Start recording with RecBeam for Chrome
A screen recorder and screenshot tool built for fast, clear explanations — record, upload automatically, and share a link.
Starter is free. No credit card required.
Product summary
RecBeam records your screen, a browser tab, or your camera — with microphone and tab audio — then uploads automatically to your RecBeam account so you can share it with a private, unlisted link. It also captures and annotates screenshots. See the full feature list and plans.
Chrome compatibility
RecBeam is built for Google Chrome (desktop) and other Chromium-based browsers that support Chrome extensions, Manifest V3, and the Document Picture-in-Picture API (Chrome 116 or later recommended for the floating recording controls).
Current version
Release candidate: v1.9.1.
Current availability
RecBeam is currently in private testing and is not yet listed on the Chrome Web Store. Access is limited to trusted testers while we complete final QA. If you'd like to be considered for private testing, or want to be notified at public launch, contact us.
Private-testing installation steps
- Sign in to Chrome with the Google account you were approved for testing with.
- Extract the RecBeam folder you were given to a permanent location on your computer.
- Go to
chrome://extensionsin your address bar. - Turn on Developer mode using the toggle in the top-right corner.
- Click Load unpacked and select the extracted RecBeam folder.
- Confirm the RecBeam icon appears in your Chrome toolbar (pin it via the puzzle-piece menu).
- Click the RecBeam icon, sign in with Google, and start recording.
RecBeam is not distributed as a public source-code download, and the project's repository is not publicly accessible.
Permissions RecBeam requests
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Active Tab | Only for "Capture this tab" — a single, temporary capture of the tab you're currently viewing. |
| Storage | Saves your preferences, sign-in session, and local recovery data inside your Chrome profile. |
| Identity | Powers Google Sign-In, so recordings are tied to your own RecBeam account. |
| Clipboard write | Used only when you choose "Copy link" or "Copy image." |
| api.recbeam.com | The only host RecBeam talks to — used to sign in, upload, and manage your library. |
RecBeam requests no broad host permissions, no <all_urls> access, and uses no content scripts. See our Privacy Policy for full detail.
System requirements
- Google Chrome or a Chromium-based browser, recent version
- A Google account for sign-in
- An internet connection for upload and sharing
Need help?
Visit our Support page or contact us if you run into any installation issues.
Frequently asked questions
Is RecBeam free to install?
Yes. Installing RecBeam and using the Starter plan costs nothing and requires no credit card.
What browsers does RecBeam support?
RecBeam is built for Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers that support Manifest V3 extensions. Document Picture-in-Picture (used for the floating recording dock) needs Chrome 116 or later.
Can I download the source code?
No. RecBeam is distributed as an installable extension, not as a public source download.
When will RecBeam be on the Chrome Web Store?
RecBeam is currently in private testing while we finish quality assurance ahead of a public listing. Contact us if you'd like to be considered for early access.
What permissions does RecBeam need?
Active Tab (for one-click screenshot capture), Storage (preferences and session), Identity (Google Sign-In) and Clipboard Write (copy links/images), plus access to RecBeam's own API at api.recbeam.com. See our permissions explanation below.