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Screencast Tools to Record Video Screen Captures of Your Desktop

Screencast tools are software that you install on your computer to record video screen captures of what you are doing on your desktop.  They are great for recording video tutorials on how to use certain software.   Many will let you set what area of the desktop to capture and some will record audio along with the video.

Free ScreenCast Tools

  • JingProject - free. By TechSmith, the makers of SnagIt and Camtasia Studio. For Mac and PC and will record audio from microphone. Allows upload of video to free screencast.com account or save the SWF Flash output to file.   It requires the signup of a screencast account to use, but you do not have to upload to it. If you save the Flash output to file, you have to write your own code to embedded the swf on your webpage, or use some standard embedding method such as swfobject. The video it produce contains the "Powered by Jing" by-line.
  • CamStudio.org - open-source. Records video and audio and can convert them to Flash video (swf files). You can also annotate the video.
  • AviScreen - When at site, click the AviScreen link.  Free.  Records in AVI format and has "follow the mouse" feature.
  • Wink - free.  Outputs to Flash SWF or stand-alone EXE as well other image formats. Records audio.
  • Copernicus - free.  For Mac only.  No audio recording.  Saves to RAM for faster video screen capture rates.
  • Screencasst-o-Matic - free.  Runs directly using your browser using Java plugin.  Records audio from microphone.  Uses red dot to represent cursor.  Uploads to provided free hosting (limited to 15 minute videos).
  • ScreenToaster - free.  Online screen recorder that can record without download.  Can publish and embed onto website.

Commercial ScreenCast Tools

  • Abode Captivate -  high end screen capture tool by Adobe.  Can be used for demo, presentations, quizzes, podcasts, software simulations, and scenario-based training.
  • RiverPast Screen Recorder - Support different video and audio formats and customizable hot keys. Play pause feature.
  • All Capture - free trial available.  Converts Powerpoint to Flash video.  Record audio during capture or during playback.  Add notes and captions.  Outputs to Flash, EXE, ASF, DVD, and others.
  • HyperCam - When at site, click the HyperCam link.  Free trial available.  Support audio and adding sceen notes. 
  • ScreenRecord - for Mac. Auto-panning, edit the movie after capturing, supports audio, customizable cursors, etc.
  • iShowU - for Mac.  Designed to be fast and easy to use.
  • Screen Mimic - for Mac. Visual mouse feedback and tracking, HTML output, audio dubbing.  Export to quicktime or Flash.