Fraps

Fraps is a universal Windows application that can be used with games using DirectX or OpenGL graphic technology. In its current form, the app game capture video recorder performs many tasks and can best be described as:

⚠️ Note: This product is not developed actively anymore.

If you are looking for an alternative, we recommend you to download Bandicam.

Fraps for Windows 11/10, short for "Frames per Second," is a Windows-based software primarily designed for gamers and content creators. It offers a range of features focused on capturing gameplay footage, taking screenshots, and benchmarking your PC's performance during games.

Benchmarking Software - Show how many Frames Per Second (FPS) you are getting in a corner of your screen. Perform custom benchmarks and measure the frame rate between any two points. Save the statistics out to disk and use them for your own reviews and applications.



Screen Capture Software - Take a screenshot with the press of a key!  There's no need to paste into a paint program every time you want a new shot.  Your screen captures are automatically named and timestamped.

Realtime Video Capture Software - Have you ever wanted to record video while playing your favorite game?  Come join the Machinima revolution!  Throw away the VCR, forget about using a DV cam, game recording has never been this easy!  The tool can capture audio and video up to 7680x4800 with custom frame rates from 1 to 120 frames per second!

The app has support for Vista and DirectX 10 games. Since the Vista Desktop Window Manager (DWM) runs through DirectX you can now take screenshots and record videos from the desktop just like any other game or 3D application in Vista.

Main Features

Screen Recording
It allows users to record their gameplay in high-quality video format (AVI). You can customize settings to record full-screen or a specific window, adjust the framerate, and even add a custom watermark to your recordings.

Screenshot Capture
With Fraps, you can easily take screenshots during gameplay. The software supports multiple image formats, including BMP, JPG, and PNG, and allows you to set custom hotkeys for quick captures.

Benchmarking
It offers a built-in benchmarking tool that provides real-time FPS (frames per second) statistics during gameplay. It's a valuable feature for gamers looking to assess their PC's performance or compare it to others.

Video Overlay
It offers an FPS overlay that can be displayed while gaming, making it easy to monitor your frame rate without switching to a separate application.

Video Editing
While not as feature-rich as dedicated video editing software, it provides basic video editing options, allowing you to trim and save selected portions of your recorded gameplay.

Audio Capture
It can capture in-game audio and external microphone audio, providing flexibility for content creators to add commentary to their videos.

Easy-to-Use Interface
It maintains a straightforward interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.

Installation and Setup

Installing Fraps for Windows is a straightforward process. Users can download the software from the official website or FileHorse and follow the on-screen instructions. During installation, you can choose the installation directory and create shortcuts. After installation, launch the app, and you're ready to use it.

How to Use

Capture Video: Press the designated hotkey to start and stop video recording during gameplay.

Capture Screenshots: Use the screenshot hotkey to capture screenshots in the format of your choice.

Benchmarking: Launch the benchmarking tool and select the game you want to benchmark. It will display real-time FPS statistics while you play.

Overlay: Enable the FPS overlay in the settings to have real-time frame rate information displayed on your screen while gaming.

FAQ

Is Fraps compatible with Windows 11/10 or newer?
Yes, Fraps is compatible with Windows 11/10 OS.

What video formats does Fraps support for recording?
It primarily records in the AVI format, but you can convert recordings to other formats using third-party video converters.

Can I record gameplay in 60 FPS or higher?
Yes, you can customize the frame rate in the app settings, allowing you to record in 60 FPS or higher if your hardware supports it.

Are there any limitations to the free version of Fraps?
The free version of the software has limitations, including a 30-second maximum recording duration and a watermark on videos. To remove these limitations, you'll need to purchase the full version.

Does Fraps have support for live streaming?
Fraps doesn't have built-in live streaming capabilities. To stream your gameplay, you'll need to use additional software like OBS Studio or XSplit.

Alternatives

OBS Studio: OBS Studio is a free and open-source software that offers advanced features for both recording and live streaming. It provides greater flexibility and customization options compared to this app.

Action!: Action! is a user-friendly screen recording and streaming software with support for 4K recording and live streaming to popular platforms.

Bandicam: Bandicam is a popular screen recording software that offers features similar to this program. It allows for high-quality video recording and supports various formats.

NVIDIA GeForce Experience (ShadowPlay): If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, ShadowPlay is a built-in feature of the GeForce Experience software, offering excellent recording and streaming capabilities with minimal impact on performance.

Pricing

It offers a free version with limitations, including watermarked videos and a maximum recording duration of 30 seconds. To unlock the full version of this tool, which removes these limitations, you'll need to purchase a license for $37.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
• Processor: Dual-core CPU
• RAM: 1GB
• Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible
• Hard Drive: 10MB of free space

PROS

• User-friendly interface.
• Real-time FPS overlay.
• Benchmarking tool for performance analysis.
• Relatively lightweight and doesn't consume excessive system resources.

CONS

• No longer updated on the official website.
• Limited video format options (primarily AVI).
• No live streaming capabilities.
• Paid license required to remove limitations in the free version.
• Lacks advanced video editing features.

Conclusion

It has long been a reliable choice for gamers and content creators looking to capture gameplay footage, take screenshots, and benchmark their PC's performance. It offers a user-friendly interface and real-time FPS monitoring, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

However, its limitations, such as the lack of live streaming support and basic video editing features, may lead some users to consider alternatives like OBS Studio, NVIDIA ShadowPlay, or Bandicam, which offer more advanced capabilities.

Ultimately, the decision to use Fraps will depend on your specific needs. If you prioritize simplicity and don't require advanced streaming or editing features, Fraps for PC can still be a valuable tool for recording and analyzing your gaming experiences.

Note: Limited functionality in the unregistered version.