Magix Capture - Standalone program

Can-Dive wrote on 4/28/2025, 6:15 AM

When VPX16 was released, it came with an enhanced version of Magix Capture which could be run outside of the editing program. Previously you could only access the capture utility within the program. I decided to test this new standalone program and its features to determine if it could replace the screen capture utility I currently use.

The new interface came with 3 new large buttons on the top of the program window for Camera Capture, Screen Capture and Audio Capture. Along the bottom were icons representing the original functionality of the program. It was these 3 new buttons that I tested.

Interestingly, the new Camera and Screen Capture produced MP4 files versus MXV which is the file format in the original Screen Capture function. The new Audio Capture produces an MP3 file while the original Audio Capture produces a WAV file.

Oddly the original functions do not work in the standalone program on my computer. When I click on any of the bottom icons the program closes. I wonder if other forum members have the same experience? These functions do work when you are running VPX16.
The new Screen Capture does not record audio or mouse movement. Do others have the same experience?
Finally, with the new Screen Capture, if I minimise the capture program, (to get it out of the way while capturing), the capture process freezes. Again, do others experience the same issue?

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 4/28/2025, 7:29 AM

@Can-Dive

. . . . When I click on any of the bottom icons the program closes. I wonder if other forum members have the same experience? . . . .

As a standalone, Magix Capture only works correctly using the top 3 icons, the bottom icon options only work correctly when called from MMS/VPX.

. . . . The new Screen Capture does not record audio or mouse movement . . .

It does when called from MMS/VPX you get these options

. . . . Finally, with the new Screen Capture, if I minimise the capture program, (to get it out of the way while capturing), the capture process freezes. . . . .

In the Sharing option set it to Display not any other open Windows, recording starts when pressing the blue button, or the R key. and you can minimise Capture.

Personally I do not use Capture, preferring ScreenPal, formerly Screencast-o-matic, for single monitor recording and OBS for dual screen recording.

HTH

John EB

Can-Dive wrote on 4/28/2025, 8:23 AM

@johnebaker

Thanks for your quick response. 🙂

As a standalone, Magix Capture only works correctly using the top 3 icons, the bottom icon options only work correctly when called from MMS/VPX.

. . . . The new Screen Capture does not record audio or mouse movement . . .

It does when called from MMS/VPX you get these options

So is the rule to only use the 3 top buttons in the standalone program and the original function buttons from within VPX?

When I am in VPX, both the new Camera and Audio capture work but not the new Screen capture. The capture settings window in your post only appears if I launch the original Screen capture function; not the new Screen capture function.

In the Sharing option set it to Display not any other open Windows, recording starts when pressing the blue button, or the R key. and you can minimise Capture.

I tried that with a video running on Youtube but the capture froze when I minimised the capture window. To test

Have YouTube in a window with a video playing
Launch the Magix standalone Capture app
Select Screen Capture
Select, Share Display
Minimise the Capture app
Wait for the video to play for a while
Maximise the Capture app
Save the mp4 file created
Play the saved capture file
Does the YouTube video continue playing when the Capture app was minimised?

johnebaker wrote on 4/28/2025, 12:43 PM

@Can-Dive

. . . . Does the YouTube video continue playing when the Capture app was minimised? . . . .

Magix Capture is quirky, in your scenario above I get the same, however if you select Share Window the video keeps running!!!

John EB

Can-Dive wrote on 4/28/2025, 5:02 PM

@johnebaker

Thanks for testing.

Magix Capture is quirky, in your scenario above I get the same, however if you select Share Window the video keeps running!!!

I selected Share Window and then minimised the Capture app, and again the video freezes in my case. But rather than minimising the Capture app, I press ALT - TAB to bring the YouTube window to the forefront, then the video continues playing. Therefore, for me, I should not minimise the Capture app window although it's a natural tendency to do because you want to see what you are capturing. In fact, the system should automatically minimise the Capture app window or at least provide that option as it does for the original Screen Capture function.

I also tested this scenario within VPX and get the same pause in the video using the new Capture Screen function. If using Screen Capture within VPX, the better option is to select the original Screen Capture function at the bottom of the app window. Not only does the YouTube video play, but you can also capture the audio from the computer.

Can-Dive wrote on 4/29/2025, 9:51 PM

After further testing, I need to qualify my original statement 2:

The new Screen Capture does not record audio or mouse movement. Do others have the same experience?

In all cases, the new Screen Capture does not record audio. If you want to record audio with your screen capture you need to launch the original screen capture utility within VPX/MMS.

Regarding the new Screen Capture recording mouse movements. It does record mouse movements except when capturing VPX/MMS when selecting "Share your Window" mode. So, if you want to record VPX/MMS to make a tutorial or highlight a function/feature and you select "Share your Window", the captured video will not show your mouse movements. But if you select "Share your Display" mode it will record mouse movements in VPX/MMS. I consider this a bug.

Launching the new Screen Capture within VPX/MMS to capture the program creates its own unique problem. You are actually locked out of the program. It is being recorded, but you cannot actually access it. You can launch other programs and record them but you are basically locked out from using VPX/MMS which is a limitation.

Theoretically, to record VPX/MMS, you can use the original screen capture utility from within the VPX/MMS. It will record mouse movement and audio but you have to start a second instance of VPX/MMS with the following warning.

The warning doesn't give me confidence that the system will work properly while recording. It's as if Magix developed its screen capture utility without considering users wanting to capture its own program. I've shared a number of screen capture videos of VPX/MMS on this forum, but I had to use another screen capture utility to do it. 🙁

Launching the New Screen Capture outside of VPX/MMS is a step in the right direction to screen record VPX/MMS but be aware of the bug in "Share your Window" so use "Share your Display" to capture your mouse movement in VPX/MMS. Audio is not recorded so voice over would have to conducted in post. For me this is a limitation because I like to speak while recording particularly when I want to generate a quick screen capture to highlight an issue or something. To do it in post is another step.

Also, don't manually minimise the New Screen Capture app; rather hit Alt-Tab or click on the window you are capturing to send the window to the background. if minimised, I find that my resulting video freezes.

I consider this another bug since you naturally want to minimise the window to get it out of the way. Having the window to automatically go to the background after hitting the record button would be a solution. To bring it back, to stop recording, it's located on the task bar or hit Alt-Tab to bring it forward.

CubeAce wrote on 4/30/2025, 12:38 AM

@Can-Dive

Do you have 'Stereo Mix' selected as your record input preference in Windows?

I don't know about the new version of VPX but I am not enamoured with the quality of the screen capture in general. OBS is much better in all respects once set up properly IMHO.

Ray.

Can-Dive wrote on 4/30/2025, 6:39 AM

@CubeAce

Thanks for your suggestion. By changing my default audio to "Stereo Mix" the audio should come from the computer itself. It does work for the original screen capture where you can change the settings but there is no settings for the new screen capture and unfortunately it didn't work. But a good suggestion because to be honest I'm not sure if the new screen capture is supposed to capture audio or not? I'm assuming it doesn't but then again it could be my system settings. Thanks again.

I agree with you regarding OBS. I have it installed and have it set up for screen capture. I suspect most regular contributors to this forum would have OBS but I suppose Magix is also catering to those who may not be as enthusiastic regarding video editing and just need a simple capture function. When it was released last year, I think most regular forum members were a bit surprised of this enhancement since it wasn't on their radar. Obviously Magix thought it was worthwhile to allocate programming resources to enhance the capture functionality of the software to meet the needs of their broader user base. This week I decided to take a closer look at it to determine if it meets my requirement as a convenient quick and dirty screen capture utility. When I complete my testing, I'll let you know! 🙃

CubeAce wrote on 4/30/2025, 8:16 AM

@Can-Dive

I haven't seen the new screen capture version but would assume if it is showing any volume indicators that it should capture the audio. No Volume indicators would equal no audio but an odd option in my book.

[Edit]

Is it possible that whatever you are trying to record is set to have complete command of the audio by enabling 'Exclusive mode' , therefore not enabling a second program to share the output?

Ray.