'Screenflow is the tool I continue to go back to as it seems more capable and much more stable than all of the other options out there I have used, both paid and free. I would highly recommend this tool as the one to get if you’re working on a Mac.'
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Telestream, Inc. ScreenFlow
In early 2008, I reviewed Screen Flow 1.0.2 (), one of the first “screen movie studio” applications for the Mac. At the time, I found the program a solid first effort with some room for improvement. The recent release of Telestream’s ScreenFlow 2 addresses many of my earlier complaints, and offers some additional features that users who record screen movies will find useful.
I tested ScreenFlow 2 on a variety of machines, including a 2.66GHz quad core Mac Pro running OS 10.5.8, a 2.6GHz MacBook Pro running 10.6.1, and even on my OS X-enabled Dell mini (running 10.5.8). On all three of these machines, performance was excellent. I was able to capture audio and video in each application I tested, including RealPlayer, which caused problems for Camtasia for Mac ().
Users familiar with ScreenFlow 1.x will immediately feel comfortable in ScreenFlow 2.0—there are no dramatic interface changes. Instead, there are subtle differences in familiar tools, as well as some entirely new features.
Of these new features, the ability to add transitions to your screen recordings is one of the most welcomed. In the previous version of ScreenFlow, you couldn’t (for instance) fade out one piece of a video while fading in the next, or show any sort of transition between the two clips other than a black screen.
In ScreenFlow 2, you can choose from 16 different 2D and 3D transitions, each of which can be applied as a starting or ending transition to a given clip or text box. In addition, if you align two clips such that they overlap on the timeline, a transition will automatically be inserted—ScreenFlow’s preferences are used to set the default transition, and the amount of overlap you create when dragging determines how long the transition will take.
Adding transitions manually is a simple two-step process. First, Control-click on a clip and use the contextual menu to add a starting or ending transition. Second, Control-click on the newly-inserted transition and change the type using the contextual menu, or open the Transition Inspector to see all the transitions in a pop-up window, complete with examples of how each behaves.
To set the duration of each transition, you drag the small vertical bar that divides the transition area from the rest of the clip (as seen in the text clip at the bottom of the image at right); there’s no way to set precise timing by entering a duration in a box, for example.
The transitions are generally well done, and go a long way to making ScreenFlow 2 an all-in-one solution—titles and clips can appear and disappear using transitions of your choice, and the automatic transition insertion when you overlap two clips is a nice timesaver.
More powerful video tools
ScreenFlow 2 has a new acceleration curve feature that lets you control how actions that affect scaling, rotation, position, and volume are implemented. By default, ScreenFlow 2 uses an acceleration curve that’s linear (not a curve at all)—that is, effects are applied equally over the timeframe during which they’re active. For motion and scaling actions, though, the linear curve may lead to changes that seem very abrupt to the viewer.
Four additional acceleration curves in Screen Flow 2 eliminate this problem; choose from ease in (starts slow then speeds up), ease out (starts fast then slows down), ease in and out (slow at the start and finish, faster in the middle) and none (action happens immediately, in one frame), based on your preferences. I’ve found that I like the ease in and out curve, which provides a nice transition to and from the recording surrounding the action.
ScreenFlow 2 now allows you to create a freeze frame in your video. Freeze frames are a great way to draw a viewer’s attention to something onscreen, or to extend your movie to cover an overrun in your voiceover recording (or so I’ve been told), and they’re really easy to create in ScreenFlow 2. When you insert a freeze frame, ScreenFlow 2 splits your clip, adds a two-second still of the image at the current playhead position, and moves your remaining video to the right on the timeline by two seconds. You can then manually adjust the timing, effects, and transitions on the freeze frame.
A new Clip Inspector, available via the contextual menu in any clip, lets you easily change the speed of each clip—by simply dragging a slider, you can dramatically speed up or slow down a clip. Because you’ll usually be changing the speed of a segment of a longer recording, you’ll first want to split the clip in two places, leaving just the snippet of video whose speed you’d like to change.
While testing the speed changing feature, I ran into a ScreenFlow limitation. Once you’ve split a clip—either to change its speed, or perhaps to delete some unwanted video—there’s no way to merge those split clips back into one (other than undoing your actions). So if want to, say, apply a callout to focus on the cursor, you’ll need to apply it twice if the cursor’s motion happens to span the split in your clip. It’d be great if you could just select two clips and use a merge function to turn them into a single clip again.
ScreenFlow 2 includes some basic video adjustment tools, too—you can change the saturation, brightness, and contrast of any clip in your production. Because these effects can be applied as video actions, it’s very easy to, for example, fade a recording to grayscale over time, and then restore the color at some future point in your recording. While it’s nothing close to a full set of color correction tools, given ScreenFlow’s focus on desktop recording, this limitation shouldn’t affect many users.
When you’re done with your project, you can upload it to YouTube directly from ScreenFlow; just select File -> Publish to YouTube, enter your YouTube user information, and fill in values for Category, Title, Description, Tags, and ScreenFlow will do the rest. You can also mark your movie as personal, and publish it in HD if you wish.
If you’re going to use the HD option, make sure your original movie is at an HD aspect ratio. As a test, I took a very square movie (definitely not HD aspect ratio) and uploaded it as an HD clip. The end result was a square movie that had been stretched to fill the HD screen’s letterbox resolution—in other words, it wasn’t a very pretty sight.
The time required to upload to YouTube will depend on the length of your video, the CPU power in your Mac, and the speed of your internet connection. Using a two-minute demo movie cropped to roughly a 1020 by 1020 pixel square, it took about four minutes for my clip to be converted and uploaded to YouTube (on a 5mbps upstream connection). Once uploaded, YouTube does additional processing that takes a few more minutes.
For those not interested in YouTube, ScreenFlow 2 includes the same fully-customizable export abilities that were found in the first version of ScreenFlow.
Do more with audio
Audio ducking and effects bring more power to the audio side of ScreenFlow. Ducking is the process of lowering the volume on background tracks to make the foreground track easier to hear. In ScreenFlow 2, ducking is enabled (on the foreground track) with a simple checkbox and a slider to set the volume percentage for background tracks, and you can use different ducking settings for different clips.
You can also add a range of sound effects to your audio clips, and split audio out from the source screen recording. Checkboxes allow easy remixing to mono and muting of audio output. You won’t find as fine-grained control over audio levels as you get in Final Cut Express, or even to some extent iMovie, but the audio features present in ScreenFlow 2 will probably be sufficient for most users.
I also used ScreenFlow 2 to record an audio overlay track, and it worked perfectly—a menu item allows you to easily add additional recordings to your project. These overlay recordings aren’t limited to audio, though; you can just as easily create another screen recording and add it to your project.
Other improvements
There are a host of minor improvements in ScreenFlow 2, including many more keyboard shortcuts; live audio scrubbing (as in iMovie), which can be disabled if you prefer; improved markers, which can be used to speed editing (to jump to spots in your project), and can be exported as a chapter track during QuickTime export—this will allow your viewers to navigate your presentation by chapter; clip adjustments (scaling, rotation, reflection) can be copied and pasted between clips; and finally, clips themselves can be copied and pasted (or dragged and dropped) between ScreenFlow projects.
In the program’s preferences, you can specify whether ScreenFlow should interpolate pixels when zooming, which provides a smooth look, or just make the existing pixels larger, leading to a sharper-but-blockier video.
You can also choose to use lossless recording compression, which you should only do if you intend to export from ScreenFlow using the Apple Lossless codec (to use in Final Cut, for example); the default adaptive compression works best for all other export formats.
I ran a quick test with lossless recording, and there’s a definite (but small) difference in recording quality.
The difference only really comes out when you can zoom in on an area of the screen; click the image at right for a much larger version that makes the differences more apparent.
However, unless you need this extra quality, you’ll be better off with adaptive recording, which results in smaller file sizes while retaining very high image quality.
One final change in ScreenFlow 2 is that your project files are saved as one bundle in the Finder, making it much easier to move the project from machine to machine.
Putting everything together
As I was working on this review, I unintentionally wound up with something of a “demo reel” showing many of ScreenFlow 2.0’s new features. This video is a reasonable demonstration of what’s possible with ScreenFlow, so I went back and added a voiceover track, explaining the various features being used.
The video itself was taken in X-Plane, showing an approach and landing at Portland International in relatively typical winter weather—lots of clouds, basically. If you’d like to watch the video, just click the image.
A few missing pieces
Unlike Camtasia for Mac, there are no built-in shapes in ScreenFlow that you can use to highlight items onscreen. You can import transparent PNG images, though, and use those as callouts. Still, it’d be nice if there were a library of objects—customizable for size, color, background, opacity, etc.—that could be used to attract attention to parts of the video.
Similarly, I’d love a way to arbitrarily zoom a portion of the screen without zooming the entire screen. You can do this for the frontmost window, or for a region under the mouse, but not for an arbitrary portion of the screen. If you plan well in advance, you can position the mouse to work around this limitation, but an arbitrary region zoom tool would add flexibility to the editing process.
Finally, while the text box features work quite well—especially with transitions—there were times when I wanted to add titles to my screen recordings, such as you can do in iMovie and Final Cut. Titles are more than just a text box; they’re text boxes with predefined styles, locations, and (most importantly) built-in animation effects.
While a text box with well-chosen transition can simulate an actual title, it’d be nice to have a tool that provides for a selection of titles, including some with animation.
Macworld’s buying advice
ScreenFlow 2.0 is a big step forward for the screen recording application. The addition of transitions, freeze frames, clip speed adjustments, audio ducking, and basic color adjustment tools really make ScreenFlow an all-in-one solution. It’s now something that I could use for an entire project from start to finish, instead of exporting my edited screen recordings for further processing in Final Cut Express. Those users who need higher-end features, such as real color correction or advanced titling and more control over transitions, will still want to do some work in Final Cut or Final Cut Express; for most anyone else, though, ScreenFlow should meet their needs.
Compared to Camtasia for Mac, its most direct competitor, ScreenFlow holds the edge in a few key areas. ScreenFlow does a better job at capturing high CPU usage activities, it will let you record on a second or third monitor (though only one screen at a time), and its tools for focusing attention on windows, and activities around the cursor, are better than those in Camtasia.
For now, at least, ScreenFlow’s combination of tools and performance makes it the best all-in-one screen recording and editing tool for the Mac.
[Rob Griffiths is a Macworld senior editor.]
Telestream, Inc. ScreenFlow
Pros
- Clip speed adjustments
- Audio ducking lowers volume level of background tracks
- 2D and 3D transitions for professional-looking video
- Acceleration curves for motion actions
Cons
- Can't rejoin split clips
- No built-in shapes
- No distinct titling tools
- No ability to zoom an arbitrary portion of the screen
ScreenFlow is one of the best screen recorder tools that can record your screen without any hassle. However, the app is only available for installing to Mac, and it seems the developer has no plans yet to release the Windows version. But don’t worry, we got you covered here. Scroll down into this article and find out six-best alternative screen recording tools for ScreenFlow. Rest assured that these apps are available for Windows users. Additionally, one app from the list is available for Android devices if in case you also want to record your phone activity.
When talking about ScreenFlow Windows alternatives, we can’t miss Acethinker Screen Grabber Pro . The same as ScreenFlow, it’s one of the best screen recording programs that are suitable for screen, video and game recording. Moreover, there is a built-in editor that allows you to annotate the recording in real time if needed. Below is a simple user guide on how to use this program to capture your computer screen.
Step1 Download and launch the tool
Click the button below to download Screen Grabber Pro and install it on your computer. As you see, this program also has a Mac version available, which can also serve as a decent alternative to ScreenFlow for Mac. After downloading, follow the wizard to set up the program and launch it to continue.Try It Free
Apple Macintosh Instruction Manuals (User Guides)As per reader requests, direct links to official Apple Macintosh instruction manuals in PDF format - hosted by Apple's own - are provided below as well as on the specs page for each G3 and newer Mac.Not sure which Mac you need to locate? Mac mini manual 2013 2017. Look it up with EveryMac.com's.
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Mac OS X 10.8 & above
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Step2 Choose the recording and audio mode
After installing, launch the tool, then select the recording mode you need. You will be able to record the whole screen, capture a specific area, record webcam, or only capture the audio. You can also configure the audio sources, click this button. Then you can choose to enable the microphone, system sound or both. You can also adjust the volume on this part. When you have everything set up to your individual preference, click “Record” and choose whether you will capture partial or full screen.Step3 Initiate the recording
Once everything is adjusted, press the Start button which will initiate the recording process, where a new toolbar will appear under the frame around the capture region where you can enhance your creation by including annotation and other highlighting functions. When you are completely finished with recording what you wished, then you can finally click the “Publish/Stop” button (red square). Then it will be in the task list on the main interface, where you can play the video, upload new content, locate the file, and more.Get Free Trial Now
Screencast O Matic
Screencast O Matic is another good online screencasting application that can be used as an alternative to ScreenFlow for PC. It allows you to capture videos, PC screen, webcam and record voice which can be saved in various formats. This tool offers the Pro which is paid and Free Version but there are cons in using these. In Pro Version, there are limited editing options. On the other hand, in a free version, full-screen recording is not allowed and will not be able to put a computer audio system. You can see the steps on how to use this tool as you continue reading the article.
Step1 Adjust the Options from the Panel
Visit the app and launch it on your computer. Before initiating the recording, choose whether you will capture full screen, webcam or both. The recording will only take for about 15 minutes long. For the other functions, you can customize your screen, put narration and put audios.Step2 Start Recording
When all the settings are done, hit the red recording button to start the capturing process. During the recording, you can pause, resume or preview and restart.Step3 Finish the Recording
Click done to stop the recording. After the recording, you can trim the start and end of the video. You can save it on your video files. Upload it on Screen O Matic or YouTube.Bandicam Screen Recorder is one of the most advanced lightweight screen recorders available online that is designed to work smoothly on Windows 10 systems. It is best for gameplay or recording video tutorials on any PC with speed and quality. However, this tool is incompatible with Mac OS. Finally, it also allows you to edit videos that you have been captured to create your own unique masterpiece with options such as that you can trim, cut and add watermark for protection of your video.
Step1 Download and Install the Application
To use the application, you need to download it first from Bandicam Screen Recorder site . Then install it on your computer. Wait until the application is launched. Once done, launch, and from the main interface of the application, you can choose the mode of your recording area. You can choose a rectangle area, full screen, around a mouse, and so on. You can also drag a region on your video and adjust each vertex to customize the size of the screen that suits your preference.Step2 Start to Record
Go to the video sharing site and open the video that you want to record. When you are ready, simply click the “Rec” button that you can see on the upper right corner of the application’s main interface.Step3 Annotate While Recording
Screenflow For Mac Manual Pdf
This tool provides built-in editing tools where you can add annotations while recording. Click the “Pen” icon located on the upper-right side of the application’s main interface. Then you will see all the options in editing such as lines, put numbers, add text to express your feeling or idea about the video, and more. When you are done recording, press the red “Square” button that you can see on the upper right of the main toolbar. Next, the recorded file will be automatically listed on the application’s interface. Afterward, a pop-up window will appear where you can also edit the video after the recording. You can trim the start and end of the video that you want to save.
Screen Flow
Camtasia
Other applications are needed to be paid like Camtasia. This tool offers a free trial for how many days. This tool allows you to record your screen in which you can add webcams in the recording and audios in the tracks. You can capture your computer any computer activities on Windows 10 systems like gameplay, tutorials, live videos, and more. Then save the recorded video on your computer afterward. It is also possible to edit the videos and audios separately. And the good thing is it as well automatically save the recording files. The files can be saved in different formats such as MP4, WMV, MOV, AVI and many more.
Step1 Download and Launch the Application
Visit the official page of Camtasia to download the application on your computer. Then wait until the application is launched on your computer. After that, you customize the capture settings, choose the custom button to change the captured area, the camera button to enable the webcam recording and the audio button to choose what audio is recording. Then click the “Rec” button to initiate the recording.Step2 Stop Capturing
When you are done with the recording, click the “Stop” icon from the floating tool. If you are not happy with your recording, choose the “Delete” button beside the “Stop” button and try again.Step3 Edit the Recorded File
From the Camtasia editor, you can see a timeline where you can range and edit your clips. On the left corner of the editor, you can see the tools panel where your recorded file is stored along with shapes, animations, effects and more. When finished, save the recorded file on your computer. Click the “Share” icon on the upper-right corner to also share it on different video sharing websites.If you’re looking for free ScreenFlow alternatives for Windows, you can consider the web-based screen recorders as most of them are free. AceThinker Free Online Screen Recorder is just such a program that can serve as the ScreenFlow replacement for PC. It allows you to record screen, save online classes, tutorials, live streaming videos, video chats, and many other activities. You can also configure your audio output by setting it as a microphone, system sound or both. With it, you will be able to record any screen activity without limitations.
Screen Flow For Mac
Step1 Download and Install the Program
To start using the tool, visit the official website of Free Online Screen Recorder and click the “Start Recording” button to initiate the tool. Wait until the recorder is launched on your pc. You can also use the “Start Recording” button below to start the recording process immediately.Start Recording
Step2 Customize Region and Start Recording
After that customize the size of the capture area either in full-screen mode, region or according to your preferred size. Then click the “Rec” button to begin the recording process.Step3 Annotate and Stop Recording
While recording you can make a real-time annotation using the “Pen” icon from the floating toolbar where you can add texts, arrows, shapes, and highlights. Here, you can also change the color of the annotations. Once you are ready to stop your recording, simply click the red “Square” button. Also, this web-based tool gives you the opportunity to have a preview of your recording. You have the option to save the file as Video file or GIF File. You can also share it to different video sharing sites.RecMe: Call recorder
If you are looking for a screen recorder like ScreenFlow for iOS devices, then RecMe: Call Recorder is your best choice on our list. This app is considered as one of the best screen recorders for iOS, because it lets users record without a time limit, for free. Also, RecMe Free Screen Recorder does not require your iOS phone to be. In fact, this app can produce HD quality record videos, which can be helpful whenever you want to record your gameplay and share it online. Moreover, you can put annotations on the recording in real-time. To know more about RecMe Free Screen Recorder, see the steps below.
Step1 Install the RecMe Free Screen Recorder app
You can start on visiting the App Store on your iOS phone. From there, search the name RecMe Free Screen Recorder to install the app on your phone.Step2 Start using the recorder
After you install the app, launch it, and click the “Record” button while playing, watching videos, or having a video call to record it automatically. A floating toolbar that you can use for pausing, putting annotations, and stopping the recording will appear when it starts.Screenflow For Mac Manual Free
Step3 End the recording process
Once you are done recording, click the “Stop” button to end it. You can watch the recorded videos by clicking the “Menu” button and select “My Recordings” to show all the recording that has been saved on your phone. Just click the video to play instantly.Screenflow For Mac Manual Pdf
Now recording screen has become quite a common thing: create instructional video, record online courses, capture live streaming videos, record webinars, etc. When making a screencast, it’s important to get an efficient tool that provides you high quality videos. ScreenFlow is one of the top screen capture programs for Mac, but it’s only available for Mac. If you’re a Windows user, you can make user of the recommended ScreenFlow Windows alternative tools according to your preferences. In this article, 5 alternatives to ScreenFlow are recommended and you can simply get one to experience the fantastic world of screen recording. If you know any other good ScreenFlow for Windows applications, please share it with us by leaving a comment below.