How to record voice narration for a process clip

A process clip is easier to follow when viewers can hear what you are doing and why. But if the narration is too quiet, the wrong screen is shared, or a notification reveals private information, you may need to record it again.

Use the Screen Recorder to capture a screen, window, or browser tab with your microphone and sound. A few checks before you start can make the recording clearer and save editing time later.

Record your process with narration

1. Open the Screen Recorder on a computer. It does not work on phones. Decide which application or steps you need to show before choosing what to capture.
2. Choose whether to share a screen, window, or tab. When the browser asks what to share, select the smallest area that shows the process. A single window or tab can keep unrelated files and notifications out of view.
3. Turn on microphone recording and choose the microphone you plan to use, if the recorder offers a choice. Enable sound as well if viewers need to hear audio from the computer, such as a confirmation tone or a clip being edited.
4. Make a short test recording. Say a sentence at your usual speaking volume, then pause and perform one step on screen. Check that your voice is clear and that the important actions are visible.
5. Start the full recording and explain each action as you perform it. Name the screen or control before using it, and leave a brief pause after important changes so viewers can see the result.
6. Stop the recording when the walkthrough is complete, then review the beginning, a middle section, and the ending. Use the recorder's available playback and save options to keep the clip you want.

For a longer sequence, record one task at a time instead of trying to deliver a perfect uninterrupted narration. A short pause between steps also gives you room to trim a mistake without cutting off an explanation.

Choose the right capture and audio

Share one window or tab

Choose a window or tab when the process stays in one application. This limits what viewers can see and helps keep the clip focused. If the steps move between applications, share the full screen, but close private windows first.

Use the microphone for your explanation

The microphone records your voice. It is separate from sound coming from the computer, so a recording can include narration but no application audio, or application audio but no narration. If both matter, check both options in the recorder before you begin.

Keep the camera optional

A camera view can make a demonstration feel more personal, but it is not needed for most process documentation. Leave it off if the viewer needs to focus on small controls or if you do not want your face or surroundings in the clip.

Speak to the action, not every movement

Explain choices that may not be obvious, such as why you select a particular setting or what a successful result looks like. You usually do not need to narrate every cursor movement. Keep sentences short, and wait for menus or pages to finish loading before describing what appears.

Fix voice or capture problems

1. Allow microphone access. If the browser asks for microphone permission, choose Allow. If you previously blocked it, open the site permissions from the icon beside the address bar, allow microphone access, and reload the page.
2. Check the system microphone permission. In Windows 11, open Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone and turn on microphone access and access for desktop apps. On macOS, open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone and allow your browser.
3. Select the right input. In Windows 11, open Settings › System › Sound and check the selected device under Input. On macOS, open System Settings › Sound › Input. Speak and check that the input level responds.
4. Move the microphone closer. A headset or desk microphone placed several feet away can sound quiet and echoey. Keep it a few inches from your mouth, slightly to the side, and speak at a steady distance.
5. Close apps that may be using the microphone. Quit video-call, recording, or voice-chat apps, then test again. If you are unsure whether the microphone itself is working, use the Microphone Test to check its input level and make a short recording.
6. Allow screen capture on a Mac. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security and check the browser's permission under Screen Recording. On some macOS versions, the section may also mention system audio. Close and reopen the browser after changing the permission.
7. Reconnect the microphone. Unplug a USB microphone and connect it again, preferably directly to the computer instead of through a hub. For a wireless headset, check its charge and reconnect it before recording.

Make the clip easier to review

Before recording, close unrelated tabs and documents, silence notifications, and move sensitive information out of the shared area. If a task includes customer or account details, use sample data instead. A recording can show information that is difficult to remove cleanly later.

Keep the cursor still when you are explaining a result, and avoid clicking ahead while a page is loading. If the process includes a long wait, stop and record that section separately or explain what the viewer should expect. This keeps the clip moving without hiding a step.

The Screen Recorder runs in your browser. Nothing you record is uploaded, so review the saved clip on your device before sharing it with anyone.