Knowledge Base

Before you begin recording your Software Screencast, have ready whatever presentation or software you are going to show during the screencast. 

If you want to move between the presentation/ software in question and something else (e.g.: a website) then have the other elements ready, along with the software and simply switch between the two.

Most screencast tools will allow you to either record certain windows on your screen or the entire screen. Avoid recording unnecessary areas/ elements of the screen - if you are recording yourself using a website you would only need to record the browser window. 

Before recording practice going through the steps you want to show to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.

If you want to limit “ums” and “ahhs”, however, Pause the recording after each section to double-check what to do next.

All you have to focus on is recording the screencast in one clean take. If you find you're struggling with five minutes of recording, consider splitting the screencast into two halves which are easier to record. You don't have to join them together, users are quite capable of watching two screencasts rather than one. 

Ensure that there are no external sources of possible noise. Ensure your mobile phone is off, windows and doors are shut, fans and fridges are unplugged and the cat is out of the building

Do not worry too much about getting the recording 100% perfect and free of any “ums” and “ahhs”. It does not need to be perfect. It is a conversation of sorts, not an absolutely perfect recording.

Be sure to watch the recording back to make sure that there are no major elements gone wrong or left out. That said, do not worry if it is not 100% perfect. So long as the main information is there for the viewer, they will be satisfied with it.