Best Free Software to Record Zoom Calls

Best Free Software to Record Zoom Calls: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital age, Zoom calls have become the new normal. Whether it's for business meetings, webinars, online classes, or catching up with friends, Zoom offers convenience and ease of interaction. One often-needed feature is the ability to record these calls for future reference, replay, or sharing with others. In this article, we'll discuss the best free software to record Zoom calls and provide you with a full, easy-to-understand tutorial.

First, let's understand why you should consider using a third-party software to record Zoom calls. While Zoom does offer built-in recording features, they come with several restrictions. For example, free Zoom account users can only record meetings locally, not in the cloud, and these recordings often eat up considerable space on your computer. Hence, if you're a regular user or need HD quality videos, third-party recording software can prove helpful.

Top Free Software to Record Zoom Calls

Let's dive into the best free software offerings that can enhance your Zoom call recording experience.

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It's an excellent choice for recording Zoom meetings thanks to its versatility. It supports both Windows, Mac, and Linux.

2. ShareX

ShareX is another free, open-source program that records Zoom calls. It's a powerful tool with many features, including screen capture, file sharing, and productivity tools. Unfortunately, it only supports Windows.

3. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is an intuitive tool that allows for quick video recordings, including Zoom calls. It's available for Windows and Mac, and while the free version has ample functionality, they also offer reasonably priced upgrades for more features.

Step-By-Step Tutorial for Recording Zoom Calls With OBS Studio

Below is a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on how to record Zoom calls with OBS Studio.

Step 1: Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.

Step 2: Open OBS Studio. You will see a blank scene by default.

Step 3: Click on the '+' button under 'Sources' and add 'Display Capture.' This will capture everything on your screen.

Step 4: Resize the capture area to include your Zoom meeting.

Step 5: If you want to record audio, add an 'Audio Input Capture' source and select your microphone. You can also add 'Audio Output Capture' to record the output audio from your speakers.

Step 6: Click on 'Start Recording.' Your Zoom meeting will now be recorded till you hit 'Stop Recording.' You can then find your recorded video in the output folder.

This tutorial merely scratches the surface of OBS Studio's full potential, but it's enough to get you up and running for your recording needs.

Remember, before recording any conversation, it's crucial to obtain all participants' consent. Recording without knowledge or consent can lead to legal repercussions, a breach of trust, or other adverse consequences.

With the help of the above-listed software tools and step-by-step guide, recording Zoom calls should be a breeze. We hope this article helps you find the best Zoom recording solution that suits your needs. Happy recording!