ScreenFlow is a fantastic video and screen recording and editing software tool for macOS, boasting an array of top-grade recording and editing features, including effects, graphics, and more. The app lets you capture screen recordings and videos that you can easily share anywhere online.

Widely popular among Mac users, Screenflow's screen-capturing and video editing tools help millions of users meet their recording and editing needs worldwide. ScreenFlow should be on your radar if you're looking to create professional-grade video content.

Today, we'll discuss everything you should know about Screenflow: its technical specs, key features, advantages, cons, UI/UX, pricing, and more.

Table of Content

Screenflow General Overview

screenflow software for mac overview

ScreenFlow screen and video recording and editing software for Mac has been around since 2008. The app offers a wide range of top-grade features Mac users can use to create professional, engaging HD videos and screen recordings for various use cases, from promoting digital products to sharing online courses and tutorials.

ScreenFlow packs a fantastic scope of features that can satisfy the needs of even the most avid digital product sellers and online content creators. If you prefer recording videos or capturing a screen on a Mac, ScreenFlow lets you simultaneously capture microphone, camera, and screen recordings.

You can combine these recordings into top-grade, downloadable, and shareable HD videos for workshops, webinars, online presentations, and what have you. What sets ScreenFlow apart from other popular video and screen recorders for Mac is the app's impressive HD screen recording features.

It can perfectly capture Apple's retina display and provide an incredible quality outcome. In addition, the app gives you access to advanced video editing tools, including video effects, filters, annotations, and in-video zoom to ensure you get high-end recordings every time.

Technical Information About Screenflow

Let's see the tech specs of Screenflow:

Deployments on desktop Mac
MacOS Apple Silicon + Intel-based Mac with 64-bit processor - Core i3+
Supported operating systems macOS Sonoma 14, macOS Ventura 13
Minimum RAM 4 GB RAM
CPU req 20 GB HDD or SSD
GPU req Apple macOS-approved graphics card
Supported video formats and codecs MP4, WEBM, QuickTime, OGG, MXF, MPEG2-TS, MPEG2-PS, H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, MPEG-TS, ProRes, XDCAM HD, etc.
Adaptive bitrate formats and codecs HLS, MPEG-DASH, H.264
Audio formats and codecs MP3, AAC, Vorbis, Opus, PCM
Default media format ScreenFlow format, SCC extension
Video quality Up to 4K (2880×1800)
Supported FPS 30fps
Tech support Chat, knowledge base, forum, FAQ, email, help desk
Supported UVC capture devices Elgato CamLink 4K, AJA U-Tap, Epiphan AV.IO, Magewell USB Capture

Since Screenflow is only available for Mac users, Windows users can explore alternatives to Screenflow for Windows.

All Features of Screenflow

screenflow latest version features for mac

According to TeleStream, ScreenFlow is the most powerful, versatile, all-in-one screen capturing, video recording, and editing software app for macOS. The app can do things in the video recording and editing domain that other solutions can't.

We tested its ability to capture the microphone, camera, and screen simultaneously. ScreenFlow did an excellent job in letting us create high-end, versatile videos.

In addition, we tested the additional options, such as multi-app recording, video filters, and a customizable title library to see if ScreenFlow really has everything you need to ensure your target audience receives professional viewing experiences.

With that in mind, let's review the scope of features in ScreenFlow software for capturing videos on Mac.

Intuitive UI

ScreenFlow user-friendly and intuitive interface made navigation simple, allowing us to create top-quality visuals in a few simple steps. Other similar apps typically overwhelm the user with robust features.

However, ScreenFlow's intuitive recording interface and transparent features made it easy for us to navigate the app and use the available tools. We love that it only shows the essential tools you need while recording.

Multi-device screen recording

Aside from capturing the essence of Apple's retina display, ScreenFlow gave us options to export the recordings in up to 4K (2880×1800) video quality and at optimum file size. That makes it the perfect app for capturing UHD computer screen recordings.

In addition, we liked ScreenFlow's multi-device iOS recording mode. We connected a mobile phone and a secondary monitor and ScreenFlow captured screen and video recordings perfectly. The software can capture recordings from multiple devices like microphones, mobile phones, secondary monitors, desktop screens, etc.

Multi-recording mode

ScreenFlow's multi-recording mode allowed us to choose what we wanted to capture in an HD screen recording. We recorded the full screen, camera, and selected a portion of a computer screen to test its screen area recording mode.

The app uses advanced algorithms to track, detect, and capture the changing parts of your Mac screen, allowing you to record HD screen videos and export the recording at optimum file size.

Stock media library

We were impressed with ScreenFlow's stock media library. It gave us access to over half a million built-in stock media assets, such as audio and video clips and images. We tested some of the assets to see how they could enhance our videos. ScreenFlow helped us polish our content to perfection.

Built-in video editor

Aside from multiple recording modes, we also tested ScreenFlow's advanced editor tool. We spiced up our screen recordings with video editing tools such as multi-channel audio clips, annotations, animations, built-in text, transitions, professional motion graphics, logos, titles, GIFs, and more.

We imported multiple recording tracks in ScreenFlow's timeline to blend several recording sources, such as an audio device, camera, PC, etc. The timeline view helped us streamline basic editing operations like cropping and trimming.

Overall, it was really easy to upload media, add filters, use special effects, highlight different video sections, apply color adjustments, and do everything to produce top-quality video content. Additionally, we tapped into an extensive library of video enhancements to remove or blur the video background, sharpen the video, and stylize our content.

Media management

ScreenFlow does a fantastic job of helping a user organize and manage recording projects. We tested color labels, markers, multi-track editing, and nested clips. The software gave us complete access to our ScreenFlow files on a Mac.

Closed captioning

ScreenFlow's closed captioning feature allowed us to enrich our videos with editable and publishable ADA-compliant soft subtitles. You can add them as captions to your videos. With access to multi-lingual captions, it was easy to import subtitles from an SRT file from a Mac. The app also supports typing the subs in the captions box.

Direct share

ScreenFlow offers multiple sharing options. We directly shared our screen recordings to the most popular online platforms and social media networks like Facebook, Google Drive, Dropbox, Vimeo, and YouTube.

Screenflow Performance

screenflow software for mac review recordings

ScreenFlow is a real game-changer for digital marketers, video presenters, content creators, and online educators. Why? Because the software supports multi-device recordings, allowing users to record an internal/external audio input, voice, face, and computer monitor at the same time.

Aside from creating professional and engaging content, we captured shareable video of up to 4K quality for online and offline platforms. We even saved our files in the cloud. And the best part is? ScreenFlow lets us do it all with a few mouse clicks.

It's also worth mentioning that ScreenFlow lets you preview and review your recordings from different devices using its user-friendly timeline view.

ScreenFlow UX and UI

Mac users praise ScreenFlow for its sheer simplicity and highly user-friendly interface. Because of its intuitive navigation and transparent features, the app allows users to add sounds, callouts, and effects quickly and effortlessly.

Whether recording a computer screen, camera, or voice, the app makes everything super easy, including other operations like managing secondary iOS devices, webcams, and screens and editing the recorded videos.

We really loved the fact that the software provider offers multiple support channels, such as help desk, email FAQ page, chat, etc. If you need any help with the setup, the fast, ultra-responsive tech support will provide assistance within a reasonable time window.

Here's a quick rundown of steps you need to take to screen record on your Mac with ScreenFlow:

  1. Download the free ScreenFlow app from the website;
  2. Install ScreenFlow on your Mac and launch the app;
  3. Navigate to File > New > New Document;
  4. Select your video file settings;
  5. Click the document icon to create a new recording file;
    screenflow software for mac file settings
  6. Navigate back to File > Save As to save your new file as a video project;
    save file as video project
  7. Next, click File > Add Additional Recording > New Recording;
  8. Select audio and video sources you wish to record from;
    new recording video settings
  9. Click the red REC button to start recording;
  10. Press Command+Shift+2 to finish the recording;
  11. Select Add To Document, check the Add Clip Directly to Timeline box, then click OK;
    new recording video settings
  12. Edit the clip using available editing tools;
  13. Navigate to File > Export to save the file on your Mac.
    export video in mp4 format

Though the process involves a few steps, recording and editing video in ScreenFlow is relatively simple.

Pros and Cons of ScreenFlow

Here's our list of pros and cons to help you weigh your options and decide whether to use ScreenFlow or seek an alternative solution.

Pros
  • Supports multi-device and multi-app screen recording;
  • Versatile content creation use cases, including educational content, demo videos, online tutorials, app reviews, etc.;
  • Free trial gives you access to both recording and editing features;
  • Supports recording video in up to 4K quality;
  • Intuitive interface with streamlined navigation ensures a smooth user experience;
  • ScreenFlow lets you export and save videos as easily shareable MP4 files;
  • Turn videos into animated GIFs;
  • Share your clips directly to online platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Google Drive.
Cons
  • No support for NVIDIA web drivers;
  • Your Mac must have a GPU officially supported by Apple;
  • ScreenFlow doesn't support cameras that use DV/HDV codec;
  • Certain features require a premium upgrade (access to the stock library);
  • You can't use ScreenFlow on Hackintosh systems.

How Screenflow Compares to Other Video Recording/Editing Tools

ScreenFlow stacks up well compared to other video recorders and editors for Mac. The fact that the app supports multi-device and multi-app recording makes ScreenFlow stand out.

Aside from capturing recordings on devices like Mac, iPad, and iPhone, ScreenFlow also lets you record audio/video clips from multiple apps simultaneously.

You can capture video with sound from an external audio device, an app on your Mac, and your iPhone simultaneously. In addition, the app lets you export your audio/video clips in a highly accepted, shareable MP4 format.

It's also worth mentioning that ScreenFlow is a surprisingly lightweight app, despite its immense processing power. The tool won't slow down your Mac or cause system problems while processing and rendering large video files.

However, the app has a few downsides you should consider when selecting an ideal screen recorder for Mac. Despite its user-friendly navigation, the app's outdated user interface could use a decent upgrade.

If you plan to create content to improve user engagement, ScreenFlow won't help you much since the app has limited features like quizzes and clickable CTAs. Another con is that you need an upgrade to access the stock library.

A Worthwhile Alternative: DemoCreator

If you prefer finding an alternative screen recording solution to ScreenFlow for capturing your screen on a Mac or Windows PC, Wondershare DemoCreator might be right up your alley. It's an AI-powered all-in-one screen, webcam, microphone recorder, and audio/video editor for Windows and Mac.

Free Download
Free Download

The tool's intuitive interface streamlines the screen recording process, allowing you to capture 4K/8K videos at 120fps with a few simple clicks. Unlike ScreenFlow, DemoCreator makes capturing and editing screen and webcam recordings easier.

In addition, its multi-track recording lets you capture and edit screen, webcam, and microphone recordings in separate channels to streamline the process and save time and effort.

All it takes is a few simple clicks, and you're ready. Launch the app, select screen recording, customize the recording area, edit your clip, and export it to your computer. Download and install DemoCreator for Mac on your computer, then follow the steps below to record your screen.

Free Download
Free Download
  1. Launch the app and navigate to Home > All-in-One Recorder;
    wondershare all in one recorder
  2. In the Capture Area section, select what you want to record (your screen, social media window, current window, or a specific screen area);
  3. If you wish to capture your desktop, select Full Screen;
  4. If you want to add system audio or microphone or both, visit the System Audio and Microphone sections;
  5. Select your webcam to add the camera recording to your video sessions;
  6. Check the Edit Recording box if you wish to edit the video after the recording;
  7. Click the red REC button to start recording;
    wondershare democreator screen recording settings
  8. Press F10 to stop the recording;
    wondershare democreator stop recording f10
  9. Click Export and select where you want to save the recording on your Mac.
    wondershare democreator export screen recording mac
icon note
Note: The Export option in DemoCreator lets you select the video format before saving, including settings like file size, framerate, resolution, etc. You can export your video as audio (MP3) and directly share it to platforms like Vimeo and YouTube.
Free Download
Free Download

Conclusion

This ScreenFlow software review aims to give you an honest overview of the app's screen recording performance and capabilities, including insights into its most prominent features, user interface/experience, advantages, disadvantages, and technical specifications.

Despite its immense processing power, ScreenFlow has shortcomings, such as an outdated interface and keeping features like the stock library behind a paywall. Still, ScreenFlow is an impressive screen recorder that every Mac user should keep on the radar in 2024.

In addition, we mentioned a reliable alternative to ScreenFlow like Wondershare DemoCreator. Though these tools can do pretty much the same thing regarding screen recording capabilities, DemoCreator is a slightly more user-friendly and streamlined solution than ScreenFlow.

DemoCreator also supports better video quality exports and offers a more extensive library of audio and video options than ScreenFlow.

Alma Elliott
Alma Elliott Sep 02, 24
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