Display and window capture
Choose the monitor or refresh the window list in the capture panel. Window capture helps narrow the scene, but test dialogs and menus: separate windows may not be included.
Capture · explain · edit
Help viewers follow
what happens on screen.
CapTrik brings display and window recording, cursor effects, and a timeline editor into one desktop application. It is intended for people explaining software: teachers, support teams, and product makers.
Features described here are present in the source. Installer availability and operating system validation are listed separately on the download page.
The recording workflow
From a selected window to a saved video
This walkthrough explains the controls implemented in CapTrik. Start with a short test before recording a full lesson.
1. Choose the source
Select Full screen (display) or Specific window. Confirm the monitor and preview; turn microphone or system audio on only if needed.
2. Record a task
Use Record, then the floating pause/stop controls. Stop also has a Command/Ctrl + Shift + S shortcut. Keep the target window visible.
3. Review the timeline
After Stop, scrub the clip, adjust the beginning and end, and review zoom segments. Check that viewers can still see the result of each action.
4. Export and verify
Choose output quality and format, select Export, then save the file. Open it in another player to check picture, sound, timing and format.
Controls with a practical purpose
Cursor and click effects
Enable click zoom, smooth cursor or click effects in the left panel. Adjust pointer color and size in Cursor settings. Global clicks require the native hook; the app reports its availability.
Trim and zoom
Set the start and end of the clip and adjust zoom spans on the timeline. Keep enough time around each click for viewers to identify the control. This is not a claim of a full production suite.
Frame and background
Use Background and Shape panels for colors, gradients, images, padding, corners and aspect ratio. Keep padding modest when text is small; a larger output cannot restore missing source detail.
Video layers
Import video files, select layers and adjust their placement. Import acceptance depends on the runtime's decoder, not just a filename extension. Check each layer in the exported file.
WebM and conditional MP4
WebM is the default export. MP4 depends on runtime encoder support and can fall back to WebM. The quality menu offers 720p, 1080p and 4K settings; these are options, not performance guarantees.
Read current limitations before choosing a workflow.
Installation starts with a verified build
Windows installer and portable targets and separate Intel/Apple Silicon macOS targets exist in the project. Only verified public artifacts belong on the download page. The guide explains permissions, first-run checks, and removal.
Make the recording useful
Record on Windows 11
A built-in recording route, privacy preparation, and a first-file check.
Build a software tutorial
Turn a learner’s task into a script, capture plan and review checklist.
Choose MP4 or WebM
Understand containers, codec support and why renaming a file is not conversion.
Questions before you record
Can I download a Windows or macOS build?
Check Download status for verified installers. The source has Windows x64 and separate macOS x64/arm64 build targets, but a configured target does not establish public availability or tested operating system requirements.
Does MP4 export work on every computer?
No. WebM is the default. MP4 is attempted when the runtime reports codec support; otherwise export falls back to WebM. Test the saved video in its intended player before sharing.
Why are clicks or system audio missing?
Click effects depend on a native mouse hook and, on macOS, Accessibility permission. System audio can fall back to video-only capture. Make a short test recording with sound before a full session.
Does CapTrik upload my recordings?
The inspected capture and export code uses local media streams and a local save dialog, with no recording upload endpoint. The desktop interface requests Google Fonts, so this is not a promise of no network connections. See Privacy.
Can I recover an unsaved editing session?
Do not rely on recovery. The editor holds media and editing state in memory; a persistent project-save workflow was not verified. Export and check your file before closing.