Complete Guide About What is ShadowPlay and How to Use It

Many game enthusiasts record their epic game victories and memorable moments for various reasons. Some would want to share these recorded videos with their friends. While others like to simply keep them on their computer. If you’re one of them, you’re probably familiar with the NVIDIA ShadowPlay. Tons of gamers consider it as one of their dependable companions for capturing their gaming moments. Now, in this post, we’ll dig deeper into this video recording tool. Also, learn how to use ShadowPlay and discover the top alternatives for it.

Part 1. What is ShadowPlay

ShadowPlay is the software utility developed by NVIDIA. It is also designed specifically for gamers. It allows you to record, capture, and share your gaming experiences. Shadowplay integrates NVIDIA graphics cards to offer a hassle-free way to save and display gaming moments. One of its standout features is that it can capture gameplay in high-quality resolution. Apart from that, you can take screenshots and record live streams together with your friends. Shadowplay also uses a hardware encoder within NVIDIA GPUs. It also ensures you’ll have a smooth recording without any lags and slowdowns. The tool also offers different recording modes to serve your different preferences. Not only that, its Broadcast Live feature lets you stream live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. But it’s essential to note that ShadowPlay only operates on NVIDIA-powered graphic cards.

Part 2. ShadowPlay Hotkeys

The ShadowPlay hotkeys will help you to perform various actions within the software while gaming. They are configurable key combinations that you can use to do what you need to. These hotkeys enable quick access to different functionalities. At the same time, with it, you don’t need to navigate through menus. Here are some commonly used ShadowPlay hotkeys by default:

1. Alt + F1 - Save captured screenshot to the Gallery
2. Alt + F5 - Switch custom overlay on/off while broadcasting.
3. Alt + F6 - Turn the camera on/off during broadcasting.
4. Alt + F7 - Pause or resume broadcasting.
5. Alt + F8 - Toggle the broadcasting on/off.

1. Alt + F9 - Start/Stop manual recording.
2. Alt + F10 - Activate/Deactivate the Instant Replay feature
3. Alt + F12 - Switch FPS counter on/off.
4. Alt + Z - Open/Close the ShadowPlay overlay.

Part 3. How to Use ShadowPlay

As mentioned, to use ShadowPlay, you need to have a compatible NVIDIA graphics card. Thus, before you use it to record gameplay, ensure to check it first. After that, you can use the NVIDIA ShadowPlay, and here’s how:

Step 1. First, download and install the NVIDIA GeForce Experience tool on your PC. Launch it afterward. Then, log in or create an NVIDIA account to access it fully.

Step 2. On the tool’s main interface, click the Settings menu. Then, choose the ShadowPlay to modify the settings according to your preferences.

Step 3. Now, on the Record tab, personalize the recording settings based on your needs. Optionally, you can also customize the audio and webcam settings. That way, you can overlay your web camera on the recording.

Step 4. After which, you can set up the hotkeys. These key combinations will help you start and stop your recording and enable some features. Modify them by heading to the Keyboard Shortcuts menu.

Step 5. Subsequently, open the game that you want to record. Then, use the customized hotkey to start your recording. By default, you can press the Alt +F9 to do it. When you’re done, use the same key combinations. That’s it!

Note that all your recorded gameplay will be saved in the Gallery section of the software. So, access and manage your captured clips on it.

Part 4. ShadowPlay Alternatives

There are tons of ShadowPlay alternatives you’ll find as you search. Yet, look no further. Here, we list down 3 of the top substitutes for ShadowPlay.

Option 1. Vidmore Screen Recorder

If you want an easy-to-use and convenient tool to record your screen, use Vidmore Screen Recorder. With it, you can capture any part of your screen and take snapshots as you want. The program also lets you record video and audio in a high-definition resolution. Plus, it can be used on various screen scenarios. That means you can record meetings, lectures, calls, and even gameplay. What’s more, it supports several features you can use. It includes setting basic editing tools, like trimming and cutting your clips. It supports scheduled recording, real-time drawing, and so on. It also allows you to set hotkeys to begin recording, pause it, capture a screen, and more. Thus making it a great alternative to ShadowPlay. Finally, you can download it on both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Option 2. Vidmore Free Screen Recorder Online

Another tool that you can use is the Vidmore Free Screen Recorder Online. It is a counterpart of Vidmore Screen Recorder, but it’s an online version. Using it, you can record your screen in full, fixed area, or customized parts. Plus, it lets you capture any application window, such as your gameplay, Word, Excel, and others. Also, you can record your browser tab as you want. What’s more interesting is even if it’s an online platform, it enables you to create personalized hotkeys. Hence, it allows you to make your recording process quicker. Further, you can capture your camera, speaker, and microphone along with your video. More importantly, you can share your clips on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google, and so on.

Option 3. OBS

What is ShadowPlay vs OBS? Well, OBS stands out as one of the preferred options to ShadowPlay. It is one of the popular cross-platforms that supports recording and streaming capabilities. It also stands out as a good option to capture gameplay. At the same time, it offers various customization options you can use. Also, it facilitates livestream management by enabling the switching of cameras, audio sources, and media content. Notably, OBS can capture multiple screen sources and supports transitions between scenes. Even though it's open-source, it is prone to malware. Hence making it one of its disadvantages. Also, some users find it difficult to use for recording or live streaming. If you can’t stand that, get OBS alternatives here.

Part 5. FAQs About Shadowplay Review

How to turn on Nvidia Shadowplay?

To turn on ShadowPlay, open the game you want to record first. Then, you can press the Alt + Z shortcut keys to open it. You can also select the small overlay in the corner.

What to do when Nvidia Shadowplay is not recording?

Check if the ShadowPlay feature is enabled in GeForce Experience settings. Also, ensure your Nvidia drivers are up to date. Restarting the GeForce Experience or your computer might also help resolve recording issues.

How to disable Shadowplay?

To disable Shadowplay, open the Share overlay. After that, navigate to the Preferences and scroll down until you see the Overlays option. Finally, select it, go to the Status Indicator, and click the Off button.

Conclusion

All in all, that’s the complete ShadowPlay review. Through this, you’ve learned how to open ShadowPlay, use it, customize hotkeys, and more. Also, we’ve introduced 3 top alternatives to ShadowPlay. Among them, Vidmore Screen Recorder stands out because it can record anything you want on your screen. Plus, if you do not prefer to download any software, it has an online version. Use Vidmore Free Screen Recorder Online to capture your screen online and for free!