How to Use ScreenPal: Beginner to Pro (2026 Guide)

by Fahim Joharder | Last updated Jun 28, 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every ScreenPal feature:

Getting Started — Create your account and basic setup
How to Use Screen Recorder — Record your computer screen, webcam, or both at once
How to Use Video Editor — Trim, cut, and polish any video file without leaving the app
How to Use Video & Image Hosting — Host, manage, and share videos from one private library
How to Use Screenshots — Capture anything on your computer screen in one click
How to Use Image Editor — Edit and brand images without a separate design app
How to Use Video Quizzing — Turn any video into an interactive lesson for your audience
How to Use Stories — Create short, branded story videos in minutes
How to Use Stock Library — Drop in royalty-free clips, music, and images fast
How to Use Analytics — See how your videos perform across channels

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used ScreenPal for over a year and tested every feature here.

This tutorial comes from real hands-on use, not vendor screenshots.

ScreenPal is one of the most popular free screen recorder tools you can use today.

But most people only scratch the surface of what it does.

This guide on how to use ScreenPal shows you every major feature.

Step by step, you will record your computer screen, edit, and share videos.

ScreenPal Tutorial

This complete ScreenPal tutorial walks you through every feature, from first launch to power-user tips.

ScreenPal

ScreenPal is a free screen recorder and video editor in one. Record your computer screen, webcam, or both, then edit and share videos in minutes. Try it free — no credit card needed.

TRY SCREENPAL NOW →

READ FULL REVIEW →

SCREENPAL ALTERNATIVES →

Getting Started with ScreenPal

Before any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about three minutes.

Here is a quick look at ScreenPal in action:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to the ScreenPal website and click Sign Up.

Enter your email and create a password for your ScreenPal account.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.

Step 2: Download the Desktop App

Save the WebLaunchRecorder.exe file and launch it to install the desktop app.

The first launch triggers a quick download before the recorder opens.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main recorder dashboard.

Step 3: Complete Initial Setup

Pick your microphone and webcam, then test the audio levels.

Click the red REC button to start recording and the frame will turn blue.

Use the pause button when you need a break, then stop for a finished recording.

✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Screen Recorder

Screen Recorder lets you record your computer screen, webcam, or both at once.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the recorder

Launch the desktop app and click the record button.

Step 2: Set your capture area

Drag the frame to select a region or active window, then resize.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your screen, webcam, and microphone are now captured live.

Step 3: Hit record

Click the red REC button and the frame will turn blue.

✅ Result: You have a finished recording ready to edit.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the pause button to pause and resume without splitting clips. Add narration as you record.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Video Editor

Video Editor lets you trim, cut, and polish any video file without leaving the app.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open your clip

Send a finished recording straight into the built-in video editor.

Step 2: Edit the timeline

Trim, cut, and adjust speed, then drop in transitions and overlays.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your edit video timeline shows clean cuts and synced audio.

Step 3: Add AI extras

Click the wand magic sparkles icon to generate captions and narration.

✅ Result: A finished, captioned clip ready to share.

💡 Pro Tip: Highlight the cursor and add chapters so viewers can jump between sections fast.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Video & Image Hosting

Video & Image Hosting lets you host, manage, and share videos from one private library.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Upload content

Drag a video file into your library to upload it.

Step 2: Pick a destination

Publish a video directly to YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your clip is live and the link points to the right channels.

Step 3: Grab a link

Copy the share link or get the video embedded on any page.

✅ Result: A hosted video you can manage and share anywhere.

💡 Pro Tip: Connect a YouTube account once to publish to your channels without re-logging in.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Screenshots

Screenshots lets you capture anything on your computer screen in one click.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Choose a region

Drag across the screen or grab a full active window.

Step 2: Mark it up

Add arrows, text, and overlays on top of the image.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your annotated screenshot is copied and saved.

Step 3: Save or paste

Save the images to your device or paste them into a doc.

✅ Result: A clear, marked-up image ready to share.

💡 Pro Tip: Hold the key while dragging to capture a precise area without resizing.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Image Editor

Image Editor lets you edit and brand images without a separate design app.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open an image

Pull any screenshot or upload into the image editor.

Step 2: Apply edits

Crop, blur sensitive parts, and add text overlays.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your edited image looks polished and on-brand.

Step 3: Export it

Save the finished image or create a reusable template.

✅ Result: A clean graphic you can reuse across videos.

💡 Pro Tip: Blur private data before you publish so nothing sensitive is presented to your audience.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Video Quizzing

Video Quizzing lets you turn any video into an interactive lesson for your audience.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open quizzing

Select a video and switch on interactive quizzing.

Step 2: Add questions

Drop questions at key moments in the timeline.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Questions appear at the right points during playback.

Send the link so students answer as the video plays.

✅ Result: An interactive video that tracks viewer answers.

💡 Pro Tip: Use quizzes in training so each lesson is presented with a quick knowledge check.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Stories

Stories lets you create short, branded story videos in minutes.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Start a story

Pick a template and add your clips or images.

Step 2: Style it

Apply transitions, music, and text to fit your brand.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your story video is built and ready.

Step 3: Publish

Export the finished story or share it to social.

✅ Result: A polished short clip presented for social feeds.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep stories under 60 seconds so the message lands before viewers scroll past.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Stock Library

Stock Library lets you drop in royalty-free clips, music, and images fast.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the library

Browse the built-in stock library inside the editor.

Step 2: Search assets

Find clips, images, or music by keyword.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Stock media sits on your timeline, ready to trim.

Step 3: Insert media

Drag any asset onto your timeline to create a richer video.

✅ Result: A finished video with professional b-roll added.

💡 Pro Tip: Layer light background music under narration to keep energy up without drowning out speech.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

How to Use ScreenPal Analytics

Analytics lets you see how your videos perform across channels.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open analytics

Click the analytics tab inside your account.

Step 2: Read the data

Check views, watch time, and audience drop-off.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your dashboard is displaying real viewer data.

Step 3: Act on it

Spot weak moments displaying low retention and re-edit.

✅ Result: Clear numbers showing which videos win with your audience.

💡 Pro Tip: Watch the drop-off graph to find the exact second viewers leave, then tighten that part.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

ScreenPal Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing ScreenPal for over a year, here are my best tips.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Start or stop recording	Alt + P
Pause the recorder	Alt + Shift + P
Cut on the timeline	Ctrl + X
Paste a clip	Ctrl + V

Hidden Features Most People Miss

Video settings menu: Click the screenpal icon in the upper right hand corner to open several options for any device.
Return to main menu: Hit the close icon on a tool to return to main menu without losing your work.
Canvas and chapters: Connect ScreenPal to Canvas to post a video to a course page or class discussion, and add chapters so students can navigate.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

ScreenPal Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Skipping captions

❌ Wrong: Publishing a video with no captions.

✅ Right: Add AI captions in the editor, then review them so the text is accurate.

Mistake #2: Recording the whole screen

❌ Wrong: Capturing your full computer screen when one active window is enough.

✅ Right: Select only the active window so viewers focus on what matters.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the free limit

❌ Wrong: Losing a long take to the 15-minute free cap.

✅ Right: Plan clips under 15 minutes on the free plan, or upgrade before you record.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

ScreenPal Troubleshooting

Problem: The recorder won’t launch

Cause: The WebLaunchRecorder.exe download was blocked.

Fix: Save the file again, then launch it and allow the install to complete.

Problem: Can’t access a premium feature

Cause: Your account is still on the free page.

Fix: Log out and back in so ScreenPal can manage and access your upgraded plan.

Problem: No audio in the recording

Cause: The wrong microphone was selected.

Fix: Open video settings, pick the right microphone, and record a short test.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact ScreenPal support.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

What is ScreenPal?

ScreenPal is a free screen recorder and video editor in one app.

Think of it as a record button and an editing studio bundled together.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

Screen Recorder: Record your computer screen, webcam, or both at once.
Video Editor: Trim, cut, and polish any video file without leaving the app.
Video & Image Hosting: Host, manage, and share videos from one private library.
Screenshots: Capture anything on your computer screen in one click.
Image Editor: Edit and brand images without a separate design app.
Video Quizzing: Turn any video into an interactive lesson for your audience.
Stories: Create short, branded story videos in minutes.
Stock Library: Drop in royalty-free clips, music, and images fast.
Analytics: See how your videos perform across channels.

ScreenPal is formerly Screencast-O-Matic, rebranded in 2022.

The old Screencast-O-Matic logo was retired and replaced by the ScreenPal icon.

Your videos, account, and Canvas integration all carried over, plus AI captions and a mobile app.

For a full review, see our ScreenPal review.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

ScreenPal Pricing

Here’s what ScreenPal costs in 2026:

Plan	Price	Best For
Solo Delux EDU	$2.25/month	Students and solo teachers
Team Education	$3/month	Departments and small teams
Solo Max EDU	$4.50/month	Heavy users wanting every AI tool

Free version: Yes — record and edit with a 15-minute limit per clip.

Money-back guarantee: Cancel anytime; refunds follow ScreenPal’s policy.

💰 Best Value: Solo Max EDU — every AI feature for under five dollars a month.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

ScreenPal vs Alternatives

How does ScreenPal compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Tool	Best For	Price	Rating
ScreenPal	All-in-one record + edit	from $3/mo	⭐ 4.0
Loom	Quick async clips	from $15/mo	⭐ 4.5
Camtasia	Deep desktop editing	from $15/mo	⭐ 4.4
Snagit	Screenshots + capture	from $5/mo	⭐ 4.6
Descript	Transcript-based editing	from $12/mo	⭐ 4.3
Movavi	Budget record + edit	from $8/mo	⭐ 4.2
Wistia	Video hosting + analytics	from $19/mo	⭐ 4.4

Quick picks:

Best overall: ScreenPal — record, edit, host, and share videos in one place.
Best budget: Movavi — a cheap screen recorder bundled with a video editor.
Best for beginners: Loom — the fastest way to send a quick screen clip.
Best for hosting: Wistia — business video hosting with deep analytics.

🎯 ScreenPal Alternatives

Looking for ScreenPal alternatives? Here are the top options:

🚀 Tella: Browser screen recorder with slick auto-zoom and backgrounds.
🧠 Guidde: AI tool that builds step-by-step how-to videos from clicks.
📡 Streamyard: Live streaming studio for webinars and multi-guest shows.
📝 Notta: Records and transcribes meetings into searchable text.
🎨 Wondershare: DemoCreator pairs screen recording with heavier video editing.
✂️ Snagit: Snappy screen capture and annotation for quick how-to images.
🔓 EaseUs: RecExperts captures screen, webcam, and audio with no time limit.
💰 Movavi: Budget screen recorder bundled with a full video editor.
🎬 Animoto: Drag-and-drop builder for short marketing and social videos.
🗣️ Descript: Edits video by editing the transcript, like a doc.
⚡ Loom: Fast async screen messages with instant share links.
🍎 Screenflow: Mac-only recorder with a deep, pro-grade video editor.
🏢 Camtasia: Desktop app blending screen capture with rich editing tools.
📊 Wistia: Business video hosting with marketing analytics built in.

For the full list, see our ScreenPal alternatives guide.

⚔️ ScreenPal Compared

Here’s how ScreenPal stacks up against each competitor:

ScreenPal vs Tella: ScreenPal wins on editing depth; Tella looks slicker for talking-head clips.
ScreenPal vs Guidde: Guidde automates doc-style guides; ScreenPal gives you a real video editor.
ScreenPal vs Streamyard: Streamyard owns live streaming; ScreenPal is the better recorder and editor.
ScreenPal vs Notta: Notta is built for transcription; ScreenPal records and edits actual video.
ScreenPal vs Wondershare: Wondershare offers more effects; ScreenPal is faster and cheaper to learn.
ScreenPal vs Snagit: Snagit leads on screenshots; ScreenPal beats it for full video work.
ScreenPal vs EaseUs: EaseUs removes time limits free; ScreenPal hosts and shares videos better.
ScreenPal vs Movavi: Movavi is cheap and capable; ScreenPal adds hosting and quizzing.
ScreenPal vs Animoto: Animoto suits marketers; ScreenPal suits screen recording and tutorials.
ScreenPal vs Descript: Descript edits by transcript; ScreenPal is simpler for quick screen captures.
ScreenPal vs Loom: Loom is faster for async clips; ScreenPal gives deeper editing and hosting.
ScreenPal vs Screenflow: Screenflow is Mac-only and pricier; ScreenPal runs everywhere for less.
ScreenPal vs Camtasia: Camtasia costs far more; ScreenPal covers most needs at a fraction.
ScreenPal vs Wistia: Wistia leads on hosting analytics; ScreenPal bundles recording and editing too.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

Start Using ScreenPal Now

You learned how to use every major ScreenPal feature:

✅ Screen Recorder
✅ Video Editor
✅ Video & Image Hosting
✅ Screenshots
✅ Image Editor
✅ Video Quizzing
✅ Stories
✅ Stock Library
✅ Analytics

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with the screen recorder.

It takes less than five minutes.

TRY ScreenPal FOR FREE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ScreenPal used for?

ScreenPal is a free screen recorder and video editor. You record your computer screen, webcam, or both, then edit and share videos for tutorials, lessons, or demos.

Is ScreenPal free?

Yes. The free plan lets you record and edit video with a 15-minute limit per clip. Paid plans remove the limit and unlock AI captions and hosting.

Is ScreenPal safe?

Yes. ScreenPal offers secure online backup, private sharing controls, and you choose who can access each video. Your recordings stay private until you publish them.

What happened to Screencast-O-Matic?

Screencast-O-Matic was rebranded as ScreenPal in 2022. The old Screencast-O-Matic logo changed, but your account, videos, and the screen recorder all carried over.

How much does ScreenPal cost?

ScreenPal EDU plans start at $2.25/month for Solo Delux EDU, $4.50/month for Solo Max EDU, and $3/month for Team Education. A free version is also available.