There are multiple reasons why you might want to capture your screen, including making video tutorials, capturing gamer moments, or storing videos from the internet. Generally, most people turn to other applications for this purpose. However, VLC Media Player comes with a simpler option.
In this article, we will discuss simple steps on how to use the VLC Screen Recorder to effectively capture your screen.
What is a VLC screen recorder
VLC Screen Recorder is the part of the VLC Media Player that lets you do the recording of a computer screen. This function can be considered basic screen capture software, with no extra programs needed. It can be used to make records of tutorials, online videos, or any other workflow on the computer. The video is recorded and stored in a file location that is selected by the user. This function can be used completely free of charge and is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key tools in VLC for screen capture
Knowing your way around the VLC Media Player screen recording enhances your experience of using any computer. The controls, which manage how well your screen gets recorded, are basic and self-explanatory. Here are some of its features that let you smoothly capture your screen:
- Desktop capture mode
This mode enables the PC screen to be set as a capture device. You can locate it in the 'Capture Device' tab by configuring the mode button on the desktop. This is the default setting that begins the VLC Media Player screen recording procedure, which is primary to all VLC video capture functionalities.
- Audio input toggle
You can decide whether audio should be captured or not when capturing the screen to record the video. This is useful when you want to explain something or record with VLC along with the sound. Select your microphone or system speakers for the audio output.
- Format and codec selector
With this selector, you can choose the file type and the video format of your screen recording. You can set it to MP4 or AVI formats which are easier to share and edit. It helps ensure that the VLC Media Player screen recording is smooth and works well with other applications.
- Frame rate controller
The frame rate has an impact on how smooth your video appears. In desktop mode, you could adjust this on a range of 15 to 30 fps. Clearer recording with audio is preferable with higher frame rates. Things like tutorials and gameplay benefit from higher frame rates.
- Output file manager
You can choose the exact location and title of the video before starting the recording. This feature ensures that your VLC Media Player screen recording has the right folder designated, so you do not need to search or worry about losing the file later.
How to use VLC to record screens with audio
- STEP 1
- Launch VLC Media Player
Begin by opening VLC Media Player on your computer. If it's not already installed, download and install it from the VLC official website. This will be your screen recording tool.
- STEP 2
- Go to "Media" > "Capture Device"
In the very top left corner of the VLC window, navigate to Media in the top menu bar, and from the dropdown menu, select "Open Capture Device". This will open a new window in which you can define the capture settings for your screen recording.
- STEP 3
- Set capture mode to desktop
Under the "Capture Device" tab, you can set an option for "Capture Mode". Set this to "Desktop". This setting will allow you to capture all screen activity, be it a video, presentation, or any desktop activity.
- STEP 4
- Adjust frame rate (Optional)
Then, you can keep the desired frame rate at 30 fps (frames per second), which is the default for most screen recordings. You can also choose other frame rates according to your needs—60 fps for a smoother video, or 24 fps for a cinematic look. The frame rate will determine the smoothness of the video, so choose accordingly.
- STEP 5
- Choose the output folder and start recording
After your settings are set, navigate to the bottom right of the screen and press the small down arrow beside the Play button. From the drop-down menu, choose "Convert". In the "Convert" window, select your output location by pressing Browse. This is where your video will be stored. Give your file a name and press "Save".
Lastly, press "Start" to start recording your screen. To stop the recording, simply click on the "Stop" button in the lower-left corner of the VLC window when you're done.
Expert tips on using a VLC screen recorder
After you know the basic operations, there are a few more ways to improve your results that involve expert tips on using the program. These tweaks enhance the setup and process for video recording. Listed below are some useful tips that make the VHS capture video feature work better:
- Adjust recording settings
Make sure to check the screen dimensions, the audio settings, and the capture mode before starting. This step helps the VLC screen recorder operate seamlessly without technical hitches. In addition, pay attention to the display settings and make sure they align with your intended recording area.
- Choose the right format
Select a format such as MP4 for simplicity and quality. Ensuring that the file type is appropriate guarantees that the recorded video will not have problems being played or edited on various devices. AVI and some others may create large files or cause other compatibility issues.
- Set custom frame rates
Setting a frame rate like 25 or 30 FPS yields smoother videos for tutorials or gameplay. This is very useful when you need the VLC screen recorder to follow your screen's movement seamlessly. If you try lowering frame rates, the video may end up being blurry or laggy.
- Optimize audio input
You can set the audio settings by checking out the microphone. The microphone should be relevant as one speaks, so pick the correct mic or system sound input. This prevents any silent recordings from happening, which ensures that your VLC video capture is clean when you explain something.
- Use hotkeys for control
Recording time gets optimized with the use of hotkeys. Tasks that require the mouse are not very favorable since they require a lot of full-screen activities, such as unplugging your keyboard. Set up your hotkeys in VLC settings to be more effective and deliver a seamless workflow.
An easy way to record and edit screen recordings: CapCut
If you're looking for more than just basic screen capture, CapCut stands out as a powerful all-in-one solution. While VLC can record your screen, it lacks built-in editing features, meaning you'll need a separate program to enhance or polish your footage.
In contrast, the CapCut desktop video editor lets you record and edit seamlessly within the same platform. Once your screen is captured, CapCut intelligently analyzes portrait recordings and suggests smart tools like auto-captions, face retouching, voice enhancement, and even voice changers. This not only simplifies your workflow but also boosts the overall quality of your video content.
Key features
CapCut has various features that facilitate creativity and ease of screen recording and editing. Here are some of its key features:
- Record your screen in one click
CapCut lets you start recording instantly with a single click, making it quick and easy to capture content for tutorials or presentations.
- Retouch face with AI
CapCut uses AI to enhance facial features and apply makeup effects, allowing you to improve video aesthetics and create polished, professional-looking results with minimal effort.
- Instantly add captions to videos
CapCut's auto caption generator automatically adds captions, saving time on manual typing and making videos more accessible or easier to follow.
- Generate custom fonts with AI
Its AI font generator lets you make custom fonts and customize text styles, perfect for matching your brand or highlighting important points.
- Export videos in high quality (4K)
CapCut lets you export videos in up to 4K resolution, ensuring your screen recordings look sharp and professional.
How to record and enhance screen recordings with CapCut
CapCut can simply be downloaded and installed from the official website. Click the download button below and follow the on-screen instructions for installation. With everything set, you can now capture and enhance your videos.
- STEP 1
- Record the screen
To record your screen, open CapCut and click the "Record" option on the home screen or next to the import button in a new project.
If your computer has a webcam, you can record your face and screen together or on separate tracks. Pick a microphone from the audio settings. Press "Start recording" and wait for the 3-second countdown. Hit "Stop recording" to finish. Then, choose between download and edit to save or enhance your video recording.
- STEP 2
- Use AI tools to edit the screen recording
Select the video in your timeline and go to the "Basic" editing tab. Add key points in the "Text" tab, then apply AI-generated fonts to make them pop. You can also click "Captions">"Auto captions" to generate subtitles. Enhance your video’s style using the "Color wheel" to create a consistent color tone across all clips.
- STEP 3
- Export and share
After editing your video, press "Export," choose the format and resolution, then hit "Export" again to save it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the VLC screen recorder is a simple yet effective tool for capturing video and audio from your computer. For users who want to perform basic recording tasks, VLC does the job well and does not require any additional software. Users who wish to edit their screen recordings, including the addition of captions or other eye-catching effects, will find CapCut handy. Being able to record and enhance your videos with CapCut makes it easy for users looking to edit while recording.
FAQs
- 1
- Can VLC record video with audio from external devices?
Yes, it can, through a microphone, record audio alongside video from external devices by choosing the right input in the settings. Simply select Capture Device under the Media tab and "DirectShow" for both audio and video. The audio device is optional but should be selected appropriately. For more control over features, consider using the CapCut desktop video editor.
- 2
- How can I record a video with VLC without time limits?
To record a video with VLC without time limits, open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save. In the Capture Device tab, select your input source, such as Desktop or webcam. Click Convert/Save, choose the desired format, and start recording. VLC does not impose a time limit, so the recording will continue until you stop it manually. However, to record and edit your screen recordings with AI tools, use CapCut.
- 3
- Is there a way to troubleshoot VLC playback issues?
Fixing issues related to playback in VLC might include updating the application, changing video output, and reinstalling missing codecs. The user can also check if modifying the file format of the video in question can solve the problem. For smoother editing and playback, the CapCut desktop video editor provides additional support and control.
