Why I Turn Rev off In Camtasia

In this post I explain why I usually turn Rev off in Camtasia and then add the effects I need afterwards. This keeps my timeline clean, speeds up exports and uploads on my system, and still gives me full control over background removal and other visual effects directly inside Camtasia.

The Problem With Extra Tracks And Backgrounds

When Rev is enabled, Camtasia can introduce an additional background layer and extra tracks. For simple screen plus camera videos, I prefer to keep only two tracks one for the screen recording and one for the camera. Fewer tracks make editing quicker and mistakes less likely.

My Simple Two Track Workflow

Open the project and right click the Rev media, then choose Modify Revved Media.
Turn the Background setting off and save so the extra layer disappears.
Unpack Rev media so elements are separated and easy to manage.
Keep two tracks only screen capture and camera.
Add any overlays such as a thumbnail image on the timeline and resize as needed.
Apply Camtasia’s built in effects directly to the clips.

Adding Effects Directly In Camtasia

Everything I need from Rev can be added inside Camtasia after the recording. For example, to remove your camera background, go to Visual Effects and apply Background Removal to the camera clip. You can also use filters and other effects right from the same panel.

Speed Difference I Have Seen

On my system an 8 minute video with Rev on previously took around 30 to 35 minutes to upload. With Rev off the same length project uploaded in roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Results will vary depending on your hardware and internet connection, but I consistently find this lighter workflow faster and more predictable.

Why This Works For Me

Cleaner timeline with fewer tracks to manage.
No auto background layer to remove later.
Full control of effects inside Camtasia.
Quicker exports and uploads in my experience.

Final Thoughts

If you are recording screen plus camera videos, try turning Rev off and applying effects after the fact. You may find the workflow simpler and faster. Let me know your results and any tips you have discovered in the comments.