Limelight

Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the terms behind screen presenting, recording, and on-screen annotation — so you always know what a cursor highlight, keystroke overlay, or telestrator actually is.

• 4K Video Recording / Resolution4K recording captures video at roughly 3840 by 2160 pixels, about four times the detail of 1080p.
• Do Not Disturb / Focus (macOS)Do Not Disturb is a macOS Focus mode that suppresses notifications so alerts never interrupt or appear in your recordings.
• Explainer VideoAn explainer video is a short, focused clip that clearly demonstrates how a product, concept, or workflow works.
• Full-Screen RecordingFull-screen recording captures an entire display edge to edge, versus region capture, which records only a chosen portion.
• GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)A GIF is an image format that can store multiple frames to create short, silent, looping animations.
• Hardware-Accelerated Video Encoding/DecodingHardware acceleration offloads video encoding and decoding to dedicated media engines for faster, more power-efficient performance.
• Jump Cut (Editing)A jump cut removes a segment from within a continuous shot, producing an abrupt leap forward in time.
• Keyframe (Animation)A keyframe defines a property's value at a moment in time, and software smoothly interpolates the values between keyframes.
• Lossless Video RecordingLossless recording captures video using compression that preserves every pixel of the original source without quality loss.
• Lower Third (On-Screen Graphic)A lower third is a text or graphic overlay placed in the bottom area of the video frame to convey names, titles, or context.
• MOV (QuickTime File Format)MOV is Apple's QuickTime container format for storing high-quality video, audio, and timed metadata in a single file.
• MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14)MP4 is a standard multimedia container format that packages compressed video and audio into one broadly compatible file.
• Ripple Delete (Editing)Ripple delete removes a segment from the timeline and automatically shifts everything after it to close the gap.
• Voiceover / NarrationA voiceover is spoken narration laid over video by an unseen speaker to explain or guide the visuals.
• What are Modifier KeysModifier keys are keys such as Command, Option, Control, and Shift that change the behavior of other keys, combining with them to form keyboard shortcuts.
• What Are On-Screen KeystrokesOn-screen keystrokes are the visual representation of keyboard input — displayed as overlay badges on screen during a recording — that make every key press visible and readable to viewers watching a tutorial or demo.
• What are Online Teaching ToolsOnline teaching tools are the software educators use to deliver lessons remotely, spanning video conferencing, whiteboards, quizzes, and annotation utilities.
• What Are Screen Recording TipsScreen recording tips are best practices that improve the clarity, professionalism, and usability of captured screen videos — from preparation steps before recording to settings and editing habits after.
• What does Annotate Over Apps meanTo annotate over apps is to draw or mark on a transparent layer that sits above any running application, so your marks appear on top of whatever is on screen.
• What Is 9:16 Video FormatThe 9:16 aspect ratio is the vertical video standard for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts — nine units wide by sixteen tall, perfectly filling a held phone screen.
• What Is a Bug Report RecordingA bug report recording is a screen capture that shows a software bug occurring in real time, giving developers the exact visual context needed to reproduce and diagnose the issue.
• a CalloutA callout is an on-screen annotation, often an arrow, label, shape, or box, that points to a specific element and draws attention to it.
• What Is a Changelog VideoA changelog video is a short screen recording that accompanies a software release, showing users what changed, what was added, or what was fixed — as a visual complement to written release notes.
• a Click AnimationA click animation is a short on-screen effect, like an expanding ring or ripple, that appears where you click so viewers can see mouse presses.
• What Is a Click IndicatorA click indicator is any on-screen visual marker — ring, ripple, flash, or dot — that appears at the location of a mouse click during screen recording to make the click event visible to the viewer.
• a Click-Through DemoA click-through demo is a guided, clickable simulation of a product that lets users experience its key flows by clicking through predefined steps.
• What Is a Cursor Click EffectA cursor click effect is a visual animation — typically a ripple, ring, or highlight — that appears at the exact point where the mouse is clicked during a screen recording, making interactions immediately visible to viewers.
• a Cursor LoupeA cursor loupe is a magnifying lens that follows the mouse pointer, enlarging the screen area directly beneath it for closer inspection.
• a Cursor RingA cursor ring is a circular outline or halo drawn around the mouse pointer that highlights its position and moves with it across the screen.
• a Cursor SpotlightA cursor spotlight is a glowing region of emphasis that travels with your mouse pointer, making it easy to follow on a shared or recorded screen.
• What Is a Demo RecordingA demo recording is a video that walks through a software product or feature in action, captured as a shareable file that can be viewed without a live presenter.
• a Demo VideoA demo video is a short, pre-recorded video that shows a product in action to explain how it works and why it matters.
• a Digital WhiteboardA digital whiteboard is an on-screen canvas where you can draw, write, and sketch with a mouse, trackpad, or stylus, much like a physical whiteboard.
• a Digital WhiteboardA digital whiteboard is a software canvas for sketching, writing, and arranging notes and media, frequently with infinite space and live collaboration.
• What Is a Documentation VideoA documentation video is a screen recording created to explain a technical process or product feature for permanent reference, intended to be rewatched and linked from written documentation or help centers.
• a Follow-Cursor HighlightA follow-cursor highlight is a glow, ring, or circle that stays locked to the mouse pointer and moves with it, keeping the cursor easy to spot at all times.
• a Global HotkeyA global hotkey is a keyboard shortcut that works across the whole system, triggering an action no matter which app is currently in focus.
• a Green ScreenA green screen is a uniformly colored backdrop, usually bright green, that lets chroma key software replace the background behind a subject.
• a Highlight BoxA highlight box is a drawn rectangle or outlined shape placed around a region of the screen to frame and emphasize the content inside it.
• What Is a How-To VideoA how-to video is an instructional recording that teaches a viewer to perform a specific, well-defined task, typically by demonstrating the steps in sequence with narration or on-screen text guidance.
• What Is a Keystroke OverlayA keystroke overlay is a transparent visual layer rendered on top of screen recording content that displays keyboard key presses as badges or labels in real time, giving viewers a complete picture of keyboard-driven interactions.
• What Is a Mac Screen RecorderA Mac screen recorder is an application that captures what is displayed on a Mac screen and saves it as a video file, ranging from Apple's built-in Screenshot toolbar to feature-rich third-party tools.
• a macOS OverlayA macOS overlay is a transparent layer drawn on top of your other apps, used to add highlights, annotations, or information without changing them.
• a Markup ToolA markup tool lets you add visual marks such as lines, arrows, shapes, or highlights over content to point out details or explain ideas.
• a Menu Bar AppA menu bar app is a macOS application that lives in the menu bar at the top of the screen, giving quick access to its features without a full window.
• What Is a Menu Bar AppA menu bar app is a macOS application that resides in the system menu bar — the strip across the top of the screen — rather than appearing as a window or Dock icon during normal use.
• a Mouse PointerA mouse pointer is the small on-screen arrow, or cursor, that moves as you move your mouse or trackpad and marks where clicks will land.
• a Mouse SpotlightA mouse spotlight is a focused circle of light around your pointer that dims or de-emphasizes the surrounding screen so attention lands on the cursor.
• a Mouse TrailA mouse trail is an on-screen effect that draws a fading line or series of ghost pointers behind the cursor as it moves, tracing its recent path.
• a Notarized AppA notarized app is a macOS app that Apple has scanned and approved for malware, so Gatekeeper recognizes it as safe to run.
• a Pointer MagnifierA pointer magnifier is a tool that zooms in on the part of the screen under the mouse pointer, enlarging small details so they are easier to read or show.
• a Pointer TrailA pointer trail is a fading streak drawn behind a moving cursor, making rapid pointer motion easier for viewers to track.
• What Is a Presentation OverlayA presentation overlay is a software-rendered layer placed above screen content during recording or live presenting, delivering annotations, badges, focus effects, and interaction indicators without modifying the applications running underneath.
• a Presentation Pointer ToolA presentation pointer tool is software that highlights where you are pointing on screen, helping an audience follow your focus during a talk, demo, or recording.
• a Presentation PointerA presentation pointer is any tool that makes the spot you are indicating obvious on screen, such as a laser pointer or a glowing highlight around your cursor.
• What Is a Product Demo RecordingA product demo recording is a video that demonstrates a software product's features and capabilities by walking through the interface in action, typically created to sell, onboard, or support users.
• a Product WalkthroughA product walkthrough is a guided tour through a product's key features and workflows, designed to show users or prospects how it works step by step.
• a Product WalkthroughA product walkthrough is a guided, step-by-step tour through a product's features that shows users how to complete real tasks.
• a Remote PresentationA remote presentation is a talk, slideshow, or demo delivered to an audience over the internet through video calls or screen sharing, rather than in person.
• a Retina DisplayA Retina display is Apple's term for a screen with pixel density so high that, at a normal viewing distance, individual pixels are hard to see and the image looks very sharp.
• a Screen MagnifierA screen magnifier is a tool that enlarges a region of the display so text and detail appear bigger, used for accessibility and for emphasizing details during presentations.
• a Screen OverlayA screen overlay is a transparent layer rendered above all open apps so graphics or annotations can appear without changing the windows beneath.
• What Is a Screen RecorderA screen recorder is software that captures the activity on a computer display and saves it as a playable video file — ranging from OS-bundled basics to feature-rich professional tools.
• What Is a Screen Recording WorkflowA screen recording workflow is the end-to-end process — from setup and preparation through recording, editing, and export — that turns an idea into a finished, shareable video.
• a Screen Share PresentationA screen share presentation delivers slides, demos, or documents to remote viewers by broadcasting the presenter's screen over a video call.
• a Screencast TutorialA screencast tutorial is a recorded video of your screen that walks viewers through a task, feature, or workflow, usually narrated as you go.
• What Is a ScreencastA screencast is a video recording of a computer screen, typically accompanied by spoken narration, created to teach, demonstrate, or explain software to an audience.
• a Software DemoA software demo is a live or recorded demonstration of an application's features, presented to show prospects or users how it works and why it matters.
• a Spotlight EffectA spotlight effect is an on-screen treatment that brightens or highlights a chosen area while de-emphasizing the surroundings, guiding the eye to one spot.
• a Stream OverlayA stream overlay is the graphic layer added on top of a live broadcast, including webcam borders, on-screen labels, and event alerts.
• a talking-head videoA talking-head video is a format in which a person speaks directly to the camera, typically framed from the shoulders up, serving as the main on-screen subject.
• a TelestratorA telestrator is the broadcast tool that lets a sports analyst draw freehand lines and circles directly over live video to explain a play.
• a Tutorial OverlayA tutorial overlay is a visual layer placed over an interface to guide viewers through steps, drawing attention to the right spot at the right time.
• What Is a Tutorial VideoA tutorial video is an instructional recording that walks a viewer through completing a specific task step by step, typically combining visual demonstration with narration or on-screen text cues.
• a video codec (H.264 / HEVC)A video codec is the technology that compresses video for storage and decompresses it for playback; H.264 and HEVC (H.265) are the two codecs used most widely today.
• What Is a Video CodecA video codec is a software algorithm that compresses video data for storage or transmission and decompresses it for playback — the mechanism that makes video files small enough to store and fast enough to stream.
• a Virtual ClassroomA virtual classroom is an online environment where an instructor and students meet for live lessons, sharing video, slides, screens, and whiteboards remotely.
• a Virtual PointerA virtual pointer is a software-generated marker shown on screen to indicate where a presenter wants the audience to look, replacing a physical laser or stick.
• a webcam overlay (facecam)A webcam overlay, commonly called a facecam, is a small live camera feed composited over a screen recording so viewers can see the presenter while the on-screen action plays.
• a WebinarA webinar is a scheduled online seminar delivered live over the internet to a registered audience, typically combining slides, demos, and audience Q&A.
• Accessibility Permissions (macOS)Accessibility permission on macOS lets an app observe or control user input, such as keystrokes and mouse events, and is granted in System Settings.
• an Always-on-Top WindowAn always-on-top window stays visible above all other windows even when it is not the active app, so it never gets hidden behind them.
• an Annotation ToolAn annotation tool lets you add marks, drawings, highlights, or notes on top of existing content to call out or explain something.
• What Is an Explainer VideoAn explainer video is a short, focused video that communicates what something is, how it works, or why it matters — prioritizing conceptual clarity over step-by-step instruction.
• an Interactive DemoAn interactive demo is a hands-on product experience where the user clicks and explores on their own, instead of passively watching a recording.
• an Interactive WhiteboardAn interactive whiteboard is a touch- or pen-controlled surface or app for drawing, writing, and arranging content collaboratively in real time.
• What Is an Onboarding VideoAn onboarding video is an instructional recording designed to help new users understand a product's core value and take their first meaningful steps without requiring live support.
• an Online WhiteboardAn online whiteboard is a shared digital canvas where multiple people can draw, write, and organize ideas together in real time, from any location.
• What Is Apple NotarizationApple notarization is a security verification process where Apple's automated system scans a Mac application for malware and policy violations before the developer can distribute it outside the Mac App Store.
• What Is Apple Silicon RecordingApple Silicon recording refers to screen capture on Macs powered by Apple's M-series chips — processors that handle video encoding and screen capture tasks with significantly lower power draw than the Intel Macs they replaced.
• aspect ratioAspect ratio is the proportional relationship between a video frame's width and height — written as width:height, such as 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, or 4:3 — and it defines the overall shape of the frame.
• What Is Async Screen RecordingAsync screen recording is the practice of sending a recorded screen video in place of a real-time meeting or call, allowing the recipient to watch and respond on their own schedule.
• What Is Async VideoAsync video — short for asynchronous video — is pre-recorded video shared for others to watch on their own schedule, used as an alternative to real-time meetings and calls.
• auto-zoom in screen recordingAuto-zoom is a screen-recording feature that automatically zooms the frame into the area of activity — typically wherever you click — so viewers can follow the action without any manual editing.
• What Is Auto-Zoom in Screen RecordingAuto-zoom is a screen recording feature that automatically zooms the camera into the location of each mouse click, so viewers always see what matters without any post-production work.
• b-roll footageB-roll is supplemental or secondary footage edited in alongside the main subject (the A-roll) to add context, illustrate points, cover cuts, and keep a video visually interesting.
• bitrate in videoBitrate is the amount of data a video stores or transmits per second of playback, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps); higher bitrate generally means better quality and larger files.
• Chroma KeyChroma key is a video compositing method that makes a chosen color transparent so a different background can be layered behind the subject.
• What Is Cinematic ZoomCinematic zoom refers to a smooth, deliberately paced zoom effect applied to screen recordings that mimics the intentional camera movements used in film and documentary production.
• What Is Click AnimationClick animation is a visual effect that appears at the location of a mouse click during a screen recording, giving viewers a clear, instant signal of where and when the presenter clicked.
• Click HighlightingClick highlighting is an on-screen effect that animates a ring, ripple, or flash at the pointer whenever you press a mouse button, so viewers can see your clicks.
• What Is Click-ZoomClick-zoom is a recording technique that zooms the visible viewport into the exact screen location where the user clicks the mouse, ensuring viewers never lose track of the action.
• What Is Cursor EnhancementCursor enhancement is the umbrella term for all software techniques that make the mouse cursor more visible, expressive, or informative in screen recordings — from spotlights and highlights to smoothing and click animations.
• Cursor HighlightA cursor highlight is a visual emphasis placed around your mouse pointer so viewers can easily see where it is and where it moves.
• What Is Cursor HighlightCursor highlight is any visual modification applied to the mouse pointer during screen recording that increases its visibility, helping viewers follow the presenter's movements without losing track of the cursor.
• Cursor SizeCursor size is how large the on-screen pointer appears. macOS lets you enlarge the system cursor in Accessibility settings to make it easier to find and follow.
• cursor smoothingCursor smoothing is a screen-recording feature that refines the mouse pointer's motion, replacing shaky, jittery movement with a clean, fluid glide across the screen.
• What Is Cursor SmoothingCursor smoothing is a signal-processing technique that interpolates the cursor's raw recorded path to remove hand tremor and hesitation, producing fluid, intentional-looking mouse movement in the final video.
• What Is Cursor SpotlightCursor spotlight is a soft glowing circle rendered around the mouse cursor during screen recording, ensuring viewers can always find and follow the presenter's pointer across the screen.
• What Is Cursor TrackingCursor tracking is the continuous software process of monitoring the mouse pointer's screen position in real time to drive visual effects such as spotlight, zoom, and smoothing during screen recording.
• Cursor VisibilityCursor visibility refers to how easy it is to see and track the mouse pointer on screen, especially on large displays, busy interfaces, or shared video.
• Demo RecordingA demo recording is a video that walks through a product or feature in action, made to show prospects, customers, or teammates how something works.
• What Is Desktop RecordingDesktop recording captures the entire visible desktop environment — everything on screen, from the menu bar to the Dock — as a continuous video file.
• Focus ModeFocus mode is any feature or technique that isolates one part of the screen or one task, hiding or dimming everything else to keep attention where it belongs.
• Frame RateFrame rate is the number of still images, or frames, shown each second in a video, measured in frames per second (fps). Higher frame rates look smoother.
• Freehand AnnotationFreehand annotation is marking up content by drawing strokes by hand, rather than inserting preset shapes, straight lines, or text labels.
• What Is Freehand Drawing in Screen RecordingFreehand drawing is the ability to draw directly on top of your screen content during a recording using a mouse or stylus, creating instant visual annotations without pausing or switching to a separate drawing app.
• What Is GIF ExportGIF export converts a video screen recording into an animated GIF — a looping, silent, image-format file widely embedded in documentation, GitHub READMEs, and Slack.
• Hotkey DisplayA hotkey display is an on-screen indicator that shows the hotkeys you press, revealing the key combinations that trigger actions during a demo or recording.
• Key Press DisplayA key press display is an on-screen indicator that shows each key or key combination you press, so viewers can follow your keyboard actions.
• Keyboard Shortcut OverlayA keyboard shortcut overlay is an on-screen layer that shows the keyboard shortcuts you press, helping viewers learn the combinations behind your workflow.
• KeycastKeycast is the practice of showing your keystrokes on screen, letting viewers see which keys or shortcuts you press during a recording, stream, or live demo.
• What Is Keystroke DisplayKeystroke display is a screen recording feature that renders the keys you press as visual badges on screen in real time, so viewers can see exactly what keyboard shortcuts and inputs you are using during a tutorial or demo.
• Keystroke OverlayA keystroke overlay is an on-screen layer that displays the keys you press as you press them, so an audience can see which keys or shortcuts you used.
• Keystroke VisualizationKeystroke visualization is the practice of turning the keys you press into on-screen visuals, making your keyboard input visible to an audience.
• Laser Pointer SoftwareLaser pointer software is a tool that renders a virtual pointing cue on screen so presenters can guide a viewers eyes without a physical laser device.
• Live AnnotationLive annotation is adding marks to your screen in real time during a presentation or call, so the audience watches the emphasis appear as you speak.
• What Is Lossless RecordingLossless recording captures video without any quality loss from compression — every pixel in the output is bit-for-bit identical to what was on screen when it was captured.
• What Is macOS Screen RecordingmacOS screen recording is the process of capturing everything displayed on a Mac screen and saving it as a video file, preserving mouse movements, keystrokes, and application activity in real time.
• What Is macOS SequoiamacOS Sequoia is Apple's fifteenth major release of macOS, numbered 15.x, introduced at WWDC 2024 and released to the public in September 2024, following macOS Sonoma.
• Mouse EmphasisMouse emphasis is any on-screen technique that makes the mouse pointer stand out, so viewers can quickly find and follow it during a presentation or recording.
• What Is Mouse HighlightMouse highlight is a colored or glowing ring drawn around the mouse pointer during screen recording, making the cursor's location immediately obvious to anyone watching the video.
• What Is MP4 FormatMP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is the most widely supported video container format, combining compressed video and audio streams in a single file — the universal export standard for screen recordings.
• What Is Offline RecordingOffline recording captures screen video without an internet connection, storing the footage locally on your device rather than uploading it to a cloud service.
• On-Screen DrawingOn-screen drawing is sketching freehand lines directly over whatever is displayed, using your screen as a transparent canvas for live emphasis.
• What Is On-Screen DrawingOn-screen drawing is the practice of placing visual marks — freehand strokes, arrows, shapes, or highlights — directly on top of screen content during a recording or presentation, without switching away from the content being shown.
• On-Screen KeystrokesOn-screen keystrokes are visual badges or labels that display the keys you press, layered over your screen so an audience can see your keyboard input.
• Picture-in-PicturePicture-in-picture (PiP) places a small secondary video frame inside or over a larger one, like a webcam thumbnail in the corner of a screen share.
• What Is Pointer VisibilityPointer visibility is the measure of how easy it is for viewers to locate and track the mouse cursor in a screen recording, influenced by cursor size, contrast, glow effects, and screen content complexity.
• Presentation SoftwarePresentation software is a tool for building and delivering slide-based decks of text, images, and visuals to support a talk, lecture, or pitch.
• Presenter ModePresenter mode is a configuration or set of tools that makes presenting clearer, typically adding ways to point at, emphasize, or annotate what is on screen.
• What Is QuickTime Screen RecordingQuickTime screen recording is a free, built-in method for capturing Mac screen activity using QuickTime Player — Apple's media application included with every macOS installation.
• What Is Recording FormatRecording format is the file container type in which a screen recording is saved — such as .mp4 or .mov — which determines compatibility, file size, and which video editing or playback tools can open the file.
• region captureRegion capture, also called selected-area recording, is recording only a chosen rectangular portion of the screen rather than the whole display.
• What Is Region CaptureRegion capture records only a user-defined rectangular area of the display, keeping the video tight to the content that matters and excluding everything outside the selection.
• What Is Region SpotlightRegion spotlight is a screen recording effect that dims the area outside a defined rectangle, leaving only the highlighted region at full brightness and drawing the viewer's eye directly to the content that matters.
• Screen AnnotationScreen annotation is the act of drawing, highlighting, or marking directly over whatever is on your screen so viewers can see exactly what you are pointing at.
• What Is Screen AnnotationScreen annotation is the practice of adding explanatory marks — text labels, arrows, shapes, drawings, or spotlight effects — on top of screen recording content to help viewers understand, locate, or act on what they see.
• Screen CaptureScreen capture is the act of recording what appears on your display, either as a still image (a screenshot) or as a video (a screen recording).
• What Is Screen CaptureScreen capture is an umbrella term for any technique that records the visual output of a display — including both still screenshots and continuous video recordings.
• Screen DimmingScreen dimming is the act of darkening part or all of a display, often to cut distraction or to make a brighter focal area stand out.
• Screen InkScreen ink is the temporary digital ink you lay over your display, drawing freehand lines on top of live content to highlight and explain.
• Screen MarkupScreen markup is the practice of overlaying visual marks, such as highlights, circles, or sketches, on your display to draw attention to specific parts.
• What Is Screen Recording PermissionScreen Recording permission is a macOS privacy setting — introduced in Catalina — that requires apps to get your explicit approval before they can capture the display as video.
• What Is Screen Recording QualityScreen recording quality refers to the visual fidelity of a captured video — how sharp, smooth, and color-accurate the recording looks — determined by resolution, frame rate, and codec bitrate settings.
• What Is Screen Recording SoftwareScreen recording software is the category of applications that capture computer display activity as video — ranging from lightweight utilities to full-featured production tools.
• Screen RecordingScreen recording is the process of capturing everything shown on your display as a video file, often with audio, so it can be saved and shared.
• What Is Screen RecordingScreen recording is the act of capturing the live video output of a computer display and saving it as a playable video file — the foundation of demos, tutorials, and async communication.
• Screen ResolutionScreen resolution is the number of pixels a display can show, written as width by height, such as 1920 by 1080. More pixels mean a sharper, more detailed image.
• What Is Screen Share RecordingScreen share recording refers to capturing the content of a screen that is being or would be shared in a real-time session — producing a video file from content intended for live viewing.
• Screen SharingScreen sharing streams your display live to other people during a call or meeting, so they can watch what you do in real time.
• ScreenCaptureKitScreenCaptureKit is Apple's modern macOS framework for high-performance, high-quality screen capture, giving apps efficient access to the contents of displays, windows, and individual applications.
• ScreencastA screencast is a video recording of what happens on a computer screen, usually paired with voice narration, used to teach or demonstrate software.
• What Is Shortcut DisplayShortcut display is the on-screen presentation of keyboard shortcuts as they are pressed during a recording or live presentation, making key combinations immediately readable and learnable for the audience.
• Shortcut OverlayA shortcut overlay is an on-screen layer that shows keyboard shortcuts as you press them, revealing the key combinations behind your actions.
• What Is Smart-ZoomSmart-zoom is an intelligent zoom feature that analyzes on-screen events to decide when and where to zoom, skipping incidental interactions and focusing on the moments that matter to viewers.
• What Is Speed RampA speed ramp is a variable-speed video effect where playback accelerates or decelerates smoothly within a clip — used to compress slow sections while keeping important moments at normal speed.
• system audioSystem audio, also called internal audio, is the sound a computer generates and plays through its own output — app alerts, video playback, notifications, and music — as opposed to sound coming from a microphone.
• What Is Time-Lapse VideoTime-lapse video records change over a long period and plays it back at normal speed in a fraction of the original time — compressing hours, days, or weeks of activity into seconds of watchable footage.
• vertical video (9:16)Vertical video is footage shot or exported in a tall 9:16 aspect ratio, built for smartphones held upright and for feeds like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
• What Is Vertical VideoVertical video uses a 9:16 portrait orientation — taller than it is wide — designed to fill a mobile phone screen natively on platforms like Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
• What Is Video BitrateVideo bitrate is the amount of data encoded per second of video, measured in megabits per second (Mbps) — the primary control over the tradeoff between video quality and file size.
• What Is Video CaptureVideo capture is the process of digitizing video from a source and saving it as a file — a broad term that includes screen capture, camera capture, and hardware device capture.
• What Is Video CompressionVideo compression reduces file size by identifying and discarding redundant data across frames, making videos fast to share without requiring impractical amounts of storage.
• What Is Video ExportVideo export is the process of rendering all edits and effects in an editing timeline into a final, shareable video file — encoding the result to a specified format, codec, and quality setting.
• What Is Video TrimVideo trimming is the editing operation of cutting unwanted footage from the beginning, end, or middle of a clip — the most fundamental step in turning a raw screen recording into a polished final video.
• Visual EmphasisVisual emphasis is the practice of making one element stand out from its surroundings using contrast, color, highlights, pointers, or motion to direct attention.
• Webinar SoftwareWebinar software hosts live online seminars for large audiences, combining broadcasting, registration, screen sharing, slides, chat, polls, and recording.
• Window CaptureWindow capture is a capture mode that records or streams just one chosen application window, ignoring everything else on screen.
• What Is Window CaptureWindow capture records a single application window as video — automatically framed to the app boundaries and isolated from everything else on the desktop.
• Zoom and PanZoom and pan is a presentation technique that enlarges a region of the screen and then slides the magnified view around to follow the action.
• What Is Zoom Animation in Screen RecordingZoom animation describes the smooth, interpolated motion used when a screen recorder transitions between a full-screen view and a zoomed-in close-up, giving videos a produced, cinematic feel.