How to Record High-Quality Screen Videos for Free with ScreenPal | Step-by-Step Guide

Standard SOP for Captivate UX Clients

Creating high-quality screen recordings is essential for producing compelling evaluation and onboarding videos. At Captivate UX, we’ve developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for using ScreenPal to ensure that your recordings are clear, professional, and ready for us to transform into powerful video content.

Why ScreenPal is the Best Free Screen Recorder

ScreenPal stands out as the best free screen recorder on the market for several reasons. Unlike many other free tools, ScreenPal offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to start recording high-quality videos with minimal setup. Whether you're capturing a full-screen tutorial or just a portion of your screen, ScreenPal provides flexibility and control over your recording area, ensuring that your videos are always clear and focused.

Additionally, ScreenPal allows you to save recordings directly to your device in high resolution, giving you the freedom to edit and share your content without any watermarks or restrictions. With features like cursor highlighting, adjustable recording windows, and seamless integration with Google Drive for easy sharing, ScreenPal offers a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of both beginners and professionals alike. If you're looking for a reliable, powerful, and free screen recording tool, ScreenPal is the ideal choice.

Step 1: Download and Install ScreenPal

1. Visit the ScreenPal Website: Go to screenpal.com and download the screen recorder app for your operating system.

2. Install the App: Follow the installation instructions for your device.

3. Launch ScreenPal: Open the app once it’s installed and sign in or create an account.

Step 2: Prepare Your Screen Recording

1. Set the Recording Area:

   • Open the application or website you’ll be recording.

   • Use ScreenPal’s drag-and-drop tool to select the portion of the screen you want to record. We recommend recording in a large window size with some margin to ensure clarity.

   • Tip: Make sure to include some empty space around the edges of your recording area to allow for framing during editing.

2. Follow Your Bullet Points/Wishlist:

   • Prepare a list of features or actions you want to highlight during the recording.

   • Narrate Your Actions: As you record, speak aloud what you’re doing and why, as if you’re explaining it to a new user. This helps make the final video more engaging and informative.

3. Optimize the Recording Settings:

   • Canvas Size: Set the canvas size to a high resolution (e.g., 1080p or higher) to ensure the final video is crisp and clear.

   • Remove Cursor Halo: Disable the halo effect around the cursor if it’s turned on. This can be distracting and isn’t necessary for professional recordings.

Step 3: Record Your Screen

1. Start Recording:

   • Press the record button in ScreenPal to begin.

   • Follow your prepared script or bullet points, and be sure to narrate your actions clearly.

   • Tip: If you make a mistake, pause and then resume where you left off. You can edit out the mistakes later.

2. Review the Recording:

   • Once you’ve finished, review the recording to ensure it captures everything you intended.

   • If you’re satisfied, proceed to the next step. If not, you can re-record the segment or make necessary adjustments.

Step 4: Exporting Your Video

1. Set Export Settings:

   • Choose the “Save as Video File” option in ScreenPal.

   • Format: Select MP4 as the format for compatibility and quality.

   • Resolution: Ensure the resolution is set to the same as your recording canvas (1080p or higher).

   • Quality: Set the video quality to “High” for the best results.

2. Export the Video:

   • Click “Save” to export your video.

   • Choose a destination on your computer where you can easily find the file.

Bonus: Sharing Your Recording via Google Drive

1. Upload to Google Drive:

   • Go to drive.google.com and sign in.

   • Drag and drop your video file into the Google Drive window to upload it.

2. Share the Video:

   • Once the upload is complete, right-click on the video file and select “Share.”

   • Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share the video with, or create a shareable link.

   • Set the permissions to “Viewer” to allow others to watch the video without making changes.

Final Tips

• Test Your Setup: Before recording your final video, do a test run to ensure everything looks and sounds as expected.

• Keep It Simple: Focus on the most important features and actions. Too much information can overwhelm the viewer.

• Stay Organized: Keep all your recordings and related files in a dedicated folder for easy access during editing.

By following this SOP, you’ll be able to create high-quality screen recordings that Captivate UX can turn into engaging and effective evaluation videos. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team.