Snagit Learning Center

Snagit 9 Tutorial:

Video Capture

Learn how to create a video recording of your screen.

Use Video Capture mode to create a video recording of your screen. Snagit records on-screen activity on your Windows desktop. Capture all your mouse movements and application action then, save the video as an AVI file. You can also use Snagit to create time-lapse video of desktop activity over a period of time.

The maximum size of an AVI file produced by Snagit is 2 GB. If you pass this size limit, the entire capture is lost.

Use the following tips to limit the AVI file size:

• Limit the size of the program window captured. Do not add unnecessary content (size or length).

  Use Snagit Region Input selection to select a smaller area to capture then "pan" across the screen while capturing, thereby making a much smaller video file.

• Limit the video frames capture speed.
• Limit the length of the video capture sequence. Snagit captures video sequences in real-time seconds and minutes. The shorter your sequence, the smaller the AVI files.
• Change compression. By default, Snagit selects the best compression to use for your capture and system. Experimenting with the settings is also possible.

Record Your First Capture

1. In Snagit, select Video capture mode.
2. Select the Output.
3. Click the Capture button or press the capture hotkey.
4. A red rectangle appears. Use the rectangle to choose a window to capture or drag the mouse to select a region. The Video Capture dialog box appears.
5. Click Start to begin recording.
6. Press <CTRL+Shift+P> to end recording.  The video renders for a moment. After rendering, the capture is sent to the selected Output.

Record a Video with a Caption Effect

Use the Caption Effect to add text, formatted to your specifications, during the capture process. Include a time/date stamp, system-related data, a title or free text. Use the custom settings to change the font, font, size and color, position of the text, and more.

Setup Instructions

1. In Snagit, select Video capture mode.
2. Select the Input and Output.
3. Select Effects down arrow > Caption.
4. Enable the Enable Caption option.
5. Create your own Effect using the available settings. Click the Options button in the Caption group box to customize the font and caption location. Click OK. Click OK to exit the Video Caption dialog box.
6. Click the Capture button or press the capture hotkey.
7. A red rectangle appears. Use the rectangle to choose a window to capture or drag the mouse to select a region. The Video Capture dialog box appears.
8. Click Start to begin recording.
9. Press <CTRL+Shift+P> to end recording. The video renders for a moment. After rendering, the capture is sent to the selected Output.

To disable the Caption effect, select Effects down arrow > Caption. Within the Caption task page, disable the Enable Caption option. Click OK.

Video Capture Tips

• If you are recording more than one video, decide on a standard set of Snagit options for your organization. For example, will your videos highlight the cursor? Should your videos all be the same size? Will you record with a caption or system stamp?
• Practice, practice, practice. Overall, how much and how often you practice will be the key to creating professional videos.
• Snagit records anything on your screen. Clean up your browser and desktop by closing or removing all nonessential applications, browser toolbars, and desktop icons. Use a plain background on your desktop is better than a busy wallpaper image.
• Practice using the mouse around the screen in a slow, fluid motion.

Video Scripting and Narration Tips

• For lengthy or involved sequences of action, write a script before recording.
• Avoid narration filler by using words such as “umm” or “ahh.” Speak slowly and enunciate properly.
• Include an overview of the recording in the first line or two of the script.
• To eliminate the sound of paper shuffling, tape the script pages together and hang them near the monitor so they are easy to read. Print the script in large type to make it easy to read while recording.

Audio Tips

• Generally, USB microphones provide a better sound than other microphones (minus the high-end equipment) since you do not have to rely on your computer’s sound card. USB microphones use less computer resources, and record far better audio than an analog mic connected to your computer's audio card.
• Experiment with different volume levels and placement settings allowing different distances from the microphone to select the right one.
• Record in a quiet location.