How to Screen Record on a Chromebook

Screen recording is a handy feature for students, perfect for creating presentations and tutorials. Luckily, Chrome OS comes with a built-in tool that makes it straightforward to record your Chromebook’s screen.

Using the Built-In Screen Capture Tool

Chrome OS includes a screen capture tool located in the Quick Settings panel, introduced in Chrome OS 89. This tool lets you capture both screenshots and video recordings.

  1. Click the clock on the Chromebook Shelf in the bottom-right corner to open the Quick Settings panel.
  2. Tap the clock in the taskbar.
  3. If the menu is not fully expanded, select the arrow in the top-right corner.
  4. Click the “”Screen Capture”” button.

The Screen Capture toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen. Ensure the video icon is selected for screen recording, as the camera icon captures screenshots.

  1. Choose the video icon.
  2. Select your recording mode: full screen, partial screen, or specific window.
  3. Click the gear icon to adjust settings like microphone audio, webcam video, and save location.

To start recording, follow these steps based on your selected mode:

  • Full Screen: Click anywhere on the screen to begin recording.
  • Partial: Drag to select the recording area and click “”Record””.
  • Window: Click the window or area you want to record to start.

A three-second countdown will appear, and then the recording starts. When finished, click the red stop button on the Shelf.

A notification will appear stating “”Screen Recording Taken.”” Click it to access the video file in the file manager.

Recording with Audio Using Screencast

The built-in capture tool includes an option to record audio from your microphone. For more advanced features, try the Screencast app, ideal for students creating detailed presentations.

The Screencast app provides a comprehensive recording experience, including drawing on the screen and voice transcription. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open the app launcher and select the “”Screencast”” app.
  2. Click “”New Screencast”” in the top left.
  3. A toolbar appears at the bottom. Click the gear icon to open settings.
  4. Enable “”Microphone”” to record audio and toggle the camera on or off as needed.

Choose your recording mode: full screen, partial screen, or specific window:

  • Full Screen: Click anywhere on the screen to begin recording.
  • Partial: Drag to select the area and click “”Record””.
  • Window: Click the desired window or area to start recording.

A three-second countdown will appear, and then the recording begins. To finish, click the red stop button on the Shelf.

You can find your recordings in the “”My Screencast”” section of the Screencasts app.

Finding Your Screen Recordings

Screen recordings on a Chromebook are saved to the “”Downloads”” folder by default. To change the save location, adjust the settings as needed.

  1. Open the “”Files”” app from the app launcher.
  2. Select the “”Downloads”” folder from the sidebar.

Screen recordings are saved as .webm files. Converting them to MP4 might be useful for easier handling. Recordings from the Screencast app are stored in the cloud and can be shared via a link.

Recording with Device Audio

To record internal audio while screen recording on your Chromebook, use the Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder extension. It allows for internal audio recording and provides additional features like webcam view and mic audio recording.

  1. Install the Nimbus Screen Recorder tool from the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Open the extension from the toolbar and click “”Record Video””.
  3. Select “”Tab”” at the bottom and enable “”Record Tab Sound””. You can disable the mic sound toggle if needed. Note that internal audio recording is only available in Chrome tabs.
  4. Click “”Start Record”” to begin. The extension allows you to record screen and device audio effectively.

Enhance Your Chromebook Screen Recording

Screen recording tools are invaluable for students creating tutorials, presentations, or capturing lectures. The built-in tool is user-friendly, while the Screencast app offers enhanced features for more detailed projects. For internal audio recording, the Nimbus extension is an excellent choice. Chromebooks make capturing and sharing screen recordings easy, helping you stay organized and productive.

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