Panopto recorder for Windows and macOS is a great way to record instructional video content for use in blended or fully online courses. It's important to understand and verify the recording settings to optimize the quality of your videos. Below are some recommended options and settings to consider as a starting point. Setting adjustments can always be updated to suit your needs.
Audio
Recording good audio is critical for learners to fully benefit from your videos. We review the three most common audio input options for recording:
- Built-in computer microphone (Good)
- USB headset (Better)
- USB table microphone (Best)
Built-in microphone (Good)
Most laptop computers have a built-in microphone that can be a good option for recording your voice with Panopto recorder. Be aware that any other noise in the recording environment may also be recorded (including noise from the computer itself). If using a built-in microphone make sure to position yourself close to the computer to minimize external noise impacting the quality of your audio.
USB headset (Better)
A USB headset is a better option for recording videos with Panopto recorder. These headsets include a connected microphone that maintains the proper distance to your mouth, resulting in consistent audio quality. This Logitech USB headset is an affordable example that can provide very good results.
USB tabletop microphone (Best)
A USB tabletop microphone is the best option to record very good audio with Panopto recorder. People who are not comfortable wearing a headset, or who are looking to record the best audio quality within a controlled environment can consider for this option. This Blue Snowball USB tabletop microphone is an affordable example that can provide excellent results.
Video
Panopto recorder can record multiple video sources simultaneously. These sources can include a built-in webcam to show your face, your computer desktop (or multiple desktops), PowerPoint slides, or a USB document camera. The hardware specifications of your computer (including available RAM, local storage, CPU, graphics processor) will determine how many simultaneous sources are feasible. To help optimize the recording settings for your computer we recommend making a short test recording (several minutes). If you experience computer performance problems you can lower the settings to reduce computer load.
Recording Settings
Panopto recorder has quality settings for both primary and secondary sources. Recommended settings are provided below for both Windows and Mac users.
Primary Sources
| Computer hardware |
Quality (Better) |
Quality (Best) |
| Windows |
High |
Ultra |
| macOS |
High (motion) |
Ultra (motion) |
Secondary Sources
| Computer hardware |
Resolution |
Framerate (fps) |
Bitrate (kbps) |
| WIndows (newer laptop/desktop) |
1920x1080 |
25 |
1500-2000 |
| Windows (older laptop/desktop) |
1280x720 |
25 |
1500 |
| macOS (newer laptop/desktop) |
Ultra (resolution) 1920x1080 |
15 |
1500 |
| macOS (older laptop/desktop) |
HIgh (resolution) 1280x1024 |
12 |
750 |
Panopto for Windows
The primary and secondary source selection options are on the left side of the main Panopto window. Adjustments for resolution, frame rate and bit rate are located at the bottom of the recorder window.
- Primary source selections: Select a camera source for video (if needed) and an audio source from the available options in the pull-down menus. An audio source must be selected to begin a recording. Select a Quality setting (High or Ultra) from the drop-down menu. Consult the recommended settings reviewed earlier in this article.
- Secondary source selections: Select all sources you want to capture, including PowerPoint or your desktop. Click the "Add Another Video Source" button to select other videos sources (such as a USB document camera, or a second desktop display) that you need to capture.
- Resolution settings: Select a resolution from the drop-down menu, and adjust the sliders to your desired frame rate and bit rate. Consult the recommended resolution settings reviewed earlier in this article.
Panopto for macOS
The primary and secondary source selection options are available on the Panopto "Record a Session" window in the macOS application. Adjustments for resolution, frame rate and bit rate are available from the Preferences in the Panopto application menu.
- Primary source selections: Select a camera source for video (if needed) and an audio source from the available options in the pull-down menus. A audio source must be selected to begin a recording.
- Secondary source selections: Select all sources you want to capture, including your desktop or an optional USB document camera, for example.
- Resolution settings: Select a resolution quality setting for primary and secondary sources from the Preferences selection window in the Panopto application menu (see screenshot below). Consult the recommended resolution settings reviewed earlier in this article.
