How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]

VLC is more than just a video player. It’s a versatile video tool with so many features that a normal user could never know them.

You can download YouTube videos with VLC or even trim videos with it.

Another such unusual use of VLC is for screen recording.

I still recommend using a proper screen recorder for this task, you are welcome to explore this VLC feature for fun.

Screen recording with VLC

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While I was able to use VLC for recording desktop screen, I could not record any sound and my mouse cursor. In my opinion, it’s not a replacement of a proper screen recording tool.

To record your screen using VLC, open it and click on Media and select Convert/Save. (Or directly click on Media → Open Capture Device)

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Select Convert/ Save option

Go to the “Capture Device” Tab and select Desktop from the Capture Mode dropdown list.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Capture Mode: Desktop

Now, provide some frame rate for your recording. 10, 24 fps etc will be good, and if you need more quality, go for higher. Note that this will increase the file size and system requirements. Then, press the Convert/Save button.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Set Frame Rate

On the next page, select a profile from the drop-down and click on the adjacent button to edit the profile.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Set Output Profile

Set the Video format you need and press Save.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Edit the Output Profile

Now, you need to give a destination file name. Click on the Browse button, select a location, and enter the name of the output file. Click Save.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Output file location and Name

Press the Start button, to start recording your screen.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Start Recording

This will start recording. Once you finished your recording, use the panel button to stop.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Stop Recording

Or click on the stop button on VLC.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Stop Button in VLC

That’s it. You can view the screen recording on the place where you saved it.

How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]
Output File

Conclusion

As you can see, while it is possible to record the desktop screen with VLC, it is not a replacement of a dedicated screen recording tool. Lack of audio recording is a major letdown.

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How to Record Your Screen with VLC [For Fun]

Use VLC for screen recording only if you don’t have any other options. What do you think?

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