Floating screen recording: how to capture a specific app window on a Mac

Mac Screen Recording: Easily capture windows, areas and drop-down menus

The screenshot tool (Command Shift 5) that comes with Mac systems can record full screen or selected areas, but it cannot record specific application windows separately. At this time, more powerful tools are needed to complete the task. This article will introduce several ways to help you record your Mac windows as easily as a professional.

Record the application window separately

Record a single window to avoid cluttered desktop backgrounds and create more professional and prominent images and videos. Here are some excellent screen recording applications:

Function comparison	Gifox	CleanShot X	Dropshare
Record a specific window	✓	✓	✓
Best Use	Quick recording, shortcut key operation	Advanced editing features	Quickly share files and generate URL links
Main functions	Video to GIF	Set the timer before recording	Secure links, protect file sharing
Hide features	Video speed magnification adjustment	Hide screen notifications when recording	Custom recording shortcut keys
Monthly fee	Setapp includes, starting from $9.99	Setapp includes, starting from $9.99	Setapp includes, starting from $9.99

Let's learn more about the features of each application:

Gifox: GIF production and window recording

Gifox is an excellent Mac screen recording tool that makes it easy to record specific app windows and convert them into high-quality GIFs.

1. Download and install Gifox.
2. Click the fox icon in the menu bar.
3. Select window mode.
4. Select the window and click "Record".
5. Click the fox icon in the menu bar or press Command Esc to stop recording.
6. Click on the three dots next to the recording video.
7. Select the desired format.

Gifox offers a wealth of customization options such as adjusting the cursor appearance, window shadows, recording and playback frame rates, pause duration, and more.

CleanShot X: Powerful window recording tool

CleanShot X is a powerful Mac screen recording tool that supports pause recording, making it easy to record long tutorials or feedback information. It also provides functions such as timer, CleanShot cloud storage, desktop-free icon screenshots and more.

1. Install and open CleanShot X.
2. Click the top menu bar and select "Record Screen".
3. Press the Spacebar to select the window.
4. Click "Record Video".
5. Click "Stop" to end recording.

Dropshare: Safe file sharing

Dropshare can record specific windows and share links, and supports encrypting links, setting password protection and expiration dates to ensure data security.

1. Install and open Dropshare.
2. Click the Dropshare icon in the menu bar.
3. Click "Capture Screen Recording" (round button).
4. Press the Spacebar and select the window to record from the drop-down menu.
5. Click "Record" (red round button).
6. Click the same button to stop recording.

After recording is completed, click the three dots next to the file, select "Create access restricted URL", set password, expiration date, etc.

Recording screen part area

If you only need to record a specific area of ​​the screen, you can use the following methods:

Apple Screenshot Tool: Quickly record some screens

1. Press Command Shift 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.
2. Click "Record Selected Area".
3. Drag the selection area and click "Record".
4. Click "Stop" to end recording.

The Apple screenshot tool is simple and easy to use, but the file may be large and it is impossible to record specific windows.

QuickTime Player: Alternative

QuickTime player can also record some screens, which operates similar to the Apple Screenshot Tool, but it is also impossible to record specific windows.

Capto: Screen recording with voice commentary

Capto is a more advanced screen recording tool that supports recording screen and camera videos and adds voice commentary.

1. Click the Capto icon in the menu bar.
2. Click "Record Area".

3. Drag to select the area to record.
4. Click "Record".
5. Press Shift Command Esc to stop recording.

Capto also supports recording iPhone or iPad screens.

Record drop-down menu

The Record drop-down menu allows you to quickly select and record using the "Record Selected Area" feature of the Apple Screenshot Tool.

Summarize

From macOS's own tools to third-party applications, there are a variety of ways to record your Mac screen. Choosing the right tool depends on your needs. Apple screenshot tool and QuickTime player are basic, and specific windows cannot be recorded; Gifox and CleanShot X are powerful and support professional editing; Dropshare focuses on secure sharing; Capto supports voice commentary. These tools are included in the Setapp subscription, and you can choose the one that works best for you through a seven-day free trial.

The above is the detailed content of Floating screen recording: how to capture a specific app window on a Mac. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!