Fraps is a small Windows program that records everything happening on your screen, especially video games, and can also show how fast the game is running (frames per second, or FPS). It’s both a screen recorder and a real-time performance counter in one lightweight tool.
People usually open Fraps before starting a game, hit a hotkey to begin recording, and then share the clip on YouTube or Discord. Others just keep it running in the background to watch the FPS counter in the corner, making sure their PC is running the game smoothly. It’s popular with gamers who want quick, no-fuss footage or a simple way to check performance without extra software.
Meaning & Usage Examples
Record gameplay: “I pressed F9 and Fraps saved the boss fight as an AVI file.”
Check speed: “The FPS counter said 120, so I knew the graphics card was fine.”
Context / Common Use
Fraps works best on older or mid-range Windows PCs. While newer tools exist, many still prefer Fraps for its tiny install size and instant hotkey recording. It’s free for basic use, with a watermark on longer clips unless you pay for the full version.
Is Fraps still updated?
No, the last update was in 2013, but it still runs fine on Windows 10 and 11.
Can Fraps record desktop apps or just games?
It can record the whole screen, so any program—game, browser, or even PowerPoint—can be captured.
Does Fraps work on Mac or Linux?
No, it’s Windows-only; Mac and Linux users need alternatives like OBS.
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