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

Q: What is the easiest way to record part of my screen (not the whole display) on Mac?

The easiest way is the Screenshot toolbar. Press Command + Shift + 5, then choose Record Selected Portion. Drag the frame to cover the exact area you want, like a browser window or a single app. This keeps your video focused and avoids recording private notifications. If your goal is a clean tutorial, recording a smaller area can also make editing faster. Viewers only see what matters, which usually boosts watch time.

Q: Which screen recorder is best for Mac: QuickTime, Loom, Screen Studio, or OBS?

The best choice depends on what you are making. QuickTime Player is great for simple screen recordings with mic audio and basic trimming. If you want fast sharing and easy recording, Loom is a strong option, especially for quick updates or walkthroughs. It can record in high quality and lets you trim and stitch clips. For polished tutorial videos, Screen Studio is built for smooth results like auto zooms, cursor effects, and quick edits. If you need deep control or live streaming, OBS is powerful but takes more setup.

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.

How do I screen record on a Mac with audio using keyboard shortcuts?

Use the Screenshot toolbar, which is built into macOS. Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the toolbar, then choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.

Before you hit Record, click Options and pick your microphone (MacBook mic, external mic, or AirPods). This is the key step that makes sure your voice is included.

To stop, press Command + Control + Esc or click the stop button in the menu bar. Your recording usually saves as a .MOV file to your Desktop, unless you change the save location in Options.

Why isn’t my microphone audio recording on Mac screen recordings?

Most of the time, the microphone is simply not selected. Open the Screenshot toolbar with Command + Shift + 5, click Options, and choose the correct mic before recording.

If you still get no sound, check macOS permissions. Go to System Settings and make sure your recording app has access to the Microphone.

Also test your mic input level. A quick check in Sound settings can confirm the Mac is hearing you before you start recording a full video.

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

By default, screen recordings made with the Screenshot toolbar save to your Desktop. You will usually see a thumbnail preview right after you stop recording.

To change the save location, press Command + Shift + 5, click Options, and pick a different folder. You can also choose other locations depending on your macOS version.

If you record with QuickTime Player, you choose where to save when you click File then Save. This can be helpful if you want to keep recordings organized by project.

What is the easiest way to record part of my screen (not the whole display) on Mac?

The easiest way is the Screenshot toolbar. Press Command + Shift + 5, then choose Record Selected Portion.

Drag the frame to cover the exact area you want, like a browser window or a single app. This keeps your video focused and avoids recording private notifications.

If your goal is a clean tutorial, recording a smaller area can also make editing faster. Viewers only see what matters, which usually boosts watch time.

Which screen recorder is best for Mac: QuickTime, Loom, Screen Studio, or OBS?

The best choice depends on what you are making. QuickTime Player is great for simple screen recordings with mic audio and basic trimming.

If you want fast sharing and easy recording, Loom is a strong option, especially for quick updates or walkthroughs. It can record in high quality and lets you trim and stitch clips.

For polished tutorial videos, Screen Studio is built for smooth results like auto zooms, cursor effects, and quick edits. If you need deep control or live streaming, OBS is powerful but takes more setup.

How can RightBlogger help after I record my screen on Mac?

RightBlogger can help you turn your recording into written content faster. If you recorded a tutorial, you can transcribe it and reuse the words for a blog post, email, or video notes.

A simple workflow is to upload your audio and use RightBlogger Transcribe to convert recordings into text. Then you can clean it up into a clear article or step by step guide.

If your recording is on YouTube, you can also grab the text version using YouTube Transcript Download for quick repurposing. This saves time and helps you publish more consistently without starting from scratch.