Create a Screen recorder using Python

Last Updated : 5 Aug, 2026

A screen recorder captures the activities performed on a computer screen and saves them as a video. Using Python, you can build a screen recorder with PyAutoGUI for taking screenshots, NumPy for processing image frames, and OpenCV for creating the video.

Prerequisites

Install the required libraries before running the program

  • PyAutoGUI: Captures screenshots of the screen.
  • NumPy: Converts screenshots into arrays for processing.
  • OpenCV: Handles video creation and frame processing.

pip install numpy pyautogui opencv-python

Working of Screen Recorder

  • Capture the Screen: The program continuously takes screenshots using PyAutoGUI.
  • Convert Screenshots to Frames: Each screenshot is converted into a NumPy array that can be processed by OpenCV.
  • Write Frames to a Video: OpenCV stores the captured frames in a video file using a specified codec and frame rate.
  • Display Live Preview (Optional): A preview window shows the recording while it is in progress.
  • Stop Recording: Pressing the q key stops the recording and saves the video.

Implementation

Step 1: Import the Required Libraries

Import the libraries required for screen capturing, image processing, and video creation.

Python 
import pyautogui
import cv2
import numpy as np

Explanation:

  • pyautogui captures screenshots of the screen.
  • cv2 provides functions for video creation and frame processing.
  • numpy converts screenshots into arrays for OpenCV.

Step 2: Configure the Video Recorder

Set the screen resolution, output filename, video codec, frame rate, and create a VideoWriter object.

Python 
resolution = (1920, 1080)
codec = cv2.VideoWriter_fourcc(*"XVID")
filename = "Recording.avi"
fps = 60.0
out = cv2.VideoWriter(filename, codec, fps, resolution)

Explanation:

  • resolution defines the dimensions of the recorded video.
  • VideoWriter_fourcc() specifies the codec used for video compression.
  • filename sets the name of the output video file.
  • fps determines the number of frames recorded per second.
  • VideoWriter() creates the object that writes frames to the video file.

Note: Ensure that the resolution matches your screen size. Using an incorrect resolution may result in distorted or cropped recordings.

Step 3: Create a Preview Window

Optional: To display the recording in real-time, we have to create an Empty window and resize it.

Python 
cv2.namedWindow("Live", cv2.WINDOW_NORMAL)
cv2.resizeWindow("Live", 480, 270)

Explanation:

  • namedWindow() creates a window for displaying the recording.
  • WINDOW_NORMAL allows the window to be resized.
  • resizeWindow() sets the preview window size.
  • This step is optional and does not affect the recording process.

Step 4: Capture and Save the Screen Recording

Capture screenshots continuously, convert them into frames, and save them to the output video.

Python 
while True:
    img = pyautogui.screenshot()
    frame = np.array(img)
    frame = cv2.cvtColor(frame, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB)
    out.write(frame)
    cv2.imshow('Live', frame)
    if cv2.waitKey(1) == ord('q'):
        break

Explanation:

  • screenshot() captures the current screen.
  • np.array() converts the screenshot into an image array.
  • cvtColor() converts the frame into a format supported by OpenCV.
  • out.write() writes each frame to the output video.
  • imshow() displays the live recording preview.
  • waitKey(1) checks if the q key is pressed to stop recording.

Step 5: Release Resources

After everything is done, we will release the writer and destroy all windows opened by OpenCV.

Python 
out.release()
cv2.destroyAllWindows()

Explanation:

  • release() saves the recorded video and releases the VideoWriter object.
  • destroyAllWindows() closes all windows opened by OpenCV.
  • These statements ensure the program exits properly after recording is complete.

Output:

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