How to Record GIFs from Screen, Webcam & More | GIF Recorder

GIF, the abbreviation of Graphics Interchange Format, is a frequently used format of image files. GIFs tell more information than static images when they are displayed as animated, soundless images that automatically loop continuously.

Since GIFs are popular on social media as memes, emoticons & more, many users want to make their own GIFs by recording screen, webcam, etc. But, how to record GIFs? What advantage does GIF have over other formats? Look for solutions in the following sections.

Why Record GIFs Instead of Videos?

The GIF files look very similar to videos without sound and the “Play” button. Also, GIF quality will be generally lower than videos. Then why record a GIF rather than a video?

• GIF files are smaller than videos. Compressed with a lossless data compression tech, GIFs are way smaller than videos, and still tell as much information as videos.
• GIFs can be edited frame by frame. It is commonly difficult for users to edit video each frame, while GIFs can be separated into layers for editing.
• GIFs are easy to make. Creating videos is time and cost-consuming with higher barriers to entry. On the contrary, GIFs are easy to create.
• GIFs are easier to spread. If you have used a screen recorder to clip on PC, you will know that small-size GIFs make it easier for short funny content to spread and go viral on the Internet. 

Then, how to record a GIF? Check the following solutions.

Method 1. Record GIFs from Screen, Webcam & Game

An easy way to record a GIF is using a GIF recorder. Here, iTop Screen Recorder perfectly meets your satisfaction. It is a full-featured screen recording utility that helps you record animated GIFs flexibly & easily.

Record a GIF from Any Source As You Like

• This screen recorder allows record any part of the screen, yourself in the webcam, as well as your gameplay. Customization settings are also available.  

Record a GIF with High Quality and No Lag

• Film a GIF of your browser, game, or any app windows without lags in the highest quality: 4K, 1080p;

Edit Your GIF Files Simply & Deeply

• Edit the screen recording GIF using the Quick Editor and Advanced Editor: adding filters, stickers, texts, effects, etc., to make it more attractive.

Not Only GIF but Also Other Formats

• Not limited to GIF, it also allows you to export your screencasting files as MP4, AVI, MKV, etc.

In the upcoming parts, you will learn how to create a GIF from a screen recording of on-screen content, webcam, and game.

How to Make a GIF from a Screen Recording Easily?

Step 1. Download and install iTop Screen Recorder.

Step 2. Before filming, set the format first. Click Settings > Format > Choose GIF from the list. Settings about Size, FPS, Quality, and Bitrate are available as well.

Step 3. Select Region/Window/choose Full Screen as you prefer > change Mouse settings > click REC to start GIF recording.

Then, you can successfully record GIFs from any part of your screen.

How to Record a GIF from a Webcam?

Recording a GIF from your webcam is also as easy as ABC. After setting the Format as GIF, come to the Webcam panel > customize your brightness and background settings > click REC to film a GIF. Recording videos with blurred background is feasible.

How to Record a GIF from a Game? 

Similarly, GIF/video recording while playing games is ready for you. With GIF format chosen, Select your game under Game panel > decide whether to activate Show HUD and System Optimization for game > click REC.

Method 2. Record a GIF from a Sketch Board

Some creative users also want to record their drawings or pen writing on a sketch board. ScreentoGIF is an ideal app to achieve this goal. It automatically records the drawings as you draw and stops when you stop to create a fluent and smooth GIF without pausing blank.

Check how to record an animated GIF from a sketch board.

Step 1. Download ScreenToGIF. Choose the suitable version according to your system and preferences. 

Step 2. Then activate Board mode > draw your sketch > Stop > Save as GIF. Before saving, you could edit frame by frame as you like. 

Method 3. Record GIFs Online with Gifcap

Apart from the advanced desktop client - iTop Screen Recorder, some users also choose online GIF recorders since they are convenient.

Gifcap can help you record animated GIFs from screen recording. It is light and easy to operate. Users who just want to film GIFs without any customized editing could check this tool.

Step 1. Go to gifcap > click Start Recording.

Step 2. Choose where to start a GIF recording: window/chrome tab/full screen Then record GIF from the screen > Download.

FAQs about GIF Recording

After learning how to record a GIF with the above 3 methods, you may still need to check some extra info. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to animated GIF image filming for you.

How do I record a high-quality GIF?

Using a professional GIF recorder will be a solution. You need to choose one that can record high-quality videos and export them in GIF format losslessly. iTop Screen Recorder is a good option because it provides advanced features for GIF recording and editing.

Using this app, you could create a GIF from screen recording, webcam recording as well as gameplay recording. In addition, editing the captured GIF is at your hand.

Can you record a GIF with sound?

No. GIF format does not cover and support sound info. If you don’t want to omit the voice/sound, consider using the Screen Recorder for Windows 10 to capture a video with the speaker and mic.

With the speaker recording on, you could also screen record protected videos with no black screen as your video collection.

How to save a video as a GIF?

You can achieve so in 2 ways. First, record video using screen recorder apps like iTop Screen Recorder, then export the captured video in a GIF format. Second, convert a video into a GIF using converter tools.

Final Words

This blog elaborated on how to record GIFs in 3 ways: first, capture a GIF from a screen/webcam/game using a professional screen recording tool; second, record animated images from a sketch board; third, use an online GIF recorder.

These tools offer different features and cater to different needs. Choose whichever that suits you best. If you want to be more creative in recording GIFs, for example, make meme GIF with screen recorder, let iTop Screen Recorder help you!