This guide takes you from installing Cap Desktop to sharing your first recording.
1. Install and sign in
Download Cap Desktop from cap.so/download, open the app, and sign in. See Installation for platform-specific packages and permissions.
2. Choose a recording mode
- Instant: creates a shareable Cap and uploads it as you record.
- Studio: saves a local Cap project that you can edit before exporting or sharing.
- Screenshot: captures a display, window, or selected area as a still image.
Use Instant for the fastest sharing workflow or Studio when you want to edit first.
3. Choose what to capture
Select a display, window, or area. Camera-only recording is also available. Then choose your camera, microphone, and supported audio options.
Your operating system may ask for screen, microphone, or camera permission the first time each input is used. Grant only the inputs you intend to record.
4. Record
Click Record and complete the countdown. Use the recording controls to pause, resume, restart, or stop when those actions are available for the current session.
Cap does not assign recording hotkeys by default. If you want global shortcuts, configure them in Settings > Shortcuts before relying on them. See Keyboard Shortcuts.
5. Share or export
For an Instant recording, Cap prepares the share page and finishes upload processing. Copy the returned link after it is ready.
For a Studio recording, open the local project in the editor. You can export to a file or clipboard, or create a shareable link after reviewing the result.
Public Caps can be watched in a browser without an account. Private Caps require authorized access, and password-protected Caps prompt for the password.
Manage the Cap
From Cap Desktop or the web dashboard, you can rename a Cap, change supported access settings, organize it into an organization, space, or folder, review aggregate engagement, or delete it.
Captions, transcripts, summaries, and chapters depend on the recording, processing state, plan, and organization settings. Do not assume every recording has every AI field immediately after upload.