Why I Switched From Screenflow to Camtasia - And What I Love About It

Camtasia is a screen recording software that I love to use. I started using it after I had been using an app called Screenflow for years. In this video, we'll go over what led me to switch and the features that I'm enjoying most about Camtasia!
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Content
00:00
02:17 Full Disclosure
02:38 Camtasia: The Creation Process
07:14 Camtasia: Editing & Workflow
14:00 Techsmith Video Review
----------
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#camtasia #screenflow #videoeditingsoftware

[@avrumgolub2735]

As a longtime admirer, I was totally shocked that you’ve moved on from Screenflow to Camtasia. It appears to be a logical move as Dottotech has grown. And, as a member of the Apple ecosystem, I understand the value of an ecosystem approach. You truly are stormin’ the castle. Stay healthy and happy. Best to April and Liz.

[@dottotech]

It was not an easy decision, I have had a lot of success with Screenflow, but it was the right decision.

[@techsmith]

Thank you, Steve! What an awesome video and a great demo of how to use these solutions together! We appreciate you! 👏

[@dottotech]

My pleasure!

[@digitalbreakthroughs]

Outstanding! I’ve been hanging with you since the beginning, and am glad you’ve made work easier. Best thing about this video: no distracting music!

[@FlippedClassroomTutorials]

Great video as always! I've used camtasia for years and every single video on my channel was edited and recorded in Camtasia. It's been an amazing Screencasting tool and I have love the updates year after year. The ability to package and export, definitely a plus!

[@dottotech]

And a great channel it is, I refer to you a lot!

[@jackrussalesi7802]

Thanks again, Steve, for a great tutorial. My media work background is in the newspaper and radio world. I was dragged, kicking and screaming, into the digital photography world, and now, passed the age at which I should be retired, I find myself learning digital video production for more than a hobby. You make the learning process a lot easier...And entertaining.

[@dottotech]

Thanks for sharing, best of luck! You should check out our Grey Wave, a community for Baby Boomers building online businesses! We have a bootcamp coming up in April. dott.to/21daybootcamp

[@RA-xo7zv]

I'm actually interested to use this! Thankyou so much for the video!

[@martinbecklen6486]

There are a zillion people doing screencasts on incorporating technology software and apps, but very few like you who take the time to thoroughly explain the dimensions of the problem they -- or the viewer -- are trying to solve, or are likely to want to solve. It's clear you are curious about how your audience confronts technology issues. Your approach to presenting solutions makes you remarkably effective. Thanks for your great work.

[@dottotech]

Thanks so much ! It means a lot to me!

[@AbbieRichieTechGuru]

100% helpful! Thank you for the behind-the-scenes look.

[@geraldkyle5819]

Thank you. This is a great review for me. I have watched you in the past and liked your work.

[@dozydoe]

Love the way you explain everything, so calmly and clear! I'm starting a new channel and have been on youtube for a week looking for Editing Software. Think this is the one for me. Thumbs Up !! :)

[@coachmilt9987]

Looks like another great product from Techsmith!

[@JeffMathe]

I am happy found this video which has made me decide to also switch. I was starting to lose my temper with screenflow. Happy to know there is a best alternative. I will switch definitely. Thanks.

[@MikeFromMaine]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm in the process of switching from Screenflow to Camtasia simply because I want to be able to outsource the editing to non-Mac users. Liked and subscribed :-)

[@dottotech]

Timestamps, to help you jump to a specific point in the video 00:00 Start 02:17 Full Disclosure 02:38 Camtasia: The Creation Process 07:14 Camtasia: Editing & Workflow 14:00 Techsmith Video Review Here are our affiliate links for Camtasia & Snagit. You get 10% off with our affiliate links! dott.to/techsmith Enjoy the video!

[@KathyAZ]

Do you know Lon Naylor? He's a Camtasia guru :)

[@KathyAZ]

I take that back... seeing below that you've recommended Lon's training to others. 👍

[@andresa.ruizv.7413]

Camtasia is really cool! The interface and tools are very satisfactory and easy to use and learnd :) And with the other services and products they have for you, I'm just happy to see that TechSmith is getting some recognition. I'll be waiting for the video showing Camtasia and the how it works!

[@dottotech]

Good to know! I am working on it, but it won't be out until after my break.

[@anuparthiramesh8273]

I have been following you since long time. Love the way you create content for beginners like me. :)

[@dottotech]

Awesome, thank you!

[@techielabteacher]

I enjoyed learning how these tools work together seamlessly. I still love my Screencast-o-matic, but I haven't made such high-end content like yourself. Camtasia made a good move.

[@dottotech]

Great to hear!

[@JBHunterIII]

Thank you Steve; as always, you find something that "mere mortals" with tasks to perform can learn and benefit from. Burt Hunter

[@ChippWalters]

Hey Steve, long time subscriber and viewer. I also have used camtasia for quite some time and was wondering how you get those prospective animated screenshots in this video? What program creates those for you? Thanks for all your hard work and really enjoy watching you.

[@WaskiSquirrel]

Interesting to see this. I've been using Camtasia for many years and, while I occasionally peer at other software, I haven't found a reason to change. And I found it really helpful during the lockdown for creating videos for my students. It's not a perfect tool, but it works for me and the price is the right balance of cost and features that I use. Of course, I'm not working with a team behind me!

[@dottotech]

Thanks for sharing! There is a lot to be said for familiarity, and truly understanding a tools strengths and weaknesses. You are undoubtedly benefiting from that long experience!

[@jjsiegal1]

You Da Man... thanks for sharing your workflow process ~

[@LearnAudacity]

I’ve been using Camtasia for a few years now and I love it! Thanks for another great video.

[@robertlewisvideo]

How many videos can you send them in a year for the $179.99 annual fee? Thanks

[@dottotech]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@m.dobson6186]

Amazing video sir! I was on the fence for purchasing Camtasia to create training videos for my Engineers/Clients/and Web content. Familiar w/Camtasia as it's been around a while. As a PC exclusive user, you concreted the choice for me, and the SnagIt option made the gong ring! Again...excellent overview in very real life scenario relative for individuals like me. Kuddos brother, and many thanks.!!!

[@dottotech]

Great to hear!

[@2guystalkingpodcastnetwork389]

Have been a Camtasia fan for about 4 years. Am eager to listen to this episode...

[@landmeetkundigstudiebureau7998]

Camtasia combined with Snagit is the best.

[@dottotech]

I really like how they work together!

[@jmarco21]

Our team uses Camtasia and Snagit, and we all love it.

[@KathyAZ]

Thanks! You've inspired me to get back to editing! I have Camtasia and Snagit but didn't know about the other 2 apps. Which versions are you using here Steve?

[@dottotech]

Glad to hear that! I am using tie 2021 versions

[@Daijakake]

-sorry about unrelated comment- Whoa! You're based in Vancouver? That's so cool! It's so rad seeing Content creators from your own city 🤩

[@merlocke]

I’ve been seriously considering this move myself. Outsourcing to others is a key factor for me and my staff is mainly PC vs. my Mac. Great video.

[@dottotech]

It makes sense then. You will love using Video review Earl, that is a game changer for our workflow.

[@GuillermoPerez-vn2ux]

Excellent video!

[@drutgat2]

Thanks very much, Steve. That was very interesting. You did not mention the cost of using all of these tools, together (particularly the Techsmith Video Review) - what does that work out to (monthly/annually)?

[@michelleej]

You can even create a preset that automatically saves your captures from SnagIt in Camtasia. I just learned that last week when I took the certification course.

[@ancestryanticswithEve]

Steve! great easy-to-follow tutorial! One of my biggest challenges is getting my voice to sync to my lips. You seem to have this showing here too. How can we fix this easily...???

[@TLBurriss]

I love my Camtasia. I have not experienced Snagit or Review yet, but need to do so. Thanks for sharing this with us Steve. Curious, what webcam are you using with Camtasia? I am using the recommended LogiTech and sometimes it freezes when I record >10 minute videos with Screen capture & Audio thru my Blue yet.

[@dottotech]

I use a DSLR for some of the video, running through an ATEM Mini, for the rest I have a Logitech Brio. Never had that problem, but I do have the odd crash, not surprising when you consider all the sources we are juggling.

[@DarylBambic]

What's up with the audio sync? After the 7:30 mark, the audio is ever so slightly out of sync with the video. This is why I switched from Camtasia to Screenflow. I reached out to tech support but the issue was never resolved and now I see it here on yours. I downloaded the trial version of 2021 and it is still happening. Does anyone else have this problem? BTW, still love your videos Steve (and the blurred depth of field background effect).

[@zebrabuzz]

Brilliant!

[@ReneeDiDoErrett]

Thanks for great videos all the time. I recently had a computer crash/new computer /windows 11 and discovered only Camtasia upgrade works with it. (Just had 8 and it was enough for me) I’m a one woman show 🙄. I use Canva (free) for a lot of other things and recently a bit of video editing … is there a huge difference. Would love to see a comparison. I’ve always loved Camtasia but wondering if I need it right now.

[@LarrySnow]

Thanks, Steve! I too made the move to Camtasia as Screenflow has not really improved its feature set. Secondly, after the Big Sur update, it would arbitrarily quit while recording but still show it was recording. Bye-bye Screenflow.

[@dottotech]

Oh that is a bad thing! I have had some stability issues with several classic apps especially once I migrated to the M1. I have had a few crashes with Camtasia, but all after a sleep wakeup cycle and never lost any work.

[@edwinpagani]

Love your video and how you explain everything. I have one question. What camera are you using to record yourself as you use camtasia? Are you screen recording at the same time you record yourself on a separate camera then stitching everything together when Editors take over? There are only a small amount of cameras compatible to camtasia. My Canon is not compatible with camtasia and streaming cameras like Logitech Brio is not good at all. What is your work around this situation?

[@cloudbase7799]

In response to another commenter Steve wrote, "I use a DSLR for some of the video, running through an ATEM Mini, for the rest I have a Logitech Brio..." At 8:35, you can see a Logitech Brio is one source.

[@PeterCombs]

We switched to CAMTASIA a couple years ago..best decision we ever made.

[@lukeadams740]

Hi Steve, love the video - I have a question about your videos, like this one. Are you recording these on your Canon M50 Camera, or on your Webcam? I'm wondering how you created your depth of field (blur effect) on the background. Ive looked at your hardware checklist, but can't figure out how you create these crisp-looking videos with the blurred background.

[@cloudbase7799]

In response to another commenter Steve wrote, "I use a DSLR for some of the video, running through an ATEM Mini, for the rest I have a Logitech Brio..." At 8:35, you can see a Logitech Brio is one source. Doing a little searching, there is some suggestion that the Brio has support for background blur (possibly using Logi Tune), or one could use a background blur feature in something like XSplit and record its virtual camera. Considering the quality of the shots in this video with blurred background, I'm guessing those shots are from the DSLR.

[@timmakin401]

I like your videos. Very instructive, thank you. Is there also an equivalent person doing this work on Yahoo mail and contacts?

[@dottotech]

I am not sure.

[@gearboxworks]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing it. Just to confirm, Camtasia can do multi-camera video capture from USB and FaceTime cameras on macOS like the latest version of ScreenFlow can? Is there any limit on # of cameras? I have 5 cameras that I record concurrently; two external webcams, the internal webcam, iPhone, and Sony ZV-e10. I also record from two different mics. So Camtasia can do this to, and drop into the timeline w/o extra work? Also, does is have a camera monitor windows that can monitor all cameras during recording at the same time? ScreenFlow (currently) can only monitor one, and you can't even select which one it will monitor.

[@that_swiftie13]

Good video!

[@martyshmanka]

As a long time screenflow advocate, this perspective on camtasia is pivot potential. Are there any current barriers to exchanging video projects between Mac and pc platforms? I mean not just the raw files but projects underway in video form.

[@dottotech]

Not that I am aware of, the "Package" that I save my project into has been bulletproof so far for me going cross platform.

[@thegroove2000]

If the camtasia team could add even more features like third party plug capabilites then it would attract a much larger audience.

[@tristengrant]

Do you write scripts for what you're going to say in your tutorial videos?

[@adora721lux8]

Hi Steve; thanks for this video. What course or courses would you suggest for a complete beginner to take to learn Camtasia. I want to include voice over, PowerPoint slides, and background music. Thanks in advance for your time.

[@michelleej]

Camtasia offers great training videos, recorded and live webinars.. They even have 2 levels of certification available for Camtasia. I'm almost finished with the first level and plan to take the second level next.

[@ThomasKleinschmidt]

Where's the affiliate link?!? I'm sold on the system and ecosystem. Thanks Steve. p.s. in the meantime since this was recorded, AI has taken off, and Techsmith has added a few AI features to Camtasia AND a few other integrated products (e.g. Audiate: a voice recorder and editor where AI converts the waveform into words...so editing/cutting/etc is even faster)

[@AsadAli-om9ir]

is there any macbook app which allows to change the recording area in between recording? All apps allows to do it before starting the recording but once you start the recording then it does't allow to change the recording area size, aspect ratio and move it around. thank you so much!

[@MrGheller]

Steve, what software did you use for the process drawing? Thanks for sharing.

[@merlocke]

Following

[@dottotech]

Ayoa, I have a video coming soon (I have an affiliate link :-) dott.to.ayoa

[@MrGheller]

@@dottotech Never heard. Interested in knowing more.

[@robertlewisvideo]

How many videos can you send them in a year for the $179.99 annual fee? Thanks

[@dottotech]

No limit Robert

[@JF-ut9qu]

Mr. DottoTech, really appreciating your videos. I've tried searching your channel to see if you've discussed the use of a script or outline to organize your videos. I too make videos for my clients (not public) to explain a specific software tool I use and support. I use Camtasia and Snagit for this and have enjoyed both for many years. But I am not satisfied with their production quality. Not the software, my performance. I can run circles around the software I support and have many kudos for coming up with fixes for user constipation, but going back to them days or weeks after, I rewatch them and cringe. I outline or diagram what I need to say but then wing-it when it comes to recording. I think this is my problem. I'm curious if you script out and use a teleprompter for your videos. I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on making videos sound more coherent (rehearsed) and professional.

[@dottotech]

I currently create a mindmap outlining the content for a video, then shoot it. BUT I have 30 years experience in creating these type of videos. I have a video coming out very soon on how I use mindmapping to prepare my videos.

[@bittencourtjcn]

I dropped camtasia screen recordings because of the limited quality of the video captures by the webcam. The resolution is OK, but the tool puts a variable FPS. Somehow there is no way to make it constant at 30fps. So I had to capture de video externally and then import to Camtasia. How do you deal with this in your workflow?

[@ColeccionandoActivos]

which is better MOVAVI or CAMTASIA and why?

[@dottotech]

I have not uses Movavi,but it is not screencasting software, it is video editing, so it will not do many ot the things we can do with Camtasia

[@GregKleist]

Hi Steve! I enjoy your videos... you do a great job. But with this video, you've presented what can only be beneficial to people with a team--and one that works on different platforms. Plus, all three tools you talked about here would cost $455 all total--even taking in consideration the Camtasia-Snagit bundle price. I believe that many of your viewers may not be able to swing that unless they are making significant money with their videos. If they CAN afford it, this looks like a very capable system. Certainly we "lone rangers" would find it difficult to even just purchase Camtasia rather than Screenflow. But for those that need all the capabilities you showed here, that would be great. I just think that might be a fairly small part of your audience. I look forward to your future videos that pertain more to my needs.

[@artjohnson01]

I agreee, Greg. Even if one CAN afford, all the pieces of the TechSmith pie, it only makes sense if you have a staff of helpers. I'd bet that the vast majority of Steve's viewers are one person operations. I was really hoping for a feature by feature comparison that would help me make a decision to move away from Screenflow. If anything, this has convinced me to stick with Screenflow in spite of my frustrations.

[@dottotech]

The video is why WE switched to Camtasia, and how we have built a workflow around it. I said in the video , if I was still a solo shop, I would most likely never have switched. I suspect Screenflow is doing the job for you, as it did for me for 8 years. I believe if you are interested in Screencasting you will be interested in our process, I know that if one of my colleagues published a video on their system I would eat it up, but that does not mean I would feel the need to change.

[@dottotech]

Art, that is great! If it gives you greater clarity on which tool fits you best than as far as I am concerned we have done a good job. Camtasia's greatest strength IMO is their ecosystem, which justifies higher cost. If you do not need a collaborative environment and are on a Mac, my recommendation would be exactly what you are doing, stick with Screenflow.

[@Harrysound]

Have telestream gone bust? they shut down their forum, I can't contact them, screen flow no longer works and I can't login to their website

[@jackt6112]

I've been in IT in a lot of capacities and have wasted time on the side making and editing training videos with free tools. With God's prodding, I'm starting an organization to take help abandoned and abused kids. That means new computers, software, getting that part done efficiently, and being able to delegate. I hooked a few SnagIT videos which is how I ended up here. You've convinced me to try SnagIT, which fits into an eco system I will need.

[@InquisitiveMind23]

I have moved the other way around... I have used Camtasia since 2010. I was a windows user and moved to macOS in 2012. I feel it takes lots of RAM and takes ages to render not a big fan of Camtasia.

[@tristengrant]

What is moc?

[@InquisitiveMind23]

@@tristengrant Typo... sorry.

[@thameraguero4484]

hello now my acc is not with me andthe simcard nummber phone not with me and googlr said forgot password and the email is not in any phone or the sim card

[@arboristable]

I wish I could be using Camtasia again. It was a logical program and it is very easy to use this software. I am an eLearning teacher and used this video editing software for a few years for many of my course videos...until my work computer with the software died during one of the pandemic lockdowns. I was heartbroken, even dispite my Camtasia software being a a few years behind in the versions. Now I'm limited to the very simple Screencastify tool. Camtasia is such an expensive software even with the education discount that it is now out of reach budget wise. 😔 💔 Can you recommend software with a similar ease of use that is much lighter in the pocketbook?

[@calebyager2737]

It might be worth reaching out to TechSmith to see what if anything they can do to help get you back on Camtasia for what you can afford.

[@techsmith]

Hi Heather! So glad that you like Camtasia and sorry about your computer. That's super frustrating. So a couple thoughts, if you are a teacher or student, or with a government or non-profit organization, we have education pricing that reduces the cost of Camtasia. And since you have an older version, you can upgrade versus buying a new version. This Education upgrade pricing ($99) also includes Maintenance which gives you access to the next major release (Camtasia 2022), Priority Support, and access to the Camtasia Certification program (tons of great content to help you learn and master using it). Hope that helps and best to you in your screencasting and video creation journey!

[@arboristable]

@@techsmith Hi TechSmith, Thank you do much for reaching out. That is a great suggestion. Unfortunately it was the school board who purchased it for a handful of teachers like myself that like doing video lessons, so I have no receipt to use for the renewal offer. I did let the manager of the e-learning program know about my situation, but her request to purchase another licence for myself and others was turned down due to post covid budget constraints. If I let you know which school board it was that made the purchase could I make the renewal purchase myself?

[@dottotech]

Akkk I hate seeing these things, Heather. Another option might be Snagit, you can do basic Screencasting and editing as well as Markup, it is a really useful utility. Other options are of course Loom, You can use Zoom or Quicktime to record the computer screen and (if you are on a Mac) iMovie for editing But none of these tools holds a candle the features in camtasia.

[@uzzolofficialvlog]

I am Bangladeshi

[@QuentinSchultze]

Why are your video and audio out of sync, Steve? Q

[@Jivolt]

Is it just me or is this video jumpy? Like 15fps.

[@MARKOV_GEKA]

позитивный бородач

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

I prefer ScreenFlow

[@dottotech]

Screenflow is terrific, but more suited to solo production, Camtasia is better in a workflow environment IMO, But either one is amazing.

[@markcuello5]

Help me

[@tristengrant]

Ask a question.

[@cloudbase7799]

@@tristengrant LOL 😄

[@SoCalRhetor]

No clue who this guy is or why he appeared in my inbox but I can't help but like the SOB. In terms of online pedagogies his approach is sweet. I want to be like him when I grow up. Warning, though, Techsmith promotions are nauseatingly inserted at every chance. You're frequently reminded of the fact that you're watching an infomercial about dozen times a minute. I wonder what this guy's content was like before he sold out.

[@dottotech]

So I am assuming you want to grow up like me, but not be a sellout like me?.....:-) It is a promoted video, I make that clear right off the top. When we are sponsored we make that clear, Check out my other videos, we have many that are not sponsored and a few that are, I can assure you we do not take sponsorship unless it is a product I believe in. What you see in this video is exactly how we are using Camtasia.

[@MattBlakPhoto]

Shame you cant select an iPhone as a source to record from and have your webcam at the same time… No happy dance 🤣

[@dottotech]

You can just parallel record and end up with the same result

[@MattBlakPhoto]

@@dottotech Parallel record?

[@mikehunt576]

dumbest Idea and invasion of privacy sneak ever, why in the world would anyone want to share raw videos? try Camo Studio

[@gxsoft]

Thanks Otto gab Río Cuarto, Argentina @gxsoft