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 my Mac screen recording not capturing sound, and how do I fix it?

If your Mac screen recording has no sound, it usually means the wrong microphone is selected or audio permissions are blocked. Open the Screenshot toolbar with Command + Shift + 5, click Options, and make sure the right microphone is checked.

Next, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and confirm that QuickTime Player or your recording app is allowed to use the mic. If you are using AirPods or an external mic, select that device in both System Settings and your recording app.

Also check your input volume in System Settings → Sound → Input. If the bar barely moves when you speak, raise the input volume or move closer to the mic.

If audio still does not record, try restarting your Mac and testing a quick 10 second recording in QuickTime. This helps you see if the problem is with the app or your system settings.

How can I record my Mac screen with my face in the corner (picture-in-picture)?

To record your screen with your face on Mac, you need an app that supports webcam overlays. Tools like Screen Studio or OBS let you add both your screen and camera in one video.

In these apps, set your screen as the main source, then add your webcam as a second source. Resize the camera window and drag it to a corner so your face does not block important content.

Before recording, do a quick test to check framing and lighting. Make sure any text, menus, or code on screen are still easy to see.

If you plan to turn these recordings into YouTube videos, you can speed up your workflow with the RightBlogger Video Script Generator. It helps you plan what to say so your picture-in-picture videos feel clear and organized.

What is the best screen recording format on Mac for YouTube or social media?

On Mac, the default recording format is .MOV, which offers high quality. For YouTube and most social platforms, .MP4 (H.264) is usually the best format because it is smaller and easier to upload.

You can record in MOV, then export or convert the file to MP4 using a video editor or converter. Many editors keep your video looking crisp while shrinking the file size.

If you plan to turn your recordings into a full video series or tutorials, tools like RightBlogger AI YouTube Tips can help you plan titles, descriptions, and optimization. This makes sure your screen recordings are easy to find in search.

For repurposing, you can also pull your YouTube video transcript using the RightBlogger YouTube Transcript Tool. That transcript can become blog posts, email lessons, or short social captions.

How can RightBlogger help me get more value from my Mac screen recordings?

RightBlogger helps you turn your Mac screen recordings into full content without starting from scratch. After you record a tutorial or demo, upload it to YouTube and grab the text with the YouTube Transcript Tool.

You can then use that transcript with the RightBlogger AI Article Writer to create a clear blog post, step-by-step guide, or FAQ from your video. This lets you cover both viewers who like video and readers who prefer text.

If you want to turn your blog posts back into video scripts, the Blog to YouTube tool can help. It structures your post into a script you can read while recording your Mac screen.

Using these tools together, one simple screen recording can become a blog post, social clips, and multiple YouTube videos. That means more reach and traffic from the same recording session.