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

Q: What is the Mac shortcut to start screen recording, and how do I stop it?

To start a screen recording on a Mac, press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar. In the toolbar, choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion. Click Options to pick a microphone if you want audio, then press Record. To stop, click the stop button in the top menu bar. You can also press Command + Control + Escape. When you finish, the video saves as a .MOV file. It usually appears on your desktop unless you change the save location in Options.

By Andy Feliciotti

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.

Watch "Screen Studio Review - Best Screen Recorder for Mac?" on YouTube

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.

What is the Mac shortcut to start screen recording, and how do I stop it?

To start a screen recording on a Mac, press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.

In the toolbar, choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion. Click Options to pick a microphone if you want audio, then press Record.

To stop, click the stop button in the top menu bar. You can also press Command + Control + Escape.

When you finish, the video saves as a .MOV file. It usually appears on your desktop unless you change the save location in Options.

How do I screen record with audio using QuickTime Player on Mac?

QuickTime Player can record your screen and microphone audio at the same time. It is already installed on most Macs, so it is a simple option for quick tutorials.

Open QuickTime Player, then go to File > New Screen Recording. Click Options next to the record button and pick your microphone (including AirPods if they are connected).

Click Record, then choose to capture the full screen or drag to select an area. When you are done, press Stop or use Command + Control + Escape.

QuickTime will play your recording right away so you can check the sound. Save it from File > Save when it looks good.

Why is my Mac screen recording not picking up sound?

Most sound issues happen because the wrong microphone is selected. Open the Screenshot toolbar (Command + Shift + 5) or QuickTime, then choose the correct mic under Options.

Next, check your Mac’s Privacy and Security settings. Make sure the app you are using (like QuickTime) has permission to use your microphone.

Also check your input level. If your mic is very quiet, move closer, speak louder, or use an external microphone.

One more tip: built-in Mac tools usually record microphone audio, not “computer audio” from the system. If you need system audio, you may need a third-party setup.

Where do screen recordings save on Mac, and how can I change the save location?

By default, screen recordings made with the Screenshot toolbar usually save to your desktop. The file is saved as a .MOV video.

You can change this before you record. Press Command + Shift + 5, click Options, then choose a different save location.

If you record with QuickTime, you pick the save location when you save the file. Go to File > Save and choose the folder you want.

Setting a consistent folder helps you stay organized, especially if you record lessons, demos, or client walkthroughs often.

How can I turn a Mac screen recording into a blog post or step-by-step tutorial faster?

A fast workflow is to record once, then reuse the content in other formats. Your screen recording can become a written tutorial, a checklist, and even a short script for a new video.

Start by turning the audio into text using RightBlogger’s Transcribe tool. This gives you a transcript you can quickly scan and edit.

Then paste the transcript into the RightBlogger AI Article Writer to create a clean blog post outline, headings, and step-by-step instructions. You can tighten the wording, add tips, and publish faster.

This approach saves time and helps your content reach people who prefer reading instead of watching.

Which screen recorder is best on Mac if I need audio too?

The best screen recorder depends on what you are trying to make. If you want something quick and simple, the built-in Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime Player is usually enough.

If you want easy sharing and strong quality, Loom is a popular option and can record up to 4K. It is also helpful when you want to record your voice while you explain something.

If you want a more polished look, Screen Studio is great for smooth zooms, cursor effects, captions, and basic edits. It can make tutorials look more professional without a complicated setup.

If you need full control over scenes, audio sources, and live streaming, OBS is a powerful choice. It can take longer to learn, but it is very flexible.