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If you’re recording video on a computer, you shouldn’t comprise your recording quality.
While using a dedicated camera is usually best, you can still capture top-quality video straight from your computer. You can even get the best of both worlds and connect a webcam to your PC. With the right tools and setup, you’ll record high-quality video seamlessly.
So where do you start?
In this article, we'll show you how to record video on PC. First, we give you 7 tools for recording a video straight from your computer—both screen-capturing and webcam-recording tools. Then we'll share a few tips and techniques for recording professional-quality video on your PC.
Can you record a video on any PC?
You can record a video of your screen on any PC. Most have a built-in screen-recording app, but if yours doesn't, there are numerous third-party screen-recording apps.
Most PCs also have a native webcam-recording app. Unlike a screen recording app, which records the computer screen, webcam recording software records input from a webcam (such as your face). Many recording tools offer a combination of webcam and screen-recording features. You'll need an internal or connected external camera to record webcam video.
If your PC doesn't have a built-in camera, our article on top cameras will get you started choosing the best external camera for your needs.
How to record your own video on PC with a webcam recorder (Windows & Mac)
We'll start with the top ways to record video on your desktop using your webcam.
1. Riverside
Compatibility: Mac and Windows
Riverside is a webcam recorder that captures professional-quality video on any Mac or PC.
Our software can simultaneously record your video and screen in up to 4K resolution. Riverside also uses local recording, and captures content directly on your device instead of over the internet. This means you'll get a crystal-clear, lag-free recording even if your internet is unstable.
It's one of the many factors setting us apart from other PC webcam recorders.
With Riverside, you can:
- Record remotely with up to 9 guests in uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio and up to 4K video
- Capture separate tracks for each guest for post-production flexibility
- Add sound effects while recording with Riverside's integrated Media Board
- Share your screen for professional and informative presentations
- Customize your background and logos
- Automatically generate AI transcriptions in minutes
- Live stream directly to popular platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Twitter
- Polish recordings with Riverside's Text-based Editor
- Record remote presentations in high quality with the Presentation Recorder (Business plan only)
- Create short clips effortlessly using the AI Magic Clips creator
Riverside is your own professional recording studio—in the comfort of your home.
Pros
- Browser-based software so you can record on any device
- Clear, lag-free video unaffected by your internet connection
- Integrated editor that makes video editing as easy as editing a text document
- Remote recording capability with guests from anywhere worldwide
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Customer support
Cons
- Subscription required for advanced features
Best for: Anyone looking for a one-stop shop for high-quality video and screen recording
How to record a video on PC with Riverside
Step 1: Make an account on Riverside.fm and create a new studio.
Step 2: Invite any remote guests.
Step 3: Once you have let your guests enter the studio from the lobby, click Record.
Step 4: If you want to share your screen, click Share.
Step 5: When you finish recording, click Stop.
Step 6: Wait a few seconds for the recording to upload to your online studio.
Step 7: Click View recordings. From here, you can edit, export or share your video.
It’s as simple as that!
Learn more, or try Riverside for free today!
2. Windows 10 Camera app
Compatibility: Windows
Windows Camera is Windows 10's native webcam recording app.
It provides a framing grid and self-timer to help you get that perfect shot and automatically backs up videos to OneDrive for easy access and sharing. If your webcam records in 1080p resolution, Windows Camera can even shoot a panorama.
Pros
- Pre-installed on devices running Windows 10
- Free to use
- Simple for beginners
Cons
- Glitchy
- Low-quality video
Best for: Anyone running Windows 10 who needs a quick way to capture video on PC and is willing to sacrifice quality
How to record a video on PC with Windows 10 Camera app
Step 1: Go to Start, then select All Apps.
Step 2: Select Camera.
Step 3: Select Video to begin recording with your webcam.
Step 4: When you finish recording, click Video again.
Step 5: Go to Start, then select Photos to watch your video.
3. QuickTime Player
Compatibility: Mac
QuickTime is Mac's built-in media player. With it, you can watch videos, record audio or video, edit recordings, and export files in several formats.
While you can download QuickTime on Windows 10, Apple no longer provides security updates for the Windows version, so we don't recommend it.
Pros
- Convenient for Mac users
- Free
- Lets users record, edit, and watch videos in the same app
Cons
- Slow
- Uses up computer memory
Best for: Mac users looking for a basic, free recording and editing app
How to record a video on PC with QuickTime Player
Step 1: Go to Finder.
Step 2: Under Applications, select QuickTime Player.
Step 3: Select File, then click New Movie Recording.
Step 4: Click the red circle to begin recording. The button may disappear if you don’t begin recording immediately, but will reappear when you move your mouse.
Step 5: When you finish recording, click Stop.
4. Photo Booth
Compatibility: Mac
Photo Booth is Mac's dedicated photo- and video-capture app. However, unlike QuickTime, you can only use it to record videos, not edit or watch them.
The app replicates physical photo booths in which you'd take goofy photos—so while you can add an effect before recording, it only offers fun, not professional, options. If you want to edit a Photo Booth video, you'll need to export it, convert the file into a format compatible with editing software, then upload it to that software.
Pros
- Simple
- Free
- Can take both photos and videos
Cons
- Cannot edit videos
- Only exports in MOV format
Best for: Mac users who want to record webcam video for personal use
How to record a video on PC with Photo Booth
Step 1: Go to Finder.
Step 2: Under Applications, select Photo Booth.
Step 3: Select Record a movie clip from the list of icons on the bottom left.
Step 4: Click Stop when you finish recording.
Step 5: Right click on your recording thumbnail on the bottom right and select Export.
Step 6: Save your video on your PC.
Now that you know how to record webcam videos, we'll walk you through a few ways to record your screen on a PC.
How to record a video on PC with screen recorders (Windows & Mac)
1. QuickTime Player
Compatibility: Mac
QuickTime can do more than record your webcam—it can also record a video of your screen.
You can record a video of your entire screen or a selected portion. You can even record your screen and audio input simultaneously.
Pros
- Availability
- Usability
Cons
- Few features
- Cannot simultaneously record screen and webcam
- Only one video export format
Best for: Mac owners who want a basic, user-friendly screen recording tool
How to record a video on PC with QuickTime Player
Step 1: Go to Finder.
Step 2: Under Applications, click on QuickTime Player.
Step 3: Select File, then New Screen Recording.
Step 4: Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion (shown below).
Step 5: Click Record and wait for the 5-second countdown. You can turn this off if you prefer.
Step 6: When you’re finished recording, click the Stop icon at the top of your screen.
By default, your PC saves QuickTime recordings to your desktop. You can change that under the Options menu that appears after you click New screen recording and before you begin recording.
Pro tip: To open QuickTime’s screen-recording tool from any app, press Command + Shift + 5.
2. Xbox Game Bar
Compatibility: Windows
Xbox Game Bar is another native Windows 10 screen-recording app. While Microsoft designed it for gamers, it can screen record any app. It can even record the last 30 seconds of activity on your PC.
Note that you can't begin a recording from some locations on your PC—like your desktop or File Explorer. Instead, open any app to start recording.
Pros
- Pre-downloaded on Windows 10
- Displays real-time computer performance
- Records past or future screen activity
Cons
- Cannot record webcam
- Incompatible with Windows 7
Best for: Individuals recording gameplay
How to record a video on PC with Xbox Game Bar
Step 1: Go to Start, then select All Apps.
Step 2: Select Xbox Game Bar.
Step 3: Select the Record from now icon at the top to begin recording a video of your screen.
Step 4: Select Stop recording at the top when you finish.
3. Clipchamp
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Clipchamp is a free screen and camera recorder and editor for Mac and Windows PCs. It has video templates, stock photos and videos, and even a green screen. Some features are only available with a Pro subscription, of course.
While Clipchamp comes pre-installed on Windows 11, Windows 10 and Mac users must download it.
Pros
- Free plan
- Native to Windows 11
Cons
- Can only export videos in up to 1080p resolution with the free plan
- Videos export with a watermark using the free plan
Best for: Those who need a recording app with a few basic editing features
How to record a video on PC with Clipchamp
Step 1: Create an account and log in.
Step 2: Select Create a video.
Step 3: Choose Record & Create, then select Screen.
Step 4: Click the red Record button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Choose what to record: a browser tab, window, or your entire screen. You can uncheck the Share tab audio box if you don’t want to record your sound.
Step 6: Click Share.
Step 7: When you finish recording, click the red Stop button at the bottom of the screen. Note that you can only record up to 30 minutes without purchasing a subscription.
We know choosing video-recording software for your PC isn't easy! We'll simplify your decision now that we've given you several options.
Best way to Record Videos on PC: Riverside
Riverside's recording quality and suite of features make it the best software for capturing video on a PC.
Unlike other apps, Riverside records video locally using your PC—not the internet. That means your video won't be pixelated or laggy even if your internet falters while recording. And unlike other recording software that removes portions of your audio track, we record lossless, uncompressed audio that sounds just like real life. With up to seven guests, 4K video resolution, and separate tracks, you’re equipped to create professional-quality video content for your audience.
And our Video Editor uses Ai transcriptions so creating professional edits is as easy as going through a text-document. Any text you delete in your transcript recording, automatically removes the matching video and audio. Our editor also offers intuitive tools for custom branding, background noise removal, and automated multi-track sync. If you need more advanced editing features, Riverside easily integrates with advanced editing software like Descript and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Try our simple, user-friendly platform today at Riverside.fm.
Tips for recording video on your PC
We'll leave you with a few bonus tips for recording professional-quality videos on your computer.
1. Choose a high-quality microphone
Audio quality greatly influences overall recording quality, and PC internal mics are notoriously bad. If your budget only has room for one purchase, it should be an external microphone. Trust us—it's worth the investment.
To choose a mic, check out our article on the best video-recording microphones.
2. Choose a high-quality camera
Your webcam image may look clear—but if you put it beside an image shot with an external camera, you'll see a big difference. Unfortunately, most PC webcams are not meant for professional videography. That's why we recommend purchasing an external camera that can record video from your computer in 4K resolution.
Most video-recording software connects with external cameras. After opening the recording app, just change your video input source from your webcam to the external camera.
Read more: How to Record Webcam Video on Any PC (Mac & Windows)
3. Use three-point lighting
The three-point lighting method involves placing three lights around the video's subject, two in front and one behind.
The lights in front of the subject illuminate their face without casting harsh shadows. The light behind the subject creates depth in your video and should be dimmer than the 2 in front.
Avoid using overhead lighting because it is generally unflattering and ineffective.
4. Use the rule of thirds
The rule of thirds relies on the idea that an image is more appealing when the subject is in one of these intersecting lines of the frame instead of the center:
When a video uses this technique, viewers see more background while still noticing the subject.
Some video- and screen-recording software for PC automatically overlays a grid onto the frame to help users apply this technique. The grid doesn't appear in the final image but guides you toward centering subjects in the outer thirds of the frame.
5. Reduce background noise
You may not notice cars driving by or your household appliances turning on during your video, but your microphone will. That's why it's important to choose a quiet recording room and further soundproof it as much as possible.
Choose a small room with soft surfaces. If you don't have one, create one by laying blankets or towels on the floor and using partitions to make the room smaller. The idea is just to reduce echo as much as possible. (It also helps to use a tool like Riverside, which offers background noise removal and echo cancellation.)
Increasing both audio quality and video quality will go a long way toward enhancing overall recording quality, but for more tips, check out our article on how to make a video high quality.
FAQs on How to Record Video on PC
Does Windows 10 have a video recorder?
Windows 10's native Camera app is a simple video recorder for PC. Just search "Camera" in your apps, open the app, select Video, and begin recording with your webcam or connected external camera.
Does Windows 10 have a screen recorder?
Windows 10's built-in screen recorder is Xbox Game Bar. It's designed for gaming recording but records any app. Note that you'll need to open an app before starting a recording.
You can start a recording by selecting the Record from now icon in the app or using the keyboard shortcut Windows + Alt + R.
What's the best way to record video on a PC?
Riverside is the best PC video-recording software. It can record studio-quality audio and video while simultaneously capturing your PC screen—straight from your browser. You can also live stream while recording and edit your footage.
To record top-quality video on your PC with Riverside, just go to Riverside.fm and make an account—no credit card required.
How do I record video on Windows 10 with sound?
Windows 10's Camera app records both video and audio. Look in your programs for an app simply called "Camera," open it, and select Video. The app will record both video and audio.
How do I record my screen on Windows without the Game Bar?
Riverside's screen-recording software is both more consistent than the Game Bar and produces higher-quality footage. It's also browser-based—no need to download an app.
In Chrome or Edge, just go to Riverside.fm, make a free account, and get started recording your screen from your personal online recording studio.
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