# Install and open Recorder

Canonical: https://fairleadhq.com/docs/recorder/installation/

Updated: 2026-10-07
Publication state: published
Product version: Source verified — 52de40a

Agent summary: Install Fairlead Recorder from the Chrome Web Store, pin it to the toolbar, and open the side panel; includes permissions and automatic updates.

## Prerequisites

- Google Chrome on a computer

## Inputs

- A browser application to test

## Outputs

- Fairlead Recorder installed and its side panel open

## Limitations

- Chrome internal pages cannot be recorded

## Permissions

- Website access and browser debugging for recording

## Privacy

- Record only pages and data you are permitted to capture


Add Fairlead Recorder to Chrome and open the side panel to start your first test.


Install Fairlead Recorder in Chrome to capture browser test sessions, review the evidence, and download it. You can record locally without a Fairlead account.

## Install Recorder

Use Google Chrome on your computer.

1. Open [Fairlead Recorder in the Chrome Web Store](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/fairlead-recorder/njikgkpcbaaeoeaadbofdpakfkglhmjk).
2. Select **Add to Chrome**.
3. Review the requested permissions and select **Add extension**.

Chrome adds Recorder to your extensions. If your organisation manages Chrome and blocks installation, ask your IT administrator to allow Fairlead Recorder.

## Pin and open Recorder

1. Select the **Extensions** icon beside Chrome's address bar.
2. Select the pin beside **Fairlead Recorder** to keep it in your toolbar.
3. Open the application you want to test.
4. Select the **Fairlead Recorder** toolbar icon.

The Recorder side panel opens beside your page. Opening it does not start recording. Capture begins when you select **Start recording**.

You can use local recording, review, and downloads without signing in. To use your team's configured project and destinations, sign in to your Fairlead account.

## Understand the permissions

Recorder uses website access to capture actions on the page and browser debugging access to collect network requests, console output, and other diagnostic evidence. It also uses local storage to hold session data and Chrome's download support to save artifacts to your computer.

Record only pages and data you are permitted to capture. Before sharing a session, inspect its contents, including console messages and screenshots: automatic redaction does not cover everything.

## Keep Recorder updated

Chrome handles updates for extensions installed from the Chrome Web Store. If your organisation manages extensions, your IT administrator may control when updates become available.

Continue with [Recorder overview](https://fairleadhq.com/docs/recorder/overview/) for a tour of the controls and viewer sections, then [Record your first test](https://fairleadhq.com/docs/recorder/quick-start/).