Screen Capture with Mouse Pointer: Need Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the need for screen capture software that includes the mouse pointer in the captured images or videos. Participants share their experiences with various freeware options, express frustrations with existing solutions, and suggest alternatives. The scope includes practical applications for creating instructional materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration that freeware programs and the built-in Windows screen capture do not capture the mouse pointer.
  • Another participant shares links to several screen capture programs that claim to capture mouse movements and clicks.
  • A suggestion is made to use an old version of Paint Shop Pro, which reportedly captures the cursor.
  • SnagIt is recommended as a potential solution, with a note about its cursor inclusion feature.
  • CamStudio is mentioned as an interesting option, with a caution about color artifacts when ClearType is enabled.
  • One participant reports success with Screenhunter, confirming it captures the mouse pointer as desired.
  • Gadwin PrintScreen is listed as another freeware option that captures mouse movements.
  • A participant mentions ACA Capture Pro as a software they have used that may meet the requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single solution, as multiple software options are suggested, and experiences with them vary. Some participants report success with specific programs, while others express continued frustration with their attempts.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various software versions and potential issues with display settings, such as ClearType, which may affect the quality of captures. There is no resolution on the effectiveness of each suggested program, as experiences differ.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to create instructional materials that require screen captures with visible mouse pointers, particularly those exploring freeware options.

FredGarvin
Science Advisor
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OK. Here's a stupid little thing I need to do:

I need to capture my screen to develop an instruction manual for some software. I need my screen capture program to capture my mouse pointer on the screen. All of the freeware programs I have tried do not do this. The built in Windows screen capture doesn't do it either. For some reason the mouse pointer disappears. Does anyone know of a program or an easy way to get my mouse pointer to show up on a screen capture?

Thanks.
 
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I found several on google, but I don't know anything about them.

Freeware downloads Graphics and Photo - Screen Capture at ...The program will capture mouse movements, clicks and even optional audio comments from your microphone. You can choose to record the entire screen or just a ...
www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/gmm/fwscreen.html - 87k - Cached - Similar pages

Screen Capture & Video Recording Software for professionals and ...Mr. Captor captures anything you see on your computer screen, including the entire ... it can capture mouse cursors, menus, groups of windows, animation, ...
www.fox-magic.com/ - 17k - Cached - Similar pages
 
I still use an old copy of Paint Shop Pro and it captures the cursor: http://merri.net/psp/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Try SnagIt.
version 7.2.5 is now free
http://www.techsmith.com/snagit/ukdn.asp

CamStudio looks interesting. I haven't tried it yet.
http://camstudio.org/One thing that I noticed that may be of interest.
When doing a capture while ClearType is on (as it may be on an LCD), you get color artifacts that probably don't look good on anything that is not an LCD at that same resolution (e.g. paper). So, you may want to turn off ClearType. You may or may not wish to disable all font smoothing.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Cool. Thanks guys! I tried four or five different freewares and had the same result. I got tired of trying.
 
http://www.techsmith.com/snagit/capture.asp
says, under Options, near the bottom,
"Include the cursor in your screen capture to show a viewer where to click"
http://www.techsmith.com/img/snagit/latest/screenshots/sng_tr_options.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:
FredGarvin said:
Cool. Thanks guys! I tried four or five different freewares and had the same result. I got tired of trying.
Meaning it worked, or didn't work?
 
I tried a few that I knew of already and they didn't work (sorry about that). I tried the Screenhunter one in one of the links and right off the bat it did exactly what I was looking for. Now I am going through some of the others that were on the same page you posted Evo and they are working pretty good too. I now have a few to choose from.
 
  • #10
Good to know, thanks!
 
  • #11
Screen Capture & Video Screen Capture FreeWare

FreeWare you need Screen Capture The program will capture mouse movements
Gadwin PrintScreen
Version
Gadwin PrintScreen 4.3 freeware
Platforms
Windows® 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, 2003, XP and Vista
Date
08/20/07
Size
2.75 MB
"gadwin.com/download/ps_setup.exe" "gadwin.com/download/ps_setup.zip"

"gadwin.com/download/"

FreeWare you need Video Screen Capture, The program will capture mouse movements


"www.geocities.com/billyrferrell/CamStudio20.zip"
"www.geocities.com/billyrferrell/CamStudioCodec10.zip"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
FredGarvin said:
OK. Here's a stupid little thing I need to do:

I need to capture my screen ...

try to use Screen VidShot...
 
  • #13
i have used kind of screen capture software called ACA Capture Pro, i think it can handle it .
 

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