How to Record the Screen on a Chromebook

Because of its light, compact nature and affordability, Chromebooks are becoming a popular device not only for simple office tasks but for recording videos as well. With distance learning and online meetings becoming the norm, screen recording on a Chromebook is definitely a great option to have.

In this article, we’ll show you a few ways that you can use to record your screen on a Chromebook.

Recording Your Screen With Built-in Chrome Utilities

There are several ways to record screens on a Chromebook. You can use built-in features, Chrome extensions, Android apps, and even Linux applications.

Now that Chromebooks finally have a built-in utility, let’s cover how to use it.

1. Click on the system tray and then select the Screen Capture button. You can also type Ctrl + Alt + Overview to bring up the Screen Capture menu.
2. Now, click on the camera toggle on the left-side of the menu.
3. If you want to record your microphone as well, then click on the settings icon and tap on the Record microphone toggle switch.
4. For a full screen capture, select the rectangle next to the camera toggle button.
5. Then, tap anywhere on the screen to start recording. There’s a 3 second countdown before it starts.
6. Click on the red stop icon to terminate your recording.

Recording Through Chrome Extensions

Arguably the most reliable of these options, Chrome extensions might be the option for you. As the Chromebook is basically a hardware version of the Chrome browser, it’s no surprise that extensions are the way to go.

1. To install any of the extensions listed here, just navigate to the Chrome Web Store, or click on the Settings menu icon on the upper rightmost corner of your browser, hover over More Tools, then click on extensions. Once you’re on the extensions page, click on the Main Menu icon on the upper left part of the page, then click on Open Chrome Web Store on the bottom left of the menu.
2. Type in the names of any of the extensions listed below on the search bar, then click the blue Add to Chrome button to install them.

Loom

One of the most recommended screen-recording extensions for Chrome is Loom. The application is very easy to use, and even the basic version that is totally free will meet any of your basic screen recording needs. It also features some basic video editing tools like video trimming and the addition of emoji reactions. You’re also able to archive any of the videos that you record for later sharing.

More advanced features are of course available to only paid subscribers. With advanced editing tools, security management, and team sharing capability. If you wish to do professional screen recordings on your Chromebook, you might want to look into getting at least the Pro plan at $5 a month, but if you only plan to casually do screen recordings, the free plan should be sufficient for your needs.

Screen Castify

Another highly recommended Screen recording extension is Screen Castify. Its free version has a lot more features than Loom, like the ability to draw on the screen and make annotations. You can also export the video either as an MP4, gif, or MP3 file, and you also have the ability to publish the video directly to YouTube. Any video you record is also automatically saved onto your Google Drive.

Screen Castify has also removed the watermark that used to be displayed on its screen, once a source of annoyance to some people. What holds it back though is the five-minute video recording limit for its free users. The video editing tool is also limited to a three-day trial, after which you are limited to only trimming the video lengths. The full suite of features can be unlocked though if you purchase the Pro package, which it offers for $49 a year per person.

Enhancing Chromebook’s Capabilities

With recent additions to built-in utilities, Chromebooks can be a very useful tool, especially with the proper extensions to augment its features. As Chrome extensions for screen recording capabilities become more versatile, their capabilities enhance the Chromebook as well.

Do you have any other tips on how to record your screen on a Chromebook? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.