How to Use Loom for Designers
Loom is a video‑recording tool that helps designers explain ideas without writing long emails. In this guide we walk through installing Loom, setting up optimal recording settings, capturing design software, adding annotations, and sharing the final video. Follow each step to create clear, professional walkthroughs that keep clients and teammates on the same page.
Table of contents
- 1. Install Loom on Desktop & Mobile
- 2. Configure Recording Settings for Design Work
- 3. Capture Design Software Efficiently
- 4. Edit, Annotate, and Add Call‑outs
- 5. Share, Embed, and Secure Your Videos
- 6. Loom vs. Competitors
- FAQ
1. Install Loom on Desktop & Mobile
Desktop extension
Go to loom.com/download and click “Download for Windows” or “Download for macOS”. The installer creates a Chrome/Edge extension and a standalone app.
Mobile app
Search “Loom” in the App Store or Google Play. Install the app, sign in with the same email you used on desktop, and you’re ready to record on the go.
2. Configure Recording Settings for Design Work
Resolution and frame rate
Design screens need crisp detail. In the app settings choose “1080p” and “30 fps”. Higher frame rates (60 fps) increase file size without noticeable benefit for static UI reviews.
Audio and microphone
Use a USB cardioid mic (e.g., Blue Snowball) for clear narration. In Loom’s Audio Settings select the mic and enable “Noise suppression”.
Camera placement
Enable “Camera + Screen”. Position the webcam window in the lower‑right corner. Keep your face small—no more than 15 % of the screen—to avoid covering UI elements.
3. Capture Design Software Efficiently
Recording a Figma prototype
- Open the Figma file you want to showcase.
- Start Loom, select “Screen + Camera”.
- Choose the Figma window only.
- Press “Record”. Navigate through frames while narrating.
Tip: Use Figma’s “Present” mode to hide UI chrome for a cleaner look.
Recording Sketch or Adobe XD
Both apps run on macOS. Choose “Full screen” if you need to switch between layers. Use the “Pause” button in Loom when you need to open a new artboard without recording.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut (Windows) | Shortcut (macOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Start/Stop Recording | Ctrl + Shift + L | Cmd + Shift + L |
| Pause/Resume | Ctrl + Shift + P | Cmd + Shift + P |
| Show/Hide Camera | Ctrl + Shift + C | Cmd + Shift + C |
4. Edit, Annotate, and Add Call‑outs
Trim the video
After stopping, Loom opens a quick editor. Drag the sliders to cut dead time. For design reviews, keep videos under 3 minutes.
Insert call‑outs
Click “Add Call‑out” and choose a shape (arrow, circle). Position it over a UI element you’re discussing. Adjust color to match your brand palette.
Export subtitles
Enable “Auto‑generate captions”. Download the .vtt file for accessibility or embed it in the video player.
// Example: Adding subtitles manually
<track src="mywalkthrough.vtt" kind="captions" srclang="en" label="English">
5. Share, Embed, and Secure Your Videos
Instant link sharing
Loom creates a unique URL. Copy it and paste into Figma comments, Slack, or email. Recipients can view without an account if you enable “Anyone with the link”.
Embedding in design docs
Copy the embed code from the video’s “Share” menu and paste into Notion, Confluence, or a Webflow page.
<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/abc123" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:480px"></iframe>
Security options
On the Pro plan you can:
- Lock videos with a password.
- Restrict access to a specific email domain (e.g., @client.com).
- Disable downloading.
6. Loom vs. Competitors
Below is a quick side‑by‑side comparison of Loom, Vidyard, and CloudApp for designers.
| Feature | Loom | Vidyard | CloudApp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier video limit | 25 videos / month, 5 min each | None (14‑day trial) | 5 videos / month, 5 min each |
| Screen + Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom branding | Pro only ($8/mo) | Enterprise only | Pro only ($9/mo) |
| Password protection | Pro | Enterprise | Pro |
| Video editing tools | Trim, call‑outs, captions | Trim, captions, analytics | Trim, annotations, GIF export |
| Export formats | MP4 | MP4, MOV | MP4, GIF |
FAQ
Is Loom free for designers?
Loom offers a free tier with up to 25 videos per month and a 5‑minute limit per video. The Pro plan costs $8 per month and removes limits, adds password protection and custom branding.
Can I record my design software directly?
Yes. Loom captures any window on your desktop, including Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and Photoshop. Choose “Screen + Camera” to show both the design and your face.
How do I share Loom videos with clients?
Loom generates a shareable link instantly. You can embed the video in Figma comments, send it via email, or add it to a Notion page.
What file formats does Loom export?
Videos are stored as MP4 on Loom’s servers. You can download the MP4 file for archiving or editing in Premiere Pro.
Is Loom secure for confidential design work?
Loom uses TLS encryption and lets you lock videos with passwords or restrict access to specific email domains on the Pro plan.
Using Loom lets designers turn static mockups into dynamic stories. Set up the right settings, record with confidence, edit quickly, and share securely. Your clients will understand the design faster, and you will spend less time writing emails.