Record

Recording is the first step in creating an Arcade. Whether you're using the Chrome extension, the desktop app, or uploading media, this guide walks you through all the options and best practices for r

What are the recording mediums?

Arcade supports three primary methods of recording:

• Chrome Extension (recommended for web apps)

• Desktop App (for desktop, terminal, or multi-tab workflows)

• Media Upload (PDFs, images, screen recordings)

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

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Browser Recording

How do I record an Arcade?

• Click the Arcade Chrome extension to start recording.

• Click it again or press ⌘E to stop.

When will Arcade record video? When will Arcade record screenshots?

When you click anywhere on a webpage, Arcade will take a screenshot and put a hotspot where you've clicked.

If you scroll, type, drag, and drop, Arcade will record a video. You can always keep, edit, or delete these videos while editing your flow.

• Clicks = screenshots + hotspots

• Scrolling, typing, drag-and-drop = video segments

Can I cancel a recording midway through?

Of course! Just hit the Esc key, and the recording will automatically stop. If you finish a recording you don't need, you can always delete it from your library.

Can I create an Arcade manually (without using the Chrome extension)?

For sure! Anyone can create an Arcade manually, without the Chrome extension. You can always use this to add other media to your Arcade while editing.

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,

Is there anything Arcade can't capture on a browser?

Arcade should capture everything that shows on your tab while you are recording. There are a handful of exceptions:

• If you move to another tab, Arcade will capture images but not videos. If you need to move between tabs, we suggest creating an Arcade on each tab and then combining them by copying and pasting the steps.

• Arcade cannot capture the action of another Chrome extension.

• Whenever a website uses native select controls (drop-downs that aren't styled, native windows like a file picker), the Chrome capture API will not record it. In these events, you'd need to upload a screenshot of the file picker or other control to add it to your Arcade.

• If you move too quickly, the Chrome extension may miss a blade or tab. In these cases, we recommend slowing down while you record your Arcade. Make sure to hover over the items you'd like to capture, and maybe add an extra click on the blade while it's open. This shouldn't happen frequently, and please reach out to us if you notice it happening to you!

Chrome Extension

Should I record with the Chrome extension?

Recording with the Chrome extension is the easiest way to make an Arcade.

If you prefer not to use the Chrome extension, you can always manually make an Arcade with screenshots or use the desktop app.

Does the Chrome extension work on other browsers?

The Chrome extension should work on all Chromium browsers.

Safari: The Chrome extension won't work on Safari. If you use Safari, you can always create an Arcade manually.

Arc: Yup! Arc is a Chromium browser, so the Arcade extension works great there. Most of the Arcade team uses Arc. (Arcade on Arc... pretty meta.)

Brave: The Chrome extension also works on Brave.

Other browsers: Write to us and let us know your experience!

Desktop

What can I record with the desktop app?

• Web apps

• Native desktop apps

• Terminal apps

• Multiple monitors/tabs

How do I record with the desktop app?

1. Open the Arcade desktop app (macOS 13+ only)

2. Choose full screen or a specific app

3. Click "Record Interactive Demo"

Can I edit afterward? Yes, once uploaded, you’ll have full editing capabilities in your browser.

Can I export my demo? Yes! Export as GIF or video, with control over quality and size.

How do I update the desktop app? You’ll be prompted to update automatically if one is available on launch.

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Mobile

Can I record an Arcade on my phone?

Chrome extensions don't work on most mobile browsers (both iPhone and Android), so you won't be able to record an Arcade directly on your phone.

You can use iPhone Screen Mirroring + Sequioa to see your iPhone directly on your computer screen and record using the Desktop app. More instructions here.

Alternatively, for non-iPhones, you can take screenshots and screen recordings on your phone and then upload them to create a mobile Arcade, or you can upload a screen recording and use video splitting to make it into an interactive demo.

Can I make an Arcade of a phone App?

Can I record an Arcade on my phone?

• Chrome extensions don’t work on mobile

• Use iPhone Screen Mirroring + Sequoia or upload screenshots/screen recordings

Can I create an Arcade of a mobile app? Yes! Use the Mac "Simulator App" (via Xcode) to simulate a mobile app and record via the desktop app.

Can I convert a mobile or desktop recording into an Arcade? Yes — use video splitting to make any video into an interactive flow.

Sizing

What is the screen resize feature? Arcade automatically resizes your screen to a standard size before recording to ensure consistency.

Recommended manual dimensions: 1200x800 px is best, but you can use other sizes too.

How can I check dimensions?

• Go to the Media Library

• See Arcade and media dimensions listed on each item

Troubleshooting

Why is my upload not going through? The screen says, "Preparing your Arcade," but it hasn't ended.

This tends to be a memory issue. Check if any processes on your machine use up a lot of memory; stopping them usually helps.

pload fails at 0%: Extension may not have captured data properly – try re-recording Upload fails midway (20–50%): Check internet connection or restart device Upload fails at 100%: Report this – it may be a rare backend issue

Best Fixes:

• Test WiFi connection

• Re-record

• Restart browser/computer

• Update (Remove and redownload) the Arcade extension