Camera & Microphone
Configure your camera and microphone for Thread recordings
Thread supports webcam overlay and microphone capture for both Instant Mode and Studio Mode recordings.
Camera
Select a camera
- Open Thread Desktop.
- Click the camera dropdown next to the camera toggle.
- Choose the camera you want to use.
Thread remembers the last device you selected.
Camera overlay
When enabled, your webcam appears as a floating overlay in the recording. You can:
- reposition it
- resize it
- turn it off without changing your saved device selection
Microphone
Select a microphone
- Open Thread Desktop.
- Click the microphone dropdown next to the microphone toggle.
- Choose the microphone you want to use.
Use the audio level indicator before you record to confirm that Thread is receiving input from the expected device.
System audio
Thread can also capture system audio, which is useful for:
- walkthroughs with app audio
- recorded calls or demos
- presentations with embedded media
Permissions
macOS
Thread needs explicit camera and microphone permission.
If access was denied:
- Open System Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Enable Thread under Camera and Microphone.
- Restart Thread Desktop if needed.
Windows
Windows manages permissions through Settings > Privacy. If the camera or microphone is unavailable, verify that Thread is allowed for both device types.
Troubleshooting
Camera not detected
- Check the cable or USB port.
- Close other apps that may be using the camera.
- Verify camera permission is enabled.
- Restart Thread Desktop.
Microphone not working
- Confirm the correct device is selected.
- Check the audio level indicator.
- Verify microphone permission is enabled.
- Test the microphone in another app.
Overlay missing in the recording
- Make sure the camera toggle is enabled before recording.
- Confirm the preview is visible in Thread before you start.
- Restart Thread if the camera was connected after launch.