Guide · Open source
How to use Captura: install, record and capture keystrokes
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Captura is a free, open-source program for Windows that captures your screen. It can take screenshots, record video as AVI, GIF or MP4, and optionally show your mouse cursor, mouse clicks and keystrokes. This guide explains what it is good for, how to install it with Chocolatey, and what to know before you rely on it.
CapturaMathewSachin/Captura · ★ 10.9k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check your platform. Captura is a Windows program. If you are on Mac or Linux, choose another tool.
- 2Install with Chocolatey. Run choco install captura -y in PowerShell.
- 3Pick a capture target. Select the full screen, a region or a window to record.
- 4Choose output options. Decide whether to show the cursor, clicks or keystrokes, and pick AVI, GIF or MP4.
- 5Add audio if needed. Enable microphone and speaker audio mixing for narration or system sound.
- 6Record and save. Start the capture, then stop and save the file.
What Captura does and who it suits
Captura records your screen, a specific region, a window, or a webcam. It can also mix in audio from your microphone and speaker output. People commonly use it to make tutorial or demo recordings where the keys and clicks need to be visible.
The README describes it as best for Windows users who want a free screen recorder, and for people making tutorial videos that need keystrokes or clicks shown on screen. It is not a fit for Mac or Linux users, because the README describes Windows installers and the project is built with WPF, a Windows framework.
- Take screenshots
- Record screencasts as AVI, GIF or MP4
- Show or hide the mouse cursor
- Show mouse clicks or keystrokes
- Mix microphone and speaker audio
- Record from a webcam
- Set hotkeys and use a command-line interface (beta)
Install Captura with Chocolatey
The README lists Chocolatey as an install route. Open PowerShell and run the command below. The source does not list other prerequisites.
Portable and Setup builds for the latest release can also be downloaded from the project's release page, as linked in the README.
choco install captura -yRecord a screen, region or window
Captura can capture the full screen, a specific region, or a single window. Choose the target in the program, then start recording. The README confirms that you can capture specific regions, screens or windows, and that recording can be done with or without the mouse cursor.
For GIF output, pick the GIF format when you save a screencast. Captura supports AVI, GIF and MP4 for screencasts.
- Choose a screen, region or window as the capture target
- Toggle the mouse cursor on or off
- Pick AVI, GIF or MP4 as the output format
Show clicks and keystrokes in tutorials
If your recording is meant to teach a process, turn on mouse click or keystroke capture so viewers can see what you press. This is the feature that most sets Captura apart for tutorial makers.
Hotkeys can be configured, which helps when you need to start and stop recording without leaving the application you are demonstrating. The hotkey documentation is linked from the project's README.
Add audio or a webcam
Captura can mix audio recorded from your microphone with speaker output, so narration and system sound can be captured together. It can also record from a webcam.
The README does not describe the exact mixing controls, so check the in-app options and the project's documentation for specifics.
Know the maintenance status before you commit
The README states that the repository is no longer actively maintained. That means you should not expect guaranteed updates or bug fixes. The author points to a browser-based successor, the Captura Web Recorder, which needs no installation. If you want zero installation, use that instead.
Comparable projects named for this category include OBS Studio, ShareX, LICEcap and Kap. Pick the one that fits your platform and maintenance needs.
What people use it for
- Recording a software tutorial that shows the keys pressed on screen
- Making a short GIF of one part of the screen for a bug report or post
- Capturing a demo of a specific application window
- Taking screenshots of a region on a Windows desktop
Frequently asked questions
Is Captura free?
The README describes Captura as free and open source under the MIT License, and it mentions no paid tier or ads. Check LICENSE.md in the repository for the full licence text.
How do I install Captura?
The README lists Chocolatey as an install method. Run choco install captura -y in PowerShell. Portable and Setup builds are also linked from the README.
Does Captura work on Mac or Linux?
The README describes Windows installers and the project is built with WPF, a Windows framework. It is not a fit for Mac or Linux users based on this source.
Is Captura still maintained?
No. The README says the repository is no longer actively maintained. The author recommends the browser-based Captura Web Recorder as a successor.
Can Captura show keystrokes in a recording?
Yes. The README lists capturing mouse clicks or keystrokes as a feature, which is useful for tutorials.
What are alternatives to Captura?
The source names OBS Studio, ShareX, LICEcap and Kap as comparable projects. Choose based on your platform and whether you need active maintenance.
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Our verdict
Captura suits Windows users who want a free recorder that can show clicks and keystrokes in tutorials, and who accept that it is no longer maintained. If you need updates, Mac or Linux support, or no installation, pick the Web Recorder or a maintained alternative such as OBS Studio, ShareX, LICEcap or Kap.
Install options & downloads