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Jane Zhou
Updated on Jun 23, 2026
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0 min read
Looking for the best clipping software for PC? Whether you want to save the last 30 seconds of gameplay, capture epic gaming highlights, create social media clips, or record tutorials, choosing the right tool can make a huge difference.
Some clipping software focuses on instant replay and automatic highlight detection, while others offer powerful recording and editing features. To help you find the right solution, we tested the most popular PC clipping software based on performance impact, clipping capabilities, ease of use, and editing tools.
Here's our list of the best clipping software for PC in 2026.
|
Software |
Instant Replay |
Auto Clipping |
Editing Tools |
Performance Impact |
Best For |
|
✅ |
❌ |
Basic |
Very Low |
Overall Gaming Clips |
|
|
✅ Replay Buffer |
❌ |
Basic |
Low |
Advanced Users |
|
|
✅ |
✅ |
Good |
Low |
Automatic Game Highlights |
|
|
✅ |
❌ |
Basic |
Very Low |
Windows Users |
|
|
✅ |
✅ |
Basic |
Very Low |
FPS & MOBA Players |
|
|
✅ |
✅ AI |
Good |
Low |
Content Creators |
|
|
❌ |
❌ |
Excellent |
Low |
Recording & Editing Clips |
|
|
✅ |
❌ |
Basic |
Very Low |
AMD Users |
|
|
❌ |
❌ |
Good |
Low |
High-FPS Recording |
|
|
❌ |
❌ |
Excellent |
Medium |
Tutorials & eLearning |
Share this post if you find it helpful!
How We Tested the Best Clipping Software
Not all clipping tools are designed for the same purpose. Some excel at capturing gameplay highlights instantly, while others focus on recording and editing longer videos.
To create this list, we evaluated each tool based on:
- Instant replay and highlight clipping capabilities
- Video quality and frame rate support
- CPU and GPU usage during recording
- Ease of use for beginners
- Editing and sharing features
- Compatibility with Windows PCs
- Overall value for gamers and content creators
10 Best Clipping Software for PC
1. NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- Supported OS: Windows 10/11 (requires NVIDIA GPU)
- Best for: Gamers who want instant replay clipping with ultra-low performance impact
NVIDIA ShadowPlay is one of the most popular clipping tools for PC gamers, especially for those who want to capture high-quality gameplay highlights without affecting system performance. Built into the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app, it uses hardware acceleration to record gameplay in the background with minimal FPS drop.
Unlike traditional screen recorders, ShadowPlay is designed specifically for gaming. Its standout feature is Instant Replay, which continuously records your gameplay in the background, allowing you to save the last 30 seconds (or longer, depending on settings) with a simple hotkey.
This makes it ideal for capturing unexpected kills, clutch moments, or highlight-worthy plays without manually starting a recording.
😊Why We Like It
- Instant Replay lets you save the last 30 seconds to several minutes of gameplay
- Extremely low performance impact thanks to NVIDIA GPU hardware encoding
- Supports recording up to 4K at 60 FPS
- Simple hotkey-based controls for fast clipping
- Direct sharing to platforms like YouTube and Twitch
PROS
✔
Excellent performance optimization for gaming
✔
One-click instant replay clipping
✔
High-quality 4K recording support
✔
Free for NVIDIA GPU users
✔
Easy setup via GeForce Experience
CONS
●
Only available for NVIDIA GPU users
●
Limited editing features compared to dedicated video editors
●
High-quality 4K recording support
●
Not suitable for non-gaming screen recording workflows
- Bottom Line
- If your main goal is to capture gameplay highlights instantly with almost zero performance loss, NVIDIA ShadowPlay is one of the best clipping software options for PC gamers. However, it is less flexible for general screen recording or post-editing compared to more advanced tools.
2. OBS Studio
- Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Best for: Advanced users who want full control over recording, streaming, and custom clipping workflows
OBS Studio is a free and open-source recording tool widely used by streamers, content creators, and advanced users. While it is not a dedicated clipping software in the same way as ShadowPlay or Medal.tv, it becomes a powerful clipping solution when configured with its Replay Buffer feature.
Instead of automatically saving highlights like instant replay tools, OBS lets you manually set up a buffer that continuously records in the background. You can then save the last few seconds or minutes as a clip whenever something important happens.
This makes OBS a flexible option for users who want more control over how clips are recorded, but it requires initial setup and configuration.
😊Why We Like It
- Replay Buffer feature enables manual instant clip saving
- Fully customizable recording and streaming settings
- Supports multiple audio and video sources
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Large plugin ecosystem for advanced workflows
PROS
✔
Completely free and open-source
✔
Highly customizable recording setup
✔
Supports streaming + recording simultaneously
✔
Powerful audio and scene management tools
✔
Cross-platform support
CONS
●
Steep learning curve for beginners
●
Requires manual setup for Replay Buffer
●
No built-in automatic clipping or highlight detection
●
Can be resource-heavy if not configured properly
- Bottom Line
- OBS Studio is best suited for users who want full control over their recording and clipping workflow. While it lacks built-in instant replay and automatic highlight features, its Replay Buffer and customization options make it a strong alternative for advanced users and streamers who are willing to invest time in setup.
3. Medal.tv
- Supported OS: Windows, macOS
- Best for: Gamers who want automatic game highlight clipping and easy sharing
Medal.tv is a popular clipping software and GPU screen recorder designed specifically for gamers who want to automatically capture and share their best in-game moments. Unlike traditional screen recorders, Medal.tv focuses on automatic highlight detection and instant clipping, making it especially useful for fast-paced games where manually recording is not practical.
Once installed, Medal.tv can run in the background and automatically record gameplay. Users can quickly trim and save clips after matches, or let the software capture highlights depending on settings. It also offers cloud storage and social sharing features, making it easy to upload clips directly to the Medal community or external platforms.
😊Why We Like It
Automatic clipping and highlight detection for gameplay
Lightweight background recording with low system impact
Built-in editor for trimming and enhancing clips
Cloud storage for saving and managing clips
One-click sharing to social platforms
PROS
✔
Automatic capture of game highlights
✔
Very easy to use with minimal setup
✔
Built-in clip editor for quick adjustments
✔
Strong community and sharing features
✔
Low performance impact during gameplay
CONS
●
Requires account login to access full features
●
Some features rely on stable internet connection
●
Advanced editing options are limited compared to pro tools
- Bottom Line
- Medal.tv is ideal for gamers who want a set it and forget it clipping experience. It automatically captures gameplay highlights and makes it extremely easy to edit and share clips, making it one of the most user-friendly clipping software options for PC gamers.
4. Xbox Game Bar
- Supported OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Best for: Casual users who need a built-in, no-installation clipping tool
Xbox Game Bar is Microsoft's built-in screen recording and clipping tool for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is designed for quick gameplay capture and basic screen recording without installing any third-party software. For many users, it is the first and easiest way to start clipping on a PC.
While it doesn't offer advanced features like auto-clipping or professional editing, Xbox Game Bar is highly convenient. It runs in the background and allows you to save recent gameplay moments instantly using simple keyboard shortcuts.
😊Why We Like It
- Built-in tool with no installation required
- Instant recording and clipping via hotkeys
- Designed for lightweight gameplay capture
- Supports basic audio recording during gameplay
- Works well for casual gaming and quick highlights
PROS
✔
Pre-installed on Windows 10/11
✔
Extremely easy to use
✔
Low system resource usage
✔
Quick access with simple shortcuts
✔
Stable for basic recording tasks
CONS
●
Limited editing and customization features
●
No advanced instant replay system like ShadowPlay
●
Not suitable for professional content creation
●
Occasional limitations in recording desktop apps
- Bottom Line
- Xbox Game Bar is the simplest way to clip gameplay on Windows PCs. It's ideal for casual users who want quick and easy recording without installing additional software, but it lacks the advanced clipping and editing features found in dedicated tools.
5. SteelSeries Moments
- Supported OS: Windows
- Best for: FPS and MOBA gamers who want automatic highlight capture with minimal performance impact
SteelSeries Moments is a lightweight clipping tool designed specifically for gamers who want to automatically capture their best gameplay moments without interrupting performance. It is especially popular among FPS and MOBA players, where fast reactions and highlight-worthy plays happen frequently.
The tool runs in the background and automatically detects or records gameplay clips, allowing users to quickly save important moments using hotkeys or preset settings. Its simple interface and integration with SteelSeries GG make it easy to manage and share clips without extra complexity.
😊Why We Like It
- Automatic highlight capture for supported games
- Lightweight background recording with low system impact
- Quick clip saving via customizable hotkeys
- Integrated with SteelSeries GG platform
- Simple interface designed for fast gaming workflows
PROS
✔
Very low performance overhead during gameplay
✔
Easy to set up and use
✔
Good for fast-paced competitive games
✔
Automatic and manual clipping options
✔
Clean and simple user experience
CONS
●
Limited game compatibility compared to other tools
●
Fewer advanced editing features
●
Requires SteelSeries GG software
●
Not ideal for non-gaming recording tasks
- Bottom Line
- SteelSeries Moments is a solid choice for competitive gamers who want lightweight, automatic clipping without sacrificing performance. However, its limited game support and basic editing features make it less flexible than more general-purpose recording tools.
6. Powder.gg
- Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Web-based
- Best for: Content creators who want AI-powered automatic clipping and fast social media publishing
Powder.gg is an AI-powered clipping tool designed to automatically detect highlights from gameplay or recorded videos and turn them into short, shareable clips. Instead of manually searching through long recordings, Powder uses AI to identify exciting moments and generate clips with minimal user input.
This makes it especially useful for streamers and content creators who regularly publish highlights on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. It also offers simple editing templates, allowing users to quickly polish clips for social media distribution.
😊Why We Like It
AI-powered highlight detection for automatic clipping
Fast generation of short-form video clips
Built-in templates for social media content
Supports multiple export formats
Cloud-based workflow for easy access across devices
PROS
✔
AI automatically detects highlight-worthy moments
✔
Saves time compared to manual clipping
✔
Optimized for short-form social media content
✔
Easy export to platforms like YouTube and TikTok
✔
No heavy local performance impact (cloud-based features)
CONS
●
Requires account registration
●
Some features depend on subscription plans
●
Internet connection needed for full functionality
●
Less control compared to manual recording tools
- Bottom Line
- Powder.gg is a strong option for creators who prioritize speed and automation over manual control. Its AI-driven clipping system makes it easy to turn long gameplay sessions into short, engaging videos ready for social media platforms.
7. EaseUS RecExperts
- Supported OS: Windows 11/10/8/7 and macOS 10.13 or later
- Best for: Recording gameplay and creating clips with built-in editing tools
If you're looking for a flexible clipping software that does more than capture gameplay highlights, EaseUS RecExperts is worth considering.
Unlike tools such as NVIDIA ShadowPlay or Medal.tv that focus on saving the last few seconds of gameplay, RecExperts is designed to record full gameplay sessions, online videos, meetings, tutorials, and live streams. After recording, you can quickly trim the footage into shorter clips without using additional editing software.
This makes it particularly useful for YouTubers, streamers, educators, and users who want more control over the final clip.
😊Why We Like It
- Record full screen, selected regions, webcams, or multiple screens
- Create clips by trimming recorded videos
- Capture system sound and microphone separately
- Schedule recordings automatically
- Export videos in MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, MP3, and more
- Built-in video and screenshot editing tools
- Hardware acceleration for smoother recording performance
PROS
✔
Beginner-friendly interface
✔
Built-in clip editing tools
✔
Supports video, audio, webcam, and screen recording
✔
No watermark in the trial version for basic recordings
✔
Available on both Windows and Mac
CONS
●
No instant replay buffer like ShadowPlay
●
No automatic highlight detection
- Bottom Line
- If your goal is to record longer content and turn it into clips afterward, EaseUS RecExperts offers a more complete workflow than most gameplay clipping tools. It's especially suitable for users who need both recording and editing capabilities in one application.
8. AMD Radeon Relive
- Supported OS: Windows (AMD Radeon graphics required)
- Best for: AMD GPU users who want lightweight instant replay and gameplay clipping
AMD Radeon ReLive is a built-in recording and clipping feature within AMD Radeon Software, designed specifically for users with AMD graphics cards. It allows gamers to record gameplay, capture screenshots, and save instant replays with minimal performance impact.
Similar to NVIDIA ShadowPlay, ReLive supports background recording, meaning you can save the last few seconds or minutes of gameplay without manually starting a recording. It is optimized for performance and runs efficiently alongside games, making it a reliable option for AMD users who want quick clipping functionality.
😊Why We Like It
- Instant Replay feature for saving gameplay highlights
- Hardware-accelerated recording for low performance impact
- Built-in tool within AMD Radeon Software (no extra installation)
- Supports live streaming and gameplay capture
- Simple hotkey-based controls for fast clipping
PROS
✔
Excellent performance optimization for AMD GPUs
✔
Easy access via Radeon Software
✔
Supports instant replay and live recording
✔
Low system resource usage
✔
Free for AMD GPU users
CONS
●
Only available for AMD graphics card users
●
Limited editing features
●
Fewer advanced customization options than OBS
●
Not suitable for non-gaming workflows
- Bottom Line
- AMD Radeon ReLive is a strong choice for AMD users who want a lightweight and efficient way to capture gameplay highlights. While it doesn't offer advanced editing tools, its instant replay and low-performance design make it ideal for quick clipping during gaming sessions.
9. Bandicam
- Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Web
- Best for: Users who want high-quality screen recording with simple manual clipping
Bandicam is a well-known screen recording tool that's often used for gameplay capture, tutorials, and general screen recording. While it is not a dedicated instant replay clipping tool, it works well for users who prefer to record longer sessions and then manually extract clips afterward.
It supports high-quality recording up to 4K resolution and offers multiple recording modes, including full screen, region, and game-specific capture. This makes it a flexible option for users who want more control over what they record and how they edit it later.
😊Why We Like It
- High-quality recording up to 4K UHD
- Multiple capture modes (screen, game, region)
- Lightweight and relatively easy to use
- Supports audio and webcam recording
- Good balance between quality and performance
PROS
✔
High-quality video recording output
✔
Simple interface for beginners
✔
Supports gameplay and screen recording modes
✔
Lightweight compared to many pro tools
✔
Reliable long-session recording
CONS
●
No true instant replay or auto-clipping feature
●
Free version has limitations and watermark
●
Requires manual editing for creating clips
●
Fewer automation features than gaming-focused tools
- Bottom Line
- Bandicam is best suited for users who prefer traditional recording workflows rather than instant clipping. It's a solid choice for creating high-quality recordings that can later be trimmed into clips, but it lacks the real-time highlight capture features found in modern clipping software.
10. Adobe Captivate
- Supported OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Best for: eLearning, product demos, and interactive tutorial creation
Adobe Captivate is a professional screen recording and content creation tool designed primarily for educators, trainers, and instructional designers. While it is not a traditional gaming-focused clipping software, it can be used to capture screen activity and turn it into structured, interactive learning content.
Unlike instant replay tools, Captivate focuses on building guided simulations, tutorials, and presentations. Users can record screen actions and then enhance them with quizzes, annotations, and interactive elements, making it more suitable for structured content rather than quick gameplay highlights.
😊Why We Like It
- Advanced screen recording for tutorials and demos
- Supports interactive elements like quizzes and buttons
- Ideal for structured learning content creation
- Records screen, audio, and system interactions
- Strong integration with Adobe ecosystem
PROS
✔
Powerful for eLearning and training content
✔
Supports interactive and guided simulations
✔
High-quality screen recording output
✔
Suitable for professional instructional design
✔
Rich editing and publishing options
CONS
●
Not designed for gaming or instant clipping
●
Steep learning curve for beginners
●
Requires paid subscription
●
Overkill for simple screen recording needs
- Bottom Line
- Adobe Captivate is best for users who need to create structured tutorials or training materials rather than quick gameplay clips. It offers powerful recording and interactivity features, but it is not a direct competitor to instant replay or gaming-focused clipping tools.
How to Choose the Best Clipping Software for Your Needs
Choosing the best clipping software for PC depends largely on your specific needs, hardware capabilities, and intended use. Here are key factors to consider to help you pick the right screen recording and gameplay clipping tool:
1. Define Your Purpose First
Before selecting a tool, identify your main goal:
- Are you a gamer wanting to capture and share high-quality gameplay highlights?
- Do you need a content creation tool for tutorials, commentary, or social media clips?
- Or are you a casual user looking for simple, no-fuss recording?
Knowing your purpose guides you toward software optimized for either performance, ease of use, or advanced editing.
2. Key Factors to Consider
Performance Impact: Choose software that balances recording quality and system resource usage. Hardware-accelerated tools like NVIDIA ShadowPlay or AMD Relive minimize lag during gameplay.
Ease of Use: Some users prefer one-click, automatic highlight clipping (e.g., Medal.tv, Powder.gg), while others need customizable, feature-rich software like OBS Studio.
Recording Features: Look for essential functions such as instant replay buffers, multi-track audio recording, and hotkey support for quick clipping.
Editing & Sharing Capabilities: Built-in editing options and easy sharing to social media platforms can streamline your workflow, especially if you create content regularly.
Compatibility: Ensure the software supports your operating system and hardware. For instance, AMD Relive is exclusive to AMD GPUs, while NVIDIA ShadowPlay requires NVIDIA graphics cards.
3. Recommended Settings for Smooth Performance
- OBS Studio: Use Replay Buffer to save recent clips; adjust bitrate and resolution based on your PC specs to avoid frame drops.
- ShadowPlay/Relive: Customize hotkeys for instant recording and enable hardware acceleration.
- Medal.tv & Powder.gg: Keep cloud sync active for backup but ensure a stable internet connection.
Selecting the right best clipping software for PC enhances your ability to capture, edit, and share memorable moments without performance issues or frustration. Evaluate your needs carefully and choose the tool that fits your workflow best.
Clipping Software for PC FAQs
1. What is the best clipping software for PC?
The best clipping software for PC depends on your use case.
For instant gameplay highlights, NVIDIA ShadowPlay and Medal.tv are among the top choices.
OBS Studio is a strong free option for users who want more control and customization, while Xbox Game Bar is the simplest built-in tool for Windows users.
If you prefer recording and editing clips after gameplay, EaseUS RecExperts is a flexible alternative.
2. How do I clip the last 30 seconds on PC?
You can clip the last 30 seconds using instant replay features in supported tools. For example, NVIDIA ShadowPlay lets you save the last 30 seconds (or longer) using a hotkey. Some tools like AMD Radeon ReLive and Medal.tv also offer similar instant replay or automatic highlight capture features. If your software does not support instant replay, you may need to manually record and trim the footage afterward.
3. Does OBS have instant replay?
OBS Studio does not include instant replay by default, but it supports a feature called Replay Buffer. Once enabled and configured, Replay Buffer continuously records in the background, allowing you to save the last moments of gameplay manually. However, it requires setup and is not as plug-and-play as tools like ShadowPlay.
4. What clipping software do streamers use?
Most streamers use a combination of tools depending on their workflow. NVIDIA ShadowPlay is widely used for quick gameplay highlights, while OBS Studio is popular for streaming and full-session recording. Many content creators also use tools like Medal.tv or Powder.gg for automatic clipping and faster social media publishing.
5. Is Xbox Game Bar good for clipping gameplay?
Xbox Game Bar is a convenient option for casual users because it comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11. It works well for basic gameplay recording and quick clips, but it lacks advanced features like instant replay buffers, automatic highlight detection, and professional editing tools. For more advanced clipping needs, dedicated tools like ShadowPlay or OBS Studio are better options.
