The easiest way to save information from the Desktop from an application is to take a screenshot. The scope of screenshots is much wider than it might seem at first glance: these are all kinds of instructions, documentation, notes on the site, prompt assistance to colleagues and friends, reports.

To take a full-screen screenshot (i.e., place it on the clipboard), use the key Print Screen, the Alt+Print Screen combination is used to capture the active application window. The intermediate image can later be easily transferred to graphics editor and save it in one of the available formats.

Despite all the seemingly convenience of this step-by-step method, its drawbacks are obvious - especially if the user needs to not only fix the screen, but also format the file properly: add annotations, cut a fragment, change the scale.

To solve such problems, screen capture programs are used. There are two main advantages: speed and ease of use. Programs, as a rule, combine screen capture tools and a graphic editor for processing screenshots.

The first part of the guide will cover the following applications:

• FastStone Capture
• HyperSnap
• Snagit
• LightShot
• Screen Capture
• Greenshot

It is worth noting that some review participants optionally allow you to record audio and video, but this topic will be covered in the second part of the guide. Here attention will be focused on the specified components of each of the programs:

• Screen capture: region selection, screenshot modes
• Interface: ease of access to functions, customization of the manager to suit the user's needs
• Editor: main features, available tools, file saving formats, export
• Integration with programs and services.

Scissors program

Before starting the review, you need to briefly list the functions of the Snipping Tool program, which is included in Windows Vista and newest versions Microsoft OS.

Screen capture is possible in one of the modes: “free-form”, “rectangle”, “window” and “full screen”. To select a region, it is convenient to use the Ctrl+PrtScrn key combination. The image is transferred to the Markup window, and tools such as a pen, marker and eraser are available here - similar to the Paint editor. It’s easy to add (more precisely, add) a note to the image, and in the case of HTML, indicate the URL of the saved page. At the final stage, the screenshot can be saved in one of the formats (PNG, GIF or JPEG) and sent via e-mail.

Thus, Windows has a certain basic set for taking screenshots. Unfortunately, batch processing and even simple editing are practically impossible. At a minimum, you can't crop an image or enter a comment in Scissors. All of this is additional evidence for alternative solutions.

FastStone Capture

FastStone Capture is a program for creating screenshots of individual applications, regions, objects, pages. Built-in tools allow you to add effects, annotations, and change image parameters. Saving files is possible in BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, TGA, TIFF and PDF. Video recording in WMV format is also supported.

Basic capture-related tools are available in Farstone's Capture Panel. Here you can choose from the following modes: active window, window or object, region, free region, Full Screen, fixed or scrollable region. The Autocaption option allows you to automatically add system information and the date to the image. In the adjacent Destination settings group, you can specify where the image will be sent: to the editor, clipboard, email, office applications And so on.

Basic settings are located in the Settings section. It is useful to familiarize yourself with them before actually shooting. Additional buttons can be added through the Toolbar section; capture settings are concentrated in Capture. Hotkeys are defined in the Hotkeys tab. The file name is compiled using a mask, which can be specified in the File Name section.

By default, the screenshot is transferred to the editor window. Using the available tools, you can add a signature, a watermark to the image, crop it, rotate the screenshot, apply smoothing or sharpening effects. For drawing, use the built-in FastStone Draw editor, which opens in a new window. This organization in FastStone Capture cannot be called a convenient solution: when working with several images, you have to constantly switch between windows.

The File menu contains commands for saving and sending the image directly to Word applications, Excel, PowerPoint, via FTP. For each of the graphic formats, settings are provided.

The second important component of FastStone Capture, which comes in the bargain, is video capture. However, the program is not so remarkable as a video camera, offering a modest set of options and the only possible saving format - WMV. General settings programs are not relevant for video recording; they are assigned to the Miscellaneous tab, plus the Options section, accessible through the Screen Recorder window. There are four recording modes: window or object, area, full-screen format and full-screen without Taskbar.

Summary

FastStone Capture is handy when capturing screens, not least thanks to its shooting modes. The editing capabilities also pleased me - the graphic editor contains the necessary tools. There are many settings that allow you to flexibly customize FastStone Capture to suit your own tasks.

[+] Save and export functions
[+] Wide range of shooting modes
[+] Additional tools
[−] Inconvenient window organization

HyperSnap

HyperSnap - a program with more than ten years of experience - is used for a wide range of purposes: to capture screenshots (windows, individual regions), text ( dialog boxes, pages), video recordings. Allows you to comment, edit images using an editor, and save them in one of the many available formats.

Unlike FarStone, all HyperSnap modules are collected in a single window, and the tools are distributed across tabs and accessible through a ribbon. An additional advantage of this solution is that you can work with several images at the same time, switching between windows or thumbnails. In general, thanks to the View menu section, the interface lends itself to careful customization, and this compensates for some of the “archaic” nature of the program.

Actually, to capture the screen you need to go to the Capture tab. There are more options than in FastStone Capture or any other program mentioned below (with the exception of Snagit). In addition to the most obvious options, it is possible to capture a virtual desktop, multiple monitors, a region and a fully scrolling window, buttons, cursor, etc.

The editor's tools are divided into two tabs - Edit and Image. In Edit you can find drawing tools, including drawing shapes and adding notes. The Image section is designed for image processing: cropping, rotating, applying effects.

Capturing plain and rich text (TextSnap tab) is interesting, but be aware of the limited use of the feature. Developers are no longer developing it - as a result, text capture is impossible in Java, .NET, and native Windows 8 applications.

The final image can be easily sent by email, uploaded via FTP or to the ImageShack service. Transferring a screenshot to applications is not available. Saving files is possible both individually and batch mode. With all the variety of formats (there are more than a dozen), I would like to see a more convenient save dialog, on this moment it is not at all intuitive.

Summary

Hypersnap will satisfy increased requirements for specialized functions and will be the best option for users who are interested in maximum automation of actions and batch work. A suitable solution for testing and debugging software.

[+] Convenient, customizable shell
[+] Variety of shooting modes
[+] Text capture
[−] Outdated interface

Snagit

Snagit is TechSmith's app for capturing images, text, and video from your screen. These functions together are more than enough to use Snagit at work, at home, and for educational purposes.

To capture an image, Snagit uses a convenient hidden widget that can be easily dragged to any area of ​​the screen. First, you should select a shooting profile (image, text or video), optionally a “time-saving profile” and assign hotkeys. By the way, you can create profiles yourself; management is available in “File - Organize Profiles...”. Setting the profile or current shooting mode is done in the capture window.

The available modes are collected in the Capture Type menu, among them - region, window, screen area, several areas at the same time, scanner, camera, and other options.

Having received the screenshot, the user goes to the editor. One thing to note is the library at the bottom of the editor window where all the images are available. It is convenient in its organization: data can be organized not only by directories, but also by tags, and file search is also implemented.

In the Draw section you can add shapes; there are tools for drawing, filling, and marking. The adjacent Image tab contains various operations with the image (crop, rotate, resize, fill, etc.), as well as applying effects.

One of the unique features of Snagit is the creation of “hotspots” - interactive images containing links, pop-ups. There are more than enough options: creating objects, links, choosing highlighting when hovering, color solutions.

In the Share section, you can transfer images to programs or services, and it is easy to increase functionality by downloading the missing integration widgets for Snagit.

Summary

Functional and convenient program with wide export opportunities. It is in this winning combination that Snagit is a leader among paid products.

[+] User-friendly interface
[+] Creating interactive images
[+] Variety of capture methods
[+] Possibilities for organizing a library

LightShot

Of course, not every user will find it necessary to pay for the functionality of a screenshot manager, so it’s worth considering free solutions. Among them, the small LightShot program is worthy of mention, containing basic functions that are at least superior to the standard “Scissors”.

The application is, as they say, “easy to use” - simple and intuitive. Just press the PrtScr key, select the area to capture (only available manual mode) - and the screenshot is available for editing and saving or uploading to image hosting. Thus, the time between intermediate stages of obtaining an image is reduced.

The functionality of the LightShot editor is perhaps too simple for widespread use of the program. There are drawing tools and the ability to add text comments. However, when it comes to working with an image, the lack of commands for changing proportions and effects affects it. It may also seem inconvenient that each image needs to be processed and saved without delay. However, LightShot provides alternative editing - the Pixlr online editor, integrated with prntscr.com. You can publish an image on Prntscr in a couple of clicks. The set of formats for saving is limited to PNG, JPEG, BMP, and there are no quality settings. Pixlr, however, does provide options for JPEG; there is also a PXD storage format, which is practically useless outside the service.

Summary

In many respects, LightShot cannot compete with its paid review participants, but it has two noticeable advantages - speed and freeness. To paraphrase the proverb “a bird in the hand is better than a pie in the sky” - a free application without restrictions is better than a paid one, but with many restrictions.

[+] Good functionality for free version
[+] Integration with online services
[−] Lack of saving options
[−] Limited editor functionality

Screen Capture

Home page: http://www.screencapture.ru/

Another free screenshot manager in Russian. Screen Capture is interesting for some online functions: in particular, you can save a screenshot on the Internet with one click. Other features include capturing an arbitrary area of ​​the screen, editing images and adding comments.

Briefly, working with Screen Capture looks like this: By pressing PrtScrn or using the “Take Screenshot” command, the area to be captured is determined. Next, the screenshot is uploaded to the Internet (by default) and saved on the Desktop or in a specified folder.

The main functions of the application are available through the context menu in the Notification Area. This option is not very convenient: for example, the JPG quality must be selected from a drop-down list, and some options would be optimal in the form of switches.

The replacement for the library in Screen Capture is the “Image History” section, where you can access editing of each of the files in the list. The online editor has a standard set of tools and is easy to use. Theoretically, it would be convenient for mobile devices- for now, however, Screen Capture is only available for Windows.

Summary

Screen Capture is a good free product to consider alongside LightShot. Editing is only available as part of the online functions, but there are more saving options and an image history.

[+] There are saving settings
[−] Inconvenient interface
[−] Editing screenshots is only possible online

Greenshot

Greenshot is a free application for creating screenshots of regions, windows, and web pages. It is possible to process images (including adding highlighting and comments), export to various formats, and publish on the Internet.

The already familiar shooting modes are supported: area, window, full screen capture. However, this is not what is noteworthy about Greenshot, but the clarity of the process itself: along with the highlighting of the selected region, you can see its size.

The graphic editor is simple and at the same time does not contain anything superfluous. Thanks to the available tools, you can add comments, shapes, lines, highlight or blur a certain area of ​​the image, rotate or crop it. However, when editing several screenshots in different windows, it is inconvenient to switch between them. In other words, there are not enough tabs for batch work.

Image formats for saving - PNG, GIF, BMP, JPG, TIFF, Greenshot. Quality settings only apply to JPEG. Additionally, in the program settings, the name template is configured, and the storage location of the files is also indicated here.

Along with saving, it is possible to send a screenshot by e-mail, mail client, in the MSPaint editor, exporting screenshots to office applications is not supported. It is also possible to upload screenshots to Imgur hosting. The resulting link leads directly to the image, unlike prntscr.com, where you have to view advertising from the service page.

Summary

Among the free members mentioned, Greenshot is the most functional product. User-friendly interface, localization, wide selection of saving formats and shooting modes.

[+] Functionality
[+] Image editor
[+] Fast publication on the Internet
[−] Inconvenient implementation of multi-window mode

Pivot table

Program	FastStone Capture	HyperSnap	Snagit	LightShot	Screen Capture	Greenshot
Developer	FastStone Soft	Hyperionics Technology, LLC	TechSmith	Skillbrains	Andryushchenko Artem	Thomas Braun, Jens Klingen, Robin Krom
License	Shareware ($19.95+)	Shareware ($39.95+)	Shareware ($49.95+)	Freeware	Freeware	Freeware
Localization in Russian	−	−	−	+	+	+
Image saving formats	BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, TGA, TIFF, PDF	BMP, GIF, JPEG, TIFF, CMP, CALS, FAX, EPS, GEM, IMG, RAW, PIC, MAC, MSP, BMP, RAS, TGA, WFX, WFM, WPG, PNG, PSD, etc.	SNAG, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, TIF, PDF, SWF	PNG, JPEG, BMP	PNG, JPEG, BMP	PNG, GIF, BMP, JPG, TIFF, Greenshot
Image Editor	+	+	+	+	+	+
Export to third party applications	+	−	+	−	−	+
Capture Modes	Active Window, Window or Object, Region, Free Region, Full Screen, Fixed, Scrolling Region	Window, region, full screen, video, virtual desktop, multiple monitors, region, scrolling window, buttons, cursor, etc.	Region, window, screen area, several regions simultaneously, scanner, camera, etc.	Screen area	Screen area	Capture area, window, full screen
Publishing online	FTP	FTP, ImageShack.us	Screencast.com, FTP	Prntscr.com	Screencapture.ru	Imgur.com
Additional functions	Video recording (WMV)	Firefox extension, text capture	Creating Interactive Images	Extension for Chrome browsers, Firefox, IE and Opera	−	−

The second part of the review examines 6 programs that allow you to capture images from the screen in the form of a video.

01/08/2018

PicPick is one of the best screenshot software. Among the special features, it is worth highlighting the ability to capture the entire screen, the active window, a separate area of ​​the screen, entire web pages (with the ability to scroll), or an arbitrary part of the desktop. In addition to the fact that the program is distributed free of charge for non-commercial use and is available in Russian, it also contains useful features, like a ruler, magnifying glass, slate board, color palette, etc. In the program settings, you can assign hot keys for all necessary actions, specify FTP data for automatic sending screenshots to remote...

16/04/2018

UVScreenCamera – special program for creating demonstration or training videos. The program is great for employees technical support or for users or teachers who run their own computer courses. The program will be especially relevant for those who teach online courses. A distinctive feature of the program is that it can record almost everything that happens on the screen. In addition, UVScreenCamera is capable of recording mouse button symbols (left, right, middle) and keyboard shortcuts. In addition, you can add sound to the resulting video, and it can be...

26/02/2018

Screenshot Captor is a universal program with which you can take screenshots not only from the entire screen, but also from any area, panel or menu. Screenshot Captor allows you to choose the shooting mode yourself. Distinctive feature This program is able to create screenshots simultaneously from several monitors at once, which is very convenient when using a client-server system. Having “selected” the desired area, you can assign it any name, and also add your comment. Screenshot Captor has its own set of hotkeys, which are more convenient to use than slowly clicking on and...

06/07/2017

ShareX is a program that allows you to capture the screen and take screenshots, save images in popular formats, record videos, create GIF animation, make adjustments to the photo or apply watermarks. The application can resize images, add subtitles, borders or shadows, print pictures or copy them to the clipboard, save them in a preferred file type on disk (for example, PNG, JPG), and also upload them to hosting. A nice plus of the application is the ability to simultaneously copy, save on disk and upload to hosting. After the images are uploaded to the photo hosting site, you can...

03/09/2016

IceCream Screen Recorder is an interesting tool for recording video games or movies from the monitor screen. In addition to creating videos, the utility is capable of taking screenshots. Easily captures the entire screen or individual parts. The application is suitable for those who like to record video lessons and their actions in games. To record a video or take a screenshot, just select one of the two available actions, then select the required area and determine its size, copy the specified area and save it to any folder on your computer. It has its own panel with tools for creating drawings, which allows...

30/04/2016

Carambis ScreenShooter is one of the most user-friendly programs that is responsible for quickly and efficiently creating screenshots from computer screens. Moreover, sharing the created picture with another person is very simple with this program - for this the user only needs a couple of clicks and a few seconds. Carambis ScreenShooter is based on the ability to easily take screenshots using hotkeys, as well as the Tray menu, which contains very easy-to-use editing tools, as well as many different ways saving the image. Carambis ScreenShooter has standard editing functions...

20/01/2016

Joxi is a cross-platform tool that allows you to share various screenshots and files on the Internet. A special feature of the program is that there is no need to use any additional elements, such as graphic editors, hosting or archivers. It has the functions of making any adjustments to files, and also promptly publishes them on the network. This happens with just one click from the user. Files created using Joxi tools can be uploaded individually or in groups to a variety of sites. During the download process, you can use the original form...

23/11/2015

Greenshot is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to take snapshots of your entire screen or selected areas. You can also capture individual program windows. The application is lightweight and easy to install. The created images can be exported to any visual graphic editors, or can be modified in the program itself. Greenshot has a built-in graphic editor, in it you can draw arrows, create ellipses, rectangles, crop the image, darken or highlight some areas, and apply inscriptions. The function of importing third-party images into the editor is also available. Image operations are available in the application...

23/10/2015

Floomby is a program that is designed to work with a specific web service. It is equipped with convenient functions for creating and publishing online images of a certain part of the screen - screenshots. This application works using a special system tray design, which allows it to capture an image of the entire display or a specifically designated area. Also, the user is given the opportunity to edit the image created using the program, add various elements with inscriptions or suggested graphic elements to it. Floomby supports various combinations...

04/09/2015

Monosnap is a very useful application that allows you to quickly capture, screen record, and create videos. The utility allows you to take instant pictures using a connected webcam, as well as change them. The installation process goes smoothly without any problems. The program runs directly from the system tray. It also creates a small pop-up window on the desktop. The utility allows you to capture the entire screen or any custom area. For further modification, you can open the resulting image in the built-in editor. The latter allows you to adjust sizes, crop images, and insert any arrows.

15/07/2015

Screen Shooter is convenient, fast program, which helps you take a screenshot of your desktop screen in a few seconds. Using the application, the user can instantly share images with friends. The principle of operation of the utility is simple: you need to launch Screen Shooter, press the F9 key or the “Screenshot” button, select the desired area and a URL link to the screenshot will appear in the clipboard. The screenshot address can be seen in the program line itself, which is very convenient. This link can be sent to anyone on any social network or by email. Like most similar programs, Screen Shooter has drawing tools.

07/07/2015

Screenpresso - easy to use operating room software Windows systems, with which you can instantly take screenshots completely free of charge. Screenpresso takes the best screenshots in just a few seconds by intercepting the Print Screen key. This program Allows you to take pictures that capture windows and areas of the screen and the scrolling part of the screen. It is also possible to change the size of a group of images, edit the resulting image, for example, adding effects, and it is also possible to send screenshots by email and post them on various Web resources. The finished video can be...

24/04/2015

17/04/2015

Lightshot is a very convenient and free program that provides certain options for users regarding creating screenshots. Its functional features are that it suggests selecting a specific area of ​​the device display and capturing an image. After this, the resulting file can be saved in the application or corrected in a special editor that works online. This editor has a full range of functionality, which is usually inherent in all tools of this kind. It allows the user to overlay various elements on the created screenshot...

17/04/2015

A multifunctional utility that is both an organizer, a tool for taking screenshots, and even an image processing utility. The organizer allows you to set an alarm on your computer, set additional tasks that the system needs to perform, etc. The ability to take screenshots will make it easy to get an answer from technical support of any product, since you can provide a window with the desired message in the form of a screenshot. The image editing tool allows you not only to view them, but also, say, to select a certain shade from a pixel, and also apply it to a photo...

21/02/2015

Clip2Net is a program that allows you to share files, screenshots and text in seconds. The program allows you to take a screenshot of your desktop, or another area of ​​the screen or window, in one click, after which it will be sent to the Internet, and you will receive a link to this file. Then, when you have time, you can publish it at any time. social network or on any blog. This will be especially useful for people who have to send screenshots daily, because for a normal operation, they need to take a screenshot first third party program or using Windows, and then send it to some f...

05/02/2015

QipShot is a convenient program for taking screenshots from your monitor. A distinctive feature of this program is the ability to capture only a certain area of ​​the screen. In addition, QipShot supports multiple monitors, which is especially useful for professional editors or animators, because... Professional studios often have 2 or more monitors. Also, the QipShot program allows you to record video from the screen with the ability to record sound, and you can choose the audio source yourself, and the quality of the video files will directly depend on the codecs installed in the system.

08/11/2014

Gyazo is software, which provides opportunities for very quick creation screenshots, as well as their subsequent uploading to the Internet. This program is the most minimalistic and simplest among all applications of this kind. The algorithm for using it is more than accessible and simple: launch Gyazo on your computer, after which a special cursor immediately appears, designed to select a specific area of ​​the screen; take the image. After taking a screenshot, the program opens a browser window to view the resulting file. The screenshot was taken immediately after...

22/09/2014

Grabilla is another convenient program for creating screenshots. Unlike others like Puush, Grabilla not only takes a screenshot, but can also record video and audio. Before saving the picture, there is an editing function, which makes it possible, in the same program, to edit the photo. Allows you to add text, circle/select part of a photo, add arrows and find the exact color. Supports two ways to save pictures: you can save them on your computer in the default destination folder, or post them on the Internet to your profile. Authorization occurs with just one click, while...

08/09/2014

ScreenSnag is a simple screen capture program. Allows you to take a screenshot at any time when holding down hotkey or with one click. It differs in that it has a timer function that is very easy to set up. This function will take screenshots at a specified time, for example every 5 minutes. A program settings profile is also created, so that you don’t have to configure it again each time for different tasks, you just need to open the program, select the desired profile and it will automatically take pictures. The program is intended only for the Windows operating system, starting with XP. ScreenSnag is actively developing...

Screeny is a screenshot program. At any time, when you press the “Prnt Scr” button, the screen freezes and the program window opens. It allows you to select an area to save as an image. It also allows you to edit the selected area, change its size and move it. It has several simple but necessary editing tools for this type of program, such as arrows, underlining, and allows you to select the desired color. After the picture is taken and edited, the program saves it on its website, where it displays the size of the picture in pixels and provides a link so that the user can...

WebShot is a free program that will help you take a screenshot (snapshot) of any website with one click. No need to search third party plugins or browser add-ons - just download and install Webshot. After this, you need to specify the address of the site or sites and select a folder to save. WebShot can also import links from text document and convert to screenshots in batch mode. In addition, you can manually change the image resolution, compression percentage, format, and timeout time. The process of receiving a photo depends on the speed of your Internet connection. The only drawback of the program is that there is no Russian...

Hello. It’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times :)

That's what the popular saying goes, and it's probably right. Have you ever tried to explain to someone how to perform certain actions on a PC, without using videos (or pictures)? If you simply explain in your fingers what and where to press, 1 out of 100 people will understand you!

It’s a completely different matter when you can record what’s happening on your screen and show it to others - this way you can explain what and how to press, as well as show off your work or game skills.

In this article, I want to focus on the best (in my opinion) programs for recording video from the screen with sound. So…

Website: ispring.ru/ispring-free-cam

Despite the fact that this program appeared not so long ago (relatively), it immediately surprised (on the good side :)) with its several features. The main thing, perhaps, is that it is one of the simplest tools among analogues for recording video of everything that happens on a computer screen. (or a separate part of it). What is most pleasing about this utility is that it is free and there are no inserts into the file (i.e., not a single label about what program this video was made in and other “garbage”. Sometimes such things take up half the screen when watching).

Main advantages:

1. to start recording, you need to: select an area and press one red button (screenshot below). To stop recording - 1 Esc button;
2. the ability to record sound from a microphone and speakers (headphones, in general, system sounds);
3. the ability to record cursor movements and clicks;
4. ability to select the recording area (from full-screen mode to a small window);
5. the ability to record from games (although the description of the software does not mention this, but I turned on full-screen mode and launched the game - everything was recorded perfectly);
6. there are no inserts in the image;
7. Russian language support;
8. The program works in all versions of Windows: 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bits).

The screenshot below shows what the recording window looks like.

Everything is concise and simple: to start recording, just click red round button , and when you decide that it’s time to finish recording, press the Esc button. The resulting video will be saved to the editor, from which you can immediately save the file in WMV format. Convenient and fast, I recommend you check it out!

FastStone Capture

Very, very interesting program to create screenshots and videos from your computer screen. Despite its small size, the software has quite significant advantages:

• when recording, the result is a very small file size with high quality (by default it is pressed in WMV format);
• there are no extraneous inscriptions or other debris on the image, the image is not blurred, the cursor is highlighted;
• supports 1440p format;
• supports recording with sound from a microphone, from sound in Windows, or from both sources at the same time;
• starting the recording process is as easy as shelling pears, the program does not “torment” you with a mountain of messages about certain settings, warnings, etc.;
• takes up very little space on your hard drive, and there is a portable version;
• supports all new ones Windows versions: XP, 7, 8, 10.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best software: compact, does not load the PC, high-quality image, sound too. What else is needed!?

Starting to start recording from the screen (everything is simple and clear)!

Ashampoo Snap

Website: ashampoo.com/ru/rub/pin/1224/multimedia-software/snap-8

Ashampoo is a company famous for its software, main feature which is aimed at the novice user. Those. understanding programs from Ashampoo is quite simple and easy. Ashampoo Snap is no exception to this rule.

Snap - main program window

Main features:

• the ability to create collages from several screenshots;
• capture video with and without sound;
• Instantly capture all visible windows on the desktop;
• support for Windows 7, 8, 10, capturing the new interface;
• the ability to use the color eyedropper to capture colors from various applications;
• Full support for 32-bit images with transparency (RGBA);
• possibility of capturing by timer;
• automatic addition of watermarks.

In general, this program (in addition to the main task for which I added it to this article) has dozens of very interesting features that will help you make not just a recording, but also turn it into a high-quality video that you are not ashamed to show to other users.

UVScreenCamera

Website: uvsoftium.ru

Excellent software for quickly and efficiently creating educational demonstration videos and presentations from your PC screen. Allows you to export video to many formats: SWF, AVI, UVF, EXE, FLV (including GIF animation with sound).

Can record everything that happens on the screen, including mouse cursor movements, mouse clicks, and keyboard presses. If you save the video in UVF format (“native” for the program) and EXE, the resulting size is very compact (for example, a 3-minute film with a resolution of 1024x768x32 takes 294 KB).

Among the disadvantages: sometimes the sound may not be recorded, especially in the free version of the program. Apparently, the tool does not recognize external sound cards(this does not happen with internal ones).

Expert opinion

Andrey Ponomarev

Ask a question to an expert

It is worth noting that many video files on the Internet in *.exe format may contain viruses. That is why you need to download and, especially, open such files with extreme caution.

This is very convenient: you can run such a media file even without installed software, since your own player is already “built in” to the resulting file.

Fraps

Website: fraps.com/download.php

The best program for recording videos and creating screenshots from games (I emphasize, from games, you won’t be able to simply take pictures of your desktop using it)!

Its main advantages:

• its own codec is built-in, which allows you to record video from the game even on a weak PC (although the file size is large, but nothing slows down or freezes);
• the ability to record sound (see screenshot below “Sound Capture Settings”);
• ability to select the number of frames;
• recording videos and screenshots by pressing hot keys;
• ability to hide the cursor when recording;
• free.

In general, for a gamer the program is simply irreplaceable. The only drawback: to record big video, it takes a lot free space on your hard drive. Also, in the future, this video will need to be compressed or edited to “distill” it into a more compact size.

CamStudio

Website: camstudio.org

A simple and free (but at the same time effective) tool for recording what is happening on the PC screen into files: AVI, MP4 or SWF (flash). Most often, it is used when creating courses and presentations.

Main advantages:

• Codec support: Radius Cinepak, Intel IYUV, Microsoft Video 1, Lagarith, H.264, Xvid, MPEG-4, FFDshow;
• Capture not only the entire screen, but also a separate part of it;
• Possibility of annotations;
• Ability to record sound from PC microphone and speakers.

Flaws:

• Some antivirus programs find the file suspicious if you write it in this program;
• No Russian language support (by at least, official).

Camtasia Studio

Website: techsmith.com/camtasia.html

One of the most famous programs for this task. It implements dozens of various options and capabilities:

• support for many video formats, the resulting file can be exported to: AVI, SWF, FLV, MOV, WMV, RM, GIF, CAMV;
• the ability to prepare high-quality presentations (1440p);
• based on any video, you can get an EXE file in which the player will be built in (useful for opening such a file on a PC that does not have such a utility);
• can apply a number of effects and can edit individual frames.

Camtasia Studio.

Among the shortcomings, I would highlight the following:

• the software is paid (some versions insert captions over the image until you buy the software);
• sometimes it is difficult to adjust so as to avoid the appearance of smeared letters (especially with a high-quality format);
• you have to “suffer” with the video compression settings in order to achieve the optimal output file size.

If we take it as a whole, the program is not bad at all and it is not for nothing that it is a leader in its market segment. Despite the fact that I criticized it and do not really support it (due to my rare work with video), I definitely recommend it for familiarization, especially for those who want to professionally create a video (presentations, podcasts, training, etc.).

Free Screen Video Recorder

Website: dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-Screen-Video-Recorder.htm

A tool made in the style of minimalism. At the same time, it is a fairly powerful program for capturing the screen (everything that happens on it) in AVI format, and images in the following formats: BMP, JPEG, GIF, TGA or PNG.

One of the main advantages is that the program is free (while other similar tools are shareware and through certain time will require purchase).

Free Screen Video Recorder - program window (nothing superfluous here!).

Among the shortcomings, I would highlight one thing: when recording video in a game, most likely you will not see it - there will just be a black screen (though with sound). To capture games, it is better to choose Fraps (see about it just above in the article).

Total Screen Recorder

A very good utility for recording an image from the screen (or a separate part of it). Allows you to save a file in the following formats: AVI, WMV, SWF, FLV, supports audio recording (microphone + speakers), mouse cursor movements.

Can also be used to capture video from a webcam while communicating through programs: MSN Messenger, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, TV tuners or streaming video, as well as for creating screenshots, training presentations, etc.

Among the disadvantages: there is often a problem with recording sound on external sound cards.

Expert opinion

Andrey Ponomarev

Professional in setting up, administering, reinstalling any programs and operating systems of the Windows family.

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The official website of the developer is unavailable, the Total Screen Recorder project is frozen. The program is available for download on other sites, but the contents of the files must be carefully checked so as not to catch a virus.

HyperCam

Website: solveigmm.com/ru/products/hypercam

HyperCam - program window.

A good utility for recording video and audio from a PC to files: AVI, WMV/ASF. You can also capture actions from the entire screen or a specific selected area.

The resulting files can be easily edited with the built-in editor. After editing, the videos can be uploaded to Youtube (or other popular video sharing resources).

By the way, the program can be installed on a USB flash drive and used on different PCs. For example, we came to visit a friend, inserted a flash drive into his PC and recorded his actions from his screen. Mega-convenient!

HyperCam options (there are quite a few of them, by the way).

Bandicam

Website: bandicam.com/ru

This software has long been popular with users, which is not affected even by the extremely truncated free version.

Bandicam's interface cannot be called simple, but it is designed in such a way that the control panel is very informative, and all key settings are at hand.

The main advantages of Bandicam should be noted:

• complete localization of the entire interface;
• the layout of menu sections and settings is correct, which even a novice user can understand;
• an abundance of customizable parameters, which allows you to maximally customize the interface to suit your own needs, including adding your own logo;
• support for most modern and most popular formats;
• simultaneous recording from two sources (for example, capturing the working screen + recording a webcam);
• availability of preview functionality;
• recording in FullHD format;
• the ability to create notes and notes directly in real time and much more.

The free version has some limitations:

• the ability to record only up to 10 minutes;
• advertising of the developer on the created video.

Of course, the program is designed for a certain category of users who need to record their work or game process not only for entertainment, but also as income.

Therefore, for a full license for one computer you will have to pay 2,400 rubles.

Bonus: oCam Screen Recorder

Website: ohsoft.net/en/product_ocam.php

I also discovered this interesting utility. I must say that it is quite convenient (and also free) to record video of the user’s actions on the computer screen. With just one click of the mouse, you can start recording from the screen (or any part of it).

It should also be noted that the utility has a set of ready-made frames from very small to full-screen size. If desired, the frame can be “stretched” to any size convenient for you.

In addition to video screen capture, the program implements the function of creating screenshots.

Table: comparison of programs

Functional	Programs
	Bandicam		FastStone Capture	Ashampoo Snap	UVScreenCamera	Fraps	CamStudio	Camtasia Studio	Free Screen Video Recorder	HyperCam	oCam Screen Recorder
Cost/License	2400r/trial	For free	For free	1155r/trial	990r/trial	For free	For free	$249/trial	For free	For free	$39/trial
Localization	Full	Full	No	Full	Full	Optional	No	Optional	No	No	Optional
Recording functionality
Screen capture	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Game Mode	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Recording from an online source	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Recording cursor movement	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Webcam capture	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes
Scheduled recording	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
Audio Capture	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

This concludes the article, I hope that in the proposed list of programs you will find one that can solve the tasks assigned to it :). I would be very grateful for additions on the topic of the article.

All the best!

Any information that appears on your monitor screen may be recorded. Many people use this opportunity to create some kind of educational videos that introduce users, for example, to operating system Windows, and some post game walkthroughs on YouTube. There are many areas of application for this functionality, as well as tools for its implementation.

So, let's try to define best programs for capturing video from a computer screen, distinguished by their accessibility for the average user and the efficiency of their work. All the software described below received good ratings from experts and has many positive reviews from users.

Movavi Video Suite

This utility is not just a screen capture program, but a multifunctional solution that works with any sources and captures video in one click. The software easily cuts the stream, processes it, can apply some effects, and also adapt it for, for example, YouTube or a social network.

Another program is responsible for obtaining the photo image - Sharex Movavi Screen Capture, which is supplied separately. If you compare the prices of this utility and the Video Suite complex, it becomes clear that it is better to take the full set, because the difference in price is practically not felt.

Software advantages:

• capture streams from screens and other digital receivers, including VHS;
• creating videos from scratch;
• full access to audio channels and input devices;
• the ability to process photos and videos with subsequent conversion;
• there is an interface for non-linear editing;
• real-time adjustment of screen layout and picture quality;
• availability of competent tools for exporting to the network, mobile gadgets and DVD formats;
• intuitive screen capture program interface and smart localization;
• a huge amount of educational photo and video materials.

Screen camera

Another powerful utility for working with video streams. Compared to other analogues, this program for capturing video from a computer screen demonstrates a number of advantages. The software is perfect for those who need to record online broadcasts, some videos from games and programs, as well as individual video frames.

The utility comes with a paid license, but it is worth the money. The user can start capturing the stream in two clicks and apply different effects in real time. In addition, it can and should be used as a program for capturing text from the screen, because the quality of the output image will satisfy anyone, even the most fastidious user.

Distinctive features

Another noteworthy fact is that the utility has proven itself to be an excellent video editor. The program has an impressive arsenal of tools that can transform your video beyond recognition using various effects, screensavers, recording sound over clips, titles and other surroundings.

This screen capture program also has no problems with adapting formats. Conversion to AVI, MKV, MOV and MP4 is at your service. Let's add sensible Russian localization here - and we'll get an excellent product for working with video, photos and text streams. You can download it conditionally on the developer’s official resource free program to capture screen with trial period. Its cost is not that high compared to other similar utilities, so the software is enviably popular among domestic users.

Advantages of the utility:

• capture of any absolute stream from the monitor screen;
• has the most convenient and intuitive interface among other analogues;
• extremely high-quality localization into Russian;
• an ideal tool for creating training videos and presentations;
• export to popular video formats;
• there is no time limit for recording a stream;
• it is possible to trim advertising blocks during online capture;
• the output content is High Quality(HD);
• having your own editor;
• function - “sound over video”;
• O a wide arsenal of effects for applying to content.

AVS Video Editor

The utility is positioned as a complex for working with a video stream, that is, as an editor. However, its image capture capabilities deserve special attention. The implementation of this solution is so simple and clear that even a child from primary school can cope with the process.

But despite its apparent simplicity, the utility has a whole list of professional tools: scaling, selection, mounting, changing layout in real time, drawing, etc.

Distinctive features of the utility

All parameters necessary to obtain a stream from the screen are finely tuned, and after receiving the source material, you can use the powerful editor available. The user can make a video clip, let’s play or guide from the received content, as well as adapt the video for mobile gadgets.

Software features:

• versatility of the product (in addition to capture functions, you get a powerful program for processing video content);
• the presence of functionality that allows you to edit audio and video tracks taken from different sources;
• the capture utility itself is perfectly implemented and has a large number of settings;
• a huge database of effects, transitions, filters, etc.;
• FPS stabilization due to competent automatic adjustment;
• adaptation of content to all current formats;
• simple and understandable functionality for a beginner, as well as a variety of educational materials.

Summarizing

The review did not include many useful utilities, including free ones. If you are going to get serious about streaming, let's play or uploading some kind of teaching aids on YouTube, it’s better not to skimp and buy a license for one of the programs described above. They will become irreplaceable assistants in your business and will not create problems out of nowhere, as is the case with free software. These products are supported in full, so you will receive answers to questions that arise during operation relatively quickly. In addition, developers constantly update their products, adding some new features, plugins, filters and other surroundings for even greater efficiency.

If you rarely use such software and the quality of the output is not so critical for you, then there is always free apps, as they say, for testing the pen: Debut Video Capture, Fraps, Free Screen Video Recorder and others.