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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Screen Resize & Quality
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
Resizedropdown)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
Desktop App
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:
Entire display – captures everything on your screen
Window – ideal for browser or app-specific demos
Area – lets you draw a custom box to capture only what you need
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.
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:
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.
Open the Arcade desktop app
Under Display, select Device
Pick the phone or tablet you want to record from
Start your recording
Click Start Recording
You’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, then begin interacting on your phone
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
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
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 macOS accessory popup
On your iPhone, ensure you tap Trust this computer when prompted
Restart both your phone and the Arcade desktop app if needed
Upload Troubleshooting
What should I do if my recording won’t upload?
Common issues and solutions:
Upload stuck at 0%
Capture failed
Try re-recording
Upload fails mid-way (20–40%)
Weak connection
Restart your computer or router
Upload stuck on "Preparing"
High memory usage
Close memory-intensive applications
Upload fails at random %
Rare backend issue
Contact support
If all else fails:
Restart your browser or desktop app
Uninstall/reinstall the Chrome extension
Reach out to support — you shouldn't be seeing persistent upload issues
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