How to capture a design review on two monitors
Capture a clear design review across two monitors. Choose what to share, include voice or system audio, and avoid recording private windows.
When a design review spans two monitors, it is easy to record the wrong display, miss a comment, or include private messages in the video. A short setup check can help you capture the relevant work and keep the recording focused.
The Screen Recorder can record a screen, a window, or a browser tab, with sound, microphone, and camera options. Check what the browser lets you share before the review starts, especially if you need both monitors visible at once.
Set up and record the review
- Open the Screen Recorder on the computer you will use for the review. The recorder does not work on phones.
- Arrange the design files, reference material, and meeting window before recording. Close private windows and notifications, and put the most important content on the display you plan to share.
- Start a screen recording and use the browser's sharing chooser to select a screen, window, or tab. If the chooser offers separate monitor entries, select the display that contains the work you need to show.
- Choose whether to include system sound, your microphone, or the camera using the recorder's available options. If you will be speaking during the review, allow microphone access when the browser asks.
- Make a brief test recording. Confirm that the selected content is readable, the pointer is visible if needed, and your voice or system sound is present. Then start the review recording.
- When the review is finished, stop the recording and check the resulting video before sharing it. Look for private content at the beginning or end, and verify that the main feedback is audible.
Many browser sharing choosers let you share one monitor at a time, rather than combining two displays into one recording. If your chooser only offers one display, move the design and any material you need to discuss onto that display, or make separate recordings for each monitor. You can also use a window or tab when the review only needs one application. For more help selecting the right source, see Screen recording captures the wrong tab.
What the recording shows
Only one monitor appears
This is usually expected when the browser shared one display. The recorder captures the source you selected, not necessarily every display connected to the computer. Check the browser's sharing chooser and select the other monitor for a new recording. If you need both monitors shown at the same time, arrange the review so its important material fits on one screen.
The recording shows an application window or tab
The browser captured just that window or tab, not the full desktop. This is useful for keeping private content off screen, but it will not show material on the other monitor. Choose a screen source if the review needs to include other apps or the desktop.
Your voice is missing
The screen may have recorded correctly while microphone access was off, the wrong input was selected, or the browser did not include the microphone. Check the recorder's microphone option and browser permission, then make another short test before the meeting.
System sound is missing
Sound capture depends on the browser, operating system, and source you share. Some sharing choosers offer a system-audio option, while others may not. Check the chooser and the recorder's sound options, then test again. If the review is mostly discussion, use a working microphone rather than relying on audio from the computer.
A window looks blank or black
Some apps or protected content may not allow capture. Try sharing the app window instead of a browser tab, or share the screen that contains it. If it still appears blank, use another permitted way to present the material and explain the issue to reviewers.
How to fix recording problems
- Choose the source again. Stop the capture and start a new one, then carefully select the intended screen, window, or tab in the browser's sharing chooser. Avoid choosing a preview or meeting window by mistake.
- Allow screen recording. On Windows 11, open Settings › Privacy & security › Screen recording and allow access for the browser if that setting is available. On macOS, open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Screen & System Audio Recording and enable the browser. The setting name can vary with the macOS version. Restart the browser after changing access.
- Allow the microphone if you need narration. In the browser's site permissions, allow microphone access for TooLab. On Windows 11, check Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone. On macOS, check System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone, then confirm that your browser is allowed.
- Check the audio source. Confirm that the microphone you want is selected in the recorder and that your computer's input level is not muted. For system sound, look for an audio-sharing option in the browser chooser. Test both sources separately if the meeting needs them.
- Reduce interruptions. Close unrelated apps, turn on a focus or do-not-disturb mode, and hide notifications before recording. This reduces distractions and helps protect information that does not belong in the review.
- Reload the page or restart the browser. If the chooser is missing, permissions do not take effect, or capture fails repeatedly, close other screen-sharing sessions and try again. Restart the computer only after the quicker checks fail.
Keep the review useful and private
Tell participants when recording begins, and follow your organization's consent and retention rules. Keep the capture as narrow as the discussion allows: a single app window is often safer than the whole desktop. If you use the camera, position it so it does not cover important design details, and check the preview before the review.
The Screen Recorder runs in your browser. The recording stays on your device, nothing you record is uploaded.
