Record a browser tab

If you want Screencastify to capture only the currently browser tab, you can choose a tab recording. When you record a browser tab, you'll also be able to use all of our annotation tools. 

NOTE

Our annotation tools (draw with pen, spotlight mouse, etc.) are available for both tab and desktop recordings, however they only work on Chrome tabs.

Grant tab recording permissions

When you set up Screencastify the first time, you'll be asked to allow tab permissions. These permissions allow Screencastify to capture only the what's in your browser tab and enable the annotation tools. You'll only need to grant these permissions once. 

Screencastify never monitors or stores your browsing data.

Start a tab recording

  1. Click the extension icon to open up the Recording Control Panel
  2. Select the Browser Tab option
  3. To narrate over your recording with your microphone, enable "Microphone" and choose your audio device. The sound bar next to the microphone icon will light up if it is successfully detecting sound. If it's not, click here to troubleshoot audio issues.
  4. To embed your webcam into a corner of your recording, enable "Embed Webcam" and select your camera. 
  5. To include audio that originates from within the browser tab (i.e. a video or song), click Show more options and enable "Tab Audio".
  6. Click "Record Tab". A countdown will begin and then Screencastify will begin recording!

When Screencastify is recording, a red dot will appear in the extension's icon: screencastify-recording-icon


If you choose to embed your webcam, you can toggle the embedded webcam on and off during the recording using the webcam button in the toolbar.

When your tab recording begins, you'll see a black toolbar appear in the bottom left hand corner of your screen. These control your annotation tools.  Click here to learn more about them. 

screencastify-annotation-toolbar

End a tab recording

When you're finished recording, click the Screencastify extension icon and click the stop button. You'll then be taken to the Video Page, where you can edit and share your recording.


TIP

You can also end your recording by pressing Alt (or Option) + Shift + R.

Want to learn more? Check out the many Tutorials and Courses that Screencastify offers to up your "castify game" for you and your students!