PANOPTO CAPTURE

Panopto Capture is a browser-based recording tool that lets you record directly from your web browser–no software installation required. It is a great alternative to the Panopto desktop app, especially for Mac users.

FERPA REGULATIONS

If you plan to share class recordings with individuals who were not enrolled in the course, ensure you are in compliance with FERPA Regulation of Classroom Video Recordings regarding classroom video recordings.

HOW TO CREATE A PANOPTO CAPTURE VIDEO

Click here to view the visual guide (PDF), explore the interactive tutorial, or find it in the Help Center.

1. Launch Panopto Capture

  • Sign in directly to the Panopto server or go to Eagle > Courses > Panopto.
  • If you’re not already signed in to Discovery, you’ll be redirected to authenticate through Discovery.
  • Alternatively, from the course main page:
    • Open the Block drawer > go to the Panopto block > click Course settings under Links. This will take you directly to Panopto.
  • In Panopto, click Browse in the left-hand navigation and choose the appropriate course folder for our recording.
  • Click the [+] Create button and select Panopto Capture. It will open in a new browser tab.

2. Select Audio and Video Sources

If the classroom is equipped with a docking station, connect your device to access the classroom hardware such as microphones, speakers, displays, and cameras.

Microphone

  • Your browser may prompt you to allow microphone access.
  • Click the microphone icon in the top toolbar to view and select available microphones.
  • Speak at a normal volume to test. A green audio bar indicates a good level; yellow or red may indicate distortion.

Camera

  • Allow your browser to access your camera(s).
  • Use the Video button (camera icon) in the top toolbar to select your preferred camera or add a secondary source.
  • A checkmark will appear over the selected camera preview.

3. Select Screen and Application Sources

  • Click Screens and Apps icon (monitor icon).
  • Choose Your Entire Screen (recommended) and click Share.
  • To include system audio (e.g., for recording a video call or YouTube video), select Share Audio.
    • macOS users: You must select either Application Window or a specific browser tab to enable audio sharing.
  • Some browsers may request additional permissions for screen recording–especially when recording PowerPoint presentations.
  • If using multiple secondary sources, the last one selected will be the default display for viewers.

4. Record the Video

  • Click the red circle button at the bottom center to begin recording. A 5-second countdown will appear.
  • To stop, click the red square button. The recording will immediately start uploading.
    • ! Do not close the browser tab until the upload is complete.

5. Video Upload and Processing

  • After stopping the recording, a new page will display the video upload progress.
  • Wait until the message “Getting your video ready for editing: It’s safe to close your browser window” appears before closing the page.
  • Once processing is complete, you will see the message “Your video is ready.”
  • The video will be saved to the folder you selected. If no folder was chosen, it will upload to your My Folder. You can move it to another folder as needed.

Note: Panopto Capture does not support Pause/Resume. For a longer lectures or presentations, consider recording in segments using the Record New option.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Access these tools via the Settings menu (gear icon in the lower right-hand corner). Certain features are not supported in Safari.

Blur and Virtual Background

  • Blur: Blur the background around the speaker while keeping the speaker in focus.
  • Virtual backgrounds: Upload up to three images by click the Add icon to select files from your computer. The speaker remains visible, but the background changes to your selected image.

Smart Camera

  • Turn on Smart Camera to automatically track and follow the speaker’s face.
  • Choose between tracking a single person or a Group.
  • This feature requires a high-resolution camera and a high-performance computer for best results.

Troubleshooting

  • Click the question mark icon in the top-right corner of the Settings window.
  • Select Send logs if you experience an issue and wish to report it to Panopto Support.
  • For 1-on-1 support or on demand training, contact help@northwestu.edu.

VIEW CLASS RECORDINGS

Students can access class recordings from the Panopto block on the course main page in Discovery. For more details, students can refer to the resources in the NU Students Tutorials course:

Instructional Technology Center

4/29/2025

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