How to Record Audio, Video and Your Screen with VLC

VLC is famous for playing videos, but it can also record. You can capture a stream you are playing, record your Windows desktop, use your webcam or record your voice. Many people do not know where these tools are hidden.

This guide follows the VLC 3.0 desktop manual. If you are new to VLC, start with our VLC Media Player guide.

Sources and accuracy

Menu paths and steps come from the official VideoLAN manual pages on recording (what you are playing, audio and video), read in October 2026. The manual does not list supported frame rates, output formats beyond the Profile menu, or file size limits, so we do not state any. Only record things you have the right to record.

Record what you are playing

1. Open the video or audio in VLC.
2. Click View > Advanced Controls. This shows an extra toolbar above the normal playback controls with the Record button.
3. Click Record to start. Click it again to stop. You can also stop by clicking the Stop button.

The manual says the file is saved in your default videos or music folder with a name like vlc-record-Date-Time-Channel-Track.extension.

Change the recordings folder

1. Press Ctrl + P or click Tools > Preferences.
2. Choose Input / Codecs.
3. Under Files, click Browse and choose a folder.
4. Click Save.

Record your desktop (screen)

1. Click Media > Open Capture Device (or press Ctrl + C).
2. Under Capture mode, choose Desktop.
3. Under Options, set a frame rate.
4. Click the small arrow next to the Play button and choose Convert (or press Alt + O).
5. Under Profile, choose an output format.
6. Click Browse and choose where to save the file.
7. Click Start.
8. When you finish, click the Stop button. The video is saved in the destination you chose.

Note: the manual's desktop steps do not mention capturing sound. If you need audio with your screen recording, make a short test first and check the result.

Record your webcam

1. Click Media > Open Capture Device (or Ctrl + C).
2. Under Capture mode, choose DirectShow.
3. Click the arrow next to Play and choose Convert (or Alt + O).
4. Under Profile, choose your output format.
5. Click Browse to choose a save location.
6. Click Start, and click Stop when you are done.

The manual does not explain how to choose a specific camera if you have more than one, so check the device options on the capture screen.

Record your microphone

1. Click Media > Open Capture Device (or Ctrl + C).
2. Under Capture mode, choose DirectShow.
3. In Audio device name, choose your microphone.
4. Click the arrow next to Play and choose Convert (or Alt + O).
5. Under Profile, choose an audio format.
6. Click Browse to choose a save location.
7. Click Start, and Stop when you finish.

The manual lists the same DirectShow steps under both Windows and macOS headings, so confirm the steps on your own system if you do not use Windows.

Record audio that VLC is playing

VLC can record any audio that it can play. Use the Record button as shown at the start of this guide.

Tips for better results

• Test first. Record ten seconds and play it back to check picture and sound.
• Close other programs to reduce the chance of slow or choppy recordings.
• Choose a profile carefully. The profile decides the file format. If you are not sure, start with a common video or audio profile and check that your other devices can play it.
• Check your free disk space before long recordings.
• Name and save your files in a folder you can find easily.

Common problems

I cannot find the Record button. Turn on View > Advanced Controls.

The recording is empty or has no sound. Check that you chose the right capture device and audio device, and test with a short recording. The manual does not describe desktop audio capture, so a screen recording may not include system sound.

The video looks choppy. Try a lower frame rate in the capture options and close other apps.

I cannot find my recording. Check the folder you chose in Browse, or the default videos or music folder for Record button recordings.

Frequently asked questions

Can VLC record my screen? Yes, with Media > Open Capture Device and the Desktop capture mode, followed by Convert.

Can VLC record a webcam? Yes, using the DirectShow capture mode, according to the manual.

Can VLC record streams from any website? The Record button records what VLC plays, but you must respect copyright and the terms of the service.

Is VLC a full screen recorder? It can do basic recordings, but dedicated recorders offer more options. VLC is useful when you already have it installed.

Official links

• VLC manual: recording what you are playing
• VLC manual: how to record video
• VLC manual: how to record audio

Conclusion

For quick jobs, VLC can record a stream, your screen, a webcam or your voice. Remember the Advanced Controls toolbar, and use Open Capture Device plus Convert for everything else. Test with a short clip first.

Sources checked: VideoLAN's VLC 3.0 desktop manual, recording pages (October 2026).