Here’s another one that has come up from time to time. The question of how to easily capture video clips of your desktop within Windows (any version of the OS) that can be saved to your computer and used later for viewing or editing. In most cases, there are a number of ways of accomplishing this. Various programs you can buy into. However, a recent story we did, reminded us of one of our favorites and thus led us to want to talk about it briefly.
In most cases, you are likely looking to accomplish this for a video targeted for YouTube, like a tutorial or demonstration of something using your computer. Regardless of the reason why you are looking to capture your desktop within a video, the process can be quite easy.
Many of us like to use a program developed by the company Movavi. It’s called “Screen Recorder” and can be purchased by itself or as part of Movavi’s Video Suite.
It used to have a slightly busier interface with big buttons and plenty of features to play with. As you can see with the following image.
However, the company has since simplified the software even further by making it more compact (when it comes to the screen space that the controls consume) while maintaining the versatility of features it has to offer. As you can see in the next image.
The idea is to make the process is simple as possible. You either choose which monitor (if you have a multiple monitor setup) or select a specific area on one of your monitors you are looking to record (ie, a single window, button, icon area, part of a website, etc). Then you choose if you want your webcam included, or if you want to capture system sounds and/or your microphone. Once you have determined your select of option, hit record.
When you are done recording, you can then save the finished video file to your desktop or anywhere else on your system. Now you can view it anytime like any other video, import it into your favorite editing software, or upload it straight to YouTube.
Of course, there are all sorts of deeper settings, like formats and other details that an experienced user could dive into. However, you don’t have to mess with any of that if you don’t want to. Allowing users of any experience to dive right into using it.
So with Movavi’s Screen Recorder, you can quickly start the software, choose what you are capturing, and hit record. You could be recording in potentially seconds depending on the speed of your system and how fast your fingers can move.
As mentioned, many of us here use the software. Albeit, most of us use older versions since we haven’t had to upgrade in awhile. So I don’t think any of us have the latest version of the software. Regardless, this shows that it has been a good investment that has maintained its value all this time, proving that it is a solid option for those looking to capture their desktop.
The only issue is that it has risen in price (like everything else out there). It used to be around $39.99 not that long ago (and even less the years before). However, as you can see here, it is now going for $57.95 for a lifetime license. However, it does go on sale from time to time. Also, the whole Video Suite is on sale (at the time of writing this) for $94.95 (lifetime license), so you can tell they are pushing for the upsale. That can be seen on the same link.
It is a better deal to go with the Video Suite if you want some of the other features. It comes with the full video editor software, a video converter, video splitter, media player, and DVD/BDR burning software. However, if all you need is a screen capture solution, the Screen Recorder software by itself is still a good investment. And it goes on sale from time to time. So if you have patience, check back around Black Friday/Cyber Monday and you likely won’t be disappointed.
Either way, go with the lifetime license as the yearly license just isn’t necessary and the price doesn’t make sense. The current version should last you a number of years (or longer depending on your needs). I believe one of us is still using a version that is around 14 years old. That has to say something right there.
Eventually, you will want to upgrade to a later version in order to stay on top of the latest video formats and capabilities. However, only a select few will be doing that frequently as many of these formats live on for many years.
