How to Record the Video from Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac

Are you struggling to capture a video scene from your computer screen? Discover the easiest way to record your favorite video on your Mac and Windows PC screen without losing quality by reading through this post.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Jul. 24, 2024

We’ve all been there- a situation where you find something catches your attention on your computer screen but you don’t have the time to view it at that instant, or a technical issue on your device that you would like to share with an IT expert for possible remote solutions. Recording your screen is best thing to do in such a scenario and any other related ones. But what if you don’t know how to? Then this post is for you. Here, we will reveal a comprehensive guide that covers the various ways to record your Windows PC and Mac screen right from the comfort of your home without hassles.

Part 1. Why You Might Need to Record Video from Screen

Capturing your computer screen comes in handy for several reasons. Here are common reasons for engaging in such an operation.

  • To create tutorial clips for students to watch.
  • To give real-time user feedback or reports on specific problems encountered while using a software, so as to help the developer make adjustments where necessary.
  • Capture video gaming screen.

Part 2. How to Record Video from Screen [Free tool]

For folks looking for a free way to film their computer screen, check out the tools listed down here and the corresponding guide on how to use it. 

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is one of the most popular screencasting suites that offers a free way to capture Windows and Mac screens within minutes. It allows you to capture every detail displayed on your screen so your output folder is top-notch. This program is capable of recording on-screen content such as videos, gameplay, and more.

How to Record Screen Video with OBS Studio:

  • Go to the official website for OBS Studio on your computer and download the most suitable version of the software. 
  • Install and launch the software afterward to proceed with screen recording. 
  • Navigate to the panel labeled Sources and hit the + icon.
  • Next, choose the Display Capture icon, create your desired title for the recording, and hit the OK button to save your setup. 
  • Click on the Start Recording icon and OBS Studio will initiate the screen recording in no time. 
  • After the screen recording is completed, click Stop Recording, select your preferred output format to save the recording, and a destination path to export the file. 
Screen Recorder for PC - OBS Studio

Screen Recorder for PC – OBS Studio

 

2. Screencast-O-Matic

Another intuitive screen recorder that lets you capture your computer screen at no cost is Screencast-O-Matic. This software allows you to record any area of your display screen without hassles. You aren’t limited to only capturing your screen. It’s also capable of recording webcams and taking snapshots.

How to Record Screen Video with Screencast-O-Matic:

  • Run Screencast-O-Matic after the complete installation on your computer. 
  • Click on the Start Recording button displayed on the screen capturing dashboard. 
  • Next, a prompt asking whether you want to capture your entire screen or specific region will come up. Select the one that suits your requirement to proceed. 
  • Once done, tap on Record and the software will start recording your screen. 
  • Wait until your recording is completed, then you tap on the appropriate icon to end screen recording. Make necessary adjustments and export the corresponding file to your local storage. 
Facecam and Screen Recorders - Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic

3. Screenify 

Screenify is a free screen recorder designed for users of all levels, whether tech-savvy or not, to capture their screen in high quality. This software is one of the most versatile you will find online as it powers a couple of incredible screen-capturing features that facilitate quick and easy ways to capture your computer screen. It supports numerous recording modes such as unlimited recording time, multiple recording modes, annotation tools, toolbar-noise reduction, and more.

Another stand-out feature tucked into this software is the customizable watermark feature. With this, you can import your signature as a watermark on your filmed clips to avoid copyright infringement. Screenify comes in handy for several purposes, from online training to course recording, how-to guides, game recording, and much more. 

Main Features

  • 1-click to record any content found on your screen. 
  • Capable of recording your screen, audio, camera/webcam simultaneously. 
  • Supports file playback, meaning you can fast forward or slow down the speed of a recording while previewing it, plus you have the privilege to increase or decrease its volume too. 
  • Screenify can record up to 4K resolution clips. 

Part 3. How to Record Video from Screen [Paid tool]

Perhaps you want a paid screen recording utility to record your screen, then you can select from the options below. Each tool has its unique feature and a detailed guide on how to use it underneath. 

1. Camtasia 

Camtasia tops our list as the best-paid screen recorder. With this software, you can easily create compelling clips from whatever you find on your computer screen. It’s capable of recording your screen plus audio simultaneously in high-end quality. Your tech proficiency level doesn’t matter when operating this tool. Thanks to the clean interface which is well-organized and straightforward.

How to Record Screen Video with Camtasia 

  • Install Camtasia and launch it. 
  • From the screen capture main menu, click on the New Recording Camtasia Rev icon. 
  • Next, toggle the icon for screen recorder, and microphone when the following screen appears. 
  • Once done, drag the highlights made on your screen by Camtasia to fit your recording interface. 
  • Tap on the red rec icon to start capturing your display screen. 
  • After recording is completed, click on the appropriate icon to end screen recording. 
Screen Recorder for PC - Camtasia

Screen Recorder for PC – Camtasia

2. Snagit 

Snagit is an amazing screencasting tool that makes screen recording a breeze for Windows and Mac users. This software made it to our list because of its simplified interface which can be easily managed by anyone, the powerful editing functions it supports that lets you adjust recordings before exporting them, plus its cheap subscription plans. 

How to Record Screen Video with Snagit

  • Install a Snagit on your computer to capture your screen. 
  • Once the capture window appears, tap on the Video icon on the left side bar and click on the Capture icon to access screen recording modes. Alternatively, you can press down Prnt Scr (for Windows users) or Control + Shift + C ( on Mac) to achieve a similar result. 
  • Without delay orange crosshairs will come up on your screen. Drag the crosshairs to fit the portion of your screen you want to record or click on Fullscreen if you want to capture your entire screen. 
  • Next, a new screen with several recording options will come up. Reconfigure Snagit to capture your screen according to your requirements. 
  • Long press F9 (if you use Windows) or Control + Shift + Space (for Mac users) to commence screen recording. 
  • To end the screen recording, click on the Stop icon or hold down Shift + F10 (on Windows)/Control + Shift
1080p Screen Recorder - Snagit

1080p Screen Recorder – Snagit

 

Part 4. How to Record Video from Screen Using Built-in Tools

Instead of installing third-party software, you can take advantage of the built-in screen recording tools on your computer to record your screen. A brief description of each one of the tools is given below plus the corresponding guide. 

1. Windows Game Bar 

Windows Game Bar is the native screen recording utility for Windows PC. It works best on devices running on Windows 11 or later. This pre-installed screen recorder allows you to capture your screen in several dimensions. You can also use it to take screenshots.

How to Record Screen Video with Windows Game Bar 

  • Press down the hotkeys: Windows + G to access the Game Bar screen recording tool. 
  • In case you received any prompt asking if you want to record a game, kindly hit the Yes icon to proceed. 
  • Now, click on the red circular icon to commence screen recording. Better yet, you can hold down the Windows + Alt + R buttons. 
  • Once you are satisfied with the screen recording, click the red circular icon again to end the process. 
Windows Game Bar

Windows Game Bar

2. QuickTime Player 

For Mac users, QuickTime Player is the built-in screen recording tool for capturing your screen. With this program, you get the chance to film tutorial clips, educational materials, and many other on-screen content. Besides screencasting, you can use it to take screenshots just like we have for Game Bar.

How to Record Screen Video with QuickTime Player 

  • From the dock panel on your computer, launch the Application folder and open QuickTime Player. 
  • Tap on File > New Screen Recording
  • Tap on the drop-down menu beside the red circular icon to configure your recording setup. 
  • After that click on the red circular icon to commence screen recording immediately. 
  • Wait until screen recording is finished, then press down Command + Control + Esc to end screen recording. 
QuickTime player operating interface

QuickTime player operating interface

Part 5. Tips for Recording High-Quality Screen Videos

Capturing high-quality videos can sometimes be a tough task to execute but with the right tips, you can capture high-end screen recordings with professional touch. Here are some tips to help you get this done: 

  • Use a reliable screen recording utility that’s super easy to operate. 
  • Get a video editing tool to adjust your recordings before sending or publishing them. 
  • Ensure the content you want to record is in the best video quality, it’s best for it to be lossless. 

Part 6. Frequently Asked Questions

For extensive knowledge about recording video from a screen, here are some popular queries and answers you could check out. 

1. Can I record from a screen without any software? 

Definitely, you can so far your device comes with a built-in screen recorder. However, it’s best you know that most pre-installed screen recording tools have limited functions.

2. How to record video from screen with high resolution? 

Firstly, you must have a highly efficient screen recorder that’s capable of recording your screen in any dimension of your choice in lossless quality. Once that’s set and the clip you want to record is in HD format, you are good to go.

3. Are there any built-in recording tools on Windows and Mac? 

Yes, there are built-in recording tools on Windows and Mac. As previously mentioned, Windows devices running on Windows OS 11 and later versions support Game Bar, a screen recording utility that you can use to capture your screen without installing third-party tools. In case you use a Mac, QuickTime Player is the go-to option you can use to capture your screen when you don’t want to deal with other software.

Conclusion

Taking a screen record of the  event you find on your Windows PC or Mac screen shouldn’t be a big deal any longer now that you have this complete tutorial guide at your disposal. We’ve described the various ways to record your computer screen using free, paid, and even pre-installed screen recorders. Which one of the methods do you intend to use for your next project? Prior to making your decision, it’s best that you consider the strengths and weaknesses of each tool so you can make informed decisions. Screenify offers the best and easiest way to create screen recordings on Windows and Mac. 

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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