Loom is a popular screen recording tool that allows users to capture and share their screen activity with others. It’s widely used for creating tutorials, product demos, and other types of video content. One of the most common questions about Loom is whether it records screen audio. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Loom’s audio recording capabilities and explore the different scenarios where it can or cannot record screen audio.
What is Loom and How Does it Work?
Before we dive into the specifics of Loom’s audio recording capabilities, let’s take a brief look at what Loom is and how it works. Loom is a cloud-based screen recording tool that allows users to capture their screen activity and share it with others. It’s available as a desktop app for Windows and macOS, as well as a Chrome extension.
To use Loom, simply download and install the app or extension, then click the record button to start capturing your screen activity. You can choose to record your entire screen, a selected area, or a specific window. Loom also allows you to add audio narration to your recordings, either by speaking into your computer’s microphone or by uploading a pre-recorded audio file.
Does Loom Record Screen Audio by Default?
By default, Loom does not record screen audio. When you start a new recording, Loom will only capture the video of your screen activity, without any audio. This is because Loom is designed to allow users to add their own audio narration to their recordings, rather than capturing the audio that’s playing on their computer.
However, there are some scenarios where Loom can record screen audio. For example, if you’re recording a video that’s playing on your computer, Loom can capture the audio of that video. Similarly, if you’re recording a video call or online meeting, Loom can capture the audio of the call.
How to Record Screen Audio with Loom
If you want to record screen audio with Loom, you’ll need to take a few extra steps. Here’s how:
- Make sure that the audio you want to record is playing on your computer. This could be a video, a video call, or any other type of audio.
- Start a new recording in Loom and select the screen area you want to capture.
- Click the “Record” button to start the recording.
- In the Loom recording settings, select the “Record System Audio” option. This will allow Loom to capture the audio that’s playing on your computer.
- Once you’ve started the recording, Loom will capture both the video of your screen activity and the audio that’s playing on your computer.
Limitations of Recording Screen Audio with Loom
While Loom can record screen audio in some scenarios, there are some limitations to be aware of. For example:
- Copyright restrictions: If you’re recording copyrighted material, such as a movie or TV show, you may not be able to record the audio. This is because Loom’s terms of service prohibit users from recording copyrighted material without permission.
- Audio quality: The quality of the audio recorded by Loom may not be as high as the original audio. This is because Loom is capturing the audio through your computer’s speakers or headphones, rather than directly from the source.
- Background noise: If you’re recording in a noisy environment, you may pick up background noise on your recording. This can be distracting and may affect the overall quality of your recording.
Alternatives to Loom for Recording Screen Audio
If you’re looking for alternative screen recording tools that can record screen audio, there are several options available. Some popular alternatives include:
- OBS Studio: A free and open-source screen recording tool that can capture both video and audio.
- Camtasia: A paid screen recording tool that can capture both video and audio, with advanced editing features.
- ScreenFlow: A paid screen recording tool for Mac that can capture both video and audio, with advanced editing features.
Comparison of Loom and Alternative Screen Recording Tools
| Feature | Loom | OBS Studio | Camtasia | ScreenFlow |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Screen recording | | | | |
| Audio recording | (limited) | | | |
| Editing features | Limited | Limited | Advanced | Advanced |
| Cost | Free/Paid | Free | Paid | Paid |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Loom can record screen audio in some scenarios, but it’s not enabled by default. To record screen audio with Loom, you’ll need to select the “Record System Audio” option in the recording settings. However, there are some limitations to be aware of, including copyright restrictions, audio quality, and background noise. If you’re looking for alternative screen recording tools that can record screen audio, there are several options available, including OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow.
Does Loom Record Screen Audio?
Loom does record screen audio, but it depends on the type of recording you are making and the device you are using. If you are recording your screen on a desktop computer, Loom can capture the audio from your computer, including any sounds that are playing through your speakers or headphones. However, if you are recording your screen on a mobile device, Loom may not be able to capture the audio from your device’s speakers.
To record screen audio on a mobile device using Loom, you may need to use a separate app or software to capture the audio and then sync it with your screen recording. Alternatively, you can use Loom’s built-in microphone to record your voice and any other external sounds, but this will not capture the audio from your device’s speakers.
How Do I Record Screen Audio with Loom?
To record screen audio with Loom, you will need to make sure that your computer or device is set up to allow Loom to access your audio. On a desktop computer, you can do this by going to your computer’s audio settings and selecting the correct input device. On a mobile device, you may need to grant Loom permission to access your device’s microphone and camera.
Once you have set up your audio settings, you can start a new recording in Loom and select the option to record your screen and audio. Loom will then capture the audio from your computer or device, along with the video of your screen. You can also adjust the audio settings in Loom to customize the quality and format of the recorded audio.
Can I Record System Audio with Loom?
Loom does allow you to record system audio on desktop computers, but this feature is not available on mobile devices. To record system audio with Loom, you will need to use the desktop version of the software and select the option to record system audio when you start a new recording.
When you record system audio with Loom, the software will capture all of the sounds that are playing through your computer’s speakers, including music, videos, and other audio. This can be useful if you want to create a tutorial or demonstration that includes audio from your computer.
Why Is My Screen Audio Not Recording with Loom?
There are several reasons why your screen audio may not be recording with Loom. One common issue is that your computer or device is not set up to allow Loom to access your audio. To fix this, you can try going to your computer’s audio settings and selecting the correct input device.
Another issue that may cause problems with screen audio recording is a conflict with other software or apps that are running on your computer or device. To fix this, you can try closing any other apps or software that may be using your audio and then restarting your recording.
Can I Record Audio from Multiple Sources with Loom?
Loom does allow you to record audio from multiple sources, but this feature is only available on desktop computers. To record audio from multiple sources, you can select the option to record system audio and also use an external microphone to record your voice or other external sounds.
When you record audio from multiple sources with Loom, the software will capture all of the audio from each source and combine it into a single audio track. This can be useful if you want to create a tutorial or demonstration that includes audio from multiple sources.
How Do I Edit My Screen Audio Recording in Loom?
Loom does allow you to edit your screen audio recordings, but the editing features are limited. You can trim the beginning and end of your recording, and you can also add captions or subtitles to your video.
To edit your screen audio recording in Loom, you can click on the “Edit” button in the Loom dashboard and then select the recording you want to edit. From there, you can use the editing tools to trim your recording, add captions or subtitles, and make other changes.
Can I Download My Screen Audio Recording from Loom?
Yes, you can download your screen audio recording from Loom. To do this, you can click on the “Share” button in the Loom dashboard and then select the option to download your recording.
When you download your screen audio recording from Loom, you can choose from a variety of formats, including MP4, MOV, and GIF. You can also choose to download just the audio from your recording, or you can download the entire video file.