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14 Screen Recording Software to Make How-to Videos

Electronic devices are made to make people’s life easier, and Computer is one of the best examples for this.  The advancements in the computer technology have been on a high since the past few decades. With ever-changing technologies and techniques, one needs to keep up with the latest features and attributes. Many challenges we face in our day to day life, but there is one challenge that we mostly face is making someone understand the process of using something. It becomes quite a hassle to instruct another user to do specific tasks on his computer by textual content. At times, making the instructions simple and easily comprehensible doesn’t seem to be the desired solution.   This is where How-to video guides come into the picture, and to create such guides, we need a good screen recording software that offers you record everything you do on your computer. Through such videos, you can show the whole process of using or doing something, and that makes easier for the people to understand as well. These tools do help you record and edit those videos to make them attractive, and even you can find out a big list of the Best Tools to Edit MP4 videos as well which will help you edit the videos to a bigger extent to make them more professional.

So, without any further ado, I am going to share a list of 14 Screen Recording Software:

1. Camtasia Studio (Free Trial/Premium)

The second premium product from TechSmith in this list is Camtasia Studio. A power-packed, yet easy-to-use screen recorder, Camtasia helps you create professional videos, and you don’t have to be a video pro for that. You can conveniently record the screen movements and actions, or import HD video from a camera or any other source. It allows you to customize and edit content on Mac and Windows platforms and share your videos with others on almost any device. Some of the impressive new features are cross-platform screen recording, integration with Google Drive and TechSmith Fuse. It’s efficient and easy to use, has multiple features, and represents decent value – if all of its many facets are used.

Camtasia-Logo

I am in love with this particular Screen Recording Software because it is extremely simple to use and has great features for video editing as well. I am not an expert video creator, but I have started creation videos. I have recorded my first video using Camtasia itself. You may watch the video below. Use headphones for better sound as it was the first time I created the video, the sound problem is there.

2. My Screen Recorder (Free Trial/Premium)

My Screen Recorder enables you to record your computer’s desktop activity into standard AVI or WMV video files.  Everything you see on the computer screen can be recorded, which includes the entire desktop, windows, menus, cursors – even video with sound. The most awesome feature of My Screen Recorder is the ability to capture the audio from your microphone and speakers at the same time.  Thus, it gives you the option to record Internet chat applications as well. My Screen Recorder produces high quality and small size video recordings. It offers a built-in media player to review your recording quickly.

3. BlueBerry FlashBack Express Recorder (Free/Premium)

BB FlashBackis a Windows-based screen recording program, distributed by Blueberry Software. The user can add text effects, cut and paste movie footage and edit mouse movements. Files can be saved as Flash, AVI, WMV, PPT or EXE formats. As an added feature, Program’s installer comes with a PowerPoint plug-in. It enables localization of movies and also let’s magnify and enlarge parts of the movie. Extra security is ensured through password protection for recordings. Although it is free, it requires you to register (for a free account) after 30 days of usage, it still provides all of its functions before you register.

4. CamStudio (Free & Open Source)

The CamStudio desktop screen recorder is a free program that enables you to record all screen and audio activities on the computer. It is a very popular screen recording software for the Windows operating system and supports many features comparable to commercial and advanced applications. CamStudio Recorder can record audio from all connected audio sources which includes microphones and speakers connected to the computer. Options menu can also be used to select the audio source. Pause or stop Recordings at any time, either by clicking the buttons or with the help of keyboard shortcuts that are available for that purpose.

5. Snagit (Free Trial/Premium)

Snagit is a well-designed efficient app that performs just about how a screen-capture app with optimum features should do. This TechSmith product effectively offers basic screen capture and recording functions, but Snagit’s flexibility and power are above par. Almost anything on screen can be captured, and special effects can be added to Snagit’s incredibly useful timed countdown feature. The Excellent thing about Snagit’s image saving is that the program cache makes any snagged screenshot forever accessible even if you don’t explicitly save it. In fact, all image capture apps should offer this feature. Snagit remains a favorite screen capture and screen recording app on Windows and without a doubt one of the best.

6. TinyTake (Free/Premium)

TinyTake is a free screen capture & video recording software for Microsoft Windows & Mac. It has an elegantly designed user interface that can seamlessly move screenshots and video recordings to the cloud, which is a specialty of MangoApps, the maker of Tiny Take. Within minutes, images and videos of your computer screen can be captured; comments can be added and shared with others. Captures are saved as MP4 files on local drives, and it cannot be changed at all.  The tool lacks options to change important recording values such as the frames per second. Although a great application but free version only allows you to record a video for 5 minutes at a go.

7. Jing (Free)

A small yet effective tool for screen capturing, available free from TechSmith for those who can’t afford Snagit. Through Screencast, it comes with free online storage and unlimited image and video capture powers. Jing is different from all other screen-capture software as you can share images and movies with people quickly and easily over chats or emails, mainly to help you get a point across. It allows you to add easily text, arrows or highlight sections of your screen capture.

8. Icecream Screen Recorder (Free/Premium)

Icecream Screen Recorder, from Icecream Apps, is a good tool to record and capture screen. With great support for Windows OS, which ranges from Windows 2000 to Windows 8, Icecream Screen Recorder is a great solution for every Windows-based PC user. It’s an intuitive and easy to use software that offers a complete suite of tools and options for professional screen capture. You can record games, webinars, Skype videos in HD, and much more in a quick and hassle-free way. As an added advantage, you also get hotkey support, audio settings, screenshot to URL, clipboard feature, project history that qualify as notable features of Icecream Screen Recorder. The major limitation of the free version of this application records The free version allows only 10 min of screen recording at a go.

9. ActivePresenter (Free/Premium)

ActivePresenter is a good screen recording software available for Free and Paid as well. This is quick and convenient, feature-rich application is an excellent solution for creating screencast videos, handouts, manuals, documentation, and interactive training presentations. With the full-featured editor, ActivePresenter allows editing of audio/video, tweaking of the look and feel of content, and defining the branched scenarios easily and efficiently. With the latest web standard HTML5 support and the power to integrate with LMS (Learning Management Systems), the content created with ActivePresenter can be delivered virtually to any devices and platforms. To make things easily explainable and interesting, this tool offers features to insert interactive elements like callouts, voiceover, annotations, graphics, Professional and standard editions are also available along with the free version.

10. DVDVideoSoft Free Screen Video Recorder (Free)

Free Screen Video Recorder from DVDVideosoft is a compact software. However, it offers maximum features like a screen video recorder and screenshot capture tool that allows convenient recording of screen activities and anything on the screen including windows, objects, menus, full screen and rectangular regions can be captured in a hassle free manner. Captures can be saved to file, clipboard or can be printed out directly from the program window. It comes with built-in editing tools which comprises of basic functions like resizing, cropping and rotating. Video Recorder saves video files AVI and image files in BMP, JPEG, GIF, TGA or PNG formats.

11. EZVID (Free)

Ezvid is free screencasting software developed by a startup studio in Hollywood, California. Along with screen casting, the program also provides a free video editor. It comes with a sleek, modern interface that becomes easy to use. This program offers an excellent opportunity to users who are comparatively new to the YouTube world. For hardcore gamers, it has an option to enable ‘Gaming mode’ where one can record the windowed mode of the game. A few music clips come with the program. However, you can choose to have no music, and it will be replaced with a ‘Silent Machine’ that sounds like a small fan from a computer. You can also add other pictures and video clips, as well as add in your voice after you’re done editing your clip. Not great overall but great if your use is limited

12. Webinaria (Free & Open Source)

Out of the available options from open source, Webinaria is one that significantly catches your eye. This Windows-based application not just lets a user create Flash videos of computer recording but also enables the user to add his or her voice using the record feature. Basic editing tool like the insertion of text is also available but with limited features. Moreover, Webinaria is loaded with certain hotkeys, and the option to set your own is available as well. Overall,

Webinaria offers just about an optimum solution and is apt for you if you are an open source lover.

13. Krut Computer Recorder (Free & Open Source)

Krut, another java based program, is a good screen recorder if capturing streaming media is what you are looking for. Krut is a decent screen recorder though the output video files are saved only in .mov and audio in .wav formats. However, this could be overcome by the free video conversion sites like ZamZar and YouConvertIt, which readily convert the output files into other formats. There are some limitations with Krut, particularly with video card and sound card settings. When compared to other free screen recording applications in this category,

krut offers competent Although if checked carefully, short time delay could be noticed but only in milliseconds.

14. Screencastomatic (Free/Premium)

Screencastomatic is one of the simplest screen recording software I ever used. Within a few clicks, you will be able to start the recording of your desktop, and it also records your face using the webcam. Once your video is created, you can upload on Youtube or any other video hosting sites right from there.

Conclusion

Screen Recording Software is vital to anyone who needs to demonstrate, share, teach, or explain. All recorders offer features that are useful and productive. However, there are a few drawbacks and limitations with free programs. Choosing between the applications should be dependent on the user’s need. If you are a new or a basic user, it is advisable to try a free application and premium applications are for the corporate and for those who need such software regularly.

About the author

Atish Ranjan

Atish Ranjan is an established and independent voice dedicated to providing you with unique, well-researched and original information from the field of technology, SEO, social media, and blogging. He has in-depth knowledge of computers and tech as he pursued computer science.

41 Comments

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  • Hi Atish ,
    this is really a very helpful post.
    I did not know there are so many tools available
    and even many for free. This days doing videos is
    a good strategy for bloggers. I remember a few weeks
    ago I was telling a friend how to do something
    on her blog and thought it would be good to have
    an easy tool to make a short video. Now you have here
    a lot of options to look and try.
    Thank you
    Erika

    • Hello Erika,

      Thank you so much for coming by, and writing a nice comment. Video blogging is in the trend now, and these tools can make things easier for creating good how-to videos.

      Have a great weekend.

  • HI Atish,

    Thank you so much for sharing such an excellent list of screen recording softwares along with their details. Well i myself using Camtasia Studio for creating HD videos for my blog. I am satisfied with its results. i have tried many but no one give quality like Camtasia.

    I am also created a complete video course of Camtasia which help out bloggers how to create videos for their blogs.(Course contains 10 videos).

    Thanks for sharing such a fantastic post 🙂

    Regards

    Mairaj

    • Hello Mairaj,

      Glad you liked the list. Yes, Camtasia is the best one as I am also using it. I have used camstudio as well, but I don’t find much of editing features in that.

      Good to know that you are doing videos already. If possible send me the link of your Youtube channel.

      Have a nice weekend.

  • Hi athish,

    That’s a great collection of screencasting softwares.
    I already tried camstudio. It is really basic and simple, gets your work done quickly. And a best alternative to camtasia for those who cannot afford it.

    And thanks for letting me know about free tool from techsmith, Jing.

    • Hello Susheel,

      Camstudio is great but editing is not as good as Camstudio. I can tell you a way to use the trial mode software for lifetime, if you want to. In such way, you can use Camtasia forever for FREE. Let me know if you want to know that.

  • Hey Atish,

    You’ve shared a great collection of some of the best screencasting tools. Personally, I use the Camtasia Studio and I see most of the people use this one only, for its simplicity and easy to use interface. I haven’t tried the other ones, as this one is enough to meet all my requirements. Anyways, great post. Keep them coming, mate 🙂

    Cheers,

    Robert

    • Hello Robert,

      Thanks for the appreciation. The reason of preferring Camtasia is the number of features it avails. I too use this, and completely satisfied with what it offers.

      Glad you liked the post. Have a nice weekend ahead.

  • Hi Atish,

    What a great review on 14 different “Screen Recording Software To Make How To Videos”. Very cool post. I didn’t know of any of them and I think videos are very popular by adding them to our content.

    The one I liked the best is Snagit because it records a time countdown. I have seen this on other blog posts but never knew what it was.

    Thank you for sharing, Atish and you have a wonderful weekend!

    Linda

    • Hello Linda,

      Thanks for coming by. Yes, Snagit is cool as well, in fact the most of the screen recorder was developed by Techsmith.

      Have a great weekend ahead.

  • Hi Atish,

    Great Post indeed. I’m recently using Camtasia and it’s really an awesome tool. I didn’t know about the rest of the screen recording software. But would really try to use them once. Thanks for such a great write-up!

  • Thanks Atish for this amazing review on all screen recording software. I personally used screencastomatic premium version for making video tutorials. Even many of other are the best. Again thanks for listed all recorders.

  • Camtasia Studio is the best! Downloaded the trial version after reading this article and was rally happy with it. It works great and the inbuilt video editor is also good.

    Thanks Atish.

  • This article is helpful for those who wants to record computer screen for making video tutorial. I also use some screen recorders for my tutorial. Among them Camtasia studio I think is the best. Thanks for nice article.

  • i also make videos and i always use Camtasia Studio to record and edit my videos. Camtasia Studio is the best and easy to use Video Recording and Editing Software. Thanks for this great post

    Regards
    Rahim

  • Hellow Atish, Your article was nice. Can you please, give me the camtasia cracked version software Link?

    It will be helpful for me.
    Thanks. and You Got a New Regular Visitor. 🙂

  • Wow Atish!

    Thanks so much for putting together all these screen recording softwares. If one wants to do anything online, we do need video. Face to face, screen sharing, or both. People want to see more visuals, especially who we are and what we have to offer from our experience to something we want to monetize.

    It builds so much value and for me it is a time saver. I don’t have to do so much writing when I am using one of these tools. Personally I use ScreenFlow. It is so easy to use and I can switch from a face to face to a screen share easily.

    Any of these will do a person so much good!

    -Donna

    • Hello Donna,

      Glad to know that you are doing videos so oftenly, and ScreenFlow works well to you. I will check that tool as well. I have started working with Camtasia, and it works great. It has good editing features as well.

      Have a great week ahead. Thank you.

  • Hey Atish,

    This was a great list of video and screen capture tools you have here. I personally use Jing whenever I want to demonstrate a tool for my audience to get a better compreHenson of what I’m conveying.

    I was actually talking to my coworker a few weeks ago and he’s interested in doing videos. Specifically capturing the screen and his face while he’s speaking. I’ll definitely forward this to him as well as share this post with others.

    Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!

  • Hey Atish, You’ve shared an awesome gathering of a percentage of the best screencasting devices. Actually, I utilize the Camtasia Studio and I see a large portion of the general population utilize this one just, for its effortlessness and simple to utilize interface. I haven’t attempted alternate ones, as this one is sufficient to meet every one of my necessities. At any rate, awesome post. Keep them coming, mate

    • Hi Rimon,

      No doubt, Camtasia is one of the best screen recording software. Good to know that you liked the list.

  • I have started working with Camtasia, and it works great. It has good editing features as well.

    Have a great week ahead. Thank you.

  • You shared great details on screen recording software.
    Recently I need to do this. I did some research on it. I found few free / opensource tools to do that. First I installed camstudio. It did not work for me. Then I tried Jing, but the problem with jing is you can not upload the video to youtube as it creates videos in different format.

    Finally I ended up using windows screen recorder. Ii is very good.

    • Hi Srinivas,
      Camstudio is good, but I haven’t uploaded any video that created by this so I am not aware of the issue you are addressing.

      Try Camtasia once, it is more than great.

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