There are several reasons to record your screen, whether you are using a Windows PC, Mac, phone or tablet. You could, for example, make a tutorial video for YouTube or prepare an animated presentation for work.

There are many free software to record your computer or smartphone screen. And if you didn't know, Windows already has its own built-in recording tool. Finally, most web browsers allow you to record the window being opened, without downloading or installing third-party programs.

Once your recording is done, whichever method you use, you still have the option of sharing the recording as is, or making some adjustments using a free video editor. Like cutting some footage, adding subtitles or recording a voiceover.

How to record your screen in Windows?

It is well hidden but Windows 10 has its own built-in screen recorder, intended for recording your games. To find it, open the pre-installed Xbox app (type Xbox in the search box), then press [Windows] + [G] on your keyboard and click "Yes, this is a game".

Click "Start Recording" or press [Windows]+[Alt]+[R] to start, then use the same shortcut when you're done. Recorded videos will be saved in your Videos/Recordings folder in MP4 format.

To configure recorder settings, sign into the Xbox app and go to Game DVR options. You cannot choose a different destination folder for recordings, but you can select the quality level required, decide whether or not to record audio, and set a maximum video length.

Unfortunately, not all Windows 10 devices are capable of recording footage with Xbox Game Bar. To use it, you'll need a video card that supports one of the following encoders:

How to record your screen on a Mac?

Recording a Mac screen is easier. If you are using macOS Catalina or Mojave, just press the shortcut Shift + Shift + ⌘ + 5 and all the commands to record videos and still images from your desktop will appear. You can record the whole screen, a specific section or window, then crop, save or share the resulting footage.

If you are using an older version of macOS, you can record the screen using Quicktime Player. Just open the app (which is installed by default).

How to record your screen on an Android smartphone or tablet?

Android 10 includes its own screen recorder, which can be found by opening the "Settings" menu and selecting "About phone". Tap the build number seven times, then enter your unlock information when prompted. This will put the phone into developer mode, allowing you to test out features that aren't fully finished yet.

Go back to system settings, click on “Developer options” and select “Feature flags”. Find the line “settings_screenrecord_long_press” and activate the option. You can now record your screen at any time by pressing the power button to bring up the power options menu, then holding the screenshot button until the recording options appear.

If you're using Android Pie or older, you'll need a third-party screen recorder available on the Google Play Store. These apps are very popular, so there's no shortage of low-quality or outright malicious ones.

If you want to record gameplay footage, Google Play Games has a built-in screen recorder that will start capturing footage automatically when you launch a game. For anything else, we recommend AZ Screen Recorder. It's simple to use and packed with handy features. The free version is excellent, but additional options are available for a small fee.

How to record your screen on iPhone or iPad?

Recording the screen on an iPhone or iPad is just as easy. Tap "Settings," then "Control Center" and "Customize Controls," then tap the green + icon next to "Screen Recording."

Load the app you want to record, then swipe up from the bottom (or top down if you're using an iPhone X or iPad with iOS 12 or iPadOS). Press the "Record" button and a three second countdown will begin. Once finished, recording begins.

To end the recording, press the time indicator at the top left of the screen and then "Stop". Keep in mind that any notifications you receive during the session are also logged.