SnagIt
SnagIt
- I absolutely love SnagIt. I think that every computer used by a teacher should include SnagIt. The screen recording explained below is only one of the many tasks SnagIt can perform.
- SnagIt is a program which must be installed on your computer. It is available for both Mac and Windows. The costs depends on quantity - and can be as low as $15 a license if purchasing 25 licenses at a time (price range is $10 - $30 based on quantity.) Like Camtasia Studio, SnagIt is available through the REMC $AVE Bid Project.
- When SnagIt version 11 came out in 2013, a significant update included the option to record video (screencast) and upload the video directly to your YouTube channel.
Just follow these easy steps to record a screencast and upload it to your YouTube channel.
- Open SnagIt and select the Video option next to the red button. When SnagIt installs, by default it sets your Print Screen button on your keyboard to open SnagIt. SnagIt remembers the last setting you were using. So if you left the setting on Video, pressing the Print Screen button will instantly start SnagIt and bring up SnagIt to the select capture area.
- Select the capture area by dragging. I like to drag from the upper left to the lower right side of the screen. I've learned that it's smart to leave a little room at the bottom for the record menu to be displayed or the menu is hidden when you are recording and you must remember the keyboard shortcut to stop your recording (Shift F10.)
- Be sure that you are getting audio - as you may have multiple microphone inputs - such as a headset microphone and a webcam microphone. Be certain that the level indicator is moving when you talk into the microphone. Decide if you also want the system audio to be recorded.
- SnagIt will record all your screen actions - whether it is in a browser or on the computer.
- Unlike Screencast-o-matic, SnagIt does not record your webcam, nor does it show mouse halo or mouse effects. But SnagIt does not depend on Java. SnagIt must be installed. There is a free SnagIt App and Extension which works in Chrome and Chromebooks. It offers a subset of the options available in the version of SnagIt which you install on a computer.
Read more about the version for Chrome and Chromebooks on the Chromebook Screen Recording page. - When you are finished recording, the video will open in SnagIt Editor for playback. There are no editing options for your video in the SnagIt Editor. If you want to further edit or enhance your video, there is a one button export to Camtasia Studio. If you are not happy with your recording, then just record it again. SnagIt is designed for times when you want to make a quick screencast with no editing. If you want a more polished screencast (which takes much more time) then use Camtasia Studio.
- IMPORTANT - if you want to remove the red half circle which SnagIt installs to float forever at the top of your screen, called "Oneclick" - open SnagIt and on the left side in the Quick Launch menu - select "Turn off Oneclick".
Click YouTube to upload your video to YouTube and fill in the required information. I recommend setting Privacy level to Public or Unlisted.
The first time you do this you will need to grant SnagIt rights to access your YouTube account. SnagIt will automatically copy the URL or the embed code for your video to your clipboard, making it easier to share. In the screenshot on the right, I've installed the optional button to save to Google Drive. Find these options and more by clicking the More Accessories Downloads button.
The first time you do this you will need to grant SnagIt rights to access your YouTube account. SnagIt will automatically copy the URL or the embed code for your video to your clipboard, making it easier to share. In the screenshot on the right, I've installed the optional button to save to Google Drive. Find these options and more by clicking the More Accessories Downloads button.
Additional Resources
- SnagIt is an ideal app for creating quick screencasts which you don't need to edit. For more polished screencasts, or to further edit a recording you created in SnagIt, invest in a program such as TechSmith's Camtasia Studio. Click here for REMC $AVE Bid Project pricing.