How to Screen Record on Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide

Screen recording on a Chromebook is an essential skill for many users, whether for creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or recording video calls. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to effectively screen record on a Chromebook using built-in tools and third-party applications. Learn how to capture high-quality videos for any purpose, from setup to editing and sharing.

Understanding the Built-in Screen Recorder

Chromebooks come with a built-in screen recording tool integrated into ChromeOS. This feature provides a straightforward way to record your screen without additional software.

How To Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook in Seconds!

Accessing the Built-in Screen Recorder

Open the Quick Settings Menu:
- Click on the clock in the lower right-hand corner of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu.
Find the Screen Capture Tool:
- Look for the screen capture icon, which looks like a small square with a circle in the center. Click on it.
Select Screen Recording:
- In the toolbar at the bottom of the screen, choose the video camera icon to switch to screen recording mode.

How to Screen Record on a Chromebook with the Keyboard

Using the keyboard for screen recording is convenient and efficient, especially for quick access.

Step-by-Step Guide for Keyboard-Based Screen Recording

Press the Screenshot Key:
- Find the Screenshot key on your keyboard. It’s located in the function row and is identified by a camera icon.
Switch to Screen Recording Mode:
- After pressing the Screenshot key, a toolbar appears at the bottom of your screen. Click the Screen Record icon (video camera symbol) to switch modes.
Choose Recording Options:
- Record Full Screen: Select this option to capture the entire screen.
- Record Partial Screen: Click this icon to select and record a specific area. Drag a box around the desired area.
- Record Window: Choose this icon to record a specific browser or app window.
Begin Recording:
- A brief countdown will appear, signaling the start of your recording session.
Enable Microphone (Optional):
- By default, the microphone is turned off. To record audio, click Settings and enable Record microphone.
Stop Recording:
- Click the Stop screen recording button in the ChromeOS taskbar to finish the recording.

How to Screen Record on a Chromebook Using the System Tray

Accessing screen recording through the system tray is another efficient method, especially for users who prefer using the desktop interface.

Step-by-Step Guide for System Tray-Based Screen Recording

Open the System Tray:
- Locate the system tray in the lower right-hand corner of your screen.
Select Screen Capture:
- Click on Screen capture from the system tray options.
Switch to Screen Recording Mode:
- In the toolbar that appears, click the Screen Record icon to activate screen recording.
Choose Recording Options:
- Record Full Screen: Capture the entire screen.
- Record Partial Screen: Drag a box around the area you want to record.
- Record Window: Record a specific browser or app window.
Start and Stop Recording:
- A brief countdown will appear before recording starts.
- Click Stop screen recording in the ChromeOS taskbar to finish.

Locating Your Screen Recordings on a Chromebook

Where Are Screen Recordings Saved?

After ending a recording, a notification will appear indicating the completion of your screen capture.

Access Notifications:
- Click the notification to view the file immediately.
Find Recordings in Files App:
- Go to the Files app from your taskbar.
- Navigate to Videos: All screen recordings are stored in the Videos folder by default. Alternatively, they can also be found under Downloads.

Managing Your Recordings

Manual Upload to Google Drive: Screen recordings are not automatically saved to Google Drive. To move files, drag them from the Videos folder to your Google Drive folder within the Files app.

File Format of Screen Recordings

Understanding .webm Files

Screen recordings on a Chromebook are saved as .webm video files. While efficient for ChromeOS, this format may not be compatible with all video editing software. To use your recordings in different applications, consider converting the .webm files to a more widely accepted format such as MP4.

Converting .webm Files

Use Online Converters: Free online tools can convert .webm files to other formats like MP4.
Install Software: Download and use dedicated software if you need to convert multiple files or require advanced conversion settings.

Using Third-Party Screen Recording Applications

While the built-in tool is convenient, third-party applications can offer additional features such as advanced editing, custom recording settings, and integration with other services. Below are some of the best third-party screen recording apps for Chromebooks:

Screencastify

Screencastify is a popular Chrome extension that allows for easy screen recording with additional features such as annotations and direct upload to Google Drive.

Installation and Setup:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store, search for Screencastify, and click “Add to Chrome.” Follow the installation prompts.
- Click on the Screencastify icon in the Chrome toolbar and sign in with your Google account.
Recording Options:
- Browser Tab: Record a single tab in your browser.
- Desktop: Capture the entire desktop.
- Webcam Only: Record yourself using your Chromebook’s webcam.
Starting and Stopping the Recording:
- Click the Screencastify icon and choose your recording type. Press “Record” to begin.
- Click the Screencastify icon again and press the stop button to finish.
Editing and Sharing:
- Use the built-in editor to trim your video or add annotations.
- Save the video to Google Drive, download it, or share it directly from Screencastify.

Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder

Nimbus offers robust screen recording features along with screenshot capabilities.

Installation and Setup:
- Find Nimbus on the Chrome Web Store and click “Add to Chrome.”
- Click on the Nimbus icon in the Chrome toolbar to start.
Recording Options:
- Fragment: Capture a specific area of your screen.
- Visible Part: Record the visible part of a web page.
- Entire Page: Capture the entire page of a website or document.
Starting and Stopping the Recording:
- Choose your recording type from the Nimbus menu and click “Start.”
- Click the Nimbus icon and select “Stop” to end the recording.
Editing and Sharing:
- Nimbus provides basic editing tools to cut and annotate your videos.
- Export your recordings to Google Drive, Dropbox, or download them directly.

Loom

Loom is known for its ease of use and integration with team collaboration tools, making it ideal for work and educational purposes.

Installation and Setup:
- Download Loom from the Chrome Web Store and click “Add to Chrome.”
- Sign up for a free Loom account to get started.
Recording Options:
- Screen and Camera: Record your screen and include webcam footage.
- Screen Only: Capture only the screen.
- Camera Only: Record with the webcam only.
Starting and Stopping the Recording:
- Click the Loom icon, choose your recording type, and press “Start Recording.”
- Press the stop button in the Loom control panel or use the Loom icon to finish.
Editing and Sharing:
- Loom provides simple editing features to trim and customize your video.
- Videos are automatically uploaded to Loom’s cloud storage, from where you can share links or download them.

Tips for Effective Screen Recording

To create high-quality screen recordings, consider these tips:

Prepare in Advance: Close unnecessary tabs and apps to avoid capturing unintended content.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with ChromeOS keyboard shortcuts for efficient operation.
Optimize Audio: Ensure a quiet environment if recording audio, and check microphone settings beforehand.
Review and Edit: Use video editing tools to trim and polish your recordings for a professional finish.

Conclusion

Screen recording on a Chromebook is straightforward and versatile, offering built-in options through the Screenshot key and the system tray. Whether you’re capturing your entire screen or a specific area, these methods provide reliable solutions for creating high-quality recordings. Additionally, knowing where to find and manage your recordings ensures you can easily access and share your captured content.

With the addition of third-party applications like Screencastify, Nimbus, and Loom, you can access more advanced features to enhance your screen recording experience. Follow this guide to master screen recording on your Chromebook and take full advantage of its capabilities for both personal and professional use.