back to list

Camtasia [at the TU]

for screen recordings (screencasts)

To produce videos for teaching purposes, such as lecture recordings, screen recordings (screencasts) are often created. This involves recording what is shown on a screen or pen tablet (presentations, software applications, sketches, calculations) along with the spoken audio.

At TU Darmstadt, the integrated recorder of the video platform Panopto or the paid software “Camtasia” is frequently used for this purpose.

Camtasia must be installed on the computer and offers not only the ability to record the screen and other video sources (e.g. presenter video) but also extensive post-production features (video editing, integration of a table of contents, quizzes, etc.).

Alternatives to Camtasia

For simpler recordings without the need for extensive post-production, there are other screencast tools available – many of which are free and web-based (no installation required).

The video content management system Panopto at TU Darmstadt also enables the recording and editing of screencast videos through its integrated recorder.

Further useful information:

Creating screencasts: required equipment & tips on technical setup
Providing recordings & videos for students

Camtasia can be installed without a licence key and tested free of charge for 30 days. The installation can later be activated with a purchased licence key.

Note:

Departments have the option (while supplies last) to obtain a free Camtasia licence (version 2021) through the E-Learning Working Group. Upon request, one licence per department is available (installation on a maximum of two devices, not for simultaneous use).
Please send licence requests to: .

Screenshot of the Camtasia user interface
Screenshot of the Camtasia user interface
  • Recording of all screen activities (presentations, software demonstrations, handwritten notes on a tablet)
  • Supports various presentation formats (PDF, Open Office, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Optional parallel recording of an additional video source (e.g. presenter video) possible
  • Extensive post-production features, such as:
    • Zoom and pan effects
    • Adding additional audio tracks
    • Separate editing of audio and video tracks
    • Inserting chapter markers to create a table of contents, as well as adding “call-outs” and “visuals”
  • Export in various formats (mp4 / m4v, swf, flv, wmv, avi, rm, mov)
  • Camtasia version available for macOS

Support materials & guides:

Guide to Camtasia

providing you with an overview of the most important aspects to help you get started with using Camtasia

How-To: Camtasia 2018 (opens in new tab)

Tips for exporting from Camtasia:

  • Short video tutorial on the most important settings in the “Share” function in Camtasia 2018
  • Important: Individual files from the Camtasia package cannot be renamed afterwards – if you notice a naming error later on, the export must be repeated with the correct name!
  • Recommended production settings for an optimal balance between file size and quality: Custom production as MP4 in 1280x720 (HD resolution), set the final encoding mode “Quality” to 50% (equivalent to 0.45 Mbit/sec), audio to 192 kbit/sec

In addition, you will find a comprehensive support section in the Moodle course “Videos in Teaching”.

Training materials for creating lecture recordings with Camtasia independently:

  • Technical setup
  • Checklists
  • Detailed guides on Camtasia, e.g. on captions or so-called “call-outs”
  • Self-test on “Recording with Camtasia” to check whether you know everything you need regarding technical components and software settings

Helpful information on recordings and video production in general:

  • Camera and audio technology
  • Glossary of terms for equipment and gear
  • Support forum for “Help, Tips & Tricks” as well as a forum for important announcements

The course is intended for student assistants and anyone involved in video production.

To the Moodle course “Videos in Teaching”

This tool can only be used on the basis of a purchased licence (after a free trial period). You can either purchase the licence yourself or obtain one from the E-Learning Group (while supplies last).

Within the scope of licensed use, the tool has been checked from a data protection perspective.

Please note that when using the quiz function in Camtasia, data is by default transmitted to TechSmith services (the software provider of Camtasia) for processing.
(See https://www.techsmith.de/datenschutz.html > “GDPR Compliance and TechSmith Products”)