Desktop vs Tab Recording
Crosscheck offers two recording modes: tab recording and desktop recording. Each mode uses a different browser API and captures content differently. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right mode for your situation.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Tab Recording | Desktop Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Capture scope | Single browser tab | Entire screen or application window |
| Capture method | Browser tab capture | System screen capture |
| Audio | Tab audio included automatically | System audio (requires user permission) |
| Multiple tabs | No, single tab only | Yes, if sharing the full screen |
| Non-browser content | No | Yes, can capture any application |
| Resource usage | Lower CPU and memory | Higher CPU and memory |
| Permission prompt | None (extension permission) | Chrome sharing dialog each time |
| Resolution | Matches tab viewport | Matches screen or window resolution |
| DevTools context | Captured for the recorded tab | Captured for the active tab only |
Tab Recording
Tab recording captures the contents of a single browser tab. It uses the browser's built-in tab capture capability, which is available exclusively to Chrome extensions. This mode is lightweight, does not require a permission prompt each time, and automatically includes audio playing within the tab.
When to Use Tab Recording
- You are testing a web application and only need to capture that one tab.
- You want minimal resource usage during recording.
- You want tab audio captured automatically without extra permissions.
- You need devtools context (console logs, network requests) aligned with the recording.
Desktop Recording
Desktop recording uses the browser's built-in screen sharing capability to capture your entire screen or a specific application window. Chrome will prompt you to choose what to share each time you start a desktop recording. This mode captures everything visible in the selected area, including non-browser applications and multiple browser tabs.
When to Use Desktop Recording
- You need to show interactions across multiple browser tabs.
- You want to capture non-browser applications alongside the web app.
- You need to demonstrate a workflow that spans multiple windows.
- You want to include system audio in the recording.
Switching Between Modes
You can switch between tab and desktop recording from the extension popup before starting a recording. Open the Crosscheck popup, look for the recording mode toggle, and select your preferred mode.