Overview
Browser Capture is another way to record audio or videos without having to install software on your computer, you can record in your browser on any computer, only requiring an Internet connection. You just need a supported and up-to-date browser on a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Netbook machine. Using Browser Capture will publish videos to your Library (by default) or you can choose to publish to a course.
** Available for faculty and staff only.
Article Sections
Browser Capture vs Universal Capture Software
EchoVideo provides two options to record videos on your computer, Browser Capture and Universal Capture: Personal. Both allow you to record your screen, audio, and webcam, your recording(s) will store in your Library. The major differences between both applications are:
- Browser Capture: You must be online to record (application, program window, or your entire screen), and there are no Live Stream capabilities. Works on any computer including Chromebooks and Netbooks.
- Universal Capture Personal: Is software installed on your computer that records your entire screen only, it can record with or without an Internet connection using Offline Mode, and you can Live Stream your lecture recording, which works on Windows and Mac only.
Supported Browsers (Google Chrome, Edge, and Firefox)
Google Chrome, Edge, and Firefox are supported for Browser Capture, your browser must be up to date. The browsers Safari and IE (Internet Explorer) are not supported browsers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is not recommended to use an Incognito window (Google Chrome), InPrivate window (Edge), or Private Window, (Firefox).
Launching a Browser Capture Recording
Log into EchoVideo from echo360.org or within Canvas. Then, from the Create button, click New Browser Capture while using a supported browser. There are a few methods to access the Browser Capture tool. A new browser tab will open when clicked.
Forget your Password for your Account?
- Go to echo360.org in Firefox, Chrome, or Edge browser.
- Enter your SVSU email address,(example username@svsu.edu).
- Choose "Saginaw Valley State University" from the drop-down menu (if prompted).
- Enter your password
- If you forgot your password (it is not synced with your SVSU password) you can reset it here.


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Open the media embed tool (plug-shaped icon) in a Canvas content type
The Apps tool (plug-shaped symbol) is found within an Page, Discussion, Assignment, or Announcement tool.


Start a Browser Capture Recording
Once you have launched Browser Capture, you are ready to set up your capture details, follow the steps below:
- Give your recording a title. A short and concise title is recommended.
- Choose to publish to your Library (default) or your Echo360 course select the drop-down menu "Publish To."

- Select your camera and microphone, if you don't have a camera or don't want to record yourself, select None.
- Add the screen you want to record. Further information about adding a screen based on the browser your using is below, for Chrome and Edge, and Firefox.
- Click the red (REC) button, there is a 3-second countdown.
- Stop a recording when you are finished with your lecture. Other options available include a pause button (vertical bars) and a cancel button (X). See more on Managing a Recording below.
- After you stop recording, close the browser tab to exit, or you can start another browser capture recording.
Allow access to your camera and microphone (first-time only)
When using the Browser Capture for the first time you will see a message box on your screen asking you to allow permission to use your webcam and microphone, click Allow.
NOTE: Browser capture is supported in the following browsers, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.
Firefox (sample image below) will ask what microphone or camera you want to use if you have more than one, select the drop-down menu to choose your computer's webcam and microphone from the list. If you don't have a webcam, you can leave the setting at None.

Google Chrome (sample image below) will automatically detect the current video and audio input(s) you are using, and if it's already being used in another application you will see an error message. If you don't have a webcam, you can leave the setting at None.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If another application is using your webcam or microphone, you will an error message (see sample image above), you can ignore the error and click the X to close the error message. Browsers of occurrence Chrome and Edge.
Adding a Screen to Record (Chrome and Edge)
Adding a screen allows you to choose what you want to record in your video. Click Add Screen. A dialog box pops up on your screen with three tabs (described below).
Entire Screen
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Window
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Browser tab
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Records everything on your screen. If you have multiple screens you will see a thumbnail image preview of them. Click the screen you want to record. |
Only the window you click on will be recorded. Your computer will detect all open applications, click on the application you want. |
All screen clicks (all activity) will be recorded within the browser tab, you selected. |
Google Chrome and Edge have the same experience when selecting screens you will see tabs for Entire Screen, Window, and the Browser name tab of the browser you are recording in.

Adding a Screen to Record (Firefox)
Firefox shows a drop-down list with the names of the applications or windows that you have open, see sample image below.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Recording your screen can only happen in the active browser your using.
Adding a Camera or another Video Source
You have the ability to record yourself with your web camera or another video source. The video input will be detected, the camera input will be detected by Browser Capture automatically. Helpful tip: If you do not want to add a camera input keep the default input at None.
Web camera
The web camera will be detected in the Camera input, whether you have a built-in or external camera attached, select it as appropriate.
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Document Camera
The document camera will be detected in the Camera input, select the name in the menu.
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Start Recording your Screen
Once you have selected your input sources in Browser Capture, you are ready to record creating your lecture. Click the red circle "REC" button. There will be a 3-second countdown.

The countdown timer will appear in the upper-right corner of your browser.

Manage your Video Recording
Click the icons as appropriate to control your recording:
- STOP ⏹️ (video stops and publishes to your Echo360 Library).
- PAUSE ⏸️ (video is paused until you click record again).
- DELETE X (cancels your recording, it is deleted and cannot be recovered). A warning box will pop up asking you to confirm the deletion.
Finish your Recording
Click the white square to Stop, your video is automatically uploaded to the EchoVideo server. Do not close your browser while your video is uploading. You can close the browser tab when you see that your upload is complete, you also have the ability to start another recording or download your video, (see sample image below).
Start Another Recording will remember your last settings including the screen you shared. If you are recording a different screen, select Remove Screen.
