How to Use ScreenPal's Webcam Test

If you plan to record yourself with ScreenPal, check your webcam first. A quick test before a real recording confirms that ScreenPal can use the camera, that the right device is selected and that the picture is good enough. ScreenPal may let you test through a camera preview in its recorder or through a browser-based page. Names and layouts can change between versions, so the steps below cover what both methods have in common.

Before you start

• A built-in or connected webcam. If it has a physical privacy shutter or an on/off switch, make sure the shutter is open and the camera is on.
• An up-to-date browser, plus the current ScreenPal recorder if you use the app.
• Other apps that might be using the camera closed, such as video call software. On some systems only one app can use the camera at a time.
• Permission to use the camera, both in your operating system and, for browser-based testing, in your browser.

ScreenPal combines a recorder that runs on your computer with online account and hosting features. Don't assume that a camera preview or test recording stays on your device. Read ScreenPal's current privacy information and your upload settings to confirm what is processed locally and what, if anything, is sent to its service.

Step-by-step instructions

• 1. Open ScreenPal and launch the recorder, or open its webcam test page in your browser if you use that option.
• 2. When your browser or operating system asks for camera permission, allow it. If you denied it before, see the troubleshooting section below.
• 3. Pick a recording mode that includes the webcam, either webcam only or screen plus webcam, so the camera preview appears.
• 4. If you have more than one camera, open the camera selector and choose the one you want. Virtual cameras from other software can also appear in this list.
• 5. Watch the live preview. Move a little to confirm the image is live, then adjust your position and framing.
• 6. Improve the lighting before you change any settings. Put the main light in front of you rather than behind you.
• 7. Make a short test recording and play it back.
• 8. When you're done, delete the test clip if you don't need it. You can revoke camera permission later in your browser's site settings or your system privacy settings.

Resolution and frame rate options depend on your camera, your computer and your ScreenPal version or plan, so some settings may be missing or named differently. Higher resolution gives a sharper image but produces larger files and puts more load on the computer. If ScreenPal lets you choose, start with a resolution your camera supports natively, then lower it only if the video stutters.

System camera permissions are in Settings > Privacy & security > Camera on Windows 11 and in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera on recent macOS versions. On macOS, each app has its own camera permission, so a browser and the ScreenPal app may each need separate approval.

Check the output

A live preview that responds to movement shows only that ScreenPal can reach the camera. The test recording is what tells you how your final video will look. Play it back and check the following:

• Correct camera: the angle and image match the device you selected.
• Orientation: many recorders mirror the preview, so check whether text or gestures appear the right way round in the recording itself.
• Sharpness: the face and background detail look clear at the resolution you chose.
• Smooth motion: choppy movement usually means a low effective frame rate.
• Exposure: the face is evenly lit, not washed out or lost in shadow.
• Audio sync: if you recorded with a microphone, lip movement matches the sound.

To see a saved file's actual resolution and frame rate, open its properties in your file manager or a media player. If you upload or share the video, the platform may compress it further, so the shared version can look different from your local test.

Common problems and next steps

• Black preview or no camera found: check camera permission at the system and browser level, close other apps that use the camera, open the privacy shutter, then reconnect the camera and restart ScreenPal or the browser.
• Permission denied by mistake: reset camera access for ScreenPal in your browser's site settings, reload the page and allow access when prompted.
• Wrong camera shown: change the selected camera in ScreenPal's camera list. If a virtual camera is chosen by default, select the physical device instead.
• Dark or grainy image: add light in front of you. In low light, many webcams lengthen exposure, which can also lower the frame rate.
• Stuttering video: close demanding apps, lower the resolution, and plug a USB camera directly into the computer instead of through a hub.
• Camera works in other apps but not in ScreenPal: update ScreenPal, confirm the ScreenPal app has its own camera permission and try again.

If the camera fails in every app, the cause is probably the device, its driver or a system setting, not ScreenPal. Check the camera in your system's device settings and install driver updates from the manufacturer. If the camera works everywhere except ScreenPal, contact ScreenPal support with your operating system, browser or app version, and a description of what the preview shows.