How to Use VLC to Record Your Screen

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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VLC media player is not only a versatile media player that supports almost all formats, but it is also a tool capable of performing screen recording. Released by the VideoLAN project in 2001, VLC quickly became a favorite due to its open-source nature and wide range of features. One such feature is the ability to record your computer screen. Whether you are a teacher creating an educational video, a gamer recording gameplay, or perhaps someone preparing a tutorial, VLC is a viable option for this task. In this detailed guide, we will discuss in-depth how to use VLC to record your screen, ensuring that you thoroughly understand the use of this feature by the end.

Introduction to VLC screen recording

Before we begin, it's important to understand what screen recording involves. Screen recording is the process of recording the activities that take place on your computer screen over time. VLC, known for its multifunctional capabilities, allows users to capture the output of their screen and save it to a video file. The result is a seamless recording that captures everything on your screen, including the movements of your cursor.

Setting up VLC for screen recording

It is important to set up VLC properly before you can start recording. Make sure you have VLC media player installed on your system. You can download it from the official VLC website. Make sure your computer meets VLC's system requirements for optimal functionality.

1. Install VLC media player: Visit the official VLC website and download the latest version for your operating system. Once downloaded, run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the player.
2. Check system requirements: Make sure your PC or laptop meets the necessary requirements to run VLC smoothly. Although VLC runs on most systems, it is best to have a reasonable amount of RAM and a reasonably modern processor for high-quality recording.

Start recording with VLC

Now that you have VLC installed and ready, let's look at the steps to start screen recording:

1. Open VLC media player. Launch VLC on your computer. If you can't find it, search for "VLC" in your operating system's search bar.
2. Access the capture device: Click the "Media" option in the menu bar and select "Open Capture Device" from the drop-down menu. This opens the "Open Media" window.
3. Select a capture mode: In the "Open Media" dialog box, you will see a dropdown labeled "Capture Mode." Select "Desktop" from this dropdown list, as this is the option used to capture what is happening on your screen.
4. Adjust the frame rate: Below the capture mode, you'll find a field labeled "Desired frame rate for capture." The frame rate determines how smooth your video will be. A common frame rate for smooth video is 30 frames per second (fps). Enter "30" in this field if you want smoother playback. Note that increasing the frame rate may require more processing power.
5. Open advanced options: Click the "Show more options" checkbox if you want additional settings or adjustments. Generally, for a basic recording, this isn't necessary.
6. Click Convert: Instead of clicking the "Play" button, you need to click the little arrow next to it, and select "Convert". This will prepare VLC to capture and save your screen activity directly to a file.

Configure output settings

The "Convert" feature is very powerful. It allows you to specify how the output file should be rendered and stored. Follow the steps to set it up correctly:

1. Choose a profile: After clicking the "Convert" button, the "Convert" dialog box appears. Here, you will be asked to choose a profile. Choose "Video (H.264 + MP3 (MP4))" as it is a widely accepted format that offers good quality.
2. Select a destination: In the "Destination" section, click "Browse" and navigate to the folder where you want to save your recording. Enter the desired name for your file as well as the ".mp4" file extension to ensure it is saved correctly.
3. Start recording: After setting your destination, click "Start". VLC will now begin recording your screen. It will capture everything, so make sure unnecessary windows and notifications are minimized to keep your recording organized.

End recording

Once you've captured what you need, stopping the recording is simple:

1. Return to VLC: If VLC isn't immediately accessible because it's minimized or behind other windows, simply bring it back to the foreground.
2. Stop recording: Click the "Stop" button in VLC media player. This ends the recording and saves your file to the previously specified location.

Review and edit a recording

Now, go to the directory where VLC has saved your screen recording. Play the file using VLC or any other media player to ensure the recording was successful. Check the quality of the video and audio (if captured).

Sometimes, raw recordings may need some polishing. VLC is not designed for video editing, so you may need to use additional software. Programs like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or open-source alternatives like Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve can provide the editing features you need.

Troubleshooting common problems

Although VLC is a great tool for screen recording, it may not always work correctly. Here are some common problems users may encounter, along with possible solutions:

• No video output: If you find that your recorded file shows no video, verify that the selected capture mode is "Desktop." Also, make sure the frame rate is set correctly.
• Audio not recorded: By default, VLC screen recording only captures video, not audio. If audio recording is necessary, consider using an application like OBS Studio.
• Performance issues: If VLC is slowing down during screen recording, try lowering the frame rate or closing unnecessary applications to free up system resources.

Supplemental tips for better recording

To ensure that your screen recording meets the highest standards, consider these important tips:

• Keep your desktop clean: A cluttered screen can distract viewers. Keep only the essentials visible while recording.
• Practice before recording: Repeat the scenario a few times before recording to avoid unnecessary retakes.
• Monitor resources: Keep an eye on CPU and RAM usage. High usage can cause missing frames in the recording.

Comparison of VLC with other recording tools

VLC is a good solution for screen recording, but it's not the only option. Here's how it compares to some popular alternatives:

• OBS Studio: OBS offers a variety of features, including real-time video/audio capturing and mixing. It supports recording and streaming. Although OBS is more powerful, it can be challenging for beginners.
• CamStudio: This open-source software offers a simple interface and options for output formats. However, it may struggle with high-resolution screens.
• ScreenFlow / Camtasia: These are professional variants that offer screen recording and built-in editing features. They cost a little more but offer an all-in-one solution.

Conclusion

VLC Media Player is a powerful tool when it comes to screen recording, as it is easy to use and has a wide reach. Although it is not as feature-rich as other dedicated screen recording software, its basic functionalities are more than enough for straightforward recording tasks. For anyone already familiar with VLC, taking advantage of its screen recording capabilities is a logical use of the tool. Remember that while the recording process is simple, it requires practice and system optimization to ensure high-quality output. If you consider additional features like audio recording and live streaming in the future, you can explore other specialized software. With diligence and careful setup, VLC can serve as a great starting point for anyone embarking on a screen recording journey.

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