Choose your Claap recorder: Chrome Extension or Desktop App

Install the Claap Chrome Extension or Desktop App to start recording your screen, camera, and voice. Takes under 2 minutes to install either option.

Who should use this

Anyone new to Claap who wants to record their first video clip or meeting
Sales and customer success teams recording demos, updates, or async walkthroughs
Mac users deciding which recorder fits their workflow best

If you are troubleshooting an existing installation, see Fix audio issues in Claap below or contact Claap support.

Why this matters

Claap gives you two ways to record. Each designed for different workflows. Picking the right one upfront saves you time and avoids common audio problems. The Chrome Extension is best for meeting recordings. The Desktop App is best for screen recordings where you want full camera flexibility.

Key Concept: Chrome Extension vs. Desktop App

Both recorders let you capture your screen, voice, and camera. The key differences come down to where you work and what you record.

Chrome Extension: Records inside Chrome. Required for recording Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom meetings. Works on most Chromium-based browsers (Brave, Sidekick, etc.).
Desktop App: Records outside Chrome. No browser required. Mac only (macOS 10.15 or later). Cannot record system audio — avoid using it with headphones.

Choose the Chrome Extension if you record meetings or use headphones. Choose the Desktop App if you record screen clips on a Mac and want to place your camera bubble anywhere on your desktop.

Step-by-Step Guide

Option A: Install the Chrome Extension

Claap Chrome Extension recording interface showing screen capture options

The Claap Chrome Extension lets you record your screen, a browser tab, or an application window — with or without your camera.

Go to the Chrome Web Store and install the Claap Chrome Extension. For detailed installation steps, see How to install the Claap Chrome Extension.
After installation, click the Claap Extension icon in your Chrome toolbar to open the recorder.
Choose your capture mode: screen and camera, screen only, or camera only.
Select your recording area: full screen, current tab, or a specific window.
Click [Start Recording] to begin.

Verify: After your first recording, the Claap tab opens automatically with your video ready to share.

Grant microphone access: Go to chrome://settings/content/microphone in Chrome, select your input device, and confirm that claap.io has permission to use the microphone.

Option B: Install the Desktop App (Mac only)

Claap Desktop App recording interface showing camera bubble positioned freely on the desktop

The Claap Desktop App lets you position your camera bubble anywhere on your desktop while recording.

Download and install the Claap Desktop App for Mac. For detailed installation steps, see How to install the Claap Desktop App for Mac.
Open the Claap Desktop App — no browser required.
Choose your capture mode: screen and camera, or screen only.
Select your recording area: full screen or a specific application window.
Drag your camera bubble to any position on your desktop.
Click [Start Recording] to begin.

Verify: After your first recording, the Claap app displays your video ready to share.

Grant microphone and screen permissions on macOS: Go to [System Settings] → [Privacy & Security] → [Microphone] and confirm that both Claap and Chrome are toggled on.

How you'll know it worked

Your recorded video appears in Claap immediately after you stop recording
You can play back the video and hear your voice clearly
A shareable link is available to copy and send to your team
For the Chrome Extension: your microphone shows as permitted at chrome://settings/content/microphone
For the Desktop App: Claap appears as enabled under [System Settings] → [Privacy & Security] → [Microphone]