Screen recording is a useful feature that allows you to capture and share your screen activity with others. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or demonstrating software, screen recording is an essential tool for many Mac users. In this article, we’ll show you how to screen record on a Mac with audio, including the built-in tools and third-party software options.
Using the Built-in Screen Recording Tool
MacOS has a built-in screen recording tool that allows you to capture your screen activity with audio. This tool is free and easy to use, making it a great option for those who want to quickly record their screen.
How to Access the Screen Recording Tool
To access the screen recording tool, follow these steps:
- Press the Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 keys on your keyboard. This will open the Screen Recording toolbar.
- Click on the Screen Recording icon, which looks like a circle with a white center.
Recording Your Screen with Audio
Once you’ve accessed the Screen Recording toolbar, you can start recording your screen with audio. Here’s how:
- Click on the microphone icon to enable audio recording. You’ll see a red dot appear next to the microphone icon when audio is enabled.
- Select the area of the screen you want to record by clicking and dragging the crosshair pointer.
- Click the Record button to start recording your screen.
Customizing Your Screen Recording
The built-in screen recording tool allows you to customize your recording settings. Here are a few options you can adjust:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone | Select the microphone you want to use for audio recording. |
| Record Entire Screen | Record the entire screen, rather than a selected area. |
| Show Mouse Clicks | Highlight mouse clicks in the recording. |
Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software
While the built-in screen recording tool is convenient, it may not offer all the features you need. Third-party screen recording software can provide more advanced features, such as video editing and annotation tools.
Popular Third-Party Screen Recording Software
Here are a few popular third-party screen recording software options for Mac:
- Camtasia: A powerful screen recording and video editing software that offers advanced features like annotation and green screen.
- ScreenFlow: A professional screen recording software that offers advanced features like video editing and color correction.
- OBS Studio: A free and open-source screen recording software that offers advanced features like live streaming and chroma keying.
How to Use Third-Party Screen Recording Software
Using third-party screen recording software is similar to using the built-in tool. Here’s a general overview of the steps:
- Download and install the software.
- Launch the software and select the screen recording option.
- Choose the area of the screen you want to record and select the audio input.
- Start recording your screen.
Tips for Recording High-Quality Audio
Recording high-quality audio is essential for creating professional-sounding screen recordings. Here are a few tips to help you improve your audio quality:
Use a Good Microphone
Using a good microphone can make a big difference in the quality of your audio. Here are a few options:
- Blue Yeti: A popular and highly-rated USB microphone that offers high-quality audio.
- Rode NT-USB: A studio-grade USB microphone that offers warm and natural audio.
Position the Microphone Correctly
Positioning the microphone correctly can help reduce background noise and improve audio quality. Here are a few tips:
- Place the microphone 6-8 inches away from your mouth.
- Position the microphone at a 45-degree angle to reduce pop noise.
Use a Pop Filter
A pop filter can help reduce plosive sounds (like “p” and “t”) and improve audio quality. You can buy a pop filter or make your own using a simple DIY method.
Common Issues with Screen Recording on a Mac
While screen recording on a Mac is generally easy, there are a few common issues you may encounter. Here are a few solutions to help you troubleshoot:
No Audio in the Recording
If you’re not getting any audio in your recording, check the following:
- Make sure the microphone is enabled in the Screen Recording toolbar.
- Check that the microphone is selected as the audio input in the Screen Recording settings.
Low-Quality Audio
If your audio quality is low, try the following:
- Use a good microphone, such as the Blue Yeti or Rode NT-USB.
- Position the microphone correctly, as described earlier.
Conclusion
Screen recording on a Mac with audio is a useful feature that can help you create professional-looking tutorials, record gameplay, and demonstrate software. By using the built-in screen recording tool or third-party software, you can capture high-quality audio and video. Remember to use a good microphone, position it correctly, and adjust the recording settings to get the best results. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality screen recordings with audio.
What is screen recording and how does it work on a Mac?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on a computer screen, often accompanied by audio, to create a video file. On a Mac, screen recording can be done using the built-in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. The Screenshot toolbar is a more recent addition to macOS, introduced in Mojave (10.14), and provides a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for capturing screenshots and screen recordings.
When you initiate a screen recording on a Mac, the operating system creates a video file that captures the activity on your screen, including any movements, clicks, and keyboard input. If you choose to include audio, the recording will also capture any sounds produced by your computer, such as system beeps or audio playback. The resulting video file can be saved to your computer, uploaded to the internet, or shared with others.
What are the different methods for screen recording on a Mac?
There are two primary methods for screen recording on a Mac: using the QuickTime Player and using the Screenshot toolbar. The QuickTime Player method involves opening the QuickTime Player application, selecting “File” > “New Screen Recording,” and then choosing the desired recording settings. The Screenshot toolbar method involves pressing the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5, selecting the screen recording option, and then choosing the desired recording settings.
Both methods offer similar functionality, but the Screenshot toolbar method is generally more convenient and easier to use. Additionally, the Screenshot toolbar method provides more advanced features, such as the ability to record a selected portion of the screen or to include the camera in the recording.
How do I record my screen with audio on a Mac?
To record your screen with audio on a Mac, you can use either the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. If using the QuickTime Player, select “File” > “New Screen Recording” and then click the arrow next to the record button. Select your desired audio input, such as the built-in microphone or an external audio device. If using the Screenshot toolbar, press the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5, select the screen recording option, and then click the “Options” menu. Select your desired audio input from the list.
Once you have selected your audio input, you can begin the screen recording by clicking the record button. The recording will capture both the video of your screen and the audio from your selected input. You can pause or stop the recording at any time by clicking the corresponding button.
Can I record a selected portion of my screen on a Mac?
Yes, you can record a selected portion of your screen on a Mac using the Screenshot toolbar. To do this, press the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5, select the screen recording option, and then click and drag the crosshair pointer to select the desired portion of the screen. You can also use the “Options” menu to select a specific window or application to record.
Once you have selected the desired portion of the screen, you can begin the screen recording by clicking the record button. The recording will capture only the selected portion of the screen, allowing you to focus on a specific area or application.
How do I edit my screen recording on a Mac?
You can edit your screen recording on a Mac using a variety of applications, including iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro. These applications provide a range of editing tools and features, such as trimming, splitting, and merging clips, adding transitions and effects, and adjusting audio levels.
To edit your screen recording, simply import the video file into your chosen editing application and begin making adjustments. You can also use the built-in QuickTime Player to make basic edits, such as trimming the beginning or end of the recording.
Can I share my screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, you can share your screen recording on a Mac in a variety of ways. You can upload the video file to video sharing websites, such as YouTube or Vimeo, or share it directly with others via email or messaging applications. You can also use the built-in sharing features of the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar to share the recording with others.
To share your screen recording, simply select the video file and choose the desired sharing method. You can also use the “Options” menu to select specific sharing options, such as exporting the video in a specific format or resolution.