Screencasting

Screencasting is recording your computer screen. It could be a software or game demo, a guide to a website or a how-to video. Screencasts usually involve some sort of a voiceover, which can be added during the recording or later on in the editing or post-production process.

There are different types of software available for screencasting: some free and simple, some paid and more complex.
 
We‘ve found that a great place to start is with Screencast-o- matic. There’s a free version available on their website, and if you can’t or don’t want to install it on your computer, they have a version that works right from the browser (choose version 1.0). 

1. The first step is to go through your script and prepare all of the content that you want to record - this could mean loading websites into multiple tabs, loading software, or creating content to show.

2. When everything is prepared, go to the Screencast-o-matic website , and click on “Start Recording.” If it is your first time using the program on a particular computer, you will be prompted to download the launcher.
You may also be prompted by your browser to allow Java to run, or to allow plugins to run. Click “Run” or “Allow” as needed. 

3. Adjust the settings to suit your project:
●	Select the area you want to record. You can select full screen or one of the settings from the dropdown menu (720p is a good one to use).
●	You are able to resize the recording area by clicking and dragging on the corners of the dotted rectangle, but try to match it to the widescreen ratio found on most modern displays.
●	Now you need to hide anything that your viewers don’t need to see - Facebook tabs, chat windows, cat pictures - you know, that sort of thing. 
●	Try to make the most  of your screen space - use Ctrl + and Ctrl - on a browser window to increase or decrease the font size, or go full screen by hitting  F11.
●	Lastly, you’ll need to select your microphone from the dropdown menu, and check your levels.

4. Now you’re ready to record: 
●	Make sure the microphone isn’t touching your lips and try and, drop it just below the mouth so it doesn’t distort when you make a “p” or “b” sound. 
●	It’s easy for your voice to sound flat during a screencast, so remember to smile and be as enthusiastic as possible while recording your narration.
●	Get your script ready, hit the red record button and wait for the countdown on the screen. If you are editing the screencast in with other footage, remember to count yourself in first. Say “five, four, three…” out loud and be silent for the two and one, before you begin your voiceover. 
●	To pause recording click on the pause symbol: 
●	Click “Rec” to carry on recording or click “Done” if you have finished recording.

5. A window will pop up with your recording, you can play it back from this window if you want to check your audio level or listen for mistakes. If you are happy with the recording click on “Save as Video File.”

6. Select MP4 and an appropriate HD setting for your video - either 1280x720 or 1920x1080, and save the recording to your project folder. You can choose to see your mouse cursor in the final video.

Remember that with video files, it is rarely an instant save, so don’t be alarmed if it takes a minute or two for your file to save.

If you are new to screencasting, it might take a few attempts to get it to sound just the way you want it, but don’t worry, we’ve posted some instructions and quick tips on our website.