If you want to record your screen for a presentation, tutorial, or demonstration, you might be wondering how to get a small file size without compromising the quality. A large file size can make it difficult to share, upload, or edit your screencast.
In this article, you will learn some tips and tricks to reduce the file size of your screen recording, as well as some tools you can use to make the process easier.
Table of Contents
What Affects the File Size of Screen Recording?
There are several factors that affect the file size of a screen recording, such as:
- Resolution: This is the number of pixels that make up the image on your screen. A higher resolution means more detail and clarity, but also a larger file size. For example, a 1920×1080 resolution (also known as Full HD or 1080p) has more than twice as many pixels as a 1280×720 resolution (also known as HD or 720p).
- Frame rate: This is the number of frames (or images) that are displayed per second in your video. A higher frame rate means smoother motion and animation, but also a larger file size. For example, a 30 FPS (frames per second) video has twice as many frames as a 15 FPS video.
- Video codec: This is the method of compressing and encoding the video data. A video codec can reduce the file size by removing redundant or unnecessary information, but it can also affect the quality and compatibility of your video. Some common video codecs are AV1, HEVC, H.264, and MPEG-4.
- Video quality: This is the level of detail and sharpness that is preserved in your video after compression. A higher video quality means less compression artifacts and distortion, but also a larger file size. Video quality is usually measured by a bitrate (the amount of data per second) or a quality value (a percentage or a scale).
How to Reduce File Size of Screen Recording?
To reduce the file size of a screen recording, you can adjust the settings of the above factors according to your needs and preferences. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Resolution: Choose a lower resolution that still meets your requirements. For example, if you are recording a web page or a document, you might not need a Full HD resolution. You can also crop or resize your video to remove unnecessary parts of the screen.
- Frame rate: Choose a lower frame rate that still provides a smooth playback. For example, if you are recording a static or slow-moving content, you might not need a 30 FPS or higher. You can also use a variable frame rate that adapts to the motion in your video.
- Video codec: Choose a high-compression video codec that still maintains a good quality and compatibility. For example, AV1, HEVC, and H.264 are more efficient and widely supported than MPEG-4 or other older codecs. You can also use a hardware-accelerated encoder that uses your GPU (graphics card) to speed up the encoding process.
- Video quality: Choose a lower video quality that still provides a clear and crisp image. For example, you can reduce the bitrate or the quality value of your video until you notice a noticeable degradation. You can also use a constant quality mode that adjusts the bitrate according to the complexity of your video.
What Tools Can Use to Record Screen with Smaller File Size?
There are many tools that you can use to record your screen with a small file size, depending on your operating system, budget, and features. Here are some examples of popular and reliable tools:
- QuickTime Player: This is a free and built-in tool for Mac users that allows you to record your screen, webcam, and audio with various options. You can choose the resolution, frame rate, quality, and codec of your video, as well as show mouse clicks and trim your video. To use QuickTime Player, open the app, choose File > New Screen Recording, and click the Record button.
- Bandicam: This is a paid and powerful tool for Windows users that allows you to record your screen, webcam, game, and audio with various options. You can choose the resolution, frame rate, quality, and codec of your video, as well as draw, zoom, add a logo, and edit your video. Bandicam is popular because it can record high-quality videos with a small file size. To use Bandicam, download and install the app, choose the Screen Recording mode, and click the REC button.
- FlexClip: This is a free and online tool for any users that allows you to record your screen, webcam, and audio with various options. You can choose the resolution, region, and audio source of your video, as well as download and edit your video with a built-in video editor. FlexClip is convenient because it does not require any installation or registration. To use FlexClip, visit the website, choose the Screen Recorder tool, and click the Start Recording button.
Recording your screen with a small file size is possible and easy with the right settings and tools. By adjusting the resolution, frame rate, codec, and quality of your video, you can reduce the file size without compromising the quality. By using tools like QuickTime Player, Bandicam, or FlexClip, you can record your screen with various options and features. Try them out and see which one works best for you.