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)

Select Convert/Save options from Media in VLC Main menu
Select Convert/ Save option

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

Under Capture Device tab, select Desktop as the capture mode
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.

Set the frame rate for recording
Set Frame Rate

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

Set the output profile and edit it using the edit button
Set Output Profile

Set the Video format you need and press Save.

Edit the output profile and save the modified version
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.

Provide an Output file location and Name using the Browse button for Destination File
Output file location and Name

Press the Start button, to start recording your screen.

Start recording your screen by clicking on the start button
Start Recording

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

Click on the Stop Button in Panel
Stop Recording

Or click on the stop button on VLC.

Click on Stop Button in VLC to Stop Recording
Stop Button in VLC

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

The screen recrded file shown in file manager
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.

10 Best Screen Recorders for Linux in 2023Take a look at the best screen recorders available for Linux. Learn its key features, pros, and cons.

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

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