Record

Recording is the first step in creating an Arcade. You can record using the Chrome extension, the desktop app, uploaded media, or the Figma plugin.

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Recording Methods

What are the different ways I can record an Arcade?

Arcade supports several input methods for capturing your content:

• Chrome extension – best for web apps

• Desktop app – great for desktop apps, multi-tab flows, or terminal workflows

• Media upload – bring your own MP4s, images, PDFs, YouTube links, and more

• Figma plugin – imports PNG frames directly from Figma into Arcade

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When should I use the Chrome extension?

Use the Chrome extension when capturing a browser-based web app. It’s fast, reliable, and optimized for interactive web experiences. Works on any Chromium-based browser (e.g. Chrome, Arc, Brave).

Safari is not supported — use the desktop app or manual upload instead.

When should I use the desktop app?

Use the desktop app when:

• Recording native apps or terminal windows

• Switching between multiple tabs or windows

• Capturing full displays or specific areas

• Recording on non-Chromium browsers

• Recording mobile devices

Can I manually upload content?

Yes! Just click Create Arcade and upload:

• MP4 videos

• Screenshots

• PDFs

• Full screen recordings

• Figma exports

You can then split or annotate the media just like a regular Arcade.

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Recording Behavior

What actions trigger screenshots or video segments?

Arcade behaves differently depending on your input:

• Clicks → screenshot + hotspot

• Scroll, type, drag, drop → video recording

You can delete, trim, or edit video segments after capture.

Can I cancel a recording in progress?

Yes! Press Escape (or your configured hotkey, like Cmd+J) to cancel at any time.

What happens after I finish recording?

Once recording is complete:

• Your capture is uploaded

• You’re taken into the full browser editor

• You can trim, annotate, split, or export your demo

Why can't I record system audio?

This is something we're working towards, but currently you can't capture the audio of your screen/device. You'll, instead, want to record or upload audio post fact, while editing.

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Chrome Extension Options

What are the recording modes in the Chrome extension?

When launching the Chrome extension, you’ll see three modes:

• Interactive – Records both screenshots and videos (default)

• Video only – Great for Loom-style flows

• Screenshot – Captures just a still image (good for adding to existing Arcades)

What are the settings available in the extension?

You’ll see these options:

• Record with Avery – Enable AI narration (see AI & Avery section)

• Edit page – Enables HTML editing before capture (see Page Morph section)

• Screen resize – Standardize the screen resolution for consistency across Arcades

Where do I find the button to start my Interactive/Video recording?

When you open up the extension, the first Record button you see is our Interactive capture. If you click the three dots on the top right of the extension, you'll see the option to record a Video (and take a screenshot).

Can the Arcade Chrome extension record another Chrome extensions?

No — Chrome extension behavior cannot be captured using the Arcade Chrome extension. Use the desktop app if you need to capture another extension in action.

What about dropdowns and file pickers?

Native browser elements (e.g. file pickers, native dropdowns) cannot be captured by Chrome's API. You can:

• Use the desktop app instead

• Upload a screenshot manually

• Annotate and insert during editing

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Screen Resize & Quality

Make sure that all images and videos you add to an Arcade use the same dimensions. Arcade automatically resizes all images to match the dimensions of the first uploaded or captured image, but you can adjust this in Cover and Fit.

Why does screen size matter when recording?

Arcade captures at 2x resolution, so consistent sizing ensures high quality and uniform visuals. We recommend:

• Recording at a fixed screen size (use the Resize dropdown)

• Capturing on a high-DPI display (e.g. your laptop vs. external monitor)

What screen size options are available?

The Resize dropdown includes:

• Last used size

• Standard desktop size

• Standard laptop size

• Standard mobile size

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Desktop App

Our Desktop app is only supported by devices running macOS 13.0 and above or Windows 10 and above

How do I record on desktop?

Step 1: Download and launch the app

Grab the latest version of the Arcade desktop app

Step 2: Choose your recording type

When the modal appears, pick between:

• Interactive — lets users click through your recording

• Video — records like a traditional screen capture

Step 3: Select a display option

From the Display dropdown, choose one of four capture modes:

1. Entire display – captures everything on your screen

2. Window – ideal for browser or app-specific demos

3. Area – lets you draw a custom box to capture only what you need

4. Device – records from a connected mobile device, perfect for mobile app demos

Step 4: Customize your settings

Click the settings icon (top right) to:

• Configure Avery AI (choose a use case and language)

• Set or adjust recording shortcuts

• Upload past recordings or retry any that failed

Step 5: Start recording

Click Start recording or use the shortcut (⌘E) to begin. When you’re done, you’ll be prompted to upload your Arcade.

Where are my recordings saved?

Your recordings are temporarily stored locally until they are uploaded to Arcade. If something goes wrong, check your Recent Recordings in the settings menu and try uploading again.

Is it possible to make a split screen recording?

Whether you want to record two tabs/apps at once or your desktop and mobile side by side, you can use the Desktop app's Area recording (and native split screen tooling) to capture more than one screen at a time.

Is the Desktop compatible with Macs?

Yes, you can download the desktop app on both Mac and Windows based computers.

Is the Desktop compatible with Windows?

Yes, you can download the desktop app on both Mac and Windows based computers.

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Recording Mobile Devices (with the Desktop App)

Can I record mobile demos with Arcade?

Yes! The new Device mode in the Arcade desktop app allows you to record directly from your iPhone.

How do I record a mobile device?

To record your phone screen:

1. Plug your mobile device into your computer

   • Make sure you're using a data-capable USB cable.

   • When prompted with the “Allow accessory to connect?” popup, click Allow.

   • If you skip this step, your phone may not appear as a recording option.

2. Open the Arcade desktop app

   • Under Display, select Device

   • Pick the phone or tablet you want to record from

3. Start your recording

   • Click Start Recording

   • You’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, then begin interacting on your phone

4. Stop the recording

   • End the session using the desktop app.

   • Arcade will automatically upload the footage and apply Smart Split (more below).

How does editing work for mobile recordings?

Editing will still be done from your computer. All mobile recordings are automatically processed using Wide Mode, a layout specifically designed for showcasing mobile content.

In Wide Mode:

• Hotspot text appears beside the device instead of overlaying the screen

• You’ll write explanatory text in the sidebar next to your mobile playback, rather than using traditional hotspots

• This layout offers a clean, side-by-side format that maintains clarity on small screens and provides a polished, guided experience

• To edit any step, just click the Edit button next to the frame you'd like to update

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What happens after recording?

Once your recording ends:

• The video is uploaded to Arcade

• Our AI system (Avery) will:

  • Automatically split the video into individual steps

  • Add relevant text guidance

  • Prepare your recording for final edits

You’ll then be taken to the Edit view where you can:

• Adjust step splits

• Customize sidebar text

• Publish your mobile demo

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Why isn’t my mobile device showing up?

If you don't see your phone listed under Device:

• Double-check your USB connection

• Confirm you clicked Allow on the accessory popup

• On your Phone, ensure you tap Trust this computer when prompted

• Restart both your phone and the Arcade desktop app if needed

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Upload Troubleshooting & Recovering Failed Uploads

If your Arcade fails to upload or takes too long to load, you can recover it without re-recording. The process works for both the Chrome Extension and the Desktop App.

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What should I do if my recording won’t upload?

Chrome Extension

1. Open the Arcade Chrome Extension.

2. Click the Settings icon (top right).

3. Scroll to Save Recordings Locally and click View All Recordings.

4. Find your recent recordings:

   • Retry — Appears if an upload failed; click to try again.

   • View — Open the recording directly.

   • Download Video/Data — Save the raw recording files.

Desktop App

1. Click the three dots in the top right of the app.

2. Select Recent Recordings.

3. For any failed upload:

   • Upload Again — Retry sending it to Arcade.

   • View — Open the recording locally.

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Tip: If uploads fail often, check your internet connection or confirm there’s enough local disk space for temporary storage.

If all else fails:

1. Restart your browser or desktop app

2. Uninstall/reinstall the Chrome extension/Desktop app

3. Reach out to support — you shouldn't be seeing persistent upload issues

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