Nowadays, having Effective tools to record and share your computer screen and webcam It has become essential in both the workplace and in education and personal life. There are many options on the Internet, but many are complicated and impractical for those seeking agility and immediate results. Loom It has emerged as an optimal solution, standing out for its simplicity and integrated features, far surpassing many free and paid alternatives. In this article, you'll discover How to record your screen and webcam with Loom, its unique advantages over other popular solutions, and all the information you need to start from scratch, along with the best alternatives in case you're looking for additional options.
What is Loom and what is it for?
Loom is a Application designed to record your computer's screen and webcam quickly and easily. It can be used in Windows, Mac, and as a Google Chrome extension, so it doesn't require large downloads or invasive installations. Loom allows you to capture your entire desktop, a specific window, or even just your webcam, and share the generated videos with a simple link. This ease of use makes it an ideal option for creating tutorials, recording virtual classes, explaining processes remotely, conveying personal or professional messages, and much more.
Plus, Loom integrates seamlessly with gmail, making it easy to share recordings via email directly from your browser. Once you're done recording, you can attach the video to the email you're writing and send it without downloading anything first.
Key advantages of Loom over other options
- Ease of use: Its interface is intuitive and accessible, both for beginners and advanced users.
- No massive downloads required: As a Chrome extension, it doesn't overload your computer or require you to install heavy software.
- Cross-platform availability: Available for both Windows and Mac, as well as iOS mobile devices.
- Variety of recording modes: Allows you to choose between recording the entire screen, just one window, just the webcam, or both at the same time.
- Instant Sharing: Generate direct links to share recorded videos, saving time and storage space.
- Quick Edit Options: Allows you to edit the title, description, and trim the beginning or end of the video from the platform itself.
- Privacy control: Decide who can see your videos: only people with the link, your team, or anyone.
- Cloud storage: The videos are stored online and can be accessed from any device.
How to install and start using Loom step by step
- Install Loom according to the device: You can do this as an extension in Google Chrome or download the desktop app from its official website . Please note that the extension only works in Chrome.
- Register or log in: You can use your Google account, Slack, or any email address. The process is quick and you'll only need to do it the first time.
- Choose recording mode: After installing Loom, an icon will appear in the extensions bar. Clicking it allows you to select from the different recording modes available (full screen, window, tab, or webcam).
- Select camera and microphone: Loom automatically detects connected devices, and you can choose which one to use for each recording, which is handy if you have multiple microphones or cameras.
- Configure advanced options: Before you begin, you can decide whether to record system sounds, mouse actions, show or hide the webcam in the form of a moving bubble, etc.
- Start recording: Press on start recordingA countdown will appear so you can prepare before recording begins.
Loom's main interface and functionalities
Loom offers three main recording modes:
- Cam Only: Record only the webcam image.
- Screen Only: Capture only the entire screen, a specific window, or a specific tab.
- Screen and Camera (Screen + Cam): It combines screen and webcam recording, displaying the latter in a movable bubble that can be placed where it is least intrusive.
Additionally, Recording quality reaches up to 720p in the free version and up to 1080p in the paid version.You can store up to 100 videos in the cloud for free, and if you're a teacher or student, Loom allows you to request a free professional plan with additional premium features.
The always-visible control menu allows you to pause, stop, or delete the recording at any time. The customizable countdown timer ensures you can prepare ahead of time before starting to record.
Once the recording is finished, Loom automatically generates a secure link. Additionally, a new tab opens where you can view, download, or edit the video, add other clips, insert emojis, and share it instantly.
Customizing and editing videos recorded with Loom
One of the most appreciated features of Loom is the ability to quickly edit recorded videos without relying on external software. From the online panel you can:
- Change the name and description of the video to improve organization and facilitate searching.
- Trim start and end to remove unwanted parts or unnecessary silences.
- Add calls to action or emojis to encourage recipient interaction.
- Choosing privacy, deciding whether the video is shared only with specific people, your entire team, with users who have the link, or publicly.
- Download the video to upload it to other platforms such as YouTube, Google Drive or your own website.
If the video does not meet your expectations, you can archive or permanently delete it from the 'Archived' section, ensuring that only the most relevant content remains accessible.
Most common Loom usage options
Loom is commonly used in:
- Education: Teachers can record virtual classes, tutorials, or explanations and share them with their students easily.
- Remote work: It facilitates communication in distributed teams, allowing you to record explanatory visual messages, technical instructions, or reports for coworkers.
- Technical support: Allows you to visually display problems, bugs, or solution instructions to clients or colleagues.
- Presentations: Recording presentations, product demonstrations, or video tutorials for YouTube channels and other platforms.
- Personal communication: Sending personalized video messages is becoming more common thanks to the ease of sharing the protected link.
Tips and best practices for recording screen and webcam with Loom
- Plan your recording: Create a script or outline to avoid repetition or hesitation and keep the viewer's attention.
- Take care of the environment and lighting: Make sure your face is well lit on the webcam, and the background is professional or neutral.
- Check the audio quality: Use an external microphone if possible, as sound quality is key to good communication.
- Use the webcam circle strategically: You can move it to any corner of the screen to avoid obscuring relevant information, especially if you're recording presentations or tutorials with text.
- Review your recording before sharing it: Use the built-in trimming options to remove pauses, errors, or unnecessary information.
Loom Compatibility and Technical Requirements
Loom mainly works as google chrome extension on Windows and Mac computers. It's not available for other browsers like Firefox or Safari (although there are iOS apps for mobile devices). You need a user account and access to your camera and microphone for it to work properly. There are also standalone desktop versions for greater control and functionality.
How to share, download, and manage your videos on Loom
- Share When you finish recording, Loom automatically generates a unique link. You can copy it and send it via email, instant messaging, or insert it into any document.
- Download: If you want to upload it to YouTube, Drive or another platform, you can download the file in . MP4 directly from the web interface.
- Edit and delete: Loom allows you to rename, archive, or delete videos according to your needs, as well as manage their organization into thematic folders.
Video management is simple and intuitive, helping you keep your recordings organized and always accessible in the cloud.
Alternatives to Loom for recording screen and webcam
If you need to explore other options, there are several alternatives to Loom with specific features that may better suit your particular needs. Below are the most notable ones along with their main features:
ManyCam
Available for both computer as well as for smartphones, ManyCam is recognized for offering special effects and virtual backgrounds in webcam recordings. In addition to recording the camera and screen, it allows you to:
- Apply visual effects in real time (drawings, figures, text, date/time, emojis…)
- Replacement of funds without the need for chroma key, useful for maintaining privacy or giving videos a professional touch.
- simulcast on platforms such as Facebook, Twitch or YouTube using RTMP configuration.
- Intuitive interface: All tools are accessible and easy to use, allowing you to customize your view and video/audio sources.
- Available for free, with paid options for premium features.
ManyCam is ideal for online classes, webinars, and live streaming with enhanced effects.
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)
OBS Studio is free, open source and cross-platform, available for Windows, Mac and Linux. It stands out for its powerful recording and live streaming system (streaming). Among its main features:
- Screen, webcam and external source recording (capture devices, images, audio sources, etc.).
- Diversity of output formats (FLV, MP4, MOV, MKV, TS, M3U8, among others).
- Advanced scene management: Allows you to create different compositions with multiple fonts and custom transitions.
- Live streaming to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, and more.
- Real-time editing and preview before publishing for professional control.
OBS Studio is the preferred choice for streamers, gamers, content creators who require Great flexibility, customization, and real-time multi-platform streaming.
Movavi Screen Recorder Studio
Movavi Screen Recorder Studio is a simple and powerful alternative to record your screen on Windows and MacHighlights include:
- Scheduled recording: You can set an alarm to start and end recording at a time of your choosing, ideal for webinars or scheduled video calls.
- Screen area selection: Record only the section you want, saving space and avoiding displaying sensitive information.
- Video quality up to HD and 4K in the premium version.
- Independent audio and video recording, as well as tools to highlight clicks and display the keyboard.
- Integrated editing: Easily trim, add effects, transitions, and export your clips.
Movavi is an easy-to-use tool for those looking for quality and convenience, with a free trial version and additional features in the paid version.
Tips for choosing the best screen and webcam recording tool
When selecting the most suitable software for recording screens and webcams, it is key to keep in mind:
- Real need: Are you looking for simplicity or advanced control over your recordings?
- Compatibility: Make sure it works on the operating system and browser you normally use.
- Storage capacity and privacy: Consider whether you need to share your videos publicly or keep them private.
- Ease of editing and exporting: The ability to crop, add titles, or add effects saves time and improves the end-user experience.
- Integrations: Check if you can easily share via email, educational platforms, or social media.
- Price: Evaluate whether the free version is sufficient for you or whether you need advanced paid features.
Each of the tools mentioned has strengths that can make it the best option depending on the case and context.
Frequently Asked Questions about Loom and Screen and Webcam Recording
- Can I record only the webcam or only the screen? Yes, Loom allows you to record only your webcam, your screen, or both at the same time by choosing the source from the pre-recording menu.
- Is it possible to use Loom in browsers other than Chrome? Currently, the official extension is only available for Google Chrome, although there are desktop versions for Windows and Mac.
- How long can videos be recorded in the free version? Loom allows you to record up to 5 minutes per video on standard free accounts. If you're a teacher or student, you can upgrade to an Education plan and remove this limit.
- Is it safe to share Loom links? Yes, only those who receive the link will be able to view the video, unless you set it to public.
- Does it allow video editing? You can trim the beginning and end of the video, edit the title and description, and add emojis or calls to action from the web platform itself.
- Where are the videos stored? All videos are stored in the Loom cloud, accessible from any device and protected by your personal account.
Screen and webcam recording is one of the most sought-after resources for teachers, content creators, remote workers, and users looking to communicate fluently in digital environments. Loom stands out for its ease of use, its integration with digital workflows, and the variety of customizable options without losing focus on simplicity. Whether recording educational classes, presentations, tutorials, or quick messages, Loom and its alternatives can be adapted to all contexts, from the immediacy of a browser extension to the advanced editing and live streaming options of other tools, adjusting to any type of user and need.
