How to Screen Record on Mac: A Full Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated March 30, 2024

How to Screen Record on Mac: A Full Step-by-Step Guide

Level up your content creation game by mastering screen recording with audio on your Mac. Record slick demos, how-tos, and more with just a few clicks. QuickTime Player lets you capture video and audio easily for quick recordings. Or use third-party apps for advanced editing features.

In this guide you’ll learn how to screen record on Mac. Add crystal-clear audio and take your content creation skills to new heights. Screen recording with audio made easy. It’s time to produce your best work yet.

Recording Screen with Audio on Mac Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For those looking to screen record video and audio on Mac without extra software, the screenshot toolbar is a straightforward solution. This is by far the easiest way to screen record on Mac. This method is perfect for quick recordings. The screenshot toolbar allows you to record your full screen or just a portion of the screen.

Screenshot toolbar on Mac — QuickTime Player screenshot toolbar

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press “Command + Shift + 5” on your keyboard.

Step 2: The Screenshot toolbar will appear with specific onscreen controls.

Step 3: Choose options in the toolbar, select your Macbook microphone (or an external mic), then hit Record.

Step 4: To stop recording, press “Command + Control + Escape” or “Command + Shift + 5” again and select “Stop Recording“. You can also click the stop button in the top menubar as well.

Your video will show up on your desktop (or where you selected the recording to go to in the options), complete with audio. By default screen recordings are captured as a .MOV file.

Using QuickTime to Record Video and Audio on Mac

QuickTime Player, an Apple product, comes preinstalled on all Macs. You can open QuickTime via your applications folder or use spotlight to quickly open it (by hitting Command + Space) and typing QuickTime.

Here’s a quick guide:

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.

Step 2: Go to “File” and choose “New Screen Recording“.

Step 3: Click the Options button next Record button to pick a microphone.

Step 4: Hit the “Record” button. You can record the entire screen or drag to select a specific area.

Step 5: Record your content, including any audio.

Step 6: Press Stop Recording or “Command-Control-Esc” to finish.

Step 7: QuickTime Player will show your recording. Check the sound quality before saving. Saving the file can be done by clicking “File” then “Save…”.

Which Screen Recorder Is Best for Mac with Audio?

When choosing a screen recording app or software for Mac, consider what suits your needs best. Here are two great options:

QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player remains a preferred choice for many Mac users. It allows for basic video editing, such as trimming and rearranging clips. It’s a simple solution for quick screen recordings with audio.

Loom

Loom, a free screen recorder extension for Chrome, offers up to 4K video recording quality and the ability to trim and stitch recordings. It’s ideal for simultaneous audio and voice recording.

Screen Studio

Screen Studio is a powerful screen recording app for Mac that’s perfect for capturing mouse movements, webcam footage, and basic editing. In my opinion Screen Studio is the best screen recording app on Mac. It has a user-friendly interface that lets you easily record specific windows, areas, or devices like iPhones and iPads. The built-in editor allows you to customize the background, cursor, and camera settings, as well as add captions and animations.

Screen Studio automatically zooms in on areas you interact with, providing a smooth and focused recording experience. It will even capture keyboard presses and mouse clicks as you do them in your recording. Its timeline editor makes it simple to trim, split, and adjust the speed of your clips. Overall, Screen Studio is an excellent choice for anyone needing to create professional-looking screen recordings on their Mac.

OBS

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a versatile screen recording tool that is highly popular among content creators for Mac. It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to capture multiple sources such as screen, webcam, and audio inputs simultaneously. OBS provides customizable settings for recording quality, frame rates, and audio configurations, allowing users to fine-tune their recording setup according to their specific needs.

OBS also supports live streaming, making it a great choice for those who want to broadcast their screen recordings in real-time (this is the primary use case of OBS). With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, OBS is a top choice for Mac users looking to create professional-quality screen recordings.

FAQs on How to Screen Record on Mac with Audio

Can QuickTime record screen and audio?

Yes. Select your preferred microphone in QuickTime before recording to include audio from any microphone on your Mac including AirPods.

How do I make a video of my computer screen?

Use QuickTime, the Screenshot toolbar, or a third-party app like the one mentioned above. There are many great options to record your Mac screen. The shortcut on MacOS to start screen recording on Mac is “Command + Shift + 5“.

Where do screen recordings go on Mac?

Recordings save to your desktop with the Screenshot toolbar. With the options button you can also select where the recording is saved. With QuickTime or other software, choose where to save when exporting or sharing.

Is It Possible to Record Both Audio and Video on a Mac?

Yes, you can record both audio and video on a Mac. There are several methods available, including using the built-in Screenshot toolbar or other screen recording software. Your choice will depend on the recording quality you’re aiming for.

Conclusion

Screencasting with audio on your Mac is a game-changer for content creators. The built-in QuickTime Player makes it easy to record your screen plus audio. But third-party apps unlock even more powerful features if you need them. Follow this guide to start capturing slick video tutorials, presentations, and other content that sounds as good as it looks.

With just a few clicks, you can take your creativity to the next level and share your knowledge with the world! Don’t just show – tell. Add pro-quality audio and watch your audience light up.

Why is there no sound in my Mac screen recording, and how can I fix it?

If your Mac screen recording has no sound, it usually means no microphone was selected before you started. Open the Screenshot toolbar with Command + Shift + 5 or QuickTime, click Options, and pick your built-in mic, MacBook microphone, or external mic.

Also check your Mac sound settings. Go to System Settings → Sound and make sure your input device is set correctly and the input level is not too low.

If you use AirPods or a USB mic, plug them in and select them again in the recording options. Do a short test recording and play it back to confirm that your voice and system sounds are being captured.

Keep your input volume around the middle and record in a quiet room. This helps your screen recordings sound cleaner and more professional.

How can I record my Mac screen with my face on camera at the same time?

To record your screen and face together, use a screen recorder that supports webcam overlays, such as Screen Studio, Loom, or OBS. These tools let you show your face in a small window while you record your screen.

In most apps, you pick both your screen and your camera as sources before you hit Record. You can then drag or resize the camera frame so it does not block important parts of your screen.

This setup is great for tutorials, online courses, and YouTube videos because viewers can see your reactions and body language. It also builds more trust, since people can connect with you, not just your screen.

If you plan to turn your recordings into scripts or content later, tools like RightBlogger's AI video script generator can help you write structured scripts that match each part of your screen demo.

What is the best file format and quality settings for Mac screen recordings?

On Mac, screen recordings are saved as .MOV files by default, which gives you high quality and smooth motion. This is ideal for editing later in apps like iMovie, Final Cut, or Screen Studio.

If you plan to upload to YouTube or share online, you can export your final edit as an MP4 file. MP4 keeps file sizes smaller while still looking sharp enough for most viewers.

When you can, record at your screen's native resolution and keep your frame rate at 30 fps or 60 fps for smooth movement. Higher quality is helpful if you plan to zoom in on parts of the screen in your edit.

After you export your video, you can use a tool like RightBlogger to write an optimized blog post or video description around it. The AI Article Writer can help you turn a single recording into a full written tutorial that ranks better in search.

How can I turn my Mac screen recordings into content that ranks on Google or YouTube?

Start by planning your recording around clear steps and keywords your audience might search for, such as "how to record screen on Mac with audio" or "Mac screen recording shortcut." Talk through each step slowly so it is easy to follow and easy to turn into text later.

After recording, upload your video to YouTube with a clear title, description, and simple chapters. Strong descriptions and timestamps help both viewers and search engines understand what your video covers.

Next, turn your video into a written guide or blog post. RightBlogger's AI Article Writer can help you expand your script or outline into a full article, saving you time.

If you want to repurpose your blog post back into video, you can also use the blog-to-video converter to create YouTube-ready scripts from your written content. This gives you both a video and a post that support each other in search results.

What is the easiest way to record a short how-to video on Mac for social media?

For quick how-to clips, the Screenshot toolbar shortcut (Command + Shift + 5) is usually the fastest. It lets you pick a small area of your screen and record in seconds without extra setup.

If you want nicer motion, cursor effects, or captions without heavy editing, Screen Studio is a great next step. It can auto zoom on clicks and highlight your mouse to make short lessons easier to follow.

After recording, trim the clip to remove silence at the start and end, then export a version sized for your platform, such as a vertical crop for Reels or TikTok. Short, focused clips often perform better than long, uncut recordings.

You can also write a simple script or caption first, then record to match it. Tools like RightBlogger's YouTube ideas generator can help you brainstorm quick tutorial topics that are more likely to get views.