Click the Screen capture button on the pop-up menu.

Step 3: The screen dims, and a toolbar appears along the bottom. In this example, the screen capture tool is set to Record partial screen, as shown above. Press and hold the mouse button or touchpad to draw a box around the area on the screen you want to capture. The toolbar also provides options for Record full screen and Record window.

Step 4: By default, the screen capture tool is set to Screenshot. Select the Screen record button on the toolbar — it resembles a movie camera pointing to the right — to capture video.

Step 5: Select the Record button centered within the selected area.

Step 6: To finish, choose the Stop screen recording button displayed on the Shelf next to the system clock.

By default, the captured video saves to the Downloads folder as Screen recording in the WebM file format.

If you’re not keen on the three native solutions listed above, you can install a Chrome extension called Screencastify that does a good job. Here’s how to install and use it:

Step 1: Open the Screencastify listing in the Chrome Web Store and select the Add to Chrome button, followed by Add extension in a pop-up window.

Step 2: Select the Screencastify icon located next to the address bar. If the icon doesn’t automatically appear there, you will need to select the Extensions icon (looks like a puzzle piece) and then select the pin icon next to Screencastify so you can pin the extension’s icon next to your address bar.

Step 3: Sign in with your Google account and follow the prompts to create a Screencastify account.

Step 4: Select the Screencastify icon in the top-right corner again. A drop-down menu will appear.

Step 5: Select a source: Browser tab, Desktop, or Webcam only.

Step 6: Enable the microphone and/or webcam if needed.

Step 7: Select Show more options for additional settings, like a countdown timer.

Step 8: Select the blue Record button. You can only record for 30 minutes using the free account.

Note: If you choose Desktop, the following screen prompts you to select your Entire Screen or application Window. After that, choose Share.

Step 9: When you’re done recording, select the pink and white End recording button in the bottom left corner of your screen.

Another tab will open with your recorded video ready to playback for you.

Step 10: You can now edit the video, share a copy, download it, and more. To edit the name, select the text field to the left of the Open in editor button.

The video saves to your Google Drive by default.

Recording your screen isn’t just limited to PCs. You can do so on mobile devices too. Need to know how to record your screen on an iPhone or Android? Check out our guides for screen recording on Androids and screen recording with iPhones.

If you want an enhanced recording experience from an app specifically designed for more professional — and gaming-oriented — clips, then your best bet is to download one of the apps below.

As one of the more advanced and freely available screen-recording apps, OBS Studio is open-source and has built-in streaming functions for those who want a live audience while recording. OBS Studio is more fully-featured than some freemium apps, but setting up your personal preferences can take a little longer. However, it’s still the best of the free screen-recording apps currently available. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Snagit targets startups more than gamers. It packs a ton of recording features primarily for use in a workplace setting. You can use Snagit to help you put together your next training presentation or illustrate an idea or new workflow. These features include a screen recorder, annotations for screenshots, templates, and the ability to create video from a series of screenshots. It does cost $63 (and possibly more after the first year with a yearly Maintenance subscription), but if you don’t mind paying for the privilege, the added features are worth it. Snagit also offers a 15-day free trial.

If your PC has a built-in webcam, or if you're running a connected camera, you can use the native Windows 10 Camera app on your computer. Go to Start and select Camera. Click on Video in the Camera app. Tap it again to start recording.

The trend of working remotely is becoming the norm, meaning how we capture video content is adapting to include other options.

A full-blown, in-person production with a professional crew, lighting, audio, makeup, wardrobe – you get the idea – will always produce the highest quality results.

However, there are plenty of ways to capture content – like partner stories, case studies, leadership spotlights, and presentations – from the comfort of your home or office with readily-available equipment like the webcam on a computer.

There is more to it than simply hitting record, though.

This article will walk you through 5 steps to recording a high-quality video to make sure you’re putting your best foot (and face) forward.

The first step to capturing a video on your computer is making sure you have the required software and audio/video equipment. This includes a webcam, whether it’s a built-in feature or an external camera that mounts onto your monitor.

In general, if you can, use an external and high-quality webcam and microphone. While the built-in ones can get the job done, a higher quality device is always recommended. The average webcam is 720p. If you want a better picture, make sure your webcam is at least 1080p.

Here are 3 external webcam options we recommend:

This is the best option if you need to record from a wider angle since the camera has a 90-degree field of view.

This is the best option for most people as it’s easy to use, has a 78-degree field of view, a glass lens, and 2 omni-directional microphones.

This is an expensive option but will produce the highest quality video due to its 4k image sensor, HD 5X zoom, automatic adjustments, and more.

From there, you’ll need the software required to record from your webcam. There are plenty of ways to do this, including but not limited to:

OpenReel is a remote capture platform that allows you to record high-quality video natively through a web browser on a computer or a phone app. VMG Studios now utilizes this platform for our remote video productions as we believe it offers the most features and produces the highest-quality product.

Camtasia is a screen recording and video editing software that’s compatible on Windows and Mac. Camtasia, which is a TechSmith product, offers a free 30-day trial. There are individual, business, education and non-profit pricing options available.

OBS is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming on Windows, Mac or Linux.

This application only applies to Mac users. It has 3 different options for recording: Movie, Audio, and Screen. If you’re looking to film yourself on-camera, you’ll want to do a Movie recording which utilizes your webcam. A screen recording will capture the content on your computer monitor.

If you are not able or allowed to download and install third-party applications, check with your IT department for the recommended application/method.

Once you have your recording software installed, make sure you’re configuring your computer and webcam appropriately.

READ: OpenReel Remote Capture: Definition & Benefits for Video Production

How a person looks on-camera is important, but how they sound is just as, if not, more important. Bad audio (muffled, scratchy, quiet) can lower the quality of a video.

The internal microphone of your computer captures decent audio, but if you’re looking for a higher quality sound, you’ll want to record on another device.

Here are two options we recommend:

Features include gain control, mute button, and zero-latency headphone output.

Includes a sound card that is compatible on a PC or MAC and a built-in headphone jack so you can listen to yourself in real-time.

Try to avoid recording where ambient noise is loud, such as the front room of your home or office that’s close to a busy road or next to the laundry room when the dryer is running. Pick somewhere quiet with little to no bounce in the room.

If you’re recording outside for some reason, stay out of the wind as much as possible.

Once you have your software ready to go, you’ll need to find a good place to record. Where you record your video can make a big difference in professionalism.

You’ll want to find a clean, uncluttered, and pleasing background to not distract from the subject in the video. Examples of good backgrounds, in either an office space or your home, include:

Once you find a good background, you’ll need to place your computer accordingly and at an appropriate distance. In general, the computer should be about two to three feet away from the subject. The subject should be close enough for the microphone to pick up their voice but far enough away that their face isn’t an overwhelming presence in the picture frame.

The camera lens should also be at eye level, so if the webcam is on top of the computer, be sure to prop the screen up to meet your eyes.

The rule of thirds is a good one to follow for proper computer placement: mid-abdomen to mid-chest and up (never just from the neck up).

This is probably how you picture recording yourself on-camera: framed center and looking directly at the screen. It’s a conversational, talking-head style video many of us are familiar with thanks to video chats, vlogs, webinars, etc.

The host is looking into the camera from the center of the screen, body is aligned to the center, and the eyes are on the upper third line.

Image credit: AirCall

Use this framing if you are presenting. This style is also recommended if the video will be used on social media/if you need to export a square version.

This style is similar to an interview-based recording where you’ll leave space to one side of the screen, however, you’ll look into camera instead of off-camera. Your body will be aligned to the right third line, face is on the upper third line, and the headroom is minimal.

Image credit: Blueleadz

Use this framing for a more casual and inviting shot, or if you want to have space for graphics to be inserted on-screen with you.

Interviewee is looking off-camera in the opposite direction of where he/she is seated on-screen. Eyes are on the upper third line, while the body is on the left third line.

Image credit: Video Know How UK

Only use this framing if you are doing an interview-style. It gives the appearance that the subject is talking to someone off-camera (even if there isn’t anyone there).

If you’re recording like this, and there’s no actual person to talk to, find a spot in the room that’s at eye-level and make that your focus point so your eyes don’t wander.

This is where things can get a little tricky since you might not have professional lighting equipment on-hand, but lighting is extremely important when it comes to the quality of your video.

Here are some tips on how to best light your video when recording from home.

This is the next best thing besides a professional lighting set-up. Find a window that brings in the most natural light throughout the day. It is most pleasing if this is splashing on your face at a 45-degree angle.

This is any light that is shining on you from behind. It can cause you to silhouette. Natural lighting is the best, but do not shoot yourself with the window (or sun) behind you.

This is a simple lighting tool that you can easily set-up anywhere. It helps reduce shadows on the subject’s face and you can adjust the color temperature. Here are some that we recommend:

If you can’t get good access to natural light, this is a good option. Overhead lighting is not ideal as it can cast odd shadows and be sure to avoid fluorescent lights if at all possible.

Once everything is in place, you’ll next want to make sure you are camera ready. Dress to make an impact. Think about your target audience and the message you want to convey, and dress appropriately.

Once you’re ready to say action, there are a few more things to keep in mind to ensure your on-camera performance goes off without a hitch.

This will jostle the camera and make the video shaky

It’s easy to flick your eyes down to your own image or to your script but try to keep your eyeline on the camera itself.

If you’re recording with another person(s), be sure that you aren’t talking over anyone else in the recording. For example, if you’re the interviewee, once you’ve been asked a question, wait a couple of seconds before answering. This ensures the interviewer is finished talking.

It’s easy to get nervous and start speaking too quickly, which can lead to stumbling over your words. Slow it down.

As long as it’s not a live-streaming event, it’s okay to record a second or third take if you stumble over a line. Just make sure you backtrack a bit so it can be seamlessly edited in post-production.

If you can, try to memorize as much as your script as possible to avoid reading your script on your screen while recording. Why? Because the audience will see your eyes moving since you’ll no longer be making eye contact through the camera.

This is simple. Practice your script ahead of time and try to memorize it as much as possible. You’ll feel more comfortable and natural the more you practice.

CLICK HERE TO READ 10 TIPS FOR BECOMING COMFORTABLE ON CAMERA

When you’re done recording your video, make sure you save your project or file right away. The last thing you want is to lose all your hard work.

After you save your work, you’ll next want to send your assets to your editor or video partner. A video partner, like us here at VMG Studios, would walk you through how to export the highest quality video for editing.

For example, if you’re using Camtasia, send the raw file which is a .TREC. If you’re using QuickTime, OBS, or any other application, send the file type that you chose to record/encode to or the whole project file.

It may seem daunting to record your own video, at first, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. Set yourself up for success from the get-go with a solid webcam and microphone, and then find a spot in your home or office with a clean background and natural lighting.

While there may be some creative limitations to recording yourself on a computer, there are still several ways to jazz up your video in post-production with supporting graphics, music, sound effects, etc.  If you don’t have the capabilities to do this yourself, a video production partner will surely fill the void.

Utilizing the techniques and technologies listed in this article ensures you can capture video content anywhere, anytime.

Windows and macOS allow you to capture your screen with their built-in tools. However, you can also make use of a variety of third-party screen-capture apps. Here's how to get started.

Built into Windows, the Xbox Game Bar is designed to record games that you play directly on your PC or those you stream from an Xbox console. However, it can just as easily capture screen activity from other, non-gaming, applications.

The Game Bar lets you record activity from most locations, except the desktop, File Explorer, and certain Windows apps, such as Weather.

To set up Game Bar in Windows 10, go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and turn on the switch for Enable Xbox Game Bar. From here, you can also check the box for Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller to trigger the Game Bar through the Xbox button on an Xbox controller.

From this screen, you can also view the default shortcuts associated with different Game Bar actions, or customize them with your own key combinations.

To set up Game Bar in Windows 11, go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and turn on the switch for Open Xbox Game Bar using this button as a controller to use an Xbox gamepad to activate the Game Bar. The feature's keyboard shortcuts can be viewed and customizes in the settings menu of the Xbox Game Bar app.

Now you can navigate to the screen you wish to record and press Win+G to open Game Bar. Several widgets will appear on the screen with controls for capturing screenshots, recording video and audio, and broadcasting your screen activity. Click the Start Recording button or use the Win + Alt + R keyboard shortcut to capture your screen activity.

Now you are free to perform whatever screen actions you want to capture. After you click the screen, the Game Bar widgets vanish, replaced by a small floating bar in the upper-right corner of the screen through which you can control the recording. To stop the recording, click the Recording button on the floating bar.

Once the recording ends, a notification tells you that the game clip was recorded. Click the notification to view your video in the Game Bar. Click the Play button to play the video. You can also access your video from its default location in File Explorer: C:\Users\\Videos\Captures. Your videos will be stored here as MP4 files, which you can then upload or move elsewhere.

In Windows 10, you can open Settings > Gaming > Captures to tweak the Game Bar. From here, you can change the default file location for your videos, turn on background recording to capture activity after the fact, opt to record video along with your audio, and switch the frame rate between 30 and 60 frames per second.

You can also customize these settings from within Game Bar app—your only option in Windows 11. On the Game Bar toolbar, click the Settings icon at the right. Browse the different categories under Settings to modify the shortcuts, change the theme, tweak the widgets, set up background recording, and record the audio with the video.

Those of you running Windows 11 build number 22621.1344 or higher have another option now that the Snipping Tool can also record your screen. To see if you have the right version, go to Settings > System > About and check the Windows Specifications section for the OS version.

If you are running an older version of the OS, head to Settings > Windows Update and install the latest update. You must then open the Microsoft Store app, go to your library, and download the available update for the Snipping Tool.

Set up the window that you want to record, then open the Snipping Tool by selecting the app’s shortcut from the Start menu or by using the Win + Shift + S shortcut. Click the video camera icon on the toolbar, then click the New button.

A small recording toolbar pops up at the top of the screen. Select the portion of the screen that you want to capture, then click the Start button on the toolbar. While the recording is running, you can click the Pause button to stop the recording, then click Play to resume. Click the Stop button to finish recording.

A video of the activity you captured appears on the screen, which you can then watch. Click the Share icon to share the recording with a person, app, or service. Click the Save icon to save the recording as an MP4 file.

Your Mac comes with its own screen-recording feature on macOS Mojave and higher. Open the app or window you want to record and press Shift + Command + 5 to open the system’s Screenshot tool. From the bottom toolbar, you can opt to capture the entire screen, a selected window, or a custom portion.

The tool also allows you to take video of your screen, with options that include the entire screen or just a custom portion of the screen.

Click the Options button and you can choose where to save your recording and initiate a countdown timer before capturing your screen. Check Show Mouse Pointer if you want your curser to be captured on video. There is also an option to use your Mac's microphone if you are planning to record your voice or external audio.

Click Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion to begin recording. A Recording button appears at the top of the screen on the menu bar. Click this button to stop recording, and a thumbnail of your recording will be added to your computer. Double-click the screen recording file to play it in your default video player.

You can also trigger the screen recording tool from QuickTime if you go to File > New Screen Recording with QuickTime Player open. The first time you do this, you will be asked to open System Preferences to grant QuickTime Player permission to record your screen.

The free OBS Studio(Opens in a new window) works with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and packs a lot of features into one program. Use the program’s floating control panel to start and stop your recording. Along the way, OBS Studio can record screen activity, your microphone, and computer audio. The program then saves the output as an MP4 file.

You can also live stream your video live or turn to Studio Mode for adding cuts, fades, and other transitions to the video. The program offers an array of settings where you can change the format and other criteria for both the video and audio portions of the recording.

OBS may look intimidating at first, but you should be able to catch on and learn how to use it effectively. Check out our guide for beginners if you need help getting started.

Free Cam(Opens in a new window) is an extremely basic screen recorder for Windows users, but it remains capable for most needs. This program captures your screen activity and audio, then saves your recording as a WMV file. Simply click the New Recording button, then select which area of the screen you want to capture—anything from a single window or application to the entire screen.

Click the Record button to begin the capture, then press Esc when finished. Your recording appears in a preview window where you can edit and save it as a video file or upload it directly to YouTube.

If you need to record the screen on your smartphone, we have a guide for using the built-in recorder on iPhone and iPad. We can also help you choose the right app for Android devices.