Recording your screen can be a useful tool for a variety of purposes, whether you want to create a tutorial video, showcase your gaming skills, or troubleshoot a technical issue. One popular software that you can use to record your screen is VLC Media Player. Many people are unaware that VLC has a built-in screen recording feature, making it a convenient and versatile option. In this blog post, we will explore how to record your screen with VLC, including capturing audio along with the video.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Screen Recording
Screen recording can be a challenging task, especially if you are new to the process. There are several important factors to consider when recording your screen, such as capturing high-quality video and audio, selecting the appropriate settings, and managing the file size. Fortunately, VLC provides a straightforward solution to these challenges, allowing you to easily record your screen without the need for external software or complicated configurations.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the process of screen recording with VLC, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth experience. First and foremost, make sure you have the latest version of VLC Media Player installed on your computer. You can download it for free from the official VLC website. Additionally, you should determine the purpose of your screen recording and identify the specific area of your screen that you want to capture. This will help you configure the recording settings accordingly and optimize the final output.
Method 1. How to Record Screen Via VLC
VLC offers a simple and intuitive interface for screen recording. To get started, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player on your computer.
Step 2: Click on the "Media" tab in the top menu and select "Open Capture Device" from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: In the "Capture Device" tab, select "Desktop" from the "Capture mode" drop-down menu.
Step 4: Under the "Options" section, choose the desired frame rate for your screen recording. A higher frame rate will result in smoother video playback but may also create larger file sizes.
Step 5: Click on the "Play" button to start the screen recording.
Step 6: To stop the recording, simply click on the "Stop" button in the VLC control bar.
Pros:
1. VLC is a free and open-source software, making it accessible to everyone.
2. The screen recording feature is built-in, eliminating the need for external software.
3. VLC supports a wide range of video formats, allowing for flexibility in the final output.
Cons:
1. VLC may not have as many advanced features as dedicated screen recording software.
2. The user interface for screen recording in VLC is relatively basic compared to specialized tools.
3. The recording process may consume a significant amount of system resources, potentially affecting the performance of your computer.
Method 2. How to Record Screen Using External Device
In some scenarios, you may want to consider using an external device to record your screen, such as a capture card or a dedicated screen recording device. While VLC can handle most screen recording tasks, external devices can offer additional features and higher quality output. Here’s how you can use an external device for screen recording:
Step 1: Connect the external device to your computer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Install any necessary drivers or software provided by the manufacturer.
Step 3: Launch the screen recording software that comes with the external device.
Step 4: Configure the recording settings, including the desired resolution, frame rate, and audio options.
Step 5: Start the screen recording on the external device.
Step 6: Once you’ve finished recording, save the video file to your computer for further editing or distribution.
Pros:
1. External devices often provide higher video and audio quality compared to software-based solutions.
2. Dedicated screen recording devices may have additional features, such as multi-camera support or live streaming capabilities.
3. External devices are designed specifically for screen recording, offering a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Cons:
1. External devices can be more expensive compared to using software-based solutions like VLC.
2. The setup process and configuration of external devices may require additional time and technical knowledge.
3. Some external devices may be limited in their compatibility with different operating systems or software applications.
Method 3. How to Capture Screen with Audio Using VLC
Recording your screen with audio is essential if you want to capture system sounds, microphone input, or both. VLC allows you to include audio in your screen recording, providing a comprehensive solution. Follow the steps below to record your screen with audio using VLC:
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player on your computer.
Step 2: Click on the "Media" tab in the top menu and select "Open Capture Device" from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: In the "Capture Device" tab, select "Desktop" from the "Capture mode" drop-down menu.
Step 4: Under the "Options" section, choose the desired frame rate for your screen recording.
Step 5: Click on the small arrow next to the "Play" button and select "Convert" from the dropdown menu.
Step 6: In the "Convert" tab, select the desired output format for your screen recording.
Step 7: Click on the "Browse" button to choose the location where you want to save the recording file.
Step 8: Under the "Profile" section, select the appropriate audio codec and adjust the settings as needed.
Step 9: Click on the "Start" button to begin the screen recording with audio.
Pros:
1. VLC allows you to capture both video and audio in a single screen recording, eliminating the need for separate software.
2. The audio settings in VLC are highly customizable, providing control over the recording quality and formats.
3. Recording screen with audio in VLC is a convenient and efficient solution, as everything can be done within a single software interface.
Cons:
1. The audio quality in VLC screen recordings may not be as refined as dedicated audio recording software.
2. VLC’s audio recording capabilities may not be suitable for professional or high-fidelity audio needs.
3. The audio settings in VLC can be complex for beginners, requiring some experimentation and tweaking to achieve the desired results.
Method 4. How to Record Screen Via VLC on Mac
If you are using a Mac computer, the process of screen recording with VLC is slightly different compared to a Windows PC. Here’s how you can record your screen using VLC on a Mac:
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player on your Mac.
Step 2: Click on the "File" tab in the top menu and select "Open Capture Device" from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: In the "Capture Device" tab, select "Screen" from the "Capture mode" drop-down menu.
Step 4: Under the "Options" section, choose the desired frame rate for your screen recording.
Step 5: Click on the "Open" button to start the screen recording.
Step 6: To stop the recording, click on the "Stop" button in the VLC control bar.
Pros:
1. VLC is fully compatible with Mac computers, providing a consistent experience across different platforms.
2. Mac users can take advantage of VLC’s screen recording capabilities without the need for additional software or devices.
3. VLC offers a wide range of customization options, allowing Mac users to fine-tune their screen recordings according to their specific requirements.
Cons:
1. Mac users may experience slightly different interface navigation compared to Windows users.
2. The screen recording feature in VLC on Mac may have minor differences in terms of settings and options.
3. Some advanced features available in the Windows version of VLC may not be present in the Mac version.
Why Can’t I Record Screen with VLC?
While VLC is a powerful screen recording tool, there are some instances where you may encounter difficulties or limitations. Here are a few possible reasons why you can’t record your screen with VLC and their respective fixes:
1. Reason: VLC crashes during screen recording.
Fix: Make sure you have the latest version of VLC installed, as it might include bug fixes and stability improvements. Additionally, try closing any unnecessary applications running in the background to free up system resources.
2. Reason: Missing audio in the screen recording.
Fix: Check the audio settings in VLC and ensure that the correct audio source is selected. Additionally, verify that your computer’s audio settings are properly configured, and there are no conflicting applications or devices.
3. Reason: Poor video quality in the screen recording.
Fix: Adjust the video settings in VLC, such as the frame rate and resolution, to optimize the recording quality. You can experiment with different settings to find a balance between video quality and file size.
Additional Tips
To enhance your screen recording experience with VLC, consider the following tips:
1. Adjust the recording area: Use the "Crop" feature in VLC to capture a specific region of your screen instead of recording the entire desktop. This can help reduce file size and focus on the essential content.
2. Configure hotkeys: Customize the hotkeys in VLC to start, pause, or stop the screen recording. This can provide more convenient control over the recording process, especially when capturing dynamic content.
3. Utilize shortcuts: VLC offers various keyboard shortcuts to control the playback, navigation, and recording functions. Familiarize yourself with these shortcuts to improve your efficiency and productivity.
5 FAQs about Screen Recording with VLC
Q1: Does VLC support recording fullscreen games?
A: Yes, VLC can record fullscreen games by selecting the appropriate desktop capture mode and adjusting the recording settings. However, in some cases, you may need to enable compatibility mode or use an external capture device for optimal performance.
Q2: Can I edit the screen recording directly in VLC?
A: While VLC is primarily a media player and not a dedicated video editor, it does offer basic editing features, such as cropping, rotating, and applying filters. However, for more advanced editing tasks, it is recommended to use specialized video editing software.
Q3: Can VLC record multiple screens simultaneously?
A: Yes, VLC supports recording multiple screens simultaneously by selecting the appropriate screen capture mode and configuring the recording settings for each screen. However, keep in mind that recording multiple screens may significantly increase the file size and require more system resources.
Q4: How can I reduce the file size of my screen recordings in VLC?
A: To reduce the file size of your screen recordings in VLC, you can try adjusting the video settings, such as the frame rate and resolution, to strike a balance between quality and file size. Additionally, you can utilize video compression techniques or convert the recording to a more efficient video format.
Q5: Does VLC support live streaming while screen recording?
A: Yes, VLC supports live streaming while screen recording by configuring the appropriate streaming settings and selecting the desired streaming platform. This feature can be useful for real-time demonstrations, gaming broadcasts, or remote collaboration.
In Conclusion
Recording your screen with VLC provides a convenient and versatile solution, allowing you to capture high-quality video and audio with ease. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or simply want to share your knowledge or experiences, VLC’s screen recording feature can be a valuable tool in your arsenal. By following the methods and tips outlined in this blog post, you can unleash the full potential of VLC and create compelling screen recordings that meet your specific needs.