> ## Documentation index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.tutorial.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Chrome Extension

> Use the Tutorial AI Chrome Extension for quick browser-based recordings — and understand when to choose it over the Desktop App.

Section: Docs › Recording

Tutorial AI offers two ways to record: the **Desktop App** and the **Chrome Extension**. While both produce recordings you can edit in Tutorial AI, they're designed for different goals.

## When to use the Chrome Extension

The Chrome Extension is optimized for **speed and simplicity** when everything happens inside the browser.

![](https://www.tutorial.ai/images/help/help-13687915-brower-extension-VHEJvxUv.83682e50.png)

### Quick browser walkthroughs

Use the Chrome Extension for:

- Simple SaaS flows
- Short feature explanations
- One-tab or one-tool demos

It's the fastest way to record when cursor polish isn't critical.

### Lightweight, informal recordings

The extension is great for:

- Internal references
- Quick explanations
- Capturing something on the fly

No install friction, no setup — just hit record.

### Web-only workflows

If your entire process lives inside Chrome and doesn't require desktop apps, file system access, or cursor enhancements, the Chrome Extension is sufficient.

## When to use the Desktop App

The **Desktop App** is the better choice when you want **high-quality, professional tutorials** with full control over how interactions appear.

![](https://www.tutorial.ai/images/help/help-13687915-AD_4nXeT8RaC2SKasRmCrtLryRmsqSSqUy5TPuSO2FstuN95X0fy5_M2n5Q5.b2b1fc78.png)

### Advanced cursor rendering

The Desktop App captures the screen **without recording the cursor directly**, then **re-draws the cursor on top of the video** afterward. This unlocks features that browser extensions cannot offer:

![](https://www.tutorial.ai/images/help/help-13687915-682ed1a439a2b631802d0010_e6bd3278adc39b7393c39e90a17ca7fb_mu.737444a3.png)

- Enlarged cursor for better visibility
- Smooth cursor movement
- Simplified mouse paths (straight from click to click)
- Reduced cursor flicker and jitter
- Auto-hide cursor when idle

Learn more in [Cursor Effects](https://www.tutorial.ai/docs/visual-effects/cursor-effects).

> **Caution:** Chrome extensions (including Loom and similar tools) **cannot** redraw or smooth the cursor. These features require low-level screen capture that only a desktop application can provide.

### Record anything on your computer

Unlike browser extensions, the Desktop App captures:

- Native desktop apps (Figma, Slack, Excel, IDEs, design tools)
- Multi-app workflows
- System dialogs, menus, and file operations
- A selected area of your screen

## Comparison

| Use case | Recommended tool |
|----------|-----------------|
| Polished, professional tutorials | **Desktop App** |
| Enlarged, smooth, simplified cursor | **Desktop App** |
| Desktop apps or multi-tool workflows | **Desktop App** |
| Customer-facing documentation | **Desktop App** |
| Quick browser walkthroughs | **Chrome Extension** |
| Simple, web-only flows | **Chrome Extension** |
| Fast, informal recordings | **Chrome Extension** |

If you want tutorials that look professional, feel smooth, and are easy to follow — use the Desktop App. Use the Chrome Extension when speed matters more than polish and your workflow stays entirely in the browser.

## Next steps

  - [Screen Recording](https://www.tutorial.ai/docs/recording/screen-recording): Full guide to the Desktop App
  - [Recording with Audio](https://www.tutorial.ai/docs/recording/recording-with-audio): Speak while recording for better scripts
  - [Recording Best Practices](https://www.tutorial.ai/docs/recording/best-practices): Tips for clean recordings

Source: https://www.tutorial.ai/docs/recording/chrome-extension