Limelight
What is Frame Rate?
Frame 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.
Frame rate measures how many frames a video plays each second. Common values are 24, 30, and 60 fps. Because motion is made of many still images shown in quick succession, more frames per second make movement look smoother and less choppy.
Frame rate is separate from resolution. Resolution is how many pixels are in each frame, while frame rate is how many frames pass per second. A recording can be high resolution but low frame rate, or the reverse, and each affects perceived quality differently.
In screen recordings, smooth cursor motion and animations depend on a steady frame rate from your recorder. Limelight is a lightweight native macOS overlay, so its cursor spotlight and freehand drawing move smoothly on screen and are captured by whatever recorder you use; Limelight does not record video itself.
Why Limelight
- ▸Frame rate is frames per second shown in a video
- ▸Higher fps such as 60 looks smoother than 24 or 30
- ▸Frame rate is independent of resolution, the pixel count per frame
- ▸Limelight is a lightweight overlay; your recorder sets the actual fps
7-day free trial · no card required · macOS 14+
Or buy now — $15 one-time · See how it works →
One-time payment, no subscription. 7-day free trial, then $15 once. macOS 14+, notarized by Apple.
FAQ
- What frame rate is best for screen recordings?
- 30 fps is common and smooth enough for most demos, while 60 fps looks smoother for fast motion. Your recorder, not Limelight, sets this.
- Does Limelight record at a certain frame rate?
- No. Limelight is a pure overlay and does not record. Your chosen recorder captures the screen, including Limelight's visuals, at its own frame rate.