Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot app. Record the entire screen, a selected portion, or — on macOS Tahoe 26 or later — a selected window. Options is where you pick a microphone, a save location (Desktop by default), and on Tahoe a SDR (H.264) or HDR (HEVC) format. Stop with Command-Control-Esc or the menu-bar Stop button. Official steps: How to record the screen on Mac.

Built-in tools record your microphone, not the sound playing on the Mac. For system audio you still need a virtual driver or a third-party recorder. After you have the file, turn it into a tutorial with how-to video ideas.

Recording Screen with Audio on Mac Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The built-in path is the Screenshot app (Shift-Command-5), not a separate QuickTime toolbar. Record the entire screen, a selected portion, or on Tahoe 26 a selected window. In Options you can pick a microphone, show mouse clicks, set a timer, change Save to, and on supported Macs choose SDR or HDR. Official: Take screenshots or screen recordings on Mac.

Screenshot toolbar on Mac
Screenshot app toolbar (Shift-Command-5)

Here’s how to do it:

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

Step 2: The Screenshot toolbar appears. Pick Record Entire Screen, Record Selected Portion, or (Tahoe 26+) Record Selected Window.

Step 3: Open Options. Choose a microphone, Save to, and on Tahoe 26 a capture format (SDR / H.264 or HDR / HEVC). Then click Record (or click the window if you chose Record Selected Window).

Step 4: Stop with the menu-bar Stop button or Command-Control-Esc. Click the floating thumbnail if you want to trim before it saves.

By default the file lands on the Desktop as Screen Recording [date] at [time].mov. Microphone audio is included only if you picked a mic in Options. Some apps (Apple names the Apple TV app) will not let you record their windows.

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.

Quicktime record mac

Here’s a quick guide:

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.

Step 2: Choose File → New Screen Recording, or press Control-Command-N. If you see the Screenshot toolbar, that is Screenshot — use the steps above. Official: How to record the screen on Mac.

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.

The Catch: Recording Internal System Audio on a Mac

If you’ve ever tried using the built-in Mac tools to record a Zoom meeting, a YouTube clip, or a webinar, you’ve probably run into a frustrating roadblock: the video looks great, but there’s no sound.

By default, Apple’s security settings prevent native tools from capturing internal system audio. When you click the “Options” menu in the Screenshot Toolbar or QuickTime, you can select your microphone to record your own voice, but you can’t capture the audio actually playing on your computer.

Depending on your budget and technical comfort, there are two ways to solve this:

  • The Free (but technical) Route: You can install a free virtual audio driver like BlackHole. It essentially creates a virtual bridge that routes the sound coming out of your Mac directly back into your screen recording software as an input. It takes a few minutes to configure in your “Audio MIDI Setup” app, but it works flawlessly once it’s going.
  • The Easy Route: If you don’t want to mess with routing system audio, the best solution is to use a third-party screen recorder. Powerful free tools like OBS Studio, or premium apps like Screen Studio and Loopback, are built to bypass this limitation and capture your internal system audio seamlessly with the click of a button.

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 Review - Best Screen Recorder for Mac? - YouTube thumbnail

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?

Press Shift-Command-5. That opens Screenshot. Record the whole screen, a portion, or on Tahoe 26 a single window. Official: How to record the screen on Mac.

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

Shift-Command-5 is the built-in recorder. QuickTime opens the same Screenshot tools on a modern Mac. Third-party apps are for system audio and extra editing, not for the basic capture. Once the file is on disk, map the tutorial with how-to video ideas or transcribe it with the transcript tool.

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.