Screen recording
How to Record Your Screen for a Tutorial Video
Last updated
In short
- Record in the browser with nothing to install, or use the Chrome extension to get automatic zoom.
- Recordings can run up to 6 minutes on the Free plan, up to 15 on paid plans, and 650 MB.
- A review step lets you cut, crop, and blur before anything is uploaded.
- You can upload an existing MP4, WebM, or MOV instead of recording.
Screen recording captures what happens on your screen. ScreenDub then writes narration that matches the action. The built-in recorder runs in your browser, so there is nothing to install to get started.
Two ways to record
- In the browser. Record a tab, a window, or your whole screen from therecord page. Nothing to install.
- With the Chrome extension. Records a browser tab and tracks your cursor, so the editor can add automatic zoom. See The Chrome extension.
Before you start
- Sign in to your account.
- Use a recent version of Chrome or Edge. They work best for screen capture. Safari also works. Firefox is not supported.
- Decide what you want to show. A short plan keeps the recording focused.
What you can start from
- Screen only. Records your screen with no sound. Best when the ScreenDub voice will do all the talking.
- Screen and voice-over. Records your screen and your microphone together.
- Upload a video. Use an MP4, WebM, or MOV you already have.
- Upload a presentation. Turn a PDF, PPT, or PPTX into a narrated video. See Uploading a deck.
How to record
- Open the record page.
- Fill in your narration details first if you want. This is optional. See Personalizing your narration.
- Start the recording. Your browser asks what to share.
- Choose a single tab, a window, or your full screen.
- A short countdown runs before capture begins. The default is three seconds. You can change it or turn it off.
- Do the steps you want to show. Move at a steady pace.
- Stop when you are done, either here or from your browser's sharing bar.
- Review what you recorded. Cut out mistakes, crop the frame, and blur anything private before it is uploaded. See Editing your recording.
- Save. ScreenDub uploads the recording and starts writing the narration.
You will then see the project move through a few steps as it processes. When it reaches ready, the script is written and you can open it in the editor.
Recording your voice
You can record your microphone along with your screen. This is optional. If you skip it or deny microphone access, the screen still records on its own, with no voice track.
At a glance
- Max length
- 6 minutes on Free, up to 15 on paid plans
- Max file size
- 650 MB
- Capture quality
- Up to 2K, 60 fps
- Browsers
- Chrome, Edge, Safari
- Microphone
- Optional
ScreenDub asks your browser for the sharpest capture it can give, so on-screen text stays readable. You do not need to change any settings to get it. The exact result depends on your display and your browser.
Recording on a phone or tablet
Mobile browsers cannot capture the screen, so the recorder is not available there. You can still upload a video or a deck from your phone and do everything else, including editing and export.
Already have a video?
You do not have to record in the browser. You can upload an existing video instead. ScreenDub accepts MP4, WebM, and MOV files up to 650MB. The length cap is your plan's video limit: 6 minutes on Free, up to 15 on paid plans. It then narrates your video the same way.
If something goes wrong
My browser says it cannot record.
You may be on a browser that does not support screen capture. Switch to a recent Chrome or Edge and try again.
The recording has no sound.
Microphone access was likely denied. Allow the microphone when the browser asks, then start a new recording. Without it, the screen still records on its own.
The share window is empty or the video is black.
On a Mac, give your browser screen recording permission in System Settings, then restart the browser. See the note above.
My recording is too long or too large.
Each recording can be up to 650 MB, and its length cap depends on your plan: 6 minutes on Free and up to 15 on paid plans. If you hit the cap, cut the recording down in the review step, split the workflow into shorter videos, or upgrade. Short videos are also easier to follow.
Next steps
Make the narration sound like you. Read Personalizing your narration.
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