Save a Chrome screen recording as MP4
Many apps and portals ask for MP4, but Chrome naturally records WebM. Here’s what to expect and how to get an MP4 without sending your video to a converter site.
WebM and MP4
WebM is what Chrome records most easily. It plays in Chrome and many players. Some programs, upload forms and chat apps want MP4. Plainware Recorder’s free WebM recordings are finished properly, with a real duration, so they can be seeked in a player. MP4 is a Pro tool.
Get an MP4
Before recording: open Plainware Recorder and set Format to MP4. It’s tagged Pro. Then record as usual.
After recording: open the recording in the Library and choose Make MP4. This works on any library recording, including one you added with Add a video.
Watch the progress bar. You can cancel at any time.
The MP4 appears as a new item and the original stays. Choose Save to computer.
What can go wrong
- Your Chrome may not be able to make MP4. If so, the option says “This browser can’t make MP4 files” before you record, rather than failing afterwards.
- Conversion takes time on long recordings, and uses your computer’s processor.
- It isn’t uploaded. Both recording and conversion happen on your computer.
Good to know
- Recording, the camera bubble and saving as WebM are free. MP4 is part of Plainware Pro (₹249 in India or $9 elsewhere, once).
- Plainware Recorder uses the open-source library mediabunny (MPL-2.0) to finish and convert video, credited in Settings.