How to Record Desktop Video

Recording your desktop can be incredibly useful for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re showing a colleague how to use a software program, troubleshooting an issue, or creating tutorials, capturing your screen is easier than ever. In this guide, we’ll explore how to record desktop video on both Windows and macOS. Regardless of your technical expertise or your device, you’ll find methods to record your screen seamlessly.

Why Record Desktop Video?

Before we jump into the specifics, let’s consider a few reasons why you might want to record your desktop:

• Tutorials and Demos: Recording your screen is perfect for creating step-by-step guides.
• Troubleshooting: Sending a screen recording to an IT professional can help explain issues better than words.
• Presentations: You can record your presentation or slideshow with voiceover.
• Content Creation: Gamers and YouTubers often record their screens to create engaging content.

Now, let’s dive into the best methods for recording your screen on Windows and macOS.

How to Record Desktop Video on Windows

Windows Snipping Tool

Windows 11 introduced a revamped Snipping Tool, which now allows users to record their desktop alongside capturing screenshots. This is a great, built-in option for users who want to create simple screen recordings without installing third-party software.

How to Use It:

1. Open the Start Menu and type “Snipping Tool.”
2. Once open, click on the camera icon to enable video recording mode.
3. Draw a rectangle around the area of your screen you want to record.
4. Press the Record button to start capturing your desktop.
5. When done, press the Stop button, and save your recording as an MP4 file.

This method is ideal for quick, basic recordings of your screen and requires no additional software installation.

Xbox Game Bar

For users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Xbox Game Bar provides a built-in tool for recording video. Although primarily designed for gaming, this tool is capable of recording most applications and games with ease.

How to Use Xbox Game Bar:

1. Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
2. Click the Record button (a small circle) in the “Capture” widget to begin recording your screen.
3. To stop recording, click the Stop button (a square), and your video will be saved to the Videos folder by default.

Note: This tool doesn’t record Windows Explorer or the desktop itself, so it’s best used within specific applications.

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)

If you need a more powerful and customizable recording solution, OBS Studio is an excellent choice. OBS is open-source, free, and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s commonly used by content creators, gamers, and professionals who need advanced features like custom layouts, streaming, and simultaneous audio recording.

How to Use OBS Studio:

1. Download OBS from the official website, and install it on your PC.
2. Open OBS and run the setup wizard. Choose Optimize for Recording if you’re not planning to stream live.
3. In the “Sources” section, click the + button, then select Display Capture or Window Capture depending on what you want to record.
4. Once everything is set, press Start Recording. To stop, press Stop Recording, and OBS will save the video file in your Videos folder.

OBS gives you full control over your recordings, allowing you to adjust frame rates, resolutions, and more. It’s perfect for anyone looking to capture high-quality videos with plenty of flexibility.

How to Record Desktop Video on macOS

macOS Screenshot Tool

Since macOS Mojave (version 10.14), Apple has included the Screenshot Tool, which is capable of recording desktop videos. This tool is simple, lightweight, and built right into macOS, making it a go-to solution for many users.

How to Use Screenshot Tool:

1. Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.
2. Select whether you want to record the entire screen or just a portion of it by clicking the corresponding icons.
3. Click Record to start capturing your screen.
4. When you’re finished, press Command + Shift + 5 again and click the Stop button in the menu bar.

By default, the recording will include audio from your microphone, making it easy to add commentary to your screen capture.

QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is another built-in solution for macOS users. Though it’s primarily a media player, QuickTime can also record your desktop, including the use of a microphone for narration. However, it doesn’t capture system audio.

How to Use QuickTime Player:

1. Open QuickTime Player from the Applications folder or search for it via Spotlight.
2. In the menu bar, click File and then choose New Screen Recording.
3. A small recording window will appear. Click the Record button to begin capturing.
4. If you want to include voiceovers, click the small arrow next to the Record button and select Internal Microphone.
5. Click anywhere on the screen to record the full display or drag to capture a portion.
6. When finished, click the Stop button in the menu bar.

QuickTime saves your screen recordings in MOV format, which can later be converted or edited as needed.

Third-Party Solutions for Both Windows and macOS

If the built-in tools aren’t enough, or you need more features, several third-party tools work on both Windows and macOS. These solutions often provide more flexibility, like the ability to record system audio, edit footage, and export in various formats.

Camtasia

Camtasia is a premium screen recording and video editing tool available for both Windows and macOS. While it comes with a price tag, it’s one of the most robust and user-friendly options available, perfect for creating high-quality videos and tutorials.

Features:

• Built-in editor for trimming, adding transitions, and layering effects.
• Recordings of both system and microphone audio.
• Multi-track editing for more complex projects.

CleanShot X (macOS)

For macOS users looking for a more polished screen recording tool, CleanShot X is a great alternative. It’s a paid tool but includes advanced features like capturing system audio, built-in annotations, and easy sharing options.

How to Use CleanShot X:

1. Install CleanShot X from its official website.
2. Launch the app and choose Record Screen from the toolbar.
3. You can also select whether you want to capture system audio or include your microphone.
4. Click Record, then Stop when finished.

CleanShot X automatically saves your recording and provides quick sharing options via a cloud link or local save.

Comparison of Screen Recording Tools

To help you choose the right tool, here’s a comparison of built-in and third-party solutions for screen recording.

Conclusion

Recording your desktop is easier than ever, whether you’re on Windows or macOS. With built-in tools like the Windows Snipping Tool and macOS Screenshot Tool, you can record your screen with minimal setup. For more advanced needs, third-party options like OBS Studio, Camtasia, and CleanShot X provide additional features for editing, audio integration, and professional-quality video production.

No matter your level of expertise, there’s a tool available that fits your needs. So, next time you need to create a tutorial, troubleshoot a problem, or record a gaming session, you’ll be well-prepared.

FAQs

1. Can I record my screen on Windows without third-party software?
   Yes, Windows 10 and 11 include tools like the Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool for screen recording.

2. Can QuickTime record system audio on macOS?
   No, QuickTime Player does not capture system audio, only external audio via a microphone.

3. Is OBS Studio free to use?
   Yes, OBS Studio is an open-source, free tool that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

4. What’s the easiest way to record the desktop on macOS?
   The macOS Screenshot Tool (Command + Shift + 5) is the easiest built-in method for recording your screen.

5. Can I record system audio on macOS without third-party tools?
   No, you’ll need third-party software like CleanShot X or Soundflower to capture system audio on macOS.

6. How do I record only a portion of my screen?
   Both Windows Snipping Tool and macOS Screenshot Tool allow you to record specific areas of your screen.

7. Can I use Camtasia for free?
   Camtasia offers a free trial, but the full version requires payment.

8. Which tool is best for recording high-quality gaming sessions?
   OBS Studio is one of the best free tools for recording high-quality gaming sessions with additional streaming options.