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Snapz Pro X was one of the first screen recording software products for Apple computers. It was launched by Ambrosia Software in 1996 and within the first decade of its presence on the market, it has been dubbed as one of the best screen recorders for Mac. 10 Best Screen Recorder Free/ Paid For Windows/ Mac 2018 1. ActivePresenter 7 – Free. ActivePresenter 7 is the latest version of ActivePresenter, created by Atomi Systems which has been famous through out the world in screencasting industry. It provides full high definition screen recording features which allows users to record video and audio from your PCs or Mac with Webcam in full screen or customized parts.

• Screen Recorder For Mac Os X
• Free Screen Recorder For Mac
• Good Free Screen Recorder For Mac
• Best Free Screen Recorder For Mac 2017
• Best Screen Recorder For Mac

Whether you’re a pro gamer who likes to stream their online gameplay, a YouTuber who likes to create instructional videos, someone who’s just looking to get support by reproducing an error on video, chances are that at some point, all of us have felt the need to record whatever is happening on our screen. Screen recorders are pieces of software that allow you to record screen actions, complete with mouse movements, clicks, and in some cases, audio and video as well, including external devices as inputs. If you own a Mac and are looking for a screen recorder that you can use to your heart’s content, look no further – we have you covered with our top 10 picks for screen recording software for Mac OS X.

Best Screen recorders for Mac OS X

1. Camtasia 2

They say good things in life hardly come free, and while we generally disagree with that, in this case, it’s actually quite true. One of the most expensive screen recording tools out there for OS X, Camtasia 2 is as good as they get. This beast of a program is the most comprehensive recording suite that you’ll find, allowing users to not just record their screen and a number of external input devices simultaneously, but its studio-like layout with layered timeline allows smooth editing and mixing, enabling you to create screencast videos like a pro. Camtasia also offers a series of visual effects, including a unique “green-screen” mode that allows you to insert yourself into the video, as if you were a part of the action yourself. Videos created via Camtasia can be fully interactive, allowing your viewers to interact with hotzones as you set them up, and work across all sorts of devices.

Camtasia also offers a companion mobile app, TechSmith Fuse, which allows importing photos and videos directly into Camtasia Studio from your iPhone, Android or Windows Phone device. It is undoubtedly the most powerful screen recording suite out there, but is primarily aimed at professional users, in which case its rather steep pricing ends up paying for itself over time.

Developer — TechSmith

Compatibility — OS X 10.9 or later

Availability — Camtasia 2 for Mac ($99) (Also available for Windows, offers free trial)

2. ScreenFlow

The second best choice after Camtasia, albeit arguably (it’s hard to pick a clear winner between these two). ScreenFlow is another paid offering that brings professional-level screen recording and video editing to the table. What I particularly like about ScreenFlow is its user-friendliness over Camtasia, where the latter has a significant learning curve. ScreenFlow offers a similar set of powerful features but in a less complicated interface. It’s also aesthetically more pleasing, but that can be a subjective thing.

Some of the unique niceties of ScreenFlow include the program’s ability to record video not just from your Mac’s screen, but also from a connected iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, as long as they come with a lightning connector. It, too, can import video and audio from external webcams and microphones, and offers the highest bitrate for recording a retina display (30fps). We tested the output on a 2013 Macbook Pro, and it looked as gorgeous as the original display. ScreenFlow also has multi-track timeline and provides visual manipulation of elements. Another unique feature for this program is Motion control, which basically lets you zoom into a part of the screen where an action of interest is taking place, and then seamlessly moving back to the whole view.

Developer — Telestream

Compatibility — OS X 10.10 or later (iOS 8.0 or later for iOS recording)

Availability — ScreenFlow (starts at $99)

3. Snapz Pro X

This is the kind of software that you pick when you have a specific need, and you really want to address that. Take training videos and tutorials for instance. Snapz Pro X is especially optimized for those, allowing you to capture a specific region of your screen via a resizable drag box. This program offers a really straightforward interface (which could definitely use a major overhaul, by the way) with minimal learning curve. It’s not bloated, which means you only get features that are most relevant and matter most for the task at hand, instead of being a massively-powerful video editor. An interesting offering in Snapz is “live preview”, which allows you to see beforehand what region will be captured in the video, with pixel perfection.

Snapz Pro X is also a paid software that comes in cheaper than both Camtasia and ScreenFlow, but isn’t as feature rich. There’s a trial version that you can continue to use for as long as you like, albeit with a permanent watermark that will be placed on your recordings after the first 15 days.

Developer — Ambrosia Software

Compatibility — OS X 10.8 or later

Availability — Snapz Pro X ($69)

4. Snagit

Coming from the same developers that bring us the excellent Camtasia, Snagit is another screen capture tool that you aim for when you don’t need the professional-level tools that Camtasia offers, yet you want the same level of reliability. The focus of Snagit is on annotation of your screen captures – both in stills and video formats. Akin to Camtasia, this program, too, allows importing mobile video and images via Fuse, and offers extensive sharing options, including the ability to export projects directly into Camtasia. Snagit doesn’t offer as extensive effects and timeline controls as Camtasia, but you’ll find the offering is enough in most cases. It also comes with a unique “scrolling capture” mode that will take snapshots of, say, long web pages, for easy sharing.

Snagit comes in cheaper than Camtasia, and is a reliable offering if you’re willing to dish out some dough.

Developer — TechSmith

Compatibility — OS X 10.9 or later

Availability — Snagit ($49.95) (Also available for Windows and Chrome OS, offers free trial)

5. Screencast-o-Matic

This is probably the most interesting and unique product on this entire list. Why, you ask? Because Screencast-o-Matic is an online screen recorder that you can use without much hassle. This is also the first tool on this list that qualifies as freemium, where it has a free version that you can use to your leisure as much as you wish, while additional features will cost you money. Screencast-o-Matic works by installing a “launcher” on your system, while recording sessions are initiated through the website. Think of it as using a conferencing tool like GoToMeeting – the same concept is at work here, too.

Free version of Screencast-o-Matic allows up to 15 minutes of screen recording in 720p video alongside webcam and mic input, and easy publishing. Pro version, which is a mere $15/year, not only removes all these limitations, but also introduces a plethora of new features like realtime editing, recording system audio, editing videos post shooting etc.

Developer — Screencast-o-Matic

Compatibility — Various – online

Availability — Screencast-o-Matic (Free) (Paid subscription for $15/year)

6. VLC

You might be surprised to find VLC here – after all, it’s merely a video player, no? Actually, VLC has a screen capture option that will be quite sufficient for most people’s needs, if you’re not looking for anything fancy and quickly need to record a screen action that you want to share with someone else. To access this “hidden” feature, navigate to the File menu and Open Capture Device, where you need to change the source selection to Screen. VLC allows some basic adjustments like which audio input device to capture, what frame rate to use for videos (it offers a decent max of 30fps), and allows following the mouse for easier focus as well, among other parameters. Best of all, VLC is free, so what do you have to lose?

Developer — VideoLan Organization

Compatibility — OS X 10.5 or later

Availability — VLC Media Player (Free)

7. QuickTime

Another surprise! Did you know that OS X’s built-in QuickTime Player can also do screen recording? Well, if you need a no-nonsense solution for your screen recording needs which caps at 15fps, can record microphone audio but not system audio, and doesn’t need your face to be shown in, and doesn’t need you to install anything or spend a single penny, QuickTime is the right answer for you. All you need to do is launch QuickTime and from File menu, Start Screen Recording session. There are hardly any options to configure, so you can be up and running in no time.

While this may seem like a fairly restricted solution, turns out, that’s all most users need. Hence, it’s worth a try. Just don’t use this for recording game videos.

Developer — Apple Inc.

Compatibility — OS X all versions

Availability — Built into OS X

8. QuickCast

Another free utility that is aimed at users that need to capture really quick, short screencasts with a maximum of up to 5 minutes. QuickCast is basically a menu bar app that just sits there, ready to spring into action at one click. It also allows both external mic and webcam capture, has two options for 3-minute and 5-minute recordings, and can either capture the entire screen or custom region, as you choose.

Developer — Reissued

Compatibility — OS X 10.8 or later, 64-bit processor

Availability — QuickCast on Mac App Store (Free)

9. Monosnap

Another free Menu bar app that packs quite a punch when it comes to just recording your screen without it being too fancy. One of the most unique features of Monosnap, other than it being available for a number of platforms, is that is records your screen in 60fps for an ultra-smooth playback even in the most demanding scenarios. Monosnap, too, can record both webcam video and microphone audio. There is a way to record system audio as well, should needed, through a third-party utility, and since Monosnap is free, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

Developer — Farminers Ltd.

Compatibility — OS X 10.8 or later, 64-bit processor

Availability — Monosnap on Mac App Store (Free)

10. OBS

I’ve put OBS at number 10 despite it being an extremely powerful free offering with a plethora of features that you would otherwise find only in paid software. The reason is that OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) has a very steep learning curve with very little tutorials available, which makes it unsuitable for an average user. However, the software is indeed really powerful, and offers powerful recording with all sources imaginable for both audio and video, allows editing, can capture a number of different presets including specific window, region or full screen, allows changing several parameters when recording video, and more. It’s a worthy offering that you should explore if you’re looking for a powerful free solution for your screen capture needs.

Developer — Open Broadcaster Software

Compatibility — OS X 10.8 and later

Availability — OBS (Free) (Versions available for Windows and Linux as well)

SEE ALSO: 10 Best Antivirus Packages For Your Mac

That concludes our top 10 picks for OS X screen recording software. We took care in compiling this list that pretty much all category of users can find something that works for their specific need. Do you have another favorite that we missed? Let us know.

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Free video capture software is very useful for capturing high-quality video that you performed on your device like computer, mobile phone or tablet, and meanwhile you don't want to spend much money on buying a paid recorder. These free video capture software are not limited to only a few features but, you can also perform various activities like editing, record video in a different format and much more. You may wonder how can I find an excellent video capture software right now? Well don't worry. To make a job simple for you, here are 10 best free video capture software list and comparison table that will help you in your daily life.

You May Also Like:Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows >>

Comparison Table for the best free video capture software [Quick Look]

Below is a comparison table that can give you some information about the best free video capture software on Windows 10/7/8, Mac and Linux, which listed some key factors for a screen recorder or video capture software such as the ability to customize the screen that you need to record, the quality that you can record, as well as the ability to record dual devices such as webcam and screen together. Besides that, we also pointed out the video editing features and audio recording and editing features that you should consider as well when choosing the video capture software for your Windows, Mac or Linux computer.

Part 1: Best free video capture software for Windows 10

The video capture software listed are for Windows 10, but some of them can also be used on Windows 7 and Windows 8, such as Filmora Scrn and CamStudio. If you are looking for some more video capture software for your windows computer, you can also check our picks of Best Screen Recorders for Windows >>

1.Filmora Scrn

Filmora scrn is a perfect solution in Windows 10/7/8 for recording fast-paced game, live streaming, webinar and videos from 15 to 120 frame per second. This is an excellent video recording software that works amazingly for those who want to create reviews and tutorials.

Features:

• Changeable Cursor: One can use this feature to manage the size, shape and cursor color to make it stand out.
• Two Devices: It is a very powerful tool which has the ability to do video capture from webcam and computer at the same time.
• 15 to 120 Frame per Second: This is a perfect screen capture software for heavy games from 15 FPS to 120 FPS.
• The Picture in Picture Mode (PIP): You can use the picture in picture mode to add additional image or video into the main footage.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 screen recording + video editing software: By using this powerful screen recorder, you can record and edit the video footage, or import images, videos, music etc. with more than 50 file formats. The editing features like noise reduction, speed changing, cut, delete, audio detaching, PIP blending modes will help you make a more creative video.
• Multiple Export Options: It has an ability to export video of most popular formats like MP4, MOV, GIF, and MP3 too. You can also upload the recorded or edited video to social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Vimeo.

Price: Freemium

2.Free Screen Video Recorder

Free Screen Video recorder is one video capture software that is good and useful too in Windows 10. It is powered by various latest techniques which help you share your high-quality tutorials with fans or subscribers.

Screen Recorder For Mac Os X

Features:

• Easy: By using this video recording software you can easily capture screen objects like the menu and much more.
• Automatic Startup: This tool will automatically launch when you start your computer. If you don’t want this, you can disable it through settings.

Pros:

• You can record screen object in MP4 format and share it on social media and other channels.
• By using such software, you can easily resize crops and rotate the video with one click process.

Cons:

• You are not able to change the skin or theme of this screen recorder application like other free video capture.

Price: FREE

3.Windows 10 Game Bar

Windows 10 comes with various features to make your life easier and convenient. Built-in screen recorder is one of them. By using this built-in feature users don't need to install a third-party application. Though this free screen recorder is designed for Xbox, you also can use it to capture any activity on your screen.

Features:

• Game Clip Recorder: Windows video capture for free is equipped with modern technologies, which allow us to record any type of heavy games with one click technique.

Pros:

• This tool is very easy to handle, and any non-professional can easily use this tool.
• Another great feature for screen capture is that you can record the object on the screen in the background.

Cons:

• It doesn’t record the cursor while you are capturing screen objects, so it might be a liitle bit annoying when you want to stand your cursor out.

Price: FREE

4.CamStudio

This video recording software is developed by Rendersoft. CamStudio is one of the best free video captures to record screen objects and create them in AVI format. This piece of software consists of various powerful features, which make your life easier. It offers a variety of features like high definition screen recording, video compression and much more.

Features:

• Easy-to-use: With its simple and compact interface, CamStudio can help you record and creat videos like a pro.

Pros:

• You can download it for free form their official website.
• It is very easy to use. Any layman can easily use this recorder without any problem.

Cons:

• CamStudio is currently only available for Windows operating system.
• There is no editing feature in this application.

Price: FREE

Part 2: 3 Best free video capture for Mac

1.QuickTime

QuickTime media player is another free video capture we want to recommed. This application consists of the clean user interface to help beginners easily record whatever they want. Apart from that, users can also record camera, the screen of you iPhone and audio from your computer or microphone. There is no doubt that QuickTime is the best free software on Mac when we are talking about campability.

Features:

• Editing Tools: QuickTime supports basic editing tools like trim, split, cut and flip, etc.

Pros:

• Once you record your screen, then you can convert it in many different formats like WMV, AVI, MKV and much more.
• Subtitle is another best feature of QuickTime. You can enable this feature under the view menu.

Cons:

• You have to install an additional codec to play video formats like AVI, WMV, MKV, and others.

Price: FREE

2.Monosnap

Monosnap is one of the best free video capture for Mac. Whether capturing screenshots and drawing on it or sharing files and recording videos, Monosnap allows you all. The features of Monosnap include

Features:

• Capture entire window or a part of it or the selected part
• Hotkeys customization is possible with Monosnap
• Screencasts recording
• Private info blurring
• 8x Magnifier for perfecting your crop area pixel
• Use of shapes, arrows, pens, and texts
• Free cloud storage space
• One click screenshot share
• This best free video capture for Mac lets you drop and drag files from the editor

Pros:

• You can save your work to your computer directly in this free video capture software.
• You can combine multiple screeshots in this video grabber at the top editing panel.

Cons:

• Sometimes, it will crash and then your recording will disappear.

3.Jing

Do you wish to explain things easily with screenshot captures? Jing lets you capture videos easily at any point of time. This best free video capture for Mac enables you to create visual elements and share it easily.

Features:

• Easy and simple interface
• Jing has side menu bar and can be called up anytime
• Crosshair capture on the focus area is a must to record screen
• Double click thumbnails that are the recent captures featured in the history
• Jing created content can be organized and shared with our online video and image hosting service

Pros:

• This video grabber software will provide step by step guide on how to capture video.
• It is organized by TechSmith, so you can integrate it with Screencast. So convenient.

Cons:

• If you just want to have a lightweight video grabber, you may want to give it a second thought.

Part 3: Best open source video capture software for Linux

1.VLC

VLC is an open source free media player application, so it can be used on both Linux, Windows and Mac operating system. It allows you to play music and video of any format including WMA, AAC, AIF, MP3 and much more on your computer. Unlike other media players, you can use this as free screen video capture software. This media player is one of the best media players available on the Internet with the built-in screen recording features.

Features:

• Simple and Clean User Interface: VLC media player is clean in the interface; any layman can easily use such video recorder free without consulting any professional.
• Codec: Unlike other media players, you can play video of any codec with no need to install that codec extension on the player.
• Platforms: VLC media player is available for almost every popular operating system. you download it from their official website for your computers as well as a smart phone running on Android or iOS operating system.

Pros:

• This Media player has inbuilt screen video recorder feature which allows you to record high-quality video that you performed on your computer.
• VLC media player offers various alluring customized skins developed by their expert community members. You just need to download the extension of skin and install it.

Cons:

• Built-in screen recorder of VLC media player only captures data playing on VLC media player application like music or video with audio.

Price: FREE

2.OBS

OBS also known as Open Broadcaster Software is another powerful open source video capture free product. It is a streaming program, you can use this program to broadcast a live stream on Twitch, YouTube, etc. One can also use this as a pretty good screen recording program which works great for gamers to share their gameplay with their subscribers.

Features:

• Platforms: OBS is available for computers running on Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system.
• Audio Mixing: This video recorder is equipped with noise cancellation technology. By using this technology you can filter the audio such as noise gate.

Pros:

• Once you record your screen data in a video then you can filter the video by adding image masking, color correction and much more.
• This screen recorder has various interface features. You can apply multiple themes to the application like night mode, day mode and much more as per your needs.

Free Screen Recorder For Mac

Cons:

• OBS doesn’t provide the Internet access to the builds. Open source software is only allowed in its repositories.

Price: FREE

Part 4: Best plugin video capture

Besides the regular video capture software that you need to install on your Windows, Mac or Linux computer, we have also found some plugins or extensions that you can use to capture the video. Here we recommend the following video capture

1.Loom

Loom is a free screen recorder Google Chrome plugin and Extension mainly popular among YouTubers and bloggers. It allows you to edit, resize and convert the video. It is equipped with modern techniques which make your experience more enjoyable.

Features:

Good Free Screen Recorder For Mac

• Setup: Various capture settings to help you record your cam, current tab or full screen.

Pros:

• You can download loom screen recorder at free of cost from their official website.
• One doesn't have to open loom application every time, just simply install the plug-in on a web browser and then launch.

Cons:

• Loom Screen recorder doesn’t have a feature to convert video into various format.

Price: FREE

Conclusion

The demand for screen capture application is rapidly increasing. Most of the people love to share the video on social media network and platform. Free video capture software allow the blogger to share their tutorial video on the Internet without spending a single penny. So, without any hesitation, just pick up one recorder to enjoy your recording journey.

Easy-to-use and powerful video editor for all creators.

Best Free Screen Recorder For Mac 2017

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Best Screen Recorder For Mac

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