Thank you for presenting at an online CreativePro event. If this is your first time recording a presentation, it can feel like a lot to handle. Don’t worry—you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own. Our team is here to support you and help you succeed. We’ve collected everything you need to create your session recording right here.

Contents

Getting Started

Perfection not required!

Approach your recording like you’re explaining something to a colleague. A natural, conversational delivery works best. Small mistakes are okay. If you misspeak, just correct yourself and keep going.

Be real, not scripted

You don’t need to memorize or over-produce your session. We want it to feel spontaneous, relaxed, and engaging—just like a live presentation.

Know your audience

Most of our event attendees are intermediate to advanced users who don’t need intro-level content. They already have a workflow; they’re looking for ways to improve it. Focus less on basic facts and and more on insights, tips, and real-world takeaways that will make an impact

New to recording? No problem!

If this is your first time recording a presentation, it’s normal to feel unsure. This page walks you through the process step by step, and our team is here to help whenever you need it.

Before you start, watch some good session examples

If you don’t see the videos, make sure that you are logged in. Three videos will appear after you login.

Content Guidelines

Please make note of these key requirements and tips for the content of your recording.

Start with a quick hello

Begin your session by briefly introducing yourself on camera. People like seeing who’s teaching them.

We prefer that you appear on screen at the start of the video. If you can’t do that, then show a photo of yourself while you tell the audience who you are and what you are going to teach them.

Switch to screen sharing or slides after your intro.

End with an invitation to join the Q&A

This is a requirement! Attendees need you to guide them to the Q&A. At the end of your session, say something like:

I’ll be heading over to the Q&A room now. Please join me there using the navigation on the left side of your screen.

We will kick your video back to you if this is missing.

Video length requirement

Aim for 45 minutes. This provides a balance between instruction and time for the Q&A. 

• STRICT session length: 40–48 minutes. 

We will kick your video back if it doesn’t meet this requirement.

What NOT to include

Some things are handled for you.

• Do not create a title slide — we’ll add that
• Do not include captions — captioning is built into the event platform

More content and delivery tips

• Start by telling the audience what you will cover.
• Take your time. Speak slower than normal. 
• Repeat important tips.
• Mention keyboard shortcuts when you use them.
• Wrap up your session with a brief recap of the lessons covered.

Audio Setup (Most Important)

Use an external microphone

Do not use the built-in microphone on your computer. You don’t need an expensive setup, but you do need an external mic to produce a recording with the quality we need.

Good options include:

• Lavalier (clip-on) mics
• Headsets made for webinars or gaming
• Some earbuds can work—test first

Best option: A USB cardioid microphone

Get the mic close

Audio quality improves dramatically when the mic is close to your mouth.

• Place the mic no more than 8 inches from your face.
• Position it slightly off to the side to avoid popping sounds from the air coming out of your mouth.
• It’s okay if the mic is visible on camera.

Reduce background noise

You don’t need a sound booth. Simple adjustments make a big difference.

• Turn off fans, HVAC, printers, external drives, and other humming devices.
• Put your computer into Do Not Disturb mode or turn off notifications.
• Put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode.
• Record away from hard surfaces when possible. Soft furnishings help reduce echo.

Avoid keyboard noise

If your mic is on a stand, don’t place it directly on the same surface as your keyboard. Key presses can be surprisingly loud in a recording.

•  If you have a mechanical click keyboard look into a soft click one.

Test before you record

Always do a short test recording to confirm:

• Your recording software is using the correct microphone
• Audio levels sound clear and consistent
• If you are unsure or would like a second opinion, please send the test video to us for review

Video Setup

Recording your screen

We’ll stream your session at 1920 × 1080 (16:9).

• Record at 1920 × 1080 when possible.
• If not, choose another, larger 16:9 resolution. See this page. 
• If your system does not support 16:9 (most Mac laptops are 16:10), choose the closest 16:9 option your system supports (other aspect ratios will add black bars)
• Record at 30 fps

Recording yourself

• Be sure your lens is clean before recording.
• Use an external webcam when possible.
• Position the camera at eye level. Avoid laptop cameras that point up at you.
• Record yourself with a phone. This can work well if it’s stable and well lit. You can even use an Apple Watch to control your iPhone’s back camera. Learn how here.
• Be aware of external lighting and natural light sources creating glare on glasses or shutter/blinds shadows across your face.
• Be aware of any background elements you may or not want to be seen in your video.

You can record your intro separately

If combining your camera video with your screen recording feels complicated, don’t worry—we can take care of that for you.

You’re welcome to record a short on-camera intro, and your screen recording as separate files. We’ll combine them for you during post-production.

Web cam picture-in-picture is optional

We do not require you to be on camera for your entire session because it is challenging to do well. If you choose to do it, pay attention to these potential concerns:

• Your on-screen presence can distract from the instruction
• The video is more difficult to edit in post production
• Jump cuts are obvious
• The audience can see you reading your notes
• Your image may cover important screen graphics

Screen Recording Software

Free software

Mac users: Use QuickTime Player. It’s built in, reliable, and a great option for recording your screen. 

1. File > New Screen Recording
2. Set capture to Record Entire Screen
3. Choose your Microphone from the Options dropdown menu
4. Click Record
5. To end recording, click the stop icon in the top menu bar

For any other free screen recording software you use confirm it meets all of these requirements:

• Records your entire screen including file menus
• Records at 1920 × 1080 (1080p) or higher
• Captures your microphone audio clearly
• Allows you to save an MP4 file to your computer

Paid software

Paid tools are the most reliable and easiest to use. We recommend any of these:

• ScreenFlow (Mac)
• ScreenFlick (Mac)
• Camtasia (Mac and Windows)

We can help

If you’re learning a new tool, let us know. We can help you get set up and comfortable so recording feels easy.

Screen Capture Tips

Fill the screen

When recording an application, resize the application window so it fills as much of the screen as possible. This makes text, menus, and interface details easier to see.

• Maximize the application window
• Increase UI scaling or font size when available
• Make sure to include the menu bar

Reduce distractions

A clean screen helps viewers stay focused on your content.

• Turn off all notifications
• Hide clocks, calendars, and pop-ups. Newer versions of macOS don’t allow you to hide the clock, but you can make it much less obtrusive by going to System Settings : Control Center : Clock Options and choosing Analog
• We recommend Bartender for Mac users
• Close apps you don’t need. Restarting your computer is a great way to be sure nothing is running except the program(s) you intend to show.

Leave space at the start and end

Pause for a few seconds at the beginning and end of your recording. We need this time when nothing is happening on screen to create room for clean fade-ins and fade-outs.

Recording with PowerPoint

If you’re presenting with PowerPoint, you can record your session directly in the app. We’ve created a tutorial to show you how. If you don’t see the video, make sure that you are logged in.

File Export & Delivery

Once you’re done recording, here’s how to save and deliver the file.

File Export

• Use the highest quality settings available
• If your recording software offers multiple export presets, choose one intended for HD video.
• Export as an MP4 file.
• Keep the frame size at 1920 x 1080 (16:9) when possible

File Details

• Video files can be large and that’s okay.
  • A 40–45 minute session can range from a few hundred MB to several GB
• Make sure you have enough disk space before exporting
• Name your file with a clear, descriptive filename so we can easily identify it. Please use this naming convention: SpeakerName_SessionTitle.mp4

Checklist – Before you submit

We get it. Reviewing a 45-minute recording of yourself delivering a session may not be a lot of fun. But it is absolutely essential that you do this. Watch your recording from start to finish at normal speed and listen with headphones. Your recording should be considered FINAL when you send it to us. If you have concerns, reach out before you submit it.

• File type is mp4
• Resolution is 1920 × 1080 or larger
• Frame rate is 30 fps
• Audio sounds good
  • No humming sounds
  • Not too loud or too soft
  • Not echoey
  • No loud keyboard clicks
  • Your lips are synced with the audio
• All of your edits exported as expected

If you’ve made edits to your recording, watch out for these common problems. 

• Missing audio 
• Duplicated clips
• Video and audio tracks overlaid on each other
• Sentences cut mid way
• Audio out of sync with visuals
• Jump cuts that don’t make sense

We will send your video back if:

• The length is shorter than 40 minutes or longer than 48 minutes
• You are not on screen for the intro
• You do not send attendees to the Q&A at the end
• The resolution is too low
• The audio quality is poor (too low, too loud, too much background noise)
• We find distracting edits

File Upload

• Submit your video here

Test Video Submission (Required)

We require a short test video so we can catch any audio, video, or setup issues before your final recording. You only need to submit one test video per event, even if you’re presenting multiple sessions.

Why we require this

This gives us an opportunity to spot potential problems and help you fix them so your session runs smoothly.

What to submit

• Length: 1–2 minutes
• Content: Webcam and screen capture. It can be anything—this is just a technical check.
• Setup: Use the same equipment, software, and settings you’ll use for your final recording.
• File naming: SpeakerName_SessionTitle_TEST

What we check

• Audio quality
• Screen resolution and framing
• Background noise or distractions

File Upload

• Submit test video here

Wait for approval

Do not record your full session until your test video has been approved. Once you get the green light, you’re good to go.

Need Help? We’re Here for You

You don’t need to have everything figured out. If you have questions at any point in the process—planning, recording, testing, exporting, or uploading—we’re here to help.

• Not sure which recording tool to use?
• Unsure about audio or video quality?
• Trying new software for the first time?
• Want someone to review a test recording?

Ask early. Small questions are easy to fix, and we’re happy to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible and help you feel confident going into your session.

If you have any questions or requests, please contact Molly at mo***@*********ro.com.

If you need help with recording, please contact Theresa at th*****@*********ro.com.