Screen­cast­ing: how to do a screen­cast with screen recording

When you get stuck using a computer program, the next step usually involves searching for in­struc­tions online or in handbooks. But when it comes to complex digital processes, written ex­pla­na­tions only go so far. In these cases, it helps to look for relevant videos that explain programs using a screen­cast. This is just one of many uses for screen record­ings. Screen­casts can il­lus­trate complex processes in a way that make them simple and easy to un­der­stand. Keep reading to find out how to do a screen­cast and what you can do to ensure it turns out well.

A screen­cast is a recording of what’s happening on your computer screen. It’s very similar to sharing your screen during a video call. However, while screen sharing occurs live and in real time, a screen­cast is recorded for others to view later. Or, put dif­fer­ent­ly, a screen­cast is like a moving screen­shot.

When making a screen­cast, every­thing that is visible on your screen will be recorded. This might include active programs, open documents, and even the movement of your mouse.

So what is the purpose of recording your screen? The most common use for screen­casts are how-to videos. By recording your screen, you can show someone how to use a program or perform certain actions without having to sit next to them. Screen­casts are also fre­quent­ly used to create webinars and tutorials.

The basic equipment you’ll need to create a screen­cast are a computer screen and screen­cast software. Several apps are available for this purpose, some of which are free to download and use. Most apps differ by their features and editing options. Which software is right for you will depend on your personal pref­er­ences and the needs of your project.

Many screen­casts include an audio recording to provide comments and further ex­pla­na­tions. Usually, a USB mi­cro­phone will be suf­fi­cient to make these audio record­ings. A cardioid mi­cro­phone is best suited for the job, as it picks up sound coming from a single direction and muffles back­ground noise. The downside of the mi­cro­phone is that you’ll need to remain fairly still during recording because the quality of the recording decreases if you’re not speaking directly into the front of the mi­cro­phone.

Using a drawing tablet gives you the option of adding notes or graphics to your screen­cast. If you have a laptop with a touch­screen, you can do this without the need for an ad­di­tion­al tablet.

Once you’ve sorted your equipment, you’re ready to start creating a screen­cast. There are a few more prepa­ra­tions you’ll want to make, followed by the recording itself. Editing and exporting are the final steps of the process.

Before you start recording, it’s best to do some research and find all the in­for­ma­tion you’ll need for your screen­cast. Once you’ve finished your research, plan out the visuals and audio of your screen­cast by de­vel­op­ing a little sto­ry­board. If screen­casts on a similar topic exist, you could use them for in­spi­ra­tion to structure and devise the content of your video. If you plan on adding audio to your screen­casts, note down what you’re going to say in advance. A pre-written script can be useful to avoid stumbles.

Connect any external devices you plan to use, such as a mi­cro­phone or tablet. Next, you should get your workspace set up including your desk as well as your digital desktop. Make sure that the only contents visible on your screen during the screen­cast are those that are relevant to your viewer. Close any programs that are not required and remove personal elements such as personal files, and folders from your desktop view.

Start the screen­cast­ing software and choose the ap­pro­pri­ate settings for your recording, including the part of your screen that will be recorded and your preferred audio settings. Check whether any back­ground noise is audible. Once you’ve selected the ap­pro­pri­ate settings, start your recording and end whenever you’ve finished.

Once you’ve recorded the screen­cast, you can edit it. The exact editing features that are available to you will depend on your software. In most cases, it’s not necessary to cut the video. However, cutting can be useful to edit out long pauses, mistakes, or slips of the tongue. Some screen­cast­ing apps allow you to integrate ad­di­tion­al elements and effects, for example, a title and credits.

In the final step, you’ll render the video and create the final video file. Most apps offer various different formats for export. Which format is best suited for your purposes depends on where you plan to publish the screen­cast. Commonly, users will publish their videos on public video platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo, learning man­age­ment systems, or share them via email.

The steps for making a screen­cast are summed up in this video:

Screen­cast can’t be updated or edited as easily as written how-to guides. That makes prepa­ra­tion all the more important. Take these pointers into con­sid­er­a­tion when putting together your screen­cast.

Before you start your screen recording, make sure that your screen and your computer desktop are tidy and do not contain any personal items such as family photos or private files. Your screen­cast will come across as more pro­fes­sion­al if it does not contain ir­rel­e­vant contents or a personal back­ground photo. Ad­di­tion­al­ly, this makes it easier for the viewer to focus on the relevant items in frame.

Before you record your screen­cast, decide on the topic and the exact contents. Carefully consider your target group and the context of the video. Try to keep it as short and simple as possible. Ideally, your screen­cast will have a length of three to five minutes; videos should not be much longer than ten minutes. If you an­tic­i­pate your content to be longer, consider breaking it up into several videos. If that’s not possible, use a sub­head­ing and a table of contents con­tain­ing jump marks.

If you plan on creating more than one screen­cast or want to create pro­fes­sion­al tutorials, you should define certain universal pa­ra­me­ters that will apply to every video you make. For example, video length, screen res­o­lu­tion, in­di­vid­u­al­ized intros, and text boxes should be uniform across all your videos.

Avoid erratic movements with your mouse and carry out all actions as clearly as possible. Build in a short pause after each finished action, and avoid mouse movements during this break. This will simplify the editing process and make for a better viewing ex­pe­ri­ence for your audience.

Record your screen­cast in an en­vi­ron­ment where you won’t be in­ter­rupt­ed. Use the same workplace every time you create a screen­cast to ensure that acoustic con­di­tions are similar each time.

When recording your screen­cast, you have the option to either record your entire screen or part of it. Each option has pros and cons: If you record your entire screen, you’re sure to capture all the relevant content. However, the frame will likely include areas of the screen that are unused, which can make it harder for the viewer to con­cen­trate on what’s essential. On the other hand, if you choose to record part of the screen, it might be confusing for viewers when the mouse navigates out of the frame.

In many cases, screen­casts use picture-in-picture mode and show webcam footage in addition to the footage of your screen. This can add a personal touch to your screen­cast. If you decide to use a webcam, make sure you choose good lighting and a solid-colored back­ground.

Most screen­cast software provides various editing features. Use these features to make your video more in­ter­est­ing and simpler to un­der­stand. One popular feature is adding color to your mouse, so that it’s easier to see. Other common edits include softening jerky movements, inserting text, and adding back­ground music. In general, less is more. Only use features that really add to the viewer’s ex­pe­ri­ence.