Use this page to configure the following Recorder defaults:
Manually record screenshots: Recorder behavior that requires a PRINTSCREEN to capture a screenshot and another PRINTSCREEN to capture the associated action. Instructional text guides the user through the recording process when the Recorder is launched in Manual mode.
Automatically record screenshots: Default Recorder behavior that requires a PRINTSCREEN to start the recording process and a PRINTSCREEN to end the recording process. All frames and actions (with the exception of point events) that occur between the two PRINTSCREENS are recorded.
Tip: Automatic recording should be used when you know the system process you are going to record well. Since Automatic recording records every action you perform, it also records any actions you perform inadvertently or incorrectly. You then have to edit the topic in the Topic Editor to correct any errors. Since Manual recording requires you to press PRINTSCREEN after each action you perform, you have the opportunity to rehearse the next step without it being recorded. If the action you performed does not give the desired result, you can immediately correct it by performing the correct action before you press PRINTSCREEN.
Time in seconds to hide recorder window before screen capture: As you record a topic, the appearance of some screens in the target application may change after a certain amount of time has elapsed. For example, some menus expand to display additional options after the mouse pointer hovers over the menu for a few seconds. To capture the correct screenshot, you can set a delay time between hiding the Recorder and capturing the screen.
Screenshot capture key: By default, the Recorder uses the PRINTSCREEN key to capture screenshots and actions for a topic. If the PRINTSCREEN key is difficult or inconvenient for you to use, you can change the Recorder screenshot key. You can use any of the function keys, or a combination of any of the function keys (F1 through F12) and the ALT key, CTRL key, and/or SHIFT key.
If you change the Recorder screenshot key, you should select a key or key combination that is not used in the target application for another purpose. For example, pressing the F1 key in some applications opens a Help window. Therefore, for those applications you would not want to use the F1 key to capture the screenshots.
Record sound with topic: By default, the recorder is not set to record sound with a topic. Click this option to enable sound recording on the Recorder. The display of the Recorder depends on the state of this option and the Screenshot capture mode (Automatic or Manual). See Recorder Logic for more on Screenshot capture mode.
Sound pause key: By default, the Recorder uses the PAUSE key to pause sound recording for a topic. If the PAUSE key is difficult or inconvenient for you to use, you can change the Recorder sound pause key. You can use any of the function keys, or a combination of any of the function keys (F1 through F12) and the ALT key, CTRL key, and/or SHIFT key.
If you change the Sound pause key, you should select a key or key combination that is not used in the target application for another purpose. For example, pressing the F1 key in some applications opens a Help window. Therefore, for those applications you would not want to use the F1 key to pause sound recording.
At the end of recording: Opens the Topic Editor only after you have finished recording the entire topic. This option allows you to complete all the steps in the task and then go back and confirm the actions and bubble text.
After each screenshot: Opens the Topic Editor after you record each frame. This option allows you to confirm the action and bubble text after every step.
Note: Recorder options are stored per user. These defaults are used regardless of the Library being accessed.