RecBeamPart of Chrome screen recorder
Chrome has no built-in recorder on Windows or Mac. Use your operating system's recorder, or a Chrome extension such as RecBeam that records a tab, window or screen and gives you a share link.
Which method should you use?
All three routes produce a video file or a link. The right one depends on how long the recording is and what you want to do next.
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in recorder (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | A quick clip you will save as a file | No share link. You upload the file somewhere yourself. |
| Chrome extension such as RecBeam | Explaining something and sharing it as a link | Records what Chrome's picker can see. Needs a one-time install. |
Method 1: the built-in recorder on your computer
- Windows: press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar and start a capture, or use the Snipping Tool, which can record video on current versions of Windows 11.
- Mac: press Shift + Command + 5, then choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
- Chromebook: press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows and pick the screen recording option.
These tools save a video file to your computer. That is fine for a personal record, but you still have to upload and share the file yourself.
Method 2: record in Chrome with an extension
A Chrome extension runs from your toolbar, uses Chrome's own screen-capture picker and can upload the recording for you. With RecBeam's screen recorder:
- Install RecBeam from the Download page and sign in with Google.
- Choose Screen only, Screen + Camera or Camera only.
- Select a tab, a window or your whole screen in Chrome's picker.
- Record with the floating controls: pause, resume, mute, or hide your camera.
- Stop. The recording uploads automatically and you get a link to share.
Starter recordings run up to 5 minutes and Business removes the limit. RecBeam records what Chrome's picker can capture, so native desktop apps outside the browser are limited to what that picker supports. The full list of what the extension does is on the Chrome screen recorder page.
How to record audio
There are three different kinds of sound, and each is switched on in a different place.
- Your voice (microphone). Chrome asks for microphone permission the first time. Allow it, and mute or unmute from the recorder's controls.
- Tab audio. When you share a single tab, tick Also share tab audio in Chrome's picker. This captures the sound the tab plays, such as a video or a call.
- System audio. On Windows, sharing your entire screen offers an Also share system audio option. On macOS, Chrome does not offer system audio for screen or window sharing, so tab audio is the reliable choice there.
No sound in your recording? Check these in order
- Did you tick the share-audio checkbox in Chrome's picker before pressing Share? It cannot be added afterwards.
- Is the microphone allowed? Click the lock icon next to the address bar, open Site settings and set Microphone to Allow.
- Is the recorder muted? Look for the mute button in the floating controls.
- Is the right input device selected in your operating system's sound settings?
- Record a 5-second test and play it back before the real take.
Tips for a clearer recording
- Record a single tab or window instead of the full screen. It keeps notifications and unrelated windows out of the video.
- Close chat apps and turn on Do Not Disturb before you start.
- Say what you are about to do before you do it. Viewers follow a recording much more easily when it is narrated.
- Keep it short. One recording per question or task is easier to watch and to share.
What to do with the recording
Share the link RecBeam gives you, or download the file. Chrome-based recorders commonly save WebM files; if you need an MP4 for an editor or a phone, convert it free in your browser with the WebM to MP4 converter (see WebM vs MP4 for when it matters). A long take can be shortened with the free video trimmer, and a short clip can become a GIF with MP4 to GIF.
Recording to report a problem? Read how to write a bug report so the recording comes with everything a developer needs.
Questions
Does Chrome have a built-in screen recorder?
Not on Windows or Mac. Chromebooks include a Screen capture tool (press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows). On other systems you use the operating system's recorder or a Chrome extension.
Can I record just one browser tab?
Yes. Chrome's share picker lets you choose a single tab, one window or your entire screen. Recording a tab is the easiest way to get clean tab audio.
Is it free to screen record in Chrome?
The built-in recorders are free. RecBeam has a free Starter plan with recordings up to 5 minutes; the Business plan removes the limit. See the pricing page.
Can I show my camera while I record?
Yes. In RecBeam you can choose Screen only, Screen + Camera or Camera only, and hide or show the camera bubble from the floating controls.