Screen recording has become an increasingly popular tool for creating tutorials, product demonstrations, and more. At its most basic, screen recording involves capturing video and audio of your computer screen. To control your screen recordings, most programs require a keyboard shortcut to start and stop recording.
What are the main keyboard shortcuts for screen recording?
The most common keyboard shortcuts used for screen recording are:
- Windows Key + G – This opens the built-in Xbox Game Bar screen recorder in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Shift + Command + 5 – This activates the built-in screen recorder on Mac OS.
- Ctrl + Shift + R – This is a popular shortcut in third-party screen recording tools like OBS Studio.
Additionally, screen recording programs will often use F keys like F9 or F10 to start and stop recording. The exact shortcuts may vary depending on the specific program, so be sure to check the keyboard shortcuts listed in your screen recorder’s settings.
Why are keyboard shortcuts important for screen recording?
Using keyboard shortcuts is crucial for screen recording for a few key reasons:
- Hands-free control – Keyboard shortcuts allow you to control recording without needing to use your mouse or trackpad. This leaves your hands free to manipulate items on screen.
- Quick start/stop – Keyboard shortcuts provide an instant way to start and stop recording when needed.
- Work in background – Shortcuts allow recording to work even when the screen recorder app is running in the background.
Relying on clicks in an app interface can cause lag, delays, and lack of flexibility. Keyboard shortcuts give you quick access to recording functions without disrupting workflow.
What are some common screen recording keyboard shortcuts?
Here are some of the most popular keyboard shortcuts used by various screen recording programs and platforms:
Windows Screen Recorder Shortcuts
- Windows Key + Alt + R – Start/stop recording in Windows 10 Xbox Game Bar
- Windows Key + G – Open Xbox Game Bar
- Ctrl + Shift + Q – Pause/resume recording in Game Bar
Mac Screen Recorder Shortcuts
- Shift + Command + 5 – Start/stop QuickTime screen recorder
- Shift + Control + Command + 4 – Take screenshot on Mac
- Shift + Command + 5 then Control + Command + F – Start/stop video recording of a portion of the screen on Mac
OBS Studio Shortcuts
- Ctrl + Shift + R – Start/stop recording
- Ctrl + Shift + S – Start/stop streaming
- Ctrl + Shift + E – Start/stop recording stream replay buffer
Most other third-party screen recorders like Camtasia, Screenflow, and Bandicam also utilize Function keys or Ctrl + Shift + letter key combinations. Refer to shortcut lists for your specific program.
How can I customize keyboard shortcuts for screen recording?
Many screen recording apps allow you to customize keyboard shortcuts in the settings:
- Windows Game Bar – Open Game Bar settings > Keyboard shortcuts to choose start/stop recording keys.
- QuickTime Player – Go to Preferences > Keyboard and customize keyboard shortcuts.
- OBS Studio – Click Settings > Hotkeys to change start/stop recording and other shortcuts.
Choose shortcut key combinations that are easy to reach and remember. Avoid overlaps with existing program shortcuts. You can also use mouse/trackpad modifiers like Shift, Ctrl, and Alt to make unique shortcuts.
What are some handy keyboard shortcuts for editing screen recordings?
In addition to controlling capture, keyboard shortcuts can help speed up the video editing process with screen recordings. Useful editing shortcuts include:
- J, K, and L – Shuttle through a timeline (L is fast forward, J is rewind, K is pause).
- I and O – Set in and out points on a timeline for cropping.
- X – Mark a clip selection for cutting or deletion.
- Ctrl/Command + D – Duplicate selected clips.
- Ctrl/Command + C – Copy selected clips.
- Ctrl/Command + V – Paste copied clips.
Editing programs like Camtasia, iMovie, and Adobe Premiere Pro feature numerous shortcuts for navigating timelines and performing edits. Learning these can save significant time compared to mouse-based editing.
What are some tips for effectively using a keyboard for screen recordings?
Follow these tips to get the most out of controlling screen recordings with your keyboard:
- Choose easy to reach and remember shortcut keys.
- Be consistent with start/stop recording shortcuts.
- Disable shortcuts that overlap with other programs.
- Use modifiers like Shift, Ctrl, and Alt to extend shortcuts.
- Learn editing shortcuts like J, K, L to quickly navigate recordings.
- Allow sufficient clearance around the keyboard to avoid bumping it during recording.
- Adjust keyboard settings like repeat rate and delay if needed.
What are some common problems faced when using keyboards for screen recording?
Some potential issues that can arise with keyboard-controlled screen recording include:
- Overlapping shortcuts with other programs, causing conflicts.
- Forgetting which keys start/stop recording leading to accidental starts or stops.
- Hitting shortcuts accidentally while typing or using other keyboard shortcuts.
- Physical disruption of the keyboard or bumping it during recording.
- Using a non-optimal shortcut like one that requires two hands to press.
- Default shortcuts changing due to app updates.
Being mindful of these potential issues and taking steps like customizing shortcuts, clearing workspace clutter, and allowing clearance around the keyboard can help avoid problems.
What are some best practices for choosing screen recording keyboard shortcuts?
Follow these best practices when selecting your own keyboard shortcuts for controlling screen recordings:
- Pick keys that are easy to press together, like letter keys with Ctrl, Alt, or Shift.
- Avoid shortcuts that require two hands like Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- Choose distinct shortcuts not used by other programs you run.
- Use the same shortcuts consistently across recording apps.
- Opt for keys in comfortable, easy to reach positions.
- Consider shortcuts with “responsive” keys like Spacebar, M, and J.
- Review shortcuts after each program update.
- Print out a shortcut cheat sheet if needed.
Following these tips will make your customized keyboard shortcuts more efficient, memorable, and prevent conflicts with other programs.
Conclusion
Using keyboard shortcuts is essential for controlling screen recordings on both Windows and Mac. Shortcuts provide quick, hands-free start and stop of capturing without disrupting workflow. Popular shortcuts include Windows Key + G to open Xbox Game Bar and Shift + Command + 5 to use the built-in Mac recorder. Most programs can customize shortcuts, so choose keys that are comfortable and distinct. Learning editing shortcuts like J, K, and L will also speed up working with captured video. With practice, keyboard shortcuts can make recording smooth, efficient, and easy.