Bandicam features
Bandicam offers three recording modes plus hardware encoding, real-time drawing, and direct upload. All features are included in the free version.
Current versions (Bandicam 2024/2025) support 4K UHD up to 3840×2160, game recording up to 480 FPS, H.264/HEVC/AV1 codecs with GPU acceleration, 24+ hours continuous recording, and direct upload to YouTube, Vimeo, and Google Drive without re-encoding.
Overview
Choose the right mode for each project
Screen Recording
Capture full screen, window, or custom region. Auto-detect video areas in browsers and apps.
Game Recording
Optimized for DirectX/OpenGL/Vulkan with minimal FPS impact and 480 FPS support.
Device Recording
Webcam, HDMI capture, IPTV, or consoles with picture-in-picture overlays.
Recommended workflow presets
Game recording
Bandicam's Game Recording mode hooks into DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan so you can record 2D and 3D games with minimal FPS loss. It supports up to 480 FPS and 4K UHD (3840×2160). Use the default hotkey F12 to start and stop recording; a green FPS counter shows when the game is detected, and it turns red while recording.
Supported APIs: DirectX 9, 10, 11, 12, OpenGL, and Vulkan. Works with fullscreen and windowed games. If a game is not detected, run it in windowed or borderless windowed mode, or use "Select a window to record" in the Game tab. For best quality and performance, enable hardware acceleration (NVENC, Quick Sync, or AMD) in Bandicam settings. See Guides for step-by-step recording.
Screen recording
Record your full screen, a specific window, or a custom rectangle. On multi-monitor setups, choose which display or area to capture. Bandicam can auto-detect video areas (e.g. the YouTube player or a browser window) for cleaner captures without recording the whole desktop.
Capture options: Full screen (entire desktop or one monitor), Window (a single window you select), or Rectangle on a screen (drag to define a region). For multi-monitor setups, pick the monitor from the dropdown. Rectangle mode is useful for recording only part of the screen (e.g. one panel or a browser tab) to keep file size down. See how to record your screen in our Guides.
Webcam and device recording
The Device (Webcam) recording mode captures from your webcam, HDMI capture card, IPTV, or game console. You can add a picture-in-picture webcam or facecam overlay on your recording. Choose overlay position, size, and style: rectangle, rounded, or chroma key for green-screen style. Useful for streams, tutorials, and reaction videos.
See Guides for webcam overlay setup and FAQ for codec support.
Hardware acceleration
Bandicam supports encoding with NVIDIA NVENC, Intel Quick Sync Video, and AMD VCE/VCN for H.264 and HEVC (H.265). Hardware encoding reduces CPU load and often produces smaller files at the same quality. Enable it in Bandicam's video settings for smoother recording and lower system impact.
Typical GPU requirements: NVIDIA — GTX 600 series or newer for H.264 (NVENC), GTX 950 or newer for HEVC; Intel — Quick Sync supported on many Intel CPUs with integrated graphics (2nd gen and newer); AMD — VCE/VCN on many AMD GPUs and APUs. Check Bandicam → Settings → Video for the encoder list; if your GPU is supported, select it for best performance. AV1 encoding (smaller files) may require newer NVIDIA (RTX 30/40) or Intel/AMD GPUs depending on the version.
| Encoder | H.264 | HEVC / AV1 |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA NVENC | GTX 600+ | HEVC: GTX 950+; AV1: newer RTX |
| Intel Quick Sync | Many Intel CPUs (integrated GPU) | HEVC/AV1 on newer Intel |
| AMD VCE/VCN | Many AMD GPUs/APUs | HEVC/AV1 on newer AMD |
If you experience lag or low FPS, ensure hardware acceleration is enabled and your drivers are up to date.
Real-time drawing
Draw, highlight, or annotate on the video or screenshot while recording. No need to edit afterward. Ideal for tutorials, presentations, and support videos. Mouse effects (cursor highlight) can also be enabled for clearer how-to content.
Access the drawing tools from the Bandicam toolbar during recording; you can switch between pen, highlighter, and shapes. See Guides for recording screen and gameplay with annotations.
Audio options
Bandicam can record system sound (what you hear from speakers) and microphone (your voice) at the same time. In Settings → Sound, enable "Record system sound" and choose the playback device (e.g. default speakers). Enable "Record microphone" and select your mic if you want commentary. You can mix both in one recording. Audio is saved as PCM or AAC in MP4/AVI, or as MP3/WAV for audio-only recording. If you get no sound or out-of-sync audio, see Troubleshooting – No sound.
Hotkeys and output
Default hotkey to start and stop recording is F12. You can change it and set other hotkeys (e.g. pause, screenshot) in Settings → Hotkeys. Output formats: MP4 (recommended for YouTube and sharing) and AVI. Video codecs: H.264, HEVC, AV1 (with GPU support). Screenshots can be saved as BMP, PNG, or JPG. The video folder is set in Settings → General → Video folder; use a fast drive with enough free space for long recordings.
Other features
- Smaller file size: Bandicam compresses while recording; files are typically 20–95% smaller than many other recorders at similar quality.
- Direct upload: Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive without converting the file.
- Scheduled recording: Start recording at a set time daily or weekly (registered version).
- Screenshots: Capture as BMP, PNG, or JPG with a hotkey.
- BandiFix: Repair corrupted recordings if recording was interrupted (e.g. power loss).
- Mouse effects: Highlight cursor or add click effects for tutorials.
- 24+ hours continuous: Record for very long sessions; no built-in time limit in registered version.
Export
Share-ready output and delivery
Fast exports for collaboration
Record and export to MP4 for fast uploads or AVI for compatibility. Bandicam can upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive without re-encoding.
Ethical and compliant usage
Bandicam is intended for legitimate recording. Respect app policies, copyright, and privacy laws when capturing content.
See Trust & Security for transparent guidance and safety references.