cv.cm
All lessons

Developer tools

How to test your webcam

You have a video call coming up, or a new webcam, and want to know it works and how good it looks. You will open the camera, read what it really sends and fix the usual problems. The video stays in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

5-minute read

Today's result A working preview, the camera's real resolution, aspect ratio and frame rate, and a test photo on your device.

Video apps may lower the resolution again to save bandwidth; this test shows what the camera itself can send.

Open Webcam test
Contents

  1. Know what to check

    Four things decide how you look on a call: resolution (720p or 1080p), frame rate (30 fps is smooth), focus and light. The test shows the first two as numbers; a photo shows the rest.

    Resolution · frame rate · focus · light.
    Resolution · frame rate · focus · light.

  2. Open Webcam test on cv.cm

    Press Start camera and allow access in the prompt. You see yourself in the preview, mirrored as in a mirror; untick Mirror the preview to see what others see.

    Open Webcam test

  3. Pick the camera and resolution

    With more than one camera, choose it in the Camera list. Choose 720p or 1080p in Resolution; the panel shows the size you really get, which may be lower if the camera cannot do it.

  4. Read the frame rate

    Frame rate is measured from the frames actually shown. 30 fps is smooth; 15 fps or less usually means the room is too dark and the camera is exposing longer.

  5. Fix a black or missing camera

    Close other apps that use the camera, open the privacy shutter or press the camera key, allow camera access for the browser in system settings, and try another USB port.

    Black preview: other app · shutter · permission · USB port.
    Black preview: other app · shutter · permission · USB port.

  6. Take a test photo

    Press Take photo to check sharpness and colour, and Save photo to keep it. Face a window or a lamp rather than having it behind you.

Use with these tools

FAQ

What resolution should my webcam have?

720p is fine for most calls; 1080p looks sharper when the app sends it. A 4K webcam mostly helps with cropping and zoom.

Why is my webcam blurry?

Clean the lens, give it light from the front, and check that the camera has focused (fixed-focus webcams are sharp from about 50 cm).

Why is my webcam laggy?

Low light drops the frame rate; a busy USB hub or an old USB 2.0 port can limit 1080p. Try more light, 720p or another port.

Is the webcam test safe?

Yes. The video stays in your browser tab and photos are made on your device. Nothing is uploaded.

Why is the preview mirrored?

So moving left moves left on screen, like a mirror. Others see you unmirrored; untick Mirror the preview to see that view.