While Zight shines in its own right, we understand that different users have different preferences. That’s why we wanted to dig into another popular solution, Dropbox Capture, providing you with a comprehensive comparison, valuable insights, and user feedback to give you a complete picture of the benefits and strengths of Zight and Dropbox Capture. By the end, you’ll be armed to make an informed decision and select the tool that aligns perfectly with your goals. 

Let’s dive in!

Comparison chart:

Overview of Zight and Dropbox Capture

Zight: 

Zight is a simple, easy-to-use tool for Mac, Windows, Chrome, and iOS, for better communication and collaboration within teams. With Zight, users can quickly capture screenshots, record videos, create GIFs, and share instantly with a link, which empowers users to save time and be more productive in their workflows. 

Dropbox Capture: 

Dropbox Capture is a feature within the Dropbox platform designed for quick and easy screen recordings and screenshots. It offers a simple and intuitive solution for capturing and sharing content while adding context to the communication.

Screen Capture & Annotate

Zight and Dropbox Capture offer common screenshot capture capabilities, such as capturing full-screen, specific windows, or selecting a portion of your screen to capture. However, Zight takes it a step further with its additional features, including:

• Scrolling web page capture (on Chrome): Effortlessly capture an entire webpage that requires scrolling.
• Delay timer capture: Set a timer before capturing the screen, allowing users to set up the desired screen content.

Both solutions offer the option to annotate, enabling users to add clarity and further context to their screen capture, such as pointing out a web change to send to Dev Ops, or showing a customer where to go to troubleshoot their issue. Here’s a snapshot of the annotations you’ll get with Zight and Dropbox Capture:

Screen Recording & Editing

Zight’s screen recording feature caters to various user needs, from showing their full webcam (great for sending leadership updates to dispersed teams) to having the option to turn their camera off or on. With the recent Mac 8.1 release, Zight now notifies users to ensure their microphone is turned on before starting a recording, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring they don’t miss a beat. 

Key Features of Zight’s Screen Recording:

• Unlimited Recording Time (Pro/Team/Enterprise): You’ll never have to worry about running out of space or hitting recording limits!
• Multiple Recording Options: Choose from full-screen recording, specific window capture, or custom area recording for flexible usage.
• Real-time Annotation: Add annotations, text, or shapes while recording to highlight important points.
• Webcam Overlay: Record your webcam feed simultaneously with the screen recording for personalized videos.

And to put the icing on the cake, after a recording, Zight’s AI for video automatically creates titles, summaries, and automatic transcriptions in 50+ languages, making content more searchable and accessible.

Video editing comparison:

Dropbox Capture also provides screen recording functionality including:

• Choose what you want to share – tab, window, entire screen
• Turn camera and audio on/off
• Pause
• Annotate
• Trim & crop
  

When it comes to recording with your camera, the Dropbox Capture app takes it a step further, offering additional features to further enhance the user experience. You will have the option to change the camera size, add a virtual background, and touch up your appearance. Users can also add emojis such as to express a feeling (like, excitement, etc.) and comments directly in the video for further collaboration. 

GIF Recording

Record a short video as a GIF with Zight and show what you mean by sharing it with your team. You can record quick demonstrations, show a how-to, or share a brief idea with your team in a simple and easily shareable format. With Zight’s GIF recording, users have a couple of recording options:

• Record full screen (share your entire screen so your team can see what you are working on or demonstrating and don’t miss anything): Record with screen only, screen & cam, or cam only
• Select a region (perfect for choosing only the area of your screen you want to show without any distracting tabs or notifications): Record with screen only or screen & cam

“The GIF creation feature has been a game changer for us. Having something on the screen and being able to quickly convert it into a GIF for sharing or embedding into our documentation has streamlined our communication and made complex concepts more accessible.”

Draven Pasquale, Customer Success Operations Program Manager, Ujet

On the other hand, Dropbox Capture does not currently support GIF creation directly within its screen capture feature. However, the app does have the option to convert videos to GIFs, making them more concise and digestible. 

Custom Branding & Domain

At Zight, we understand the importance of branding and personalization in making your content stand out. Our users rave about the flexibility and customization options, allowing them to create truly unique experiences.

Here are some of our favorite ways teams are using Zight’s Custom Branding & Domain Options:

• Personalized Sales Outreach: Sales teams leverage our custom branding and domain options to create compelling video messages for prospects. They can add their company’s logo, colors, and even a custom call-to-action (CTA) at the end of the video, directing prospects to book a demo or take the next step in the sales process.
• Customer Engagement: Customer success managers use custom branding to deliver how-to guides and tutorials to customers. By adding a button hyperlinked to support documentation or additional resources, they enhance the customer experience and drive engagement.

With Zight, users have complete control over their branding and domain. Whether it’s adjusting the color scheme to match their brand guidelines or customizing the domain to align with their company’s identity, Zight offers the perfect amount of flexibility for personalization.

With Dropbox Capture, the app doesn’t quite hit the mark in terms of customization options. While users can add a link and name it, there are no options for customizing the coloring, position, or style. This lack of customization limits users’ ability to create branded and personalized content experiences, potentially impacting their ability to make a lasting impression on their audience.

Sharing & Protection

Ensuring the security of your shared files is essential in today’s world. While Dropbox offers some options for file access control, Zight takes it a step further with robust security features designed to give you peace of mind.

Precise Access Control: While Dropbox offers basic access control options such as sharing with anyone via a link or restricting access to team members, Zight provides greater control over who can access your files. With Zight, you can specify access permissions, from open access to password protection and invitation-only access.

Expiration Settings: Zight understands the importance of controlling file access over time. That’s why we offer customizable expiration settings, allowing you to set specific timeframes for file access. Whether it’s limiting access to a certain timeframe or after a certain number of views, Zight gives you the flexibility to tailor access to your needs.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Your privacy is our top priority. Zight’s secure file sharing ensures that your sensitive information remains protected at all times. Zight’s secure file sharing ensures that your sensitive information remains protected at all times. With file access controls, you can share content confidently, knowing that it’s safeguarded from unauthorized access.

Seamless Integration: Zight seamlessly integrates with your existing workflows, making secure file sharing effortless. Whether you’re sharing files within your team or with external collaborators on apps like Slack, Jira, or Teams, Zight’s ensures a smooth and secure sharing experience.

When it comes to secure file sharing and protection, Zight offers unparalleled peace of mind. With advanced security features, customizable access controls, and seamless integration, Zight empowers you to share files confidently, knowing that your data is safe and secure.

Analytics

Curious about the true impact of your content? Understanding the impact of your content is essential for making informed business decisions and maximizing engagement. While Dropbox offers basic viewing metrics, Zight takes it a step further with a range of analytics features that give you actionable insights into your content performance.

Zight’s Analytics Features:

• Number of Views & Notifications: With Zight, you can track how many times your content has been viewed, providing valuable insights into its reach. Additionally, Zight sends notifications when your content is viewed for the first and fifth time, keeping you informed about its engagement.
• Engagement and Viewer Insights: Zight’s Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans offer detailed analytics on viewer engagement so you have insights into who has watched your videos, the percentage of videos viewed, video completion rates, and call-to-action conversion rates. These insights help you understand audience behavior and tailor your content strategy for maximum impact.
• Measure Content Performance: Accurately measure the performance of your content and determine its ROI. Understand which content resonates most with your audience and identify areas for improvement to drive better engagement and results.
• Export Data for Further Insights: For users on the Enterprise plan, Zight offers the ability to export viewer emails and timestamps. This feature provides additional data for deeper analysis, helping you make data-driven decisions to drive business growth.

Dashboard

Providing users with a centralized space where they can efficiently manage, organize, and access their content is essential for collaboration and productivity. 

Zight’s web dashboard offers users more than just a glimpse of recent content; it provides a broad overview of their workspace. With Zight, users can effortlessly manage their content and collaborate effectively. Here’s what Zight’s web dashboard offers:

• All-Inclusive Content Overview: Access all your content with detailed information such as title, content type, date created, and the number of views.
• Organizational Tools: Easily organize and locate your content with sections like Recent, Favorites, Collections (both personal and shared), and Trash (Zight keeps deleted content for 30 days).
• Efficient Management: Conveniently manage settings for you and your team, share content, invite team members, upload files, and stay updated with notifications.
• Integrated Features: Access additional functionalities like recording a video (more limited than the desktop version) and much more.

Zight dashboard:

Moreover, viewing content from the dashboard brings even more options. Users can annotate screenshots, edit video recordings, add call-to-action buttons, apply templates, download, and control sharing and privacy settings. For video recordings, you can preview auto summaries and transcriptions and seamlessly copy/paste them into desired locations.

Content preview screen:

Dropbox Capture’s Limited Dashboard:

In contrast, Dropbox Capture’s dashboard falls short in terms of features and functionality. Users are presented with a bare-bones interface that lacks the depth and versatility of Zight’s dashboard. Here’s what Dropbox Capture offers:

• Basic Content Overview: View your content with basic details like title and date created.
• Collections: Organize your content into collections.
• Limited Features: Access settings, but without the breadth of management and organizational tools offered by Zight.

Dropbox Capture is missing key features such as Favorites, Recent, or Trash. Additionally, the lack of clarity on what happens to deleted content raises concerns about data management and recovery.

Notifications

Many of you have likely spent precious time crafting and sending emails, only to wonder if your colleagues received or even opened them – frustrating, right? With Zight, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to notifications as we notify users as soon as their content is viewed. Gone are the days of waiting anxiously for responses or wondering if your messages were received. We understand that effective communication is essential for productivity, which is why we give our users access to customize their notifications based on their preferences.

Desktop Notifications: Whether you’re on the desktop or dashboard, Zight provides flexible notification settings. From receiving alerts when your link is ready for sharing to getting important error notifications promptly, Zight ensures you stay connected and informed in real time.

Dashboard Alerts: Users can also stay updated with email notifications for important updates, track comments on their content, receive relevant marketing communications, monitor views on content, and get weekly recap summaries for an overview of your activity.

In-App Messaging: Manage in-app notifications for comments, marketing communications, and content views, ensuring you never miss a beat when it comes to collaboration.

In comparison to Zight’s notification settings, Dropbox Capture offers more limited capabilities for staying informed about your shared content.

• Notification Features: Capture Video Attachments: Users can receive notifications when someone attaches a captured video to a Dropbox file shared with them. This feature allows for basic awareness of new content additions to shared files.
• View Notifications: Users can opt to receive email notifications when someone views their capture. While this provides some level of visibility into content engagement, it lacks the depth and versatility of Zight’s notification options.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right screen capture tool is important for your productivity and workflow. Throughout this comparison, we have highlighted Zight’s superior features and capabilities while acknowledging the strengths of Dropbox Capture. Zight’s AI-powered video editing, flexible recording options, intuitive web dashboard, and secure file sharing and collaboration make it the ideal choice for users looking for an all-in-one screen capture solution.

Upgrade your screen capture and recording experience with Zight today.

Check out our Plans page for more details on all of Zight’s features.

The post Choosing the Right Tool: Zight vs. Dropbox Capture appeared first on Zight.

Still, mastering all the features that your capture app offers can sometimes take a little time. To help speed up the process, here is everything you need to know about using a capture app such as Zight.

What is a Capture App, And How Do They Work?

A capture app is a tool that lets you capture screenshots and screen recordings from your device. Along with this core functionality, capture apps also offer numerous other features to help you create customized content from your screen captures and share it with your audience. This includes features like video editing tools, the ability to choose which portion of the screen you want to record, integrations with messaging and social media platforms for easily sharing your files, and more.

Some capture apps are more advanced than others, and choosing one that will offer all the features you need is important. Leading apps such as Zight, Bandicam, and OBS Studio are known for offering an advanced assortment of features while still being user-friendly.

As for how capture apps are most commonly used, there are two primary use cases: content creation and business use. Capture apps help content creators create high-quality content from their screen recordings (such as gameplay recordings) or live stream their screen to share it with their audience in real time. Meanwhile, business professionals commonly use capture apps to create tutorials and other training programs or communicate ideas visually.

How to Use a Capture App

If you want to get started using a capture app to record and edit content from your screen, you’ll be happy to know that the process is relatively straightforward and simple! Here are the steps you can follow to get started:

1. Download and Set Up the App

Once you’ve chosen the capture app you would like to use, follow its instructions to download and initialize it. Once the app is downloaded, you must typically accept a few agreements and enter some basic information. You may also need to select a few personalization options, such as resolution settings and integrations with other apps.

2. Initiate the Capture Process

Every capture app differs regarding how you initiate a capture process, but the steps are typically simple and similar across all apps. In most cases, it’s as easy as opening up the app and clicking a single button, but if you are having issues, you can check to see if the app offers any tutorials or other onboarding instructions.

3. Choose the Appropriate Capture Mode

Once you’ve started a new capture, you’ll need to choose the capture mode you want to use. This usually means choosing between a screenshot, a screen recording, or a video recording.

A screenshot is just a static image of your screen and something everyone should already be familiar with. A screen recording captures video from your screen and audio from your device, external audio recorded via your microphone, or both depending on your settings. A video recording, meanwhile, is an external video that is recorded using your device’s camera.

Along with choosing the capture mode you want to use, you can also choose whether you want to capture your entire screen or just a specific portion of it.

4. Utilize Editing Tools Within the Capture App

Many screen capture apps will offer various tools and features that you can use to edit your content once it is captured. With Zight, for example, you can trim your video’s length, split and merge video clips, fine-tune how it looks by editing things such as contrast and saturation, and use filters to add a wide range of digital effects to your video.

Choosing a capture app with good video editing features enables you to record and edit videos within the same app, saving you a lot of time during the content creation process.

5. Save and Export Captured Content

Once you’ve got your video or screenshot looking like you want it to, you can save and export your captured content. Saving a video will convert it to an MP4 file that is stored on your device, and many capture apps also offer integrations with messaging tools and social media apps so that you can easily share your content with others.

Conclusion

Capture apps make the process of capturing and editing content from your screen easier than ever before. And while mastering all of the tools and features offered by more capable apps such as Zight can take some time, the benefits are well worth it in the end!

After choosing and downloading a capture app, be sure to explore all the app offers and experiment with its capabilities. Reviewing any onboarding materials that come with the app (such as video tutorials) can also be a big help.

Content drives almost everything online, and capture apps are a powerful tool for creating content your audience will enjoy. As the capabilities of these apps continue to advance, capture apps are poised to break down content creation barriers and make it something that anyone can easily do. With that in mind, there’s no better time to get started using a capture app than now!

The post How to Use a Capture App? appeared first on Zight.

How do Capture Apps Work?

A capture app is a tool that allows users to capture and record content displayed on their devices’ screens. This includes both still images and video content. In addition to this core functionality, a quality capture app will also offer additional features such as video editing capabilities, tools for live streaming and sharing content, and security/privacy features to keep the files you record safe from prying eyes.

Top Features to Look for in a Capture App

There are a lot of different capture apps on the market, and some are much more capable than others. To choose an app that will meet all of your screen capture needs, here are some of the top features and functionalities to look for:

Screenshots and Screen Recording

A capture app makes it easy to record videos of your screen or capture screenshots. They also allow you to select whether you want to capture your entire screen or just a specific portion of it.

Most every capture app on the market will offer these basic functionalities, so choosing a tool that makes them easy is more important. Choosing a tool that’s user-friendly can help save content creators and other professionals who regularly record their screens a lot of time.

Video Capture and Editing

A good capture app should offer the ability to capture videos (complete with audio from your mic) and advanced video editing features. In fact, this is one of the primary benefits of using a capture app instead of your computer’s built-in tools since it allows you to capture screen recordings and professionally edit them within the same tool.

With the right capture app, you perform a wide range of edits on your screen recordings via tools that are easy and intuitive to use. This includes things like cropping videos, adding annotations and subtitles, using digital effects, and more.

Live Streaming and Sharing

Some capture apps support live streaming, enabling users to broadcast their screen in real time to audiences worldwide. Whether it’s hosting a webinar, conducting a live tutorial, or streaming gameplay, there are plenty of cases where this can be useful.

Along with support for live streaming, you should also choose a capture app that makes it easy to share your pre-recorded images and videos. By choosing a capture app that offers file-sharing features and seamless integration with popular messaging and social media platforms, you can make the process of distributing the content you record much less tedious and time-consuming.

App Support and Compatibility

Capture apps are designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. They often offer cross-platform support, allowing users to capture and share content seamlessly across different devices and platforms.

Before you download a capture app, you’ll want to ensure that it is compatible with the device(s) and operating system(s) you plan to use. Choosing an app that offers wide-ranging compatibility can also help ensure that it can serve your needs both now and in the future!

App Privacy and Data Protection

Privacy and data protection are key concerns when using a capture app, especially in professional settings where sensitive information may be involved. To prevent unauthorized access, leading capture apps such as Zight prioritize security by implementing encryption protocols, access controls, and secure sharing options.

Robust privacy/security features such as this are essential for safeguarding the information you store on the app. In some cases, they are also essential for ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations. Even if you don’t plan on storing sensitive information on the app and aren’t bound by strict data security requirements, choosing an app that will ensure your recordings are only seen by the people you share them with is still a good idea.

Conclusion

Capture apps are already used prominently in both personal and professional settings. As technology advances, things like AI video editing are poised to make these tools even more capable and user-friendly.

When choosing the right capture app for your needs, be sure to prioritize features like video editing, live streaming/sharing, app support, and data protection. By choosing a leading app like Zight or OBS Studio that offers all of these key features, you can set yourself up for a positive screen capture experience!

Screen capture apps have become an invaluable tool for content creators and business professionals. To find a capture app that will help you create high-quality screen recordings with minimal effort, be sure to take your time and explore some of the many great options available!

The post What is a Capture App?  appeared first on Zight.

In this article, we’ll cover how to screen record on Windows using both built-in tools and third-party screen recording apps and how to choose the best tool for your needs!

Why Knowing How to Screen Record is Important

Screen recording tools have a range of different applications. In business settings, they can be used to help explain processes and concepts more thoroughly and efficiently. This helps managers guide and train their employees without the need for time-consuming meetings.

Screen recording software is also commonly used by content creators. Whether you’re sharing your reaction to the latest viral video or live-streaming your gameplay, the ability to screen record unlocks the potential for numerous types of content.

In addition to these common uses, other screen recording tools applications include creating software/product demonstrations, archiving webinars and other digital events, and creating educational materials such as tutorials and guides.

How to Screen Record on a Windows PC

Depending on the version of Windows you are running, you will have two different built-in tools that you can use for screen recording: the Xbox Game Bar (which is available on Windows 10 and Windows 11) and the Snipping Tool (which is available on Windows 11). Here are the steps you can follow to capture screen recordings using both of these tools:

How to Screen Record Using the Xbox Game Bar

• Open the Xbox Game Bar by pressing the “Windows key + G” on your keyboard.
• If prompted, allow the Xbox Game Bar to make changes to your device.
• Click on the “Capture” button or press the “Windows key + Alt + R” to start recording.
• To stop the recording, either click the “Stop” button in the Xbox Game Bar overlay or press “Windows key + Alt + R” again.
• Your recording will be saved to the “Captures” folder in your Videos library by default.
• You can access and manage your recordings by opening the Xbox Game Bar, clicking on the “Show all captures” button, and selecting the recording you want to view or share.

How to Screen Record Using the Windows Snipping Tool

• Open the Windows Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Windows search bar or by navigating to “Start > Windows Accessories > Snipping Tool.”
• Once the Snipping Tool is open, click on the “Mode” button and select the Snip mode you want to use.
• Click and drag to select thie area you want to record, then click “Start” on the Snipping Tool toolbar to start recording.
• Click the “Stop” button to stop recording, then click the “Share” icon to share the file with a person or app or the “Save” button to save it as an MP4 file.

What is the Best App for Screen Recording on Windows?

The Xbox Game Bar and the Snipping Tool can both be used to screen record on a Windows 11 computer. However, downloading a third-party screen recording app can provide you with many additional features and functionalities you don’t get with a built-in tool.

If you would like to use a third-party app to screen record on Windows, here are three of the best choices on the market today:

1. Zight

Zight is an AI-powered screen recording and collaboration tool that offers a long list of advanced features. This includes features such as \ customizable recording settings, webcam overlay, microphone audio recording, and the ability to export recordings in various formats. Thanks to its intuitive design and AI-assisted editing features, Zight makes creating stunning, fully customized screen recordings easy.

2. Bandicam

Bandicam is a lightweight screen recording software that captures high-quality videos of your screen, gameplay, or webcam. It offers helpful features like real-time drawing, mouse effects, and hardware acceleration for improved performance.

3. Camtasia Studio

Camtasia Studio is a powerful screen recording tool with plenty of advanced features to help users create professional-looking videos. This includes features such as screen recording, audio recording, video editing, and various effects and annotations.

Conclusion

Screen recording on a Windows PC is made much easier when you choose the right tool! With an AI-powered screen recording tool like Zight, you can get started creating professional-quality screen recordings quickly. And thanks to a broad range of powerful video editing features, you can easily make your recordings your own!

To see why ZIght is the ultimate tool on the market for capturing and editing screen recordings on Windows, be sure to download the Zight app today!

The post What is the Best App to Screen Record on Windows?   appeared first on Zight.

If you want to record and share your screen using a Mac, you have several options available. This includes built-in tools for screen recording and a wide range of third-party screen recording apps you can use. To help you get started, let’s take a look at why screen recording is an important functionality for Mac users, how to screen record on a Mac, and how to choose the best screen recording app for your needs.

Why Should You Use a Screen Recording App?

There are many different reasons why you might want to record your Mac computer’s screen. In business applications, screen recordings can be used to help explain processes and concepts to other team members, helping managers avoid unnecessary meetings and train remote employees. It’s been said before that you shouldn’t call a meeting to cover something that can be explained in an email, but there are plenty of cases where sharing a screen recording explains it even better!

Content creators often use screen recording apps as well. Whether you are putting together content for a YouTube video, hosting a live stream on Twitch, or sharing content on any other social media platform, the ability to record and share your screen unlocks a lot of new options for creating quality, engaging content.

In other cases, you may want to record your screen for your own future reference or simply share a quick video with your friends. Whatever the purpose, you’ll be happy to know that numerous tools (both built-in and third-party) make screen recording on a Mac a quick and simple process!

How to Screen Record on a Mac

Mac computers offer two built-in tools that can be used for screen recording: Screenshot and QuickTime player. Here is how to record your screen using both of these tools:

How to Screen Record Using Screenshot

To record your screen using the Screenshot tool, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Open the app you want to record or go to the screen you want to capture
2. Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard to open the Screenshot app
3. In the toolbar that appears at the bottom of the screen, you will see options for capturing a screenshot or a screen recording. Click on the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” button
4. If you selected “Record Selected Portion”, click and drag to select the area you want to record
5. Click on the “Record” button to start recording
6. To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar at the top of the screen or press Command + Control + Escape on your keyboard

How to Screen Record Using QuickTime Player

To record your screen using QuickTime player, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Open QuickTime Player. You can find it in the Applications folder or search for it using Spotlight
2. In the menu bar, click on “File” and select “New Screen Recording”
3. A small recording window will appear. Click on the red “Record” button to start recording
4. If you want to record the entire screen, click anywhere on the screen to start recording. If you want to record a specific portion of the screen, click and drag to select the area you want to record
5. Once you start recording, the recording controls will disappear. To stop recording, click the stop button in the menu bar at the top of the screen or press Command + Control + Escape on your keyboard
6. After you stop recording, QuickTime Player will open the recorded video, and you can save it to your desired location.

What is the Best App for Screen Recording on a Mac?

Along with using Mac’s built-in tools for screen recording, you can also record and share your screen using various third-party apps. These often offer additional features and functionalities that can make them well worth downloading.

A few of the best apps for screen recording on a Mac available today include:

1. Zight

Zight is an AI-powered screen recording tool that offers a litany of advanced features. This includes features such as customizable recording settings, webcam overlay, microphone audio recording, and the ability to export recordings in various formats. Zight also features an intuitive design and a user-friendly interface that is simple for anyone to use. This combination of helpful features and a user-friendly design makes Zight one of the top screen recording tools on the market today.

2. ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is another great app for screen recording on a Mac. With ScreenFlow, you can record multiple screens simultaneously, add annotations, overlays, and transitions, and even edit audio tracks. ScreenFlow is a popular choice for many content creators thanks to its video editing capabilities.

3. OBS Studio

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio is a free, open-source screen recording and live-streaming software. Despite being free to download and use, OBS Studio offers powerful editing features and advanced customization options. It has a much steeper learning curve than the other two tools on our list, but it’s still a great choice for gamers, streamers, and anyone else who requires advanced editing features.

Conclusion

With the right screen recording app, recording your Mac’s screen, editing the video, and sharing it with others is made quick and simple. If you want to get started enjoying the advanced yet user-friendly features of an AI-powered screen recording app, Zight is the perfect tool!

To see for yourself how simple Zight makes it to create fully customized screen recordings, be sure to download the Zight app today!

The post What is the Best App to Screen Record on Mac? appeared first on Zight.

In the No Instructions Podcast, host Chad Ingram has an insightful conversation with Scott Smith, CEO at Zight. Chad is a three-time founder and CEO at Distro, a platform that assists businesses in assembling teams by eliminating global borders. The interview covers Scott’s journey, the company’s rebranding, and highlights from the podcast that offer captivating glimpses into the world of startups and businesses.

Zight’s purpose and podcast highlights

Zight is an application designed to minimize workplace miscommunication. The tool allows users to record screen content or take screenshots that can be shared with colleagues for immediate clarification on specific tasks. Through fostering communication and collaboration, Zight enhances workplace happiness and productivity. The company takes pride in offering a valuable solution that saves time otherwise wasted in constant back-and-forth correspondence.

Reasons behind CloudApp’s rebranding to Zight

Scott describes mixed reactions towards the name CloudApp, with some people loving it and others, including himself, disliking it. Frequently, people mistakenly associated CloudApp with iCloud, causing confusion and even massive app installs. Several attempted solutions, such as changing the name and charging iOS users, ultimately led to a full rebrand.

About Scott Smith

Scott studied economics at Brigham Young University and was initially interested in a finance degree due to his father’s Wall Street career at Goldman Sachs. However, Scott eventually realized that neither finance nor academia was his true passion.

An internship opportunity at Instructure, led by a CEO and two PhD students, ignited Scott’s fascination with technology and startups. He decided to immerse himself in learning about and playing a role in building startups.

Entering the startup and tech world

Understanding that working in a startup offered three choices—creating a product, or selling a product—Scott acknowledged that he wasn’t suited for development by background or by interest. However, he was confident that his skills and experience were ideal for the business and sales side of the process.

Networking with the startup community, Scott met venture capitalist Dan Cook, who introduced him to various industry professionals. These connections eventually led Scott to his first startup job at Dyn, an infrastructure tech company, where he supported the organization’s growth from 30 employees and $2 million in recurring revenue to a significant market player before it was acquired by Oracle for $600m+.

Key lessons and takeaways

Scott Smith’s journey with Zight taught him the value of networking within the startup community and the importance of identifying mentors for guidance and assistance throughout the process. By persistently collaborating and working hard, Scott has managed to find ways to overcome certain challenges of building a successful tech company.

Zight’s story serves as a reflection of the intricate and promising world of startups—formulating the right idea and executing it effectively. Founders like Scott Smith contribute invaluable insights and experiences, inspiring future entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and establish their own thriving businesses.

The post Podcast: Interview with Scott Smith, CEO at Zight appeared first on Zight.

Recording is easy once you have reliable screen recording software like Zight. The thing about these training videos is they can sometimes run long, and you will still need to share the large video files without hassle – and in the least time possible.

What you need, then, is a way to generate a video URL for your recorded videos. Let’s tell you why video links are important for sharing, and how to create them for your videos.

Why Traditional Video-Sharing Methods No Longer Cut It

When you share long videos using traditional methods like email or direct downloads, you’re bound to hit some roadblocks.

For instance, you’ll struggle with file size limitations, especially with emails, which may force you to compress large video files and sacrifice quality. Then there are the bandwidth problems where uploading and downloading large videos eats up time and internet speed, not to mention gobbling up your device storage space.

Another challenge comes when trying to find that one video in a cluttered digital mess on your drive – it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, wasting precious time you don’t have. Finally, traditional methods don’t support easy feedback, and instead, make the review process a drag.

In short, sharing videos the old-school way is more hassle than it’s worth, so you need a smarter, streamlined approach. Nothing beats a URL link!

1. Record, Edit, And Easily Share Your Video File As a Link with Zight

Every second counts when you need to create and share videos. With Zight, you can easily upload or record, edit and share your video files using a unique URL link. No need to worry about file size limits or to spend time organizing your videos!

The software simplifies the screen recording process, allowing you to capture your screen, webcam, or both, with just a few clicks (or shortcuts). You can even annotate the video as you record it!

Once you finish recording, Zight automatically generates the online video link, copies the URL to your clipboard, and opens it on your default browser.

If you already have a video on your computer, open your Zight dashboard and click Upload. Then, select the video from your storage, and once it uploads, you have a video URL link for easy sharing. But before sharing, you could use Zight’s video editing features to crop, trim, split, or merge sections of the video. You can even blur sensitive information before sharing the video.

When your video is ready for sharing, use its unique URL link. Basically, you only need to click Share on Zight, then you can add your recipients or Click Get Link to copy it to your clipboard (afresh). After that, it’s just a matter of deciding your customizable sharing settings, including link expiration and viewer permissions, ensuring your content remains secure and accessible only to your intended audience.

Then, paste this link anywhere – be it an email, a messaging app, or a project management tool – allowing your recipients to view the video even if they don’t have a Zight account. They can even leave reactions ( and comments, or even edit the video – but they would need to create a Zight account for that).

You can also add all your online videos to a Collection on Zight so they are always readily available when you need them, and you can even share these collections with your colleagues for better collaboration. On Zight, each Collection has its shareable link – just paste it to recipients too, and they can view every video therein!

Record your screen with Zight and share your video instantly

record your screen and share the video link

• Install Zight for Mac, Chrome, Windows, or iOS
• Record your screen to demo your product or make a tutorial
• Share the link to your video instantly

Here are other ways you can share online videos:

2. On Social Media Platforms

Here’s how to find and share the video link of your social media videos:

• X (formerly Twitter): Find the video you want to share, play it then click the three dots on the top right. Click Share video, then Share Via, and select where to send the link
• Facebook: Click on the video to play it, then look for the Share option or directly click on the three dots for more options and click Copy link
• Instagram: When playing your Instagram video, click the paper airplane icon, then Share or Copy Link to share the video elsewhere
• TikTok: Select the video you wish to share, tap the Share button (arrow icon), and choose Copy Link to share it
• Pinterest: Click on the pin that contains the video, and you’ll find a Copy link option in the share options

3. Online Cloud Sharing Platforms

You can also upload your large video file to Google Drive or Dropbox to generate video links. To share these, click Share or Copy Link, then paste it to your recipient.

4. Video Hosting Platforms

You can upload large video files to YouTube or Vimeo. Then, to share the video link:

• YouTube: click the Share button, and then Copy the link provided. You can paste this link elsewhere
• Vimeo: On your library, locate your video, click Copy Link, then Copy Video Link and share it elsewhere

Wrapping Up

There are many ways to create a video link that you can paste anywhere for easy online viewership. But, the easiest method, yet, remains using a screen recorder like Zight. With it, you can upload or record the video, and once done, you already have a video link to copy and paste to your recipients globally. No need for bigger uploads or additional sharing software, you just get everything in one place!

The post How to Create A Shareable Video Link for Online Videos appeared first on Zight.

The latest Mac 8.1 update is here, and it sure does pack a punch. We’ve now got a bigger webcam feature, so you look crisp & clear in all your screen recordings. And, you know how sometimes you’re talking away and then realize your mic was off the whole time? It’s the worst, right? Well, we’ve got you covered with a new mic notification. As well as our ‘Restart’ recording option. Plus, for users on our free plan, you can now annotate videos & use the “highlighter” on screenshots to draw more attention to the important elements of your content. 

Download Zight for Mac

Already have Zight installed? Your app will automatically update in the coming days.

Windows 6.6: Now Faster Than Ever

Okay, Windows users, we are excited to share that the 6.6 update is a game-changer with a 600% boost in video upload speed – impressive, right? And it’s not just about speed; we’ve also beefed up the stability, performance, & security, providing a smoother & more stable experience. 

Download Zight for Windows

Annotation Updates: Enhancing Your Creativity

We’ve added even more annotation features too. Now you can add some pizzazz to your screenshots with drop shadow & text outline options. Want to go beyond the image boundary with your annotations? Done. And picking text to highlight? Easier than ever. So go ahead, make those screenshots pop, and quickly and easily share them with your team. 

iOS App Update: Fresh Look and Easy to Use

The iOS app’s got a fresh new look with the latest Zight branding, making your mobile experience even better. This update lets you capture and share screenshots & screen recordings, manage your content easily, & even record your screen with your mic on. It’s all about making things easy & fun for you.

Download Zight for iOS

Webinar | Zight Office Hours: How to Get Started with Zight

New to Zight or just need a quick refresher? Join one of our Zight Office Hours webinars. Can’t make a live session? No worries, sign up anyway & catch the replay when it fits your schedule. We’ll walk you through everything from capturing screenshots and annotating, to how to record a video and recording GIFs, file uploads and sharing, and tips & tricks to help you get the most out of Zight.

Register Now!

That’s a wrap for this update! Really hope you are as excited about these new features as we are and see how they can enhance your Zight experience. Your thoughts & feedback are important to us and we encourage you to explore our full release notes on the public roadmap and let us know what you think or what you’d love to see next.

The post Zight Product Enhancements [February Edition]: Mac 8.1, Windows 6.6, iOS App & Annotation Updates appeared first on Zight.

A video screenshot, also called a “screen grab,” is like taking a picture from a video. It’s a frozen picture of a particular moment in the video that you can save as an image. Usually, to take one, you’d have to pause the video at just the right time or snap the picture as you watch. It can be tough and needs to be done quickly, but it becomes a breeze with the right tools and a guide.

Whether a funny scene in a movie or something important in a video, you can capture it all using the best method or the basic ones. Let’s look at the easy ways to capture screenshots.

How to Take Video Screenshots

There are five ways to take video screenshots, and they include:

1. Zight- Dedicated Screenshot Tool

Why is Zight the first tool we have listed to take video screenshots? To start with it is one of the best screenshot software thanks to its easy-to-understand features for taking your screenshot and sharing it, making for an outstanding experience. Also, it allows comes with a free screen recorder and allows easy file sharing.

Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Install Zight

• Go to the official Zight website
• Search for “Zight” and download the application for your device (available for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices).
• Follow the installation instructions provided by the Zight installer.
• Once installed, launch the Zight application.

Step 2: Open the Video

Locate the video from which you want to capture a screenshot and open it using any compatible video player on your device.

Step 3: Capture the Screenshot

• Pause the video at the specific moment you want to capture as a screenshot.
• Switch to the Zight application window.
• In the Zight interface, you’ll find options for capturing screenshots. Click on the designated screenshot icon (usually labeled “Capture” or represented by a camera icon). You can capture a screenshot of any size, including your entire screen, window, or a specific area on your PC, and manipulate the image using the screenshot editor.

Step 4: Save the Screenshot

After capturing the screenshot, Zight will typically prompt you to choose a location to save the image file.

Select the desired folder or location on your device and click “Save” or “OK” to save the screenshot.

Step 5: Review and Edit (Optional)

Once saved, you can open the screenshot file using any image viewer or editing software.

Optionally, you can make edits such as cropping, resizing, or adding annotations using image editing tools. You can also add text, emojis, arrows, and shapes with the screenshot annotation tool. Also, for sensitive information, you can set a “privacy and expiration” option to control the access and expiration of your screenshots. 

Step 6: Share or Use the Screenshot

With the screenshot saved and edited (if necessary), you can now use it for various purposes such as sharing on social media, including in presentations, or embedding in documents. Zight will generate a screenshot link that you can share instantly. For instance, Zight lets you send the screenshot directly to Slack. But you can as easily share your captures in Google Docs, JIRA, Trello, Zendesk, and other online collaboration tools!

Why not start using the best screenshot tool, Zight, by signing up for free today!

2. VLC Player- Media Player

If you prefer not to use Zight, VLC player is another tool you can use to take video screenshots.

Chances are, if you’re a Windows user, you’re familiar with VLC by VideoLAN. It’s a well-known media player that has stood the test of time for good reason. In fact, VLC offers numerous hidden and cost-free features, but the one you should pay attention to in this scenario is its capability take video screenshots.

However, the software doesn’t offer anything else regarding capturing screenshots, so if you are working on complicated projects that need more features, this might not be the best solution for you.

Here’s a detailed explanation of how to take video screenshots using VLC Player:

• If you don’t already have VLC Player installed on your computer, you can download it for free from the official VLC website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
• Once VLC Player is installed, open the application on your computer.
• Use VLC Player’s interface to navigate to the video file you want to capture a screenshot from. You can do this by clicking on the “Media” menu at the top left corner of the player, then selecting “Open File” and choosing the desired video from your computer’s file system.
• Play the video in VLC Player and pause it when you want to capture it as a screenshot. You can use the player controls at the bottom of the computer screen to pause, play, rewind, or fast-forward the video to find the precise moment you’re looking for.
• Once you’ve paused the video at the desired moment, navigate to the “Video” menu at the top of the VLC Player window. From the dropdown menu, select “Take Snapshot” or simply press the shortcut key “Shift + S” (on Windows) or “Command + Alt + S” (on macOS).
• When you take a snapshot, VLC Player will capture the current frame of the video and save it as a screenshot in your computer’s default Pictures or Screenshots folder. You may also see a brief notification confirming that the snapshot has been taken.
• After capturing the screenshot, you can access it by navigating to your computer’s Pictures or Screenshots folder. The screenshot will be saved in a standard image format, such as JPEG or PNG, depending on your VLC Player settings.
• If desired, you can further edit the captured screenshot using image editing software such as Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop, or any other preferred editing tool. This allows you to crop, resize, annotate, or enhance the screenshot as needed before sharing or saving it.
• If you need to capture screenshots from different moments in the video, simply repeat the process outlined above. You can pause the video at different points and capture multiple screenshots as required.

3. Built-in Tools

Similar to capturing video screenshots on mobile phones, you can utilize shortcut keys on your computer’s keyboard to capture screenshots of videos. Both Windows and Mac systems come equipped with built-in screenshot features that allow you to capture the screen while playing a video.

These features typically involve pressing specific key combinations or using gesture controls to capture whatever is currently displayed on the screen. You can use these built-in features to capture video screenshots while watching the video on your device without additional software.

Windows 10 has a basic screenshot tool, whereas macOS has a better, more advanced one. However, if you often need to take a screenshot in a video, it is best to use a dedicated tool like Zight.

Let’s get into more detail about each built-in tool:

a). Windows Snipping Tool and Shortcuts

To access the Windows Snipping Tool, click “Start” on your desktop and search for it. Once open, click the “Mode” button to select your preferred snipping mode.

For capturing video screenshots, opt for either the Free-form Snip or Rectangular Snip and position the crosshair over the video frame you wish to capture. Your screenshot will then appear in the Snipping Tool window, allowing you to annotate it as needed. Alternatively, you can utilize Snipping Tool shortcuts for quick screenshot capture on Windows 11 and 10.

Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows)

Windows keyboard shortcuts eliminate the necessity for various video editing software to assist in capturing and editing screenshots for different purposes. The most basic method provided by Windows 10 is using the PrtScn key on the keyboard. However, it’s essential to know several variations to understand different ways of taking a video screenshot on Windows.

• Press PrtScn: Using PrtScn captures a screenshot of the entire screen. You can then save or paste it into basic editing software like Paint or Microsoft Word.
• Press Alt + PrtScn: Another way to capture a video screenshot on PC is by using Alt + PrtScn. This captures the active window and allows you to paste it into another program displaying images.
• Press Windows + Shift + S: This method is a unique way to take a screenshot on your PC. Instead of using PrtScn, this variation dims the screen and changes the mouse pointer shape. You can then select a specific area of the screen to capture, which is saved to the clipboard and can be pasted into any image editing software.
• Press Windows Key + PrtScn: This shortcut is a quicker way to save a video screenshot directly without needing additional software. It saves the image file to the “Pictures” folder on your desktop.

b). Mac System: Screenshot App and Shortcuts

If you use a MacBook, you have two options for capturing video screenshots on Mac: accessing the Screenshot app or utilizing keyboard shortcuts.

QuickTime Player is a good way to take screenshots of your video clips. Although it might take longer than keyboard shortcuts, it allows flexibility on what part of your screen to capture, renaming your file, and where you’d like to save it.

To take a screenshot of your desired video, follow the steps below:

• Open QuickTime Player
• Click File, then New Screen Recording. You can also do this with the keyboard shortcut Shift+Cmd+N
• Choose one of the options for screen-capture that best suits your needs between Capture Entire Screen, Capture Selected Window, or Capture Selected Portion
• Click the Capture button to take your screenshot
• Apply any edits in the preview window
• Fill out the info on the Save dialogue window in your desired file name, location, and format, then click Save.

Keyboard Shortcuts (MAC)

Alternatively, you can use the shortcut keys below to activate the screenshot on your Mac for a quicker video screenshot.

• Shift + Command + 3– Capture the whole Mac screen.
• Shift + Command + 4– Take a screenshot of part of the screen.
• Shift + Command + 4 + Space– Capture a window or a menu on your desktop.
• Shift + Command + 5– Open the Screenshot app and activate the Toolbar
• Shift + Command + 6– Capture the Touch Bar

4. Screen Recording Software

Another method of taking a video screenshot is to use the best screen recording software to screen record the video while it’s playing and then extract screenshots from the recorded video afterward.

Notably, this is not necessary when you have an all-in-one tool like Zight. This is because, apart from Zight being screenshot software, it serves as an all-encompassing solution for seamlessly integrating features such as screen recording, GIF creation, file sharing, annotating screenshots, editing recorded videos, or customizing call-to-action buttons to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

This method allows for more flexibility in choosing the exact moment for the screenshot but may require additional editing to extract and save the screenshot from the recorded video file.

Here’s how:

• Open the screen recording software on your device.
• Choose between recording your full screen or a selected area.
• Start recording your screen while playing the video with or without a webcam overlay for added clarity.
• Pause and resume recordings as needed
• Use the software’s editing tools to extract a screenshot from the recorded video.
• Edit, trim, and add a call-to-action button after recording.

5. Online Tools

There are several online tools available that allow you to capture screenshots directly from videos hosted online. They are accessible from any device with an internet connection and a web browser, making them a versatile option for users across different platforms. These tools typically work by entering the video’s URL and selecting the moment you want to capture.

This method is particularly useful when the video is available on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or other streaming services.

• Visit an online screen capture tool website.
• Paste the URL of the video you want to capture.
• Use the tools provided to select the specific moment in the video you want to capture.
• Follow the instructions to save the screenshot to your computer.

6. Browser Extensions

Browser extensions serve as practical tools for capturing screenshots from videos directly within your web browser. These extensions, available for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, enhance your browsing experience by providing screenshot functionality tailored to online videos. Here’s how they work:

• Install the desired browser extension from the respective browser’s extension marketplace. Users can easily find and add these extensions to their browser with a simple click.
• Once installed, navigate to the webpage containing the video you wish to capture a screenshot from. This could be a video hosting platform like YouTube, a streaming service, or any website with embedded videos.
• Activate the browser extension by clicking on its icon in its toolbar or using the designated keyboard shortcut associated with the extension. This action prepares the extension for capturing screenshots.
• With the extension activated, you’ll typically have several options for capturing the screenshot. Most extensions offer tools for selecting the specific area of the screen to capture, including the video player window. Users can capture the entire screen, a specific region, or the video player area.
• Once the screenshot is captured, users can save it directly to their computer or share it instantly from the browser extension. Some extensions may provide additional features, such as annotation tools or editing options, before saving or sharing the screenshot.
• Users can customize the settings of the browser extension to suit their preferences. This might include setting default save locations, configuring keyboard shortcuts, or adjusting image quality settings for optimal results.

Conclusion on How to Take Video Screenshots

When you’re trying to snap a moment from a video quickly, the options discussed above should be your go-to solutions. If you just want to capture simple screenshots of a video, it can be simply done using the above keyboard shortcuts available for Windows users. However, if you want to edit your screen capture and amend it for one reason or another, Zight is a good choice.

With Zight, you can grab video shots on your computer quickly, and since it’s an all-in-one platform, it provides all the tools you will need to edit your video screenshot. The best part is that none of these ways add watermarks to your screenshots.

The post How to Take Video Screenshots in 5 Easy Ways appeared first on Zight.

And you know what? Those social media users who use them are your target audience. So, why not start communicating like them, when you are communicating to them?

You see, you can use a GIF file literally anywhere now – think social media posts (social media marketing, too), your website’s self-service knowledge base, your FAQ section, blog posts, in an email, on messaging boards like Slack and Asana – you get the drift. With a GIF, you can explain a whole lot – from step-by-step instructions and to a product demo, to livening up your statistics.

In this article, I will tell you what a GIF is, why you need to use it, and show you multiple ways to create one on different devices. After reading this, you will easily incorporate GIFs into your work communication to increase engagement on all your platforms.

Let’s get started!

What Is A GIF?

A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a series of multiple images or frames compiled into a single file. They loop endlessly, providing a dynamic way to express ideas or emotions without sound.

Invented in 1987 by Steve Wilhite and his team at CompuServe, GIFs were created to display color images in a bandwidth-efficient manner, thanks to the LZW (Lempel-Ziv-Welch) compression algorithm – it reduces file sizes without losing quality. Interested in some history? Here’s the extraordinary history of GIFs since their invention!

GIFs can display up to 256 colors. While that might not sound like a lot in today’s world of 4K resolution, it’s perfect for simple graphics, logos, and yes, those hilarious memes. The LZW compression helps keep the file sizes small, making GIFs easy to share even on the slowest internet connections.

And, one of the coolest things about GIFs is how they load. They start playing as soon as enough data has been downloaded, so you don’t have to wait for the entire file to load. They also have a looping format that makes the clip endless, perfect for capturing steps and instructions.

And, you also don’t have to click Play, unlike when playing a video clip (here’s how video communication works at work as well).

Why a GIF is Important in Visual Communication?

GIFs have evolved into a crucial tool in visual communication, striking a unique balance between static images and full-motion videos. See more about more visual communication strategies you can use to network better.

GIF files encapsulate emotions, actions, or reactions in a few looping seconds, making them highly effective for conveying messages quickly and engagingly. Here’s why GIFs are indispensable in today’s digital landscape:

• Instant clarity: GIFs can break down complex ideas into digestible bits. Instead of sending a long email or setting up a meeting to provide instructions, you could use a GIF to show it in action. It’s quick, it’s clear, and let’s be honest, it’s more likely to be watched
• Effortless sharing: Whether it’s through email, social media, or messaging apps, GIFs are ridiculously easy to share
• Emotional connection: GIFs have this unique ability to convey emotions and personality. They make your message highly visible to create a deeper connection with your audience
• Attention grabbers: In a sea of static images and text, a well-placed GIF will catch the eye like nothing else
• Cultural relevance: You want to tap into the meme culture with GIFs – they are so popular now and will make your content relatable and timely. It is a way to show that you’re in tune with what’s trending
• Simplifies communication: GIF images convey messages or emotions that are hard to put into words. You can especially enjoy many benefits when you use GIFs in remote work settings!
• Boosts engagement: Using a GIF online can significantly increase engagement on social media and other platforms. They’re not just entertaining; they encourage interaction, shares, and comments

So, whether you’re a marketer trying to boost your brand, an educator making learning fun, or an engineer explaining a complex concept, GIFs can be your secret weapon.

Let’s show you how to create them below!

How to Make a GIF on Mac with Zight

Are you sold on the idea of creating GIFs for communication in the workplace? It may just be the best tool to improve your sales! But first, you need a reliable GIF creation software to get started, and I couldn’t recommend another tool besides Zight if you use a Mac.

This free GIF maker lets you create high-quality GIF files in just a few taps. Here’s how:

1. Download Zight for Mac.
2. Open the app and click GIF. Here, you can select Full Screen or Select Region. In addition, you’ll choose between recording Screen Only, Cam Only, or Screen & Cam. Screen Only is your best option when recording on-screen steps or instructions, while the latter options add a personal touch to your recording. However, you can’t record your GIf with audio.
3. When you select your screen recording preferences, click Start Recording and capture everything in 60 seconds. You can make your GIF even more communicative by adding annotations. To do so, click the annotation button from your recording menu and you can add an arrow, line, shape, pen, or highligher. Remember, since you don’t record your mic, you want to make these annotations stand out to make your GIF effective. So, pick the most stand-out color for each element, and add a timer to each!
4. When you finish recording, click the finish button and wait as your GIF uploads to the cloud. You can then easily share the GIF by just pasting the Zight link to your platform.

Easy, right? See also how you can convert video, including a YouTube video to GIF using Zight and other video-to-GIF converters!

How to Make a GIF on Windows with Zight

Have a Windows computer? You can use Zight to create GIFs in seconds, and as such, be able to communicate visually in seconds, whether it is instructions, or a view of your screen to improve team understanding and collaboration. Here’s how:

1. Download the Zight app for Windows online.
2. Launch the app on your computer and click GIF. You can also click Record, then select GIF in the menu under Recording Format.
3. Select your recording preferences between Full Screen and Select Region. In the former, you can record your Screen Ony, Screen & Cam, or Cam Only. If you Select Region, you can record Screen only and Screen & Cam.
4. Click Start Recording, and annotate as you go. You can also pause and resume your recording to prepare your content best, especially since you need to capture the GIF video in 60 seconds.
5. A Zight GIF is only 60 seconds long, and once the timer runs out, the recording will stop and your GIF will upload online. However, if you record everything within 60 seconds, you can click Finish to upload the GIF online.
6. When your GIF uploads to the cloud, you can share it easily through the URL link. Also, all your existing GIFs remain in the cloud and you can always share them easily when the need arises.

How to Make a GIF on iOS

Creating a GIF on your iOS device is simpler than you might think, and you don’t even need any additional downloads if you use the built-in features. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started:

1. Use the Shortcuts App

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for “Video to GIF” in the Gallery tab, add the shortcut, and run it from the My Shortcuts tab.
3. Choose a video from your photo library to convert into a GIF. If the video is too long, you’ll be prompted to trim it. After adjusting, tap Save.
4. Finally, tap the Share button below the preview to save the image to your device or choose a sharing method.

2. Make a GIF from a Live Photo in the Photos App

1. Capture a Live Photo with your Camera app. Ensure Live Photo mode is enabled (the icon looks like concentric circles at the top of your screen).
2. Open the Photos app, go to Albums, and select the Live Photos album.
3. Choose the Live Photo you want to turn into a GIF.
4. Swipe up on the photo, and under the “Effects” section, choose either “Loop” or “Bounce” to create your GIF.
5. Your new GIF is automatically saved in the Animated album in Photos.

3. Using GIPHY for More Creative Control

1. Download the GIPHY app from the App Store if you want additional creative options like stickers and effects.
2. Tap the Create button in the GIPHY app, allow camera access, and either record new footage or select existing footage from your camera roll.
3. Customize your GIF with various effects, and when you’re done, tap the arrow icon to share or upload your GIF.

How to Make a GIF on Android

Creating GIFs on Android devices offers several convenient methods that cater to different preferences and needs.

Here’s a breakdown of three popular ways to make a GIF on Android, including using Google Photos, third-party apps, and the unique features available on Samsung Galaxy devices.

1. Using Google Photos

Google Photos provides a straightforward way to create high-quality animated GIFs directly from your photo library. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Photos app and navigate to Library > Utilities.
2. Under Create New, select Animation.
3. Choose the photos you want to include in your GIF. You can select a series of images that, when animated, will create a looping GIF.
4. Once you’ve selected your images, tap Create at the top right. Google Photos will automatically compile the images into a GIF.

2. Using a Third-Party App

There’s a plethora of third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that offer advanced GIF creation tools. Apps like GIPHY, GIF Maker-GIF Editor, and EZGIF Maker provide a range of functionalities, from converting videos into GIFs to creating GIFs from scratch with stickers, text, and filters.

Here’s a general process for using these apps:

1. Download and install your chosen GIF creation app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and choose whether you want to create a GIF from existing images or videos, or capture new content within the app.
3. Customize your GIF using the app’s editing tools, which may include adding text, applying filters, or adjusting the speed of the animation.
4. Save the GIF to your device or share it directly from the app to social media or messaging platforms.

3. On Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung Galaxy smartphones come with a unique feature called Smart Select, available through the Edge Panel, that allows you to create GIFs directly from your screen content. Here’s how to use it:

• Enable Edge Panels by going to Settings > Display and toggling on the Edge Panels option.
• Open the Edge Panel and navigate to the Smart Select panel.
• Choose the Animation option and select the area of your screen you want to capture as a GIF.
• Start recording your GIF, and once done, you can directly save it to your gallery or share it.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, GIFs are no longer mere internet novelties, you can now use them for effective visual communication. They bridge the gap between simplicity and impact, making them invaluable for anyone looking to enhance digital interactions. From professional presentations to casual chats, they add a dynamic layer that text alone cannot achieve.

It’s the best time to get in on the action using the best GIF software. Zight is the best tool to use on Mac and Windows, allowing you to create smooth GIFs in a few clicks. And, sometimes the need to create a GIF comes at unexpected times when you’re away from the computer. If so, I have also shown you the many ways to create a GIF on your smartphone, and these will also be just as easy to share as those you create on Zight.

For now, download Zight for an easy way to record GIFs for work, in bulk, and for large audiences!

The post How to Make a GIF on Mac, Windows, iOS and Android appeared first on Zight.