How to Record Screen Videos of Trades for Prop Firm Review

Recording screen videos of your trades is an essential practice for traders working with proprietary trading firms. It not only provides a transparent record of your trading decisions but also helps prop firms verify your strategies, discipline, and execution in real-time or during post-trade reviews. This guide will walk you through the best methods and tools to effectively create screen recordings of your trades to meet prop firm requirements.

Why Record Your Screen During Trades?

The main reason prop firms request screen recordings is to ensure that traders follow strict risk and money management rules. When a trader consistently records their trades, it becomes much easier to audit their screens and detect any discrepancies or rule violations. Screen recordings also help traders identify their mistakes, including emotional responses, late entries, or premature exits. This transparency builds trust between the trader and the prop firm, aiding in smoother scaling and funding possibilities.

Additionally, screen recordings serve as an invaluable educational tool. Reviewing your own recorded trades enables you to analyze your decision-making process, the use of technical indicators, order execution, and market behavior in different situations. Overall, the benefits of recording your screen extend far beyond compliance—they enhance your overall trading discipline and growth.

Choosing the Right Screen Recording Software

Choosing a reliable screen recording tool is crucial for capturing high-quality videos without lag, which might interfere with your trading performance. Below are some popular options that many traders use:

1. OBS Studio: This free and open-source software is highly customizable and supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to capture full screen or specific windows, and supports high-resolution video with no watermarks.

2. Camtasia: A paid option with user-friendly editing features that allow you to enhance recordings with annotations or highlights. Useful if you want to add commentary or explanations post-recording.

3. Bandicam: Lightweight screen recorder for Windows that offers high compression without losing video quality. This is perfect for traders with limited storage or slower systems.

4. Built-in Tools: Both Windows and macOS come with native screen recorders—Xbox Game Bar for Windows and QuickTime Player for macOS. These can be suitable for simple recordings, though they lack customization.

Make sure that whichever tool you choose supports exporting in common formats such as MP4 or AVI, as these are widely accepted by prop firms for submission.

Preparing Your Trading Environment for Recording

Before you start recording your trades, it’s important to optimize your trading setup to avoid distractions and ensure clarity. Here are a few tips:

– Close unnecessary applications to reduce system resource usage and prevent notification pop-ups.

– Clean up your desktop and trading platform workspace so the video is easy to follow.

– Adjust your screen resolution and font sizes to ensure charts and numbers are clearly visible in the recording.

– Disable any system or app notifications that might interrupt your video or reveal unnecessary information.

– Test your microphone and camera (if including video commentary) to ensure good audio quality.

Proper preparation helps produce clean and professional videos that meet prop firm standards.

How to Set Up Screen Recording for Trades

Once your environment is ready and you’ve selected your recording software, follow these steps to set up your screen recording:

1. Open your trading platform and arrange all necessary tabs, charts, and order windows.

2. Launch your screen recording software and select the capture mode. Usually, full screen or window capture is best to record the entire trading workspace.

3. Check your audio settings. Decide if you want to record your voice explaining trades in real-time or just capture screen activity. Enable microphone recording if you plan to narrate.

4. Choose a high frame rate (30 FPS or higher) and a suitable resolution (1080p or better) to ensure clarity. Because trading involves fast-moving charts, higher frame rates ensure smooth playback.

5. Before starting actual trades, do a quick test recording of 30 seconds to one minute to verify video and audio quality. Play it back to ensure everything is functioning properly.

6. Enable auto-save or set file names and storage locations so your recordings are organized and easy to access for future review.

Best Practices During Live Trading Recordings

When actively recording your screen during trades, consistency and professionalism are key. Here are some best practices to follow:

– Start recording a few minutes before your trading session begins to capture pre-market analysis and preparation.

– Speak clearly if recording commentary. Explain your reasoning behind each trade entry, stop-loss placement, and exit point.

– Avoid rushing through trades. Take your time to show all necessary details on the screen, such as order tickets, position size, and P&L.

– Pause or edit the video afterward only if prop firm rules allow it. Generally, unedited raw footage carries the most credibility.

– Make sure the video file size remains manageable by adjusting quality settings as needed, but never sacrifice clarity.

– Always keep backup copies of your recordings in multiple locations, like cloud storage and external drives.

Editing Your Trade Recording Videos

Many prop firms prefer to receive raw, unedited videos; however, some allow basic editing such as trimming the start or end of the video. If editing is permitted, use simple video editing tools to:

– Remove long periods of inactivity or waiting time.

– Add timestamps or labels for better clarity.

– Highlight significant moments during your trades.

When you edit, avoid manipulating footage that could misrepresent your trading behavior. Transparency is paramount. Also, keep original, unedited copies safe for backup and verification purposes.

Submitting Screen Recordings to Prop Firms

Uploading and submitting your recorded videos properly is just as important as the recording itself. Follow these steps to ensure smooth submission:

– Convert videos into widely supported formats like MP4 for compatibility.

– Use cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) for easy sharing and backup.

– Label files clearly with date, time, and a description of the trading day or session.

– Follow the prop firm’s specific submission guidelines carefully, including deadlines and file size limits.

– Include any required documentation such as trading logs or strategy notes along with your video files.

– Confirm receipt with the prop firm and keep copies for your records.

Troubleshooting Common Screen Recording Issues

Technical glitches can occur when recording trade videos. Here are common problems and their solutions:

– Lagging or choppy video: Reduce recording resolution or frame rate, close background apps, or upgrade your hardware.

– Recording stops unexpectedly: Check software and system updates, confirm sufficient storage space, and use stable recording tools.

– Audio not recorded: Verify microphone permissions and settings. Test with other apps to isolate the issue.

– Video files too large: Compress videos using software like HandBrake without significant quality loss.

– File format incompatibility: Use video converters to change files to MP4 or AVI.

If problems persist, consult the software’s support forums or contact prop firm technical support for recommended tools and settings.

Enhancing Your Recordings with Trade Journaling Tools

Beyond raw screen recording, integrating trade journaling and analytics tools can complement your review process. Certain apps synchronize recorded trades with trade logs, charts, and performance statistics to offer a comprehensive view of your trading habits. Some popular tools to consider include Edgewonk, TraderSync, and TradeBench. These platforms also let you attach or embed your screen videos alongside trading notes, making it easier when submitting or reviewing your trades.

Combining video recordings with an organized trade journal demonstrates seriousness and professionalism to prop firms, often increasing your chances for better funding terms and progression.

Tips to Maintain Compliance and Integrity During Prop Firm Reviews

Prop firms expect traders to uphold the highest standards of honesty and discipline. When recording trades for review, keep these compliance tips in mind:

– Never edit or manipulate videos to hide mistakes or losses.

– Disclose all trades without omission, even if they involve losses or rule breaches.

– Follow the prop firm’s trading rules precisely to avoid disqualification.

– Use screen recordings to reflect your genuine trading style rather than attempting to impress with unrealistic moves.

– Schedule regular reviews of your recordings to identify and correct weaknesses before submission.

This ethical approach fosters long-term relationships with prop firms and promotes consistent profitable trading.