Screen recording settings: which frame rate and resolution to pick
Short answer
Use 30 fps and 1080p for most screen recordings. Drop to 24 fps for mostly still screens like code or documents, and use 60 fps only for animation, scrolling, or games. Use 1440p when small text must stay sharp, and 720p for long recordings where file size matters more.
Frame rate and resolution are the two settings that decide how a screen recording looks and how big the file is. Higher is not always better. A code walkthrough at 60 fps looks the same as one at 24 fps, but the file is larger.
Frame rate: 24, 30, or 60 fps
Frame rate is how many pictures per second the video stores.
| Frame rate | Use it for |
|---|---|
| 24 fps | Mostly still screens: code, documents, slides, long unattended captures |
| 30 fps | Most recordings: apps, websites, bug reports, tutorials, team updates |
| 60 fps | Motion that has to look smooth: animations, hover effects, fast scrolling, games |
On a screen that barely moves, extra frames add little to look at. Start at 30 fps and change only when you have a reason.
Resolution: 720p, 1080p, or 1440p
Resolution is how many pixels tall the video is. The number is the height: 1080p is 1080 pixels tall.
| Quality | Use it for |
|---|---|
| 720p | Long recordings, slow uploads, or when only the big picture matters |
| 1080p | The default for almost everything. Readable on laptops and phones |
| 1440p | Small text that must stay sharp, such as code editors and spreadsheets |
If your screen is larger than the quality you pick, the video is scaled down to fit. Recording an area instead of the full screen is often a better way to make text readable than raising the resolution. See how to record part of your screen.
Settings by job
| Job | Frame rate | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Bug report | 30 fps | 1080p |
| Tutorial | 30 fps | 1080p |
| Code walkthrough | 24 fps | 1440p |
| Design feedback | 60 fps | 1080p |
| Team update | 30 fps | 1080p |
| Unattended capture (installer, long build) | 24 fps | 720p |
Changing these in Simple Recorder
In Simple Recorder, frame rate is on the recorder bar (FPS) and in the studio. Quality is in the studio, and Settings > Default quality sets the quality every new take starts with: 720p, 1080p (the default), or 1440p.
Common questions
What is the best frame rate for screen recording?
30 fps for most screen recordings. Use 24 fps for mostly still screens and 60 fps for smooth motion like animations or games.
Is 1080p good enough for screen recording?
Yes, for most uses. Choose 1440p if the video shows small text, such as code, that has to stay sharp.
Does a higher frame rate make the file bigger?
Generally yes, especially when a lot on screen is moving. On a still screen the difference is smaller, but there is also little to gain.