how to record ppt presentation with audio

How to Record a PowerPoint Presentation with Narration

Can be helpful in creating a dramatic narrative

Microsoft PowerPoint has a built-in recording tool that allows you to narrate your presentations using recorded audio. You can export and share recorded presentations as video files.

This tutorial covers everything about recording PowerPoint presentations on Windows and Mac computers.

Record PowerPoint Presentation with Narration

Open the PowerPoint file/presentation you want to record and follow the steps below.

Record PowerPoint Presentation on Windows

• Select the slide you want to start recording from on the slide thumbnail pane.

• Head to the Record tab on the ribbon and select the Record button to start recording from the current/selected slide.

To record from the first slide, select the down-facing arrow icon below the Record button and select From Beginning .

You can also record a presentation from the Slide Show tab. Select Slide Show on the ribbon and select Record , From Current Slide , or From Beginning .

That’ll open PowerPoint’s presentation recorder in a fullscreen window.

• Select the Record icon and start speaking after the three seconds countdown.

PowerPoint records the presentation window and captures your voice and webcam feed as you navigate the slides. Select the left-facing and right-facing arrows to move to the previous and next slides in the presentation.

Record PowerPoint Presentation in macOS

• Open the Slide Show tab and select Record Slide Show .

• Select the Record button on the toolbar to start recording your narration.

Use your keyboard arrow keys to move back and forth between slides. Press N or Space Bar to move to the next slide or animation in the presentation. Press P or Backspace to return to the previous slide or animation.

Select Tips in the top-left corner for more keyboard shortcuts and other presentation tips.

Note: The narration tool doesn’t record slide transitions. When moving between slides, wait for the destination slide to appear on the screen before speaking.

PowerPoint Recorder Control/Settings

You’ll find a handful of controls and options on the recording tool. We’ll show you how to use these controls to include voiceovers or audio recordings in your presentation.

Using Presentation Pointer Tools

PowerPoint provides several tools to mark up your slides when narrating your presentation. There’s a pen tool, eraser, laser pointer, and highlighter.

With the Pen tool, you can draw on slides during narration/recording. Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) to use the pen tool. You can also select the Pen icon to convert the pointer to a pen.

The Laser pointer tool converts your cursor to an onscreen laser. Use the laser pointer to draw attention to something on a slide/presentation.

Press Ctrl + L (Windows) or Command + L (Mac) to use the laser pointer. There’s also a Laser pointer icon on the toolbar.

Pressing Ctrl + I (or selecting the Highlighter tool ) converts your cursor to a highlighter.

Use the Eraser tool to remove inks and highlight from slides. Select the Eraser icon or press Ctrl + E and select the ink to erase.

On macOS, select the Erase Pen icon (or press E ) to erase all drawings and highlights on the slide.

You can change the pointer tools ink from the color selection boxes. However, one major limitation is that you can’t change the size of these pointer tools.

Pause and Resume Your Recording

In Windows, press I on your keyboard or select the Pause button in the top-left corner to pause your recording.

Press I again or select the Record icon to resume the recording.

If you use a Mac, select the Pause icon in the top toolbar to pause the recording.

Unmute or Mute Microphone

Check that your microphone is unmuted before recording. Select the microphone icon in the bottom-right corner to mute or unmute your mic.

PowerPoint for Windows allows you to mute and unmute your microphone in real time while recording video/audio narrations. The macOS version of PowerPoint only lets you configure your camera and microphone settings before recording.

Switch Microphone or Camera

Want to record your presentation with an external microphone or camera? Press Ctrl + M or select the audio/camera settings icon in the top-right corner and choose your preferred microphone/camera.

In macOS, select the microphone icon to mute or unmute your microphone. Select the arrow-down icon next to the microphone or camcorder icons to switch input devices.

Enable and Disable Camera

The recorder displays your camera or webcam feed in the bottom-right corner of the presentation slides.

Select the camcorder icon to remove your webcam feed from the recording. Select the icon again to display your webcam feed in the presentation.

You can also use the Ctrl + K keyboard shortcut on Windows computers to enable or disable your camera.

On Mac computers, you’ll find the video control icon on the top toolbar.

Note: The recording tool greys out the camcorder icon if your microphone is turned off.

Enable or Disable Camera Preview

PowerPoint allows you to disable the camera preview without turning off your camera or webcam.

Press Ctrl + J (Windows) or select the Camera Preview icon in the bottom-right corner to disable or enable the camera preview.

End a Recording

Press S on your Windows keyboard or select the Stop icon to end the recording.

Replay or Preview Your Recording

When you end a narration, press V on your keyboard or select Replay to preview or watch the recording.

The recorded narration will include all pen inks, highlights, and laser pointer gestures made during the presentation.

You can also preview/replay the narration outside the recording tool. Open the Slide Show tab and choose to watch the playback From Beginning or From Current Slide .

PowerPoint allows you to preview the playback on individual slides. A speaker/audio icon appears in the bottom-right of PowerPoint slides with narrations.

Choose the slide you want to preview, hover your cursor on the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner, and select Play .

Delete Current Narration/Recording

Did you spot an error when previewing your presentation? Want to delete the current narration and start from scratch?

Select the Clear existing recordings icon and choose whether to Clear Recordings on Current Slide or Clear Recordings on All Slides .

On Mac, select the Bin icon to delete the entire narration/recording.

Close the Narration Tool

Select the X icon on the title bar to close the presentation narration tool and return to Powerpoint.

Select End Show in the top-left corner to close the recording tool on a Mac computer.

Delete Narrations from Slides

Want to delete the narration or timing on an individual slide or the entire presentation? Select the slide with the narration you want to delete and follow the steps below.

• Open the Record tab and select the down-facing arrow below the Record icon.
• Select Clear and choose to clear timing or narration on current or all slides.

Export Recorded or Narrated Presentation

You can export a narrated PowerPoint presentation as a video file. The video output includes ink strokes, recorded audio/video, laser pointer gestures, and webcam/camera recording.

• Open the Record tab and select Export to Video .

Alternatively, open the File menu, select Export on the sidebar, and select Create a Video .

• Choose the quality of the video export in the first drop-down box—Ultra HD (4K), Full HD (1080p), HD (720p), Standard (480p).

• Choose Use Recorded Timings and Narrations in the next drop-down box and select Create Video .

• Give the recorded presentation a file name and select Save .

Narrate Your PowerPoint Presentations

The Microsoft PowerPoint web app doesn’t have a recording tool. As a result, you can only record presentations with narrations using PowerPoint for Windows or Mac.

You might meet issues recording a slide show if you use an outdated version of PowerPoint. Also, the recording tool on older versions of PowerPoint has a different interface and lacks some controls. Update PowerPoint and restart your computer if you cannot record a slide show.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time. Read Sodiq's Full Bio

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Blog > Record voice narration for PowerPoint

Record voice narration for PowerPoint

01.11.21   •  #presentation #powerpoint #voiceover #narration.

In this blog post, you'll learn how you can add a narration for your PowerPoint presentation. Adding audio or video narration can be very helpful, especially in a time where many seminars and meetings have to be conducted online. If you would rather give your presentation using a live stream (which has many benefits), scroll down to the bottom and learn how you can do that!

Here's what you need for recording:

• a microphone (your computer's microphone should do)
• a finished set of PowerPoint slides
• a video camera (only if you want to record video as well)

• Open your PowerPoint presentation or create a new one.
• In the taskbar, select Slide Show . Then click Record Slide Show .
• Choose the option Record from Beginning .

• You'll now get to a different view, which we'll call "Recorder View". Here's an overview:

• In the bottom right corner, you'll see three icons. The one on the left is for switching the microphone on/off. Make sure this function is turned on. The icon in the middle is for turning on/off your camera. You can choose if you want to switch the video recording on or not. The last icon is only available if you've chosen the video recording function. If the function is enabled, you'll be able to see a video preview.
• In the top right corner under "Settings", you can choose what microphone (and camera) you'd like to use. This is only relevant if you have an external recording device that you would like to use. If you're recording with your computer, you don't have to set anything here.
• Now it's time to record. Click the big red Record button on the top left and start speaking.
• Tip: You can either record all the slides at once without pressing pause, or you record each slide individually, then click pause, then go on to the next slide and record again. However, it's important to note that PowerPoint creates an individual audio file for each slide, even if you record all at once.
• Important : PowerPoint does not record during transitions, so only speak when you're on a slide.

• You can also draw on your slides with the painting tools on the bottom. These drawings will be saved to your presentations.
• On the bottom left corner, you'll see what slide you're on. You can also see two time counts. The first one is for the recording on the current slide, the second one is for the recording of the presentation overall.
• If you want to delete the whole voiceover, click Clear and Clear Recordings on all Slides . If you only want to delete the recording on the specific slide you are on, click Clear Recording on current Slide.
• If you want to re-record the audio from one slide after deleting it, just go to that slide and click Record again. Record what you want to say, then click Stop when you're done.
• Once you're done, leave the Recorder View. Click the small x in the top right corner or hit Esc .
• You can now either save the presentation as a regular PowerPoint file (just click Save and you're done) or as a video. If you'd like a video, follow the instructions below:

Save Presentation as Video

• Go to File in the PowerPoint taskbar

• Choose Export on the left, then Create a Video .

• Select the quality you'd like. We recommend Full HD (1080p).
• In the following drop-down menu, make sure Use Recorded Timings and Narrations is selected.

• The setting Seconds spent on each slide is only for the slides where there is no recording (if you have recordings on all of your slides, you can just ignore this setting.)
• Click Create Video and choose where the video should be saved. The video creation might take a while, so don't close PowerPoint right away!

Live interaction with polls & quizzes

If you prefer to give a talk where you can also interact with your audience, then the free software SlideLizard is the ideal solution! Using live polls , Q&A and feedback , your presentations will become even more exciting and interactive. SlideLizard integrates directly with PowerPoint, making it a breeze to use.

Can I record a presentation in PowerPoint?

Yes, PowerPoint also allows you to record your presentation with voice and video narration. You can read about how this works in our blog .

How can I record a presentation in PowerPoint with audio and video?

At first create your presentation. For the recording you will need a microphone (the one on your computer should do), your finished presentation and a video camera (if you also want to record a video). We have created a tutorial on our blog where you can read the further steps.

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About the author.

Pia Lehner-Mittermaier

Pia works in Marketing as a graphic designer and writer at SlideLizard. She uses her vivid imagination and creativity to produce good content.

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How-To Geek

How to record voiceover narration in powerpoint.

If you're not able to physically present your slideshow, record a voiceover narration to make sure no points are missed.

Quick Links

Preparation, record a voiceover for your presentation.

If you’re sending out your presentation instead of giving it in front of an audience, but you feel adding a vocal explanation would better help to deliver the message, record a voiceover narration. Here’s how to do it.

Before you begin your PowerPoint narration, you’ll need to make sure you’ve made the proper preparations.

Set Up Your Mic

First, you’ll need a microphone. Most modern computers have a built-in microphone that gets the job done, but investing in a USB microphone will increase the audio quality of the narration by quite a bit.

The built-in microphone will be set as your input device by default, so if you plan on using it for the PowerPoint narration, you don’t need to take any additional steps in setting it up. However, if you plan to use a USB microphone for the narration, be sure to set it as the input device.

To do this on Windows, right-click the volume icon found on the right of the taskbar. In the menu that appears, select “Open Sound Settings.”

The “Sound Settings” window will appear. Here, scroll down to the “Input” section and click the box under “Choose your input device.”

If you’re using a USB microphone, it will appear here. Select it to set it as the input device.

The steps for Mac users are extremely similar. The only difference is you should go to "System Settings" and select "Sound" instead of right-clicking the volume icon like on Windows. From there, the steps are the same.

Take Notes and Rehearse

With your mic set up, you’re ready to start recording, right? Well, not quite. While you may not be physically standing in front of the audience delivering this presentation, you still need to treat it as though you are. This means going through the basics---taking notes and rehearsing your delivery.

One thing you can do to help you record a successful narration is to write out a script. As with a live presentation, though, you don’t want to sound like you’re reading straight from your notecards. Practice reading through the script a few times so that it sounds natural and fluid.

Once you’re confident in your delivery, it’s time to start recording.

Open the PowerPoint presentation in which you would like to record a voiceover narration. Head over to the “Slide Show” tab and, in the “Set Up” group, select “Record Slide Show.” Once selected, a drop-down menu will appear. Here, you can choose to start the narration from the beginning or from the current slide. If you choose to start recording from the current slide, make sure that you’re on the slide you’d like to start recording from.

Related: How to Record Your Screen with Microsoft PowerPoint

In this example, we’ll choose “Record from Beginning.”

Now, you’ll be in full-screen mode. You’ll notice a few extra tools appear, including a record button at the top-left corner of the screen. When you’re ready to start recording, click this button.

When you select the record button, a countdown timer will appear, giving you a three-second delay between clicking the button and starting your recording.

You can now start recording your voiceover narration! Continue through the presentation by clicking the right arrow to go to the next slide.

You can pause the recording at any time by pressing the pause button in the top-left corner of the window. The recording will automatically end when you make it to the last slide. Alternatively, you can press the stop button, also located at the top-left corner of the screen.

If you want to play your narration back, you can select the replay button.

A speaker icon will appear at the bottom-right corner of each slide that has a recorded narration. You can also play your narration back on each slide by hovering over the icon and pressing the play button.

If you’re not satisfied with the narration, simply repeat these steps to re-record.

How to Record Audio in PowerPoint for Narration or Voice-Over | Step-by-Step

I’ve scrolled through a lot of slideshows and, let’s face it, they’re not always the easiest to follow or understand what’s going on. I’m sure you have felt this too.

Have you ever thought, it would be great if the slides came with audio so that the presenter could explain and talk through each slide?

In this article, we’re going to show you how to record audio in PowerPoint as a narration or voice-over so your audience can feel as if you are presenting live and in person.

All you have to do is record yourself talking through each slide and PowerPoint will take care of the rest!

Related topic : If you are only looking to insert or add an audio that does not advance or move a slideshow in time and in synch your voice, this article: Adding Music to PowerPoint Slideshow explains how.

How to record audio as a voice-over or narration in PowerPoint – Quick Guide

• In PowerPoint, choose a slide.
• From Slide Show menu > click lower part Record Slide Show button
• Select a slide to Record from Current Slide, or Record from Beginning from the sub-menu
• NOTE: PowerPoint versions 2013-2016 only: A “Slide Show Settings” dialog box will appear for animation timings etc. You can leave both checked.
• PowerPoint will then open into full-screen Recording Mode
• NOTE: Microsoft Office PowerPoint versions 2013-2016 and Microsoft for Mac 365 will start recording immediately.
• In Recording Mode > click the Record button in the top left to start recording countdown.
• You are now ready to talk through your presentation and record your voice.
• To Stop or Pause recording > click Pause button or Stop / End Show (x) button.
• Jump to the full step-by-step tutorial below

Why use narrations or voice-overs in PowerPoint Presentation?

Adding a narration or voice-over into a presentation will enable your slideshow to be played and move forward in time or sync with your voice.

Recording audio for your slideshow is a widely used feature and has many benefits. For example:

• It’s useful in situations when a speaker is not available and when people want to view presentations on their own and at their leisure.
• It is also an effective way for speakers to rehearse and time specific slides or the entire presentations before they happen.
• And you may have watched many instructional videos or online courses with a recorded voice over, just because it makes the content easier to understand, is more engaging and lively than just written words alone.

After you finish the audio recording you can share or export your presentation by converting or exporting your PowerPoint (.ppt) file into a video (.mp4 or .mov file) which will have both your audio and visuals contained in one file.

Before recording your narration or voice-over – tips.

Make sure your microphone works..

An important step to take before recording your audio is to ensure your microphone is set up correctly and your voice can be played back clearly. The video below runs through how to set up an external mic for your Windows or Mac .

First, plug in your headset or microphone to your computer if you are not using the inbuilt mic. Or if you are using a Bluetooth headset, make sure it’s paired/connected properly.

To make sure everything is working OK, access the audio device settings on your computer as shown in the video above. While you are in the device settings menu, select your microphone and set it as default.

You can test the playback quality by using the free software tools on your machine:

• Windows 10 – Use Voice Recorder (previously called Sound Recorder)
• Mac – Use Voice Memos
• Chromebook – New in 2021 from OS 88. Use Screen Capture to test your audio recording by pressing the Ctrl, Shift, and Overview keys to bring up the capture bar. ( You may need to enable by entering chrome://flags  in the URL address bar and search for “capture” in the search bar or by entering chrome://flags/#screen-capture in the URL address bar.)

Note – In PowerPoint 2016, you cannot change which microphone device you want to record in screen recording mode (so do it first!), however in 2019/Office 365 it is possible to do so, by using the settings link in the full-screen recording mode.

How to Record Audio in PowerPoint Step-by-Step Instructions.

Versions Covered: PowerPoint 2013, 2016, 2019, 2020, Office 365, PowerPoint for PC / Windows, PowerPoint for macOS and Chromebook.

• Start by opening the PowerPoint presentation in which you want to record your audio.

• Stop Recording. To end the slideshow recording, click the Stop (square button) at the top left. Or keyboard shortcut – Press Alt+S. You’re done recording your captivating and engaging PowerPoint slideshow with a voice-over / narration!
• Exit full screen recording window. Click the (x) button int the corner. To save your slide timings, click “yes” if prompted. When you return to your slide view, a small icon of a microphone appears on the bottom right corner of each slide. Click this icon to hear your voice over for any particular slide.

Advanced PowerPoint Audio Recording Options.

Add annotations to your recorded powerpoint slide show..

Adding annotations to your PowerPoint presentation is an optional step and can help your presentation stand out. But, what are annotations, and how should you use them when recording your voice-over?

If you want to draw a user’s attention to a specific area or to add some interactivity; using annotations is the way to do it. It is basically a virtual marker you can use to highlight elements in your presentation slides e.g by circling a word or picture, underlining a phrase, writing additional notes on-screen, or pointing to specific items. 

To use the Annotation Tool in PowerPoint: Scroll to the bottom of the full screen recording view (as shown in the image below). Then, select any of the tools available (the laser pointer, highlighter or pen) and annotate your slide, by drawing with them using any mouse or other pointing device.

Note, this will not make a permanent change to your slides, it’s only visible in the recorded playback!

Using the Timings Function to Adjust Recording Speed.

As you record your narration, you will be able to see a clock in the bottom left corner showing how much time you spend on each slide, against the total amount of time recorded so far.

While this is very helpful for rehearsing your presentation, it’s quite common to have issues with timings with your recorded slideshow. For example when you have switched to the next slide too quickly.

To Change the Timings of Your Recording: Navigate to the Slide Show tab in the top ribbon > (Next to the Record Slide Show icon, we used before) > click the Rehearse Timings icon. The presentation will now once again go to full-screen mode, and you can use your arrow keys to change the slides and set new timings.

Clearing or Deleting your narration and / or timings

If you are not happy with your voice-over on a slide or wish to start the recording from the beginning, PowerPoint gives you some easy options to do so.

To Delete a Narration or Timings: Navigate to the Slide Show tab in the top ribbon OR the Recording Tab. Select the down arrow on the “ Record Slide Show ” button > from the menu choose “ Clear ” > Select the appropriate timings and/or narration option.

Save and Distribute the Presentation with Audio as a Movie / Video file.

Now that you are finished recording your PowerPoint presentation, your voice audio will be attached to the same file and it’s time to distribute it by exporting your PowerPoint (PPT file) into a video (.mp4 or .wmv) .

To Export your Presentation as a video: In PowerPoint navigate to File Menu > Export > Select your preferred options. (E.g.) File Format: MP4 . Quality Width 1,920 Height 1,080

Recording Audio Tips and Tricks

Macos 2019 – powerpoint audio recording tip.

To give PowerPoint access to record your screen in macOS you need to set up the right security and privacy permissions:

• Open System Preferences
• Select Security & Privacy
• Select Privacy tab.
• In the left panel scroll to Screen Recording > click “ +” icon .
• In the “Applications” window select PowerPoint

Microsoft 365, 2016, 2019 for Windows PC – Recording tab in PowerPoint

Microsoft 365 subscribers with the Click-to-Run version of Microsoft 365 for Windows PC can use the Recording tab .

The Recording tab shows the recorded video , screenshots, and screen recording options in a single menu for easy access. To turn on the Recording tab of the ribbon in PowerPoint 365 Windows PC

• Select the  File  menu > click  Options .
• In the PowerPoint Options  dialog box > click   Customize Ribbon
• In the right-panel > select the  Recording  check box.
• Click  OK .

If you click the button on the bottom of the “Record Slide Show” button, you can start from the beginning of the slideshow or from where you are.

Knowing the basics of recording audio in PowerPoint is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to make a downloadable slideshow, create an internet streamed webinar, upload a video for YouTube, Vimeo, or any other digital platform such as your website or other digital platforms.

You may also like: How to Turn a PowerPoint Into a Video

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How to record a PowerPoint presentation with audio for sharing

• October 12, 2023

Wondering how to make a video with PowerPoint? If you want to create a video presentation from your PowerPoint slides, you can use PowerPoint's in-built recording feature. The feature allows you to narrate your slides, add annotations, and insert webcam video. You can then export your recording as a video file that you can share with your audience.

This article explains how to record your PowerPoint slideshow and how to share the recorded presentation via Teams or Zoom. We'll also give you some tips on how to avoid common pitfalls and glitches that you might encounter.

Here's our step by step guide to record a PowerPoint slide show:

• Open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the Slide Show tab.

• From the PowerPoint Set Up group, click on Record Slide Show button. You can choose to record from the beginning, or from the current slide.

• A new window will open with your PowerPoint presentation in full screen mode. You will see a Recording toolbar at the top left corner of your PowerPoint screen if you are on a single monitor, or at the top of your main monitor if you are working on dual screens (as pictured in the screenshot below). You can use this toolbar to control your recording in PowerPoint, such as start, pause, stop, rewind, and forward. You can also use the pen, highlighter, and eraser tools to annotate your slides.

• To start recording your PowerPoint presentation, click on the Record button (the red circle). You will see a countdown from 3 to 1 before the recording begins.
• As you record, you can speak into your microphone to narrate your PowerPoint slides. You can also click on the Camera button (the camera icon) to turn on your webcam and insert a video of yourself in the corner of your slide.
• To move to the next or previous slide, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard or click the Next or Previous buttons on the Recording toolbar.
• When you get to the end of your PowerPoint slideshow, you can export the video immediately by selecting export and following the prompts, or you can end your recording to review, before exporting to video format. To end your recording in PowerPoint, click the Stop button (the square icon) or press Esc on your keyboard.
• You will be taken back to the normal view of your PowerPoint presentation. You will see a speaker icon and a camera icon on each slide that has audio or video recording. You can click on these icons to preview, edit, or delete your PowerPoint recordings.

• To export your PowerPoint recording as a video file, click the File tab and select Export.
• In the Export window, choose Create a Video from the menu on the left.

• In the Create a Video panel, you can adjust the video quality, resolution, and file size. You can also choose whether to use recorded timings and narrations or not.
• Click on Create Video and choose a location and a file name for your video.
• Wait for PowerPoint to create your video. You can see the progress bar at the bottom of your screen.
• Once your PowerPoint video is ready, you can play it with any media player or upload it to any online platform.

Troubleshooting issues that may arise when recording a PowerPoint presentation

If you want to record a PowerPoint presentation with narration, annotations, or video, you may encounter some issues depending on your device, software, and settings. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• If your microphone is not working, make sure it is plugged in, turned on, and selected as the default recording device in your system settings (for example sometimes your monitor or webcam can also have a microphone, and the wrong device has been selected). You can test your microphone in PowerPoint by going to Slide Show > Record Slide Show > Settings > Microphone.
• If your video camera is not working, make sure it is plugged in, turned on, and selected as the default camera in your system settings. You can also test your camera in the PowerPoint app by going to Slide Show > Record Slide Show > Settings > Camera.
• If your annotations are not showing up in your PowerPoint recording, make sure you have enabled the pen and laser pointer tools in the PowerPoint app. You can do this by going to Slide Show > Record Slide Show > Settings > Pen and Laser Pointer Tools.
• If your PowerPoint recording is not saving or playing back correctly, make sure you have enough disk space and memory on your device. You can also try saving your PowerPoint presentation as a video file by going to File > Export > Create a Video.

Can I share my recorded PowerPoint presentation via Zoom or Microsoft Teams?

If you have recorded a PowerPoint presentation, you can share it with your audience via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Here's how to share your recorded PowerPoint presentation in both platforms.

How to share recorded PowerPoint Presentations via Zoom To share your recorded PowerPoint presentation on Zoom, you need to have the Zoom app installed on your computer and the PowerPoint file saved on your device or on OneDrive. Here are the steps to follow:

• Start or join a Zoom meeting and click Share Screen in the meeting controls.
• Select your primary monitor then click Share. If you are not sure which monitor is your primary, select the one that PowerPoint opens in.
• Switch back to PowerPoint and click the Slide Show tab. Begin playing the recorded PowerPoint presentation by selecting the Play from Start or Play from Current Slide options.

• If you have recorded narration or video for your PowerPoint presentation, make sure to check the Play Narrations and Use Timings option in the Set Up group on the Slide Show tab.
• Your participants will see your PowerPoint presentation in slide show view with your narration and video playing along.
• To stop sharing your recorded PowerPoint presentation, click Stop Share on the Zoom toolbar.

How to share recorded PowerPoint Presentations via Microsoft Teams To share your recorded PowerPoint presentation on Teams, you need to have the Microsoft Teams app installed on your computer and the PowerPoint file saved either on OneDrive or your local computer. Here are the steps to follow:

• Start or join a Teams meeting and click Share content in the meeting controls.
• In the share content menu ensure 'include computer sound' is turn on

• Select Browse OneDrive or Browse my computer at the bottom of the 'share content' menu.

• Navigate to the folder where you have saved your PowerPoint presentation file and select it.

• To stop sharing, click Stop presenting on the Teams toolbar.

Troubleshooting issues when sharing recorded PowerPoint presentations via Teams or Zoom

If you want to share a recorded PowerPoint presentation with your audience via Zoom or Teams, you may encounter some issues that can affect the quality or the delivery of your presentation. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

• If your recorded PowerPoint presentation has audio or video embedded, make sure you check the option to share computer sound when you start sharing your screen. Otherwise, your audience will not hear the sound from your presentation.
• If your recorded PowerPoint presentation has animations or transitions, make sure you play it in slideshow mode and not in editing mode. Otherwise, your audience will see the editing tools and the slides will not advance automatically.
• If your PowerPoint presentation has hyperlinks or action buttons, make sure you click on them during the presentation and not before. Otherwise, your audience will not see the linked content or the action result.
• If your PowerPoint presentation is too large or has high-resolution images or videos, make sure you compress it before sharing it. Otherwise, your presentation may lag or freeze during the presentation due to bandwidth limitations.

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3 Simple Ways to Record Audio on PowerPoint Presentations

Sara Wanasek

Enhance your PowerPoint presentations by incorporating music and adding your own narration or unique sound bites. This not only keeps your audience engaged but also complements your written content. Learning how to add and record audio in PowerPoint is a valuable skill, enabling you to create compelling presentations for professional, educational, and personal purposes.

Recording audio in PowerPoint offers significant advantages, especially when delivering remote or asynchronous presentations. You can:

• Record yourself giving the presentation and share the recording for viewers to access at their convenience, or
• Include audio clips to emphasize transitions, key points, or significant moments within your presentation.

Continue reading to discover how to record audio live in PowerPoint on Windows devices, add pre-recorded audio, and find useful tips for editing!

Step-by-step guide: How to Record Audio on PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, you have the capability to record two types of audio:

• Recording for exporting as a video: This method is ideal for narrating your presentation, making it perfect for sharing with others to watch at their own pace.
• Recording short audio clips: This method allows you to incorporate audio into your live presentation.

Let’s walk you through both methods of recording audio directly within PowerPoint:

Option 1: Record Narration for All Slides

Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

Launch PowerPoint and open a new or existing PowerPoint file. If your are starting from scratch, make sure to complete the slides with design and interactive elements (make sure your presentation is engaging !) before adding your audio. 

Step 2: Choose the Starting Position

• Go to the ‘SlideShow’ tab and click on the arrow next to ‘Record Slide Show.’
• Choose between ‘From Current Slide’ or ‘From Beginning’ based on your requirements.
• This will open the recorder window, where you can make necessary adjustments to the settings.

Step 3: Adjust Settings

You can select the microphone, view your notes, and toggle your camera on or off.

Step 4: Begin Recording

When you are ready, click the ‘Play’ button to begin recording. You will see a 3-second countdown, then the recording will start and you can begin speaking. 

Use the side arrows for smooth navigation through your presentation while recording. Pause or stop the recording at any point. To review the recorded audio, click ‘ Replay .’ To delete any recordings, click the ‘x’ next to the speaker icon.

At the bottom left, you’ll find two timers: one for the entire presentation and one for the specific slide, helping you keep track of the recording length.

Step 5: Stop Recording

When done, click the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner. Your audio recordings will be saved to each slide, indicated by the speaker icon at the bottom right corner of your slide. 

Step 6: Share Recording

To share your recording, export the PowerPoint file as a video , selecting ‘Use Recorded Timings and Narrations.’ Then, easily share it via email or add it to a Learning Management System for convenient viewing.

Option 2: Record Audio for Specific Slides

Step 1: Navigate to the Desired Slide

Select the specific slide where you want to record audio. This could be for narration, background music, or sound effects, depending on your presentation’s needs.

Step 2: Insert Audio

To add audio, click the ‘Insert’ tab on your PowerPoint ribbon. Then in the Media section, select ‘Audio’ then ‘Record Audio’. 

Step 3: Name Audio Sound

Name the sound uniquely for easy future retrieval.

• Click the red ‘Recording’ button to start.
• Use the green ‘Play’ button to review the audio.
• If it’s satisfactory, click ‘OK.’
• The speaker icon will be added to your slide, and you can reposition it as needed.

Step 5: Set Audio Playback Options

After adding audio to your slide, you can specify how and when you want it to play. Click on the Audio icon and select the ‘Playback’ tab in the PowerPoint ribbon. 

In PowerPoint, utilize editing tools to refine your audio. Trim, adjust volume, and apply fade-in or fade-out effects for a professional touch. You can also set the start and stop points for the audio and save it for future use.

Step 6: Test Your Audio

Before your important presentation, test the audio to ensure it works smoothly. Play through your presentation to confirm that everything sounds and plays correctly.

Option 3: Adding Pre-Recorded Audio to PowerPoint

Already have the audio you want to use? No problem! Adding audio to your PowerPoint can be done in 4 simple steps:

Step 1: Navigate to the Slide

Select the slide where you want to addyour pre-recorded audio.

Click the ‘Insert’ tab and choose ‘Audio’ from the Media Section. Select ‘Audio on My PC’ and search for your pre-recorded audio to be uploaded. 

Step 3: Configure Playback Options

Customize your playback settings to suit your needs, such as when the audio should start and how it should play.

Step 4: Test it out

Ensure that the audio plays well and syncs up with your slide transitions and animations for a seamless presentation.

Expert Tips for the Best Recording

Use these tips to get the best recording in PowerPoint: 

• Choose the Right Microphone: Opt for a high-quality microphone for clear and professional audio. For frequent recordings, consider an external microphone.
• Minimize Ambient Noise: Record in a quiet space to reduce background noise. Close doors and windows, and use noise-canceling software if necessary.
• Prepare Your Narration: Outline your narration to ensure a structured delivery, preventing pauses or monotony. Avoid reading line by line.
• Practice Your Delivery: Practice your narration multiple times for improved flow and clarity. Utilize PowerPoint’s Speaker Coach for help with pace, tone, and filler words.
• Edit Minor Mistakes: Don’t worry about small errors during recording; you can edit them out later using PowerPoint’s editing tools.
• Enhance Accessibility: When recording the entire presentation, add closed captions or subtitles to make it accessible to a broader audience, including those with hearing impairments.

Bonus: Recording Interactive PowerPoint Presentations

Want to take your PowerPoint recordings to the next level? Include interactive elements in your PowerPoint recordings to engage your audience more effectively with ClassPoint.

ClassPoint is an interactive teaching tool that integrates directly into PowerPoint, Coffering live presentation engagement features such as interactive questions , gamification , and presentation tools !

When recording your presentation, use third-party recording software like Zoom, Teams, Loom, or Screencast-O-Matic, and incorporate ClassPoint features alongside your audio narration, like so:

1. Live Annotations

Use Pens , Highlighters , Shapes , and even Text Boxes to add notes and highlight the important information on your slides while recording.

2. Added Whiteboard Slides

Add variety to your presentation by annotating on a blank whiteboard slide of your choosing.

3. Laser Pen

ClassPoint’s laser can be used as a pen with disappearing ink and a spotlight when you press the ‘S’ key on your keyboard, allowing you to guide your audience’s attention more effectively.

4. Draggable Objects

Enhance audience understanding by moving objects on your slide as you explain , emphasize key concepts, and create visual associations.

5. Embedded Browser

If you need to search the web to emphasize a key point or show a video, simply open a browser within your presentation without interrupting your seamless presentation and recording.

6. Timer or Stopwatch

If you want your audience to reflect on a question or complete an activity independently, use the timer or stopwatch to create a brief pause before resuming your recording.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re narrating a presentation for asynchronous viewing or incorporating audio into a live session, you’re now equipped with the knowledge of how to record audio on PowerPoint in the best way. 

With added audio, you can engage your audience in a way that ensures your message resonates, no matter where or when they access your content.

Begin experimenting with these techniques, and see how recording audio on PowerPoint and leveraging ClassPoint can transform your PowerPoint presentations, both live and virtually.

Recommended Readings

3 Ways to Watch & Insert Videos in PowerPoint

How to Add Notes to PowerPoint Presentations: A Comprehensive Guide

About Sara Wanasek

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How to Add, Record or Edit Audio or Music in PowerPoint

Do you want to set the right mood and keep your audience engaged and entertained during your next presentation? In this new Slidesgo School tutorial, you’ll learn how to add audio or music to your presentations . You’ll also find out how to edit them to your liking .

Adding Audio from your Computer

Recording audio from powerpoint, editing audio, adding online audio, adding music from youtube, playing several clips in succession during your presentation.

• Before we begin, please note the following: in PowerPoint 2010 or older, you should use .wav or .wma files in Windows, and .wav files in Mac. If you’re using a newer version, we recommend that you work with AAC .m4a files.
• Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide where you want to add audio.
• On the Insert tab, in the Media group, click the Audio drop-down arrow. You’ll see two options: the first one allows you to add audio from your PC, whereas the second one allows you to record audio (you’ll need to have a microphone set up in your computer).
• Select Audio from My PC. A new window will open, where you have to locate the audio file you want to add to your presentation.
• Once located, click the drop-down arrow next to Insert. You’ll see two options:
• If you choose Insert , the audio will be directly inserted into your presentation, increasing the size of the document.
• If you choose Link to File , a link to the file will be created, reducing the size of the document. However, there could be issues if you use the presentation in a different computer, forcing you to link the audio file to the presentation again.
• Select the option that best suits your needs.
• If you want to export any audio included in your PowerPoint presentation, right-click its icon → Save Media As (you can only do this with audio inserted from your PC).
• Please note that if you want to play a different audio in each slide, you’ll need to add the audio files one by one. You’ll also need to uncheck “Play Across Slides”. You can refer to the “ Editing Audio ” section in this tutorial if you want more information.
• On the Insert tab, in the Media group, click the Audio drop-down arrow. Select Record Audio. A new window will open.
• Enter the name of the audio file you’re about to record.
• Press Record to start recording. To stop, press the Stop button. To play what you’ve recorded, press Play.
• If you’re happy with what you’ve recorded, click OK. If that’s not the case, click Cancel.
• Select the audio whose format you want to adjust. A new set of tabs, called Audio Tools, will appear on the toolbar.
• In the Bookmarks group, you’ll find an option to add bookmarks, which will be visible in the timeline. These can be helpful if you want to quickly find the main points in your audio during the presentation.
• In the Editing group, there are options to add a fade in and a fade out. You’ll also find the Trim Audio option. If you click it, a new window will open, where you can set the start point and the end point of the audio clip.
• In the Audio Options group, you’ll find the following options to adjust the behavior of the audio clip:
• Volume: It allows you to set the volume of the clip.
• Start: Click the drop-down arrow to choose how you want the audio to start. If you’re using Office 2010, you’ll also find an option here to play the audio clip during the entire presentation.
• Loop until Stopped: Once the audio clip finishes, it starts again indefinitely until you stop it.
• Play Across Slides: If you enable this, the audio clip will be played during the entire presentation. If “Loop until Stopped” is enabled too, it won’t stop playing until you reach the end of the presentation.
• Hide During Show: Check this option if you want to hide the icon.
• Rewind after Playing: Check this option if you want the timer of the audio clip to go back to the beginning when it reaches the end.
• If you’re using newer versions of PowerPoint, you’ll find a group called Audio Styles. Choose “No Style” if you don’t want additional effects. Choose “Play in Background” if you want the audio clip to be played in the background during your presentation.
• You can change the icon of the audio clip. To do so, on the Format tab, in the Adjust group, click Change Picture.
• Insert an icon or a picture. We’ll use it to link the online audio. Please refer to the How to Add and Modify Icons tutorial to learn how to insert icons.
• Add the link to the online audio resource. If you don’t know how to do it, please refer to the How to Insert a Hyperlink in PowerPoint tutorial.
• Once added, click the icon of this audio. A new window will open, where you must click the Play button. Some audio platforms, such as Soundcloud, allow you to generate an autoplay sharing link. With that, you just need to click the icon to play the audio automatically.
• If you want to pause the playback, you’ll need to exit the presentation mode and do it manually.
• Insert the video containing the audio or music you want. If you don’t know how, please refer to the How to Add a Video in PowerPoint tutorial.
• Decrease the size of the video and place it outside the visible part of the slide.
• We need to set it to automatically play in presentation mode. To do this, on the Playback tab, in the Video Options group, click the Start drop-down arrow and select “Automatically”. If you need more information, please refer to the How to Add a Video in PowerPoint tutorial.
• Please note that the audio will stop when changing slides.

To create a playlist that plays across all slides during your presentation, you need to use an audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition, and edit the clips so that they come one after another. When you’re done, export it as a single audio file, which you can now use in your presentation.

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How To Record a PowerPoint Presentation With Audio

Table of Contents

3. Select Record from Beginning if you want to start right from the beginning of a presentation. Select Record from Current Slide if you want to record from a specific slide or wish to re-record a particular slide.

4. By default, PowerPoint records both video and audio. If you don’t need a video in your presentation, turn it off by clicking on the camera button. That way, the tool will only record your microphone along with the presentation file.

5. Click on the Record button to begin recording. PowerPoint will count down 3 seconds in the recording window to allow you to get ready, then you can start speaking.

6. Record your narration for a particular slide or the entire presentation. Use the directional arrow buttons to switch slides. You might want to make a one-second break when you go to the next slide, so that nothing will get cut out. Click on Pause if you want to stop and then resume speaking. When you finish, click on Stop in the recording window.

7. Save the file as a PowerPoint presentation. Then go to the File menu and click on Export . Select Create a Video .

For Mac users : You will be directed to the settings menu right after you click Export .

8. Set the desired video quality. Select Use Recorded Timings and Narrations to maintain slide timings for all of the slides. Then, click Create Video .

For Mac users : You can select the desired video format at this point. Once you’ve set the parameters, click Export .

9. Select the video format and the PC location where you want to save your video presentation with narration. Then, click Save .

Congratulations! Once the export process is complete, your video with the complete presentation will be ready.

How to add an existing audio recording to a PowerPoint presentation

Follow these steps if you have an existing audio file with narration that you’d like to add to your presentation.

1. On the main menu, click on the Insert tab.

2. On the sub-menu, select Audio .

3. Choose Audio on My PC . 

4. Then, browse your audio files, select the narration, and click Insert .

How to Record PPT Presentations with Narration in iSpring Suite Max

MS PowerPoint allows you to export presentations with narration in a video format. However, PowerPoint does not offer any audio editing options, so it can be challenging to get good-quality sound and a clear recording without unnecessary breaks, volume differences, and other problems.

If you don’t have time to re-record your audio narration and want great quality with minimal efforts, you might need a more advanced tool like iSpring Suite Max. It works as a PowerPoint add-in and is extremely easy to use. iSpring Suite Max offers many audio recording and editing options for your slide show. 

For example, you can synchronize narration with slide animations, remove background noise, and improve slide transitions in your PowerPoint file. You can even create voice-overs without ever recording your own voice by converting text to lifelike AI-generated speech.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to record presentations with narration in iSpring Suite Max:

Step 1. Install iSpring Suite Max

Download a free 14-day iSpring Suite Max trial and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Choose your presentation

Open your PowerPoint presentation and go to the iSpring Suite tab.

Step 3. Record slide show with audio narration

The next step will vary depending on your needs. iSpring Suite offers 3 recording options:

• Create a simple recording with preset parameters like noise removal and volume options
• Record audio that synchronizes with the PowerPoint slide and animation timings

Convert text to speech

Let’s look at each of these options.

Record audio with preset parameters

Follow this approach if you don’t have any animations or effects in your presentation and just want to add high-quality narration to your presentation.

1. Click on Record Audio  in the top left corner of the menu.

2.  Use the intuitive menu and record your narration.

Please note that you can apply some settings before recording. For example, you can set noise removal and volume, which will make your narration more comprehensible and easier to edit. Click on Options to set the desired parameters.

3. Once your recording is ready, click OK to save it.

Synchronize audio with animations

Use this approach if you have animations in your presentations and want them to appear at specific points during your speech.

1. Click Manage Narration. 

2. Click Record Audio .

3. Now, you can start recording, save, or cancel the changes you’ve made, and preview your presentation. When you click Start Record , that button will change to Next Slide or Next Animation , offering you an easy transition between slides – as though you were delivering the lecture live using a projector. Each of your live clicks will automatically preserve those specific timings for slides and animations.

4. Click Save & Close to save your recording.

Use this approach if you don’t want to record your own voice or that of a voice-over artist, but need to record and play narrations for your presentations.

1. Click Manage Narration on the iSpring Suite Max toolbar.

2. Click the Audio button and choose Text to Speech .

3. Select the language, speaker, and type of voice.

4. Add the text that you wish to convert, and click the Insert button. Then you’ll be able to choose when to start playing narration: right after you open the slide or later.

5. Click Save & Close to save your recording.

Step 4. Save and export your presentation with audio narration

No matter which option you had selected earlier, you now have an audio file. Your next step is to export your presentation. Click Publish on the iSpring Suite toolbar.

Step 5. Publish your presentation

Select where you want to publish your presentation and in which format. You can either publish it as a video or in one of the different online formats. Select:

• Video – if you want to upload your presentation to YouTube. 
• SCORM or xAPI – if you want to upload your presentation to an LMS and track learner progress as they study your presentation.
• HTML5 – if you want to upload your presentation to a website. 

Then click Publish .

Congratulations! Your presentation with narration is ready.

Useful resources

We’ve selected some tutorials that can make you a more effective PowerPoint user.

• How to Record a Voice-Over for PowerPoint Presentations
• How to Create a Video Lecture
• How to Add Narration to a PowerPoint Presentation
• How to Create a Video Presentation
• How to Insert a YouTube Video into a PowerPoint Presentation
• How to Convert a PowerPoint Presentation to an MP4 Video on Windows and macOS
• The Ultimate Guide to Lecture Capture

Fast eLearning authoring toolkit

Have you ever searched for a way to create a course but found the tools and resources too complex to use? What if you could design and produce courses in a familiar environment like PowerPoint with full audio or video narration?

The eLearning authoring toolkit by iSpring allows you to create courses from within PowerPoint with just a few clicks. You can also convert your Word and PDF documents into interactive e-books. 

Some of the other features include:

• Content Library
• Adaptive player
• Extensive LMS compatibility
• Video Editor
• Interactive assessments
• Screen recordings
• Conversion of PowerPoint slides into mobile-ready courses
• Combination of videos with slides
• Course localization in 42 languages with text-to-speech capabilities

There’s so much more you can do with the iSpring Suite 11 fast eLearning authoring toolkit.

Takeaways  

Recording PowerPoint presentations with narration and audio is pretty easy if you follow our guide. And your recordings will sound great and synchronize with your animations perfectly when you use iSpring Suite Max. 

The tool also allows you to:

• Create complex online courses
• Build engaging online quizzes
• Create interactive dialogue simulations
• Record video lectures
• Collaborate with your colleagues on simple courses and quizzes right in a browser
• Use over 81,000 ready-made eLearning assets (templates, backgrounds, characters, and icons)

Download a free 14-day iSpring Suite Max trial and start designing engaging learning content right away!

Fast course authoring toolkit

Create online courses and assessments in record time.

Content creator:

Helen Colman

She enjoys combining in-depth research with expert knowledge of the industry. If you have eLearning insights that you’d like to share, please get in touch .

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How to Record a Presentation with Webcam, Narration, and More

Everyone has, at some point, put a load of time and effort into creating the perfect PowerPoint presentation, only to use it once or twice. But isn’t it a shame for all that hard work to be discarded so quickly? Is every slide deck destined for deletion after just a couple of uses? 

Isn’t there a better way to make the most out of your presentations? Well, yes. Yes, there is. 

Rather than simply creating and presenting your work once or twice, recording your presentations can give them a new lease of life. Whether it’s a data report or a self-recorded PowerPoint, you can record a presentation in real-time, or in advance to make it available on-demand.

In this guide, we’ll explore two distinct ways of recording your presentation. First, we’ll discuss how to record a presentation from PowerPoint with audio and webcam, and then we’ll look at how to turn your .ppt slides into a video.

Benefits of Recording a Presentation 

As well as there being many different ways to record a presentation, there are also many benefits of recording them. So, before we show you the ‘how,’ let’s talk about the ‘why.’ 

• Encouraging asynchronous communication : One key benefit is fostering asynchronous communication . By recording presentations, you’re letting your audience engage with the content in their own time, breaking the constraints of time zones and scheduling conflicts. This also ensures your viewers can absorb information at their own pace, and revisit it as needed.
• Boosting SEO : You can use your presentation to create a YouTube video and share it on your website to increase your online visibility and attract prospective customers. This can be a great way to expand your audience, increase web traffic, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
• Perfecting your presentation : Whether it’s in-person or over Zoom, you don’t get second chances with live presentations. However, a pre-recorded keynote lets you perfect the content and the narration before anyone sees it. This is a great way to combat stage fright while honing your presentation skills and building confidence.

With this in mind, turning your slides into a video is a no-brainer. It’s an easy way to grow your audience and make the information you’re sharing more accessible and easier to digest.

Record your presentation today!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily record your presentation.

How to record your presentation (with Snagit)

Depending on your audience and the type of presentation you need to deliver, TechSmith’s Snagit could just be the perfect tool for recording your PowerPoint. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Snagit is ideal for capturing top-notch presentation videos, in just a few clicks. 

Now, there’s no denying that presentations are better when you can see the presenter… Fortunately, Snagit lets you capture your screen and webcam at the same time to create a Picture-in-Picture video.

In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to record your presentation and webcam with Snagit. 

Step 1: Open video capture 

First, open Snagit and navigate to the Capture window. Select the Video tab, and start by clicking the big red Capture button.

Step 2: Select a recording area

Next, you’ll be prompted to choose which parts of your screen you want to record. Use Snagit’s orange crosshairs to select a specific region, window, or your entire screen. 

Step 3: Configure recording settings

With the Video Recording toolbar, you can set options like Cursor Capture and Effects, System Audio, and Webcam. 

If your webcam isn’t showing, click on the webcam icon. If you have an external webcam, select the one you want to use by clicking the dropdown arrow next to the webcam icon. 

Step 4: Adjust your webcam

Next, adjust your webcam options to ensure your Picture-in-Picture recording looks how you want it. Here you can change the Picture-in-Picture placement as well as the shape and size of your webcam recording. You can even toggle between Picture-in-Picture and fullscreen webcam modes as you like.

The best part? You can make these adjustments even while recording.

Step 5: Manage recording

When you’re ready to roll, hit the Record button and click the Stop button when you’re finished. It’s that simple! 

And remember, if there’s an interruption (like an unexpected visit from the mailman), just hit Pause. It’s okay to take a break — your video won’t be ruined by a little interruption.

Step 6: Edit your video

Once you’ve finished recording, Snagit will automatically open your video in the Snagit Editor, which is super easy to use. From here, you can make light edits to the footage as needed. 

For example, if you need to cut or trim your footage , you can! Here’s how: 

• Set Start Point : Drag the Start handle (green) on the timeline to your desired starting point.
• Set End Point : Similarly, drag the End handle (red) to where you want to end the cut.
• Review the Segment : Before making any cuts, you can review the segment by dragging the Playhead (white) left and right across the timeline. This ensures you’re only cutting the footage you intend to.
• Make the Cut : Once you’re satisfied with the selection, click the Cut button, which will pop up once you’ve made a selection.

And that’s all there is to it! If you want to go the extra mile, you can also use Snagit to save individual frames of your video as images , which can be used to create a thumbnail for your video . 

How to record a presentation from PowerPoint with audio and webcam

Now, Snagit is great for recording less formal videos in a flash, but if your presentation is intended for a particularly large or important audience, you might be looking to create something more polished. This is where TechSmith’s Camtasia comes in. 

Camtasia is one of the smartest and most intuitive pieces of editing software out there, but it also makes for a pretty nifty screen recorder too. Camtasia is great for recording presentations when you need more control and editing powers over the final product. 

But best of all, Camtasia streamlines the process by letting you record your presentation and voice over directly within PowerPoint. 

Step 1: Set up your presentation video recording

If you’re a Windows user, you’ll have the option to include a PowerPoint Add-in Toolbar when you install Camtasia. While this feature isn’t currently available on MacOS, the Camtasia Add-in Toolbar allows you to start, stop, and control your recordings from within PowerPoint — so you don’t need to switch between applications.

Just open the presentation you want to record and locate the Add-in toolbar under the Add-ins tab. 

Don’t see the add-in toolbar? Go to File > Options > Add-ins, to enable it. Click on the Manage drop-down, select Disabled Items, then click Go. If the Camtasia Add-in is listed, select it, and click Enable.

If you’re an Apple user, don’t panic! You can still record your screen (with audio) on a Mac using Camtasia, and it’s just as easy. Alternatively, you can skip ahead to the next section and import your slides directly into Camtasia. 

Step 2: Customize your recording options

Now let’s walk through each of the options on the toolbar before we begin recording.

Record audio

The microphone button controls whether or not audio is recorded as part of your presentation. When you enable it, you’ll be able to record your narration using a microphone.

If you are planning to record audio, this is where you’ll select your microphone. If you want to record great audio , we suggest using an external microphone, rather than the one that’s built into your laptop. 

Some of the best microphones for recording video are likely to be less expensive than you think. But, if you’re on a shoestring budget, even the mic that’s built into your headphones could produce better audio than your laptop. 

Once you’re set up, be sure to test the mic and adjust the volume slider as needed. You’ll also need to decide whether or not to record your system audio, which is any sound that comes out of your speakers, such as email notifications. 

Record webcam

If you have a webcam, you can also record your camera during the presentation to create a Picture-in-Picture clip — just as you can with Snagit! 

To customize even more of the recording settings, click the Recording Options button. Here you’ll find settings that let you record with a watermark and adjust your video frame rate . There are a few more options too, but the default settings should work just fine.

When you’re ready, click OK to close this window and save any changes made.

Step 3: Record your presentation

The final step is as simple as clicking the Record button in the toolbar. This will launch your slides into the Presentation Mode and start recording.

When you exit Presentation Mode or reach the end of your slideshow, you can either continue recording your screen, or stop recording and save your file. Pretty easy right? 

Before you get started, let us show you another way to turn your presentation into a video, without recording your desktop . 

How to turn your PowerPoint presentation slides into a video

Another way to create a video from your presentation is to import your PowerPoint slides into Camtasia. This way you can adjust how long each slide appears on screen, as well as add Behaviors and Annotations to personalize your presentation and highlight important information. 

By importing your slides into Camtasia, and recording your voice over separately, you get a lot more flexibility with the editing process, which means you have more control over the finished article. 

If you do decide to record your audio separately, you might want to take a look at TechSmith’s Audiate . This advanced audio recorder will transcribe your voice over in real-time and let you edit the audio file as if it were a text-based document. We don’t want to brag, but it’s probably the best way to add a voice over to a PowerPoint . 

Regardless of how you decide to narrate your PowerPoint, here’s how to turn your presentation into a video: 

1. Import your PowerPoint slides

First, start by importing your PowerPoint slides directly into Camtasia. Once your media is imported, you can edit it by dragging your slides into the Editing Toolbar.

You can now add the images to the Timeline, and edit them like any other media in a Project. 

If you drag your slides to the Timeline, the slides will be placed in the order of the presentation, each with a default 5-second duration.

With your presentation on the timeline, use Ripple Move to create space in between slides to adjust the timing of each one. To do this, hold shift, then click and drag.

Once you’ve imported your slides and adjusted the duration of each one to correlate with your voice over, it’s time to start editing. 

How to edit a presentation video (in Camtasia) 

Add behaviors.

Firstly, add some visual interest with Camtasia Behaviors . A Behavior is an animation that brings movement to your slides, making them stand out on screen. This is a great way to bring parts of your presentation to life and take it from ordinary to extraordinary — because nobody likes a boring presentation . 

To add a Behavior, click and drag the Behavior you wish to use onto the slide you want to animate. Once added, you can adjust the Behavior using the Properties tab.

Add annotations

Another good way to grab and direct your audience’s attention is to add some Annotations, which are great for highlighting important information.  

To insert an Annotation, click the Annotation tab on the left side of the screen and drag it into the designated slide. You can then re-position and edit the Annotation in the Properties tab as needed.

Recording a PowerPoint Presentation, the FAQs

Absolutely! Both Snagit and Camtasia are excellent choices for recording a professional and polished presentation. Snagit is perfect for no-fuss recording and editing. If you require more sophisticated editing capabilities, Camtasia is the ideal choice, offering the added convenience of recording your slideshow and voice over directly within PowerPoint.

Click the Record button in the toolbar to launch your slides into the Presentation Mode and start recording. When you exit Presentation Mode or reach the end of your slideshow, you can either continue recording your screen or stop and save your file.

If you’re planning to record audio, select your microphone in the recording options. The microphone button controls whether or not audio is recorded as part of your presentation. If you have a webcam attached to your computer, you can also record your camera to create a Picture-in-Picture clip, perfect for showing the presenter during the presentation.

With Snagit, you can conveniently record your voice over as you go through your presentation, capturing both the audio and visuals in one go. If you’re looking for more advanced recording and editing options, you might also consider using Camtasia, which allows you to record your voice over while presenting. For even more control, use Audiate to record your audio separately and then import it into Camtasia for fine-tuning.

Justin Simon

Global Content Strategy Manager at TechSmith. I play a lot of golf and watch a lot of football.

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PowerPoint Recorder

Record your PowerPoint presentations online

Powerful Online PowerPoint Recorder

Make your presentations look professional using VEED’s online PowerPoint recorder. It’s fast, easy to use, and gives you access to video editing tools to make your presentation stand out. You can upload your slides or record your screen while you are presenting. Add yourself to the scene by recording your webcam and audio as well.

No need to install software. Open your browser and start recording! Choose from different layouts and customize your video after you record. You can also edit your recording using our professional video editor.

How to Record Your PowerPoint Presentation:

1 upload slides and select a layout.

Select from our list of layouts (you may need to click to ‘Allow’ permission to access your screen, camera, or microphone). You can record just your screen, your webcam, or both at the same time! You can either upload your slides or record while you’re presenting.

2 Start recording

Click the red button to start recording! You'll see a countdown before the recording starts. Don't worry if you mess up. You have unlimited time and unlimited retakes. You can navigate to other pages, and don't worry, you are still recording.

3 Review, edit, and export

You can playback your recording to review it, click ‘Share’ to share with friends and colleagues, or ‘Edit’ to edit your video (perfect for adding text, subtitles, and professional touches to your screen recording)

‘PowerPoint Recorder’ Tutorial

Highly customizable PPT recording software

VEED lets you easily customize your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation recordings. Select from different layouts and backgrounds. You can record your screen, webcam, audio, and upload your PowerPoint slides to present while recording. If you choose to record your entire desktop, you can easily switch the view between your presentation slides and other windows. When you’re finished, edit your video using our free video editor, where you can also add royalty-free music from our Stock Library.

All the things you need in a screen recorder

Our video capture software is packed with features that will help you create professional-looking recordings. When you press record, the countdown timer will appear to prompt you when your recording starts. To make sure that your audio is being picked up, check the little microphone icon on the bottom of your screen. It should be animated to indicate that your audio is being recorded. It only takes a few clicks. It’s the best app to record your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

Fast, free, and easy-to-use screen recorder software

Our screen recorder and video editor are free to use and beginner-friendly. However, if you need to record longer videos, you may need to subscribe to our premium plans. Check out our Pricing Page to see which plan suits your needs. It is super easy to use. It only takes a few clicks!

Microsoft does allow you to record your presentation as well as your voice or audio. But you might be limited because you can’t switch screens. Use VEED to record your entire desktop and switch between windows.

With VEED, you can record your audio, webcam, screen, and presentation slides all at the same time!

To add yourself or your camera to the recording, select the layout that includes “webcam.” Choose the size and positioning of your camera feed and start recording!

Although there are many screen recorders out there, VEED is your best choice when it comes to recording your PC screen! It’s free and online. No need to install software. Plus you can use our free video editor to enhance your recording even more.

What they say about VEED

Veed is a great piece of browser software with the best team I've ever seen. Veed allows for subtitling, editing, effect/text encoding, and many more advanced features that other editors just can't compete with. The free version is wonderful, but the Pro version is beyond perfect. Keep in mind that this a browser editor we're talking about and the level of quality that Veed allows is stunning and a complete game changer at worst.

I love using VEED as the speech to subtitles transcription is the most accurate I've seen on the market. It has enabled me to edit my videos in just a few minutes and bring my video content to the next level

Laura Haleydt - Brand Marketing Manager, Carlsberg Importers

The Best & Most Easy to Use Simple Video Editing Software! I had tried tons of other online editors on the market and been disappointed. With VEED I haven't experienced any issues with the videos I create on there. It has everything I need in one place such as the progress bar for my 1-minute clips, auto transcriptions for all my video content, and custom fonts for consistency in my visual branding.

Diana B - Social Media Strategist, Self Employed

More than a PowerPoint recorder

VEED is a complete browser-based tool that lets you do so much more than just record and share your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. You can annotate your videos to make your presentation more informative. Edit your recording to add images, subtitles, and more. It is a professional all-in-one video-creation and editing software that’s great for beginners and pros alike. Create professional-looking videos in just a few clicks. You don’t need any video editing experience. Create stunning videos that you can share on social media in just minutes. Try VEED to create professional PowerPoint recordings today!

How to Record Audio From Computer? [Step by Step]

• Updated May 13, 2024
• No Comments

In today’s growing digital age, the ability to record audio from your computer has become an essential skill for many professionals, including podcasters, content creators, gamers, and other tech people who use computers for their digital work. 

Whether you’re looking to capture system sounds, stream audio, or your own voice through a microphone, understanding the basics of audio recording on a computer is crucial. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up your computer for audio recording for Windows as well as MacOS with built-in apps along with other third-party tools to create high-quality recordings that meet your needs and give your content a next-level audio feel.

Methods to Record Audio on a Computer

Method 1: using built-in tools on windows and macos .

Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, you can access simple, built-in audio recording tools. These tools, Windows Voice Recorder and macOS Voice Memos are great for quick and straightforward recording tasks.

Using Windows Voice Recorder

Here’s how you can use the Windows Voice Recorder for basic recordings:

• Open Voice Recorder : Click on the Start menu, type “Voice Recorder,” and select the app from the search results.

• Start Recording : Click on the microphone icon or press Ctrl + R to begin recording.
• Pause/Resume Recording : Click the pause button if you need to temporarily stop recording. Click it again to resume.
• Stop Recording : Once you’re done, press the stop button (a square icon) to end the recording session.

• Access Your Recording : Your recording will be immediately saved and visible in the left pane of Voice Recorder. 
• Click on it to playback, share, or delete.

Using macOS Voice Memos

To record audio with macOS Voice Memos, follow these steps:

• Open Voice Memos : Use Spotlight “Cmd + Space” to search for “Voice Memos,” or find it in your Applications folder.
• Start Recording : Press the red record button to start capturing audio.
• Pause/Resume Recording : Click the pause button if you need to stop recording without ending the session. Click the resume button to continue.

• Stop Recording : Click the stop button (a square icon) when you’re finished with your recording.
• Manage Recordings : Your recordings will show up in the left sidebar. From there, you can listen to them, edit, or share.

Method 2: Recording System Audio with Software

For capturing system audio with more advanced capabilities, software options like Audacity and OBS Studio stand out due to their flexibility, advanced features, and broad user base. Audacity is a powerful, open-source audio editor and recorder that’s excellent for both simple recordings and complex audio editing tasks. OBS Studio, primarily known for streaming and video recording, also offers robust options for capturing high-quality system audio alongside video.

Audio Recording with Audacity from Windows

1. Download and Install Audacity : First, ensure you have Audacity installed. It’s freely available for download from the official Audacity website for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

2. Configure Recording Device : In Audacity, go to Edit > Preferences > Devices. Under the Recording section, select your system’s sound device or stereo mix as the recording device. If “stereo mix” is not available, you may need to enable it in your sound card settings or update your audio drivers.

3. Select the Recording Channels : Still in the Devices tab, ensure you’ve selected “2 (Stereo) Recording Channels” if you’re aiming to capture stereo system audio.

4. Adjust Quality Settings : Navigate to the Quality tab within Preferences. Here, you can set your desired sample rate and bit depth. For most purposes, a sample rate of 44100 Hz and a 24-bit depth should suffice.

5. Start Recording : Close the Preferences window and hit the red button in Audacity. This will start capturing all audio played through your system.

6. Edit and Save Your Recording : Once finished, you can use Audacity’s suite of tools to edit your recording. When satisfied, export your project by going to File > Export and choosing your desired audio format.

 Audio Recording on Windows with OBS Studio 

To capture audio from your desktop on a Windows machine using OBS Studio, simply perform the following steps:

• Open OBS Studio on your Windows computer.

• At the screen’s bottom, click on the ‘Sources’ panel, which is second to the left.

• Inside the ‘Sources’ panel, click on the settings icon.

• Pick out the display input you’d like to use, especially if you plan to include the video. By default, OBS Studio captures both your screen visuals and the desktop audio concurrently. Should you wish to record solely the audio, it’s necessary to toggle off the video capture feature. This can be done by clicking on the eye icon located next to the source you’ve added, thereby deactivating the video stream capture while still recording the audio.

• To manage audio settings, head to ‘File’ located at the top-left corner of the screen.

• Click on ‘Settings’ within the dropdown list.

• On the left panel of the settings window, click on ‘Audio.’

• In ‘Desktop Audio,’ select the appropriate audio source you want to capture.

This is also the point where you can tweak the quality of the audio as per your requirements.

• Click ‘OK’ once you’ve adjusted your audio settings as needed.

• Run a trial to make sure OBS is capturing both video and audio accurately. If it’s functioning correctly, proceed to record the audio you require. When done, halt the recording and save the captured material.

Following the instructions, you will acquire a video file, typically in MKV format, that includes your audio. OBS Studio is unable to extract and save audio files independently; they are embedded in the video file. However, if you need just the audio portion, there’s no need to worry. You can use conversion tools to get an audio. 

Method 3: Recording With Online Audio Recording Tools And Browser Extension 

1. an online audio recorder (e.g., apowersoft free online audio recorder):.

This type of recorder runs in your web browser and often requires you to install a small launcher application the first time you use it.

Steps to Use:

• Visit the tool’s website.
• Press the ‘Start Recording’ button, which might prompt you to download and install a launcher.
• Choose the audio source (system sound, microphone, or both).
• Click the ‘Record’ button to start capturing the audio stream.
• Stop the recording when finished, and you can then save the audio file to your device.

2. Browser Extensions for Audio Recording (e.g., Chrome Audio Capture):

Browser extensions integrate directly into your web browser, allowing you to record audio from any tab.

• Add the extension to your browser from the browser’s extension or add-on store.
• Navigate to the webpage with the audio stream you want to record.
• Click on the extension icon in your browser toolbar to start recording.
• Capture the audio from the page; some extensions might have a time limit for recording.

• Click ‘Save’ on the extension to stop recording and download the file to your computer.

Common Formats For Saving Audio Files

When it comes to saving your recorded audio, there are several common formats to choose from. MP3 is one of the most widely used formats, known for its compatibility and relatively small file size. 

WAV is another popular format that offers high quality but results in larger file sizes. AAC is a newer format that provides a good balance between quality and file size, making it a popular choice for podcasts and other online audio content.

Tips for Editing and Enhancing Your Audio Recording

• Trim Silence or Unnecessary Parts: Removing dead air or irrelevant sections keeps your recording engaging and focused.
• Normalize Volume Levels: Ensuring consistent volume throughout your recording avoids fluctuations that can distract or annoy listeners.
• Apply Noise Reduction: Minimizing background noise helps in improving the clarity and quality of your audio.
• Use Compression: Balancing the dynamic range makes your recording sound more professional by ensuring loud and soft sounds are at a pleasant listening level.
• Edit in Good Microphone: A high-quality microphone like Hollyland Lark Max is an incredible device that allows you to catch subtle nuances and ensure your edits have the desired effect across different playback systems.

Hollyland LARK MAX

Wireless Microphone with Studio Audio.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, recording audio from your computer is a valuable skill that can open up a world of creative and professional possibilities. By understanding the basics of audio recording, choosing the right software and hardware, and following best practices for recording, editing, and sharing your audio, you can create high-quality recordings that engage and inspire your audience.

Whether you’re a podcaster, content creator, or simply looking to capture audio for personal use, the tools and techniques outlined in this guide will help you get started and achieve your goals.

FAQs Related to Recording Audio from a Computer

What is the best free software for recording audio on a computer?

Audacity is a popular free and open-source program that offers a wide range of recording and editing capabilities, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike. Adobe Audition and OBS Studio are also good options. 

How can I record high-quality audio from my computer without a microphone?

If you don’t have a microphone, you can still record high-quality audio from your computer by using a line-in connection to input audio directly from another device, such as a mixer or an instrument. Alternatively, you can use software that allows you to capture system sounds or stream audio directly from your computer’s output.

Can I legally record audio from a website?

The legality of recording audio from a website depends on the specific content and context. In general, it is legal to record audio for personal, non-commercial use, such as for educational or research purposes. However, if the audio is protected by copyright or other intellectual property rights, you may need to obtain permission from the owner before recording or distributing it.

How do I fix low audio levels in my recordings?

If your recordings have low audio levels, you can try adjusting the input levels or gain settings in your recording software to boost the signal. You can also use normalization or amplification effects in your editing software to increase the overall volume of your recording.

I am John, a tech enthusiast with a knack for breaking down complex camera, audio, and video technology. My expertise extends to social media and electronic gadgets, and I thrive on making the latest tech trends understandable and exciting for everyone. Sharing my knowledge through engaging content, I aim to connect with fellow tech lovers and novices alike, bringing the fascinating world of technology to life.

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Table of Contents

Related Posts

• Add animation Video
• Add transitions between slides Video
• Add, format, and record video Video
• Add and record audio Video

Add and record audio

Add and record audio, such as music, narration, or sound bites, to your PowerPoint presentation and select the playback options.

Add audio from your PC

Select Insert > Media >  Audio .

Select Audio on My PC .

In the Insert Audio dialog box, select the audio file you want to add.

Select Insert .

Record audio

Select Insert > Media > Audio .

Select Record Audio .

Type in a name for your audio file, select Record , and then speak.

Important:  Your device must have a microphone enabled in order to record audio.

To review your recording, select Stop and then select Play .

Select Record to re-record your clip, or select OK if you’re satisfied.

To move your clip, select and drag the audio icon to where you want it on the slide.

Note:  If you’re using more than one audio file per slide, it’s advisable to put the audio icon in the same spot on a slide to find it easily.

Select Play .

Change playback options

Select the audio icon and then select the Playback tab. Then select which options you'd like to use:

To trim the audio, select Trim and then use the red and green sliders to trim the audio file accordingly.

To fade in or fade out audio, change the number in the Fade Duration boxes.

To adjust volume, select Volume and select the setting you prefer.

To choose how the audio file starts, select the dropdown arrow and select an option:

In Click Sequence – Plays the audio file automatically with a click.

Automatically – Plays automatically once you advance to the slide that the audio file is on.

When Clicked On – Plays audio only when the icon is clicked on.

To choose how the audio plays in your presentation, select an option:

Play Across Slides – Plays one audio file across all slides.

Loop until Stopped – Plays an audio file on loop until it’s stopped manually by clicking the Play/Pause button.

To have the audio play continuously across all slides in the background, select Play in Background .

Delete audio

To delete audio, select the audio icon on the slide and press Delete.

Add audio to your PowerPoint presentation

Play music for the duration of your slide show

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