As a Mac user, you may have encountered situations where you need to record your screen and audio. Whether you’re creating a tutorial, recording a video call, or capturing gameplay, screen and audio recording is a useful feature to have. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to screen and audio record on Mac, including built-in tools, third-party software, and hardware solutions.
Using Built-in Tools: QuickTime Player and Screenshot
Mac comes with two built-in tools that allow you to screen and audio record: QuickTime Player and Screenshot. These tools are free, easy to use, and don’t require any additional software or hardware.
QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a media player that comes pre-installed on Mac. It also has a screen recording feature that allows you to capture your screen and audio. To use QuickTime Player for screen recording, follow these steps:
- Open QuickTime Player by searching for it in Spotlight or finding it in the Applications folder.
- Click on “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Screen Recording.”
- A window will appear with a red record button. Click on this button to start recording.
- Choose the microphone you want to use for audio recording. You can select the built-in microphone or an external microphone.
- Click on the “Record” button to start recording. You can record the entire screen or select a portion of the screen to record.
- When you’re finished recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file in the “Movies” folder.
Screenshot
Screenshot is another built-in tool on Mac that allows you to capture screenshots and record your screen. To use Screenshot for screen recording, follow these steps:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will open the Screenshot toolbar.
- Click on the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” button to start recording.
- Choose the microphone you want to use for audio recording. You can select the built-in microphone or an external microphone.
- Click on the “Record” button to start recording.
- When you’re finished recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Third-Party Software: A Wide Range of Options
While QuickTime Player and Screenshot are convenient built-in tools, they may not offer the features and flexibility you need for more advanced screen and audio recording. In this case, you may want to consider third-party software. There are many options available, both free and paid, that offer a wide range of features and functionality.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular free and open-source screen recording software that’s widely used by gamers and content creators. It offers a wide range of features, including:
- High-quality video and audio recording
- Support for multiple audio sources
- Chroma keying and green screen support
- Advanced audio mixing and filtering
- Support for multiple video sources
OBS Studio is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, and is free to download and use.
Camtasia
Camtasia is a paid screen recording software that offers a wide range of features, including:
- High-quality video and audio recording
- Support for multiple audio sources
- Advanced video editing and annotation tools
- Support for multiple video sources
- Integration with other TechSmith tools, such as Snagit and Morae
Camtasia is available for Mac and Windows, and offers a free trial. The full version costs $299.99.
ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a paid screen recording software that’s specifically designed for Mac. It offers a wide range of features, including:
- High-quality video and audio recording
- Support for multiple audio sources
- Advanced video editing and annotation tools
- Support for multiple video sources
- Integration with other Telestream tools, such as Wirecast and Switch
ScreenFlow is available for Mac, and offers a free trial. The full version costs $129.99.
Hardware Solutions: External Capture Cards and Devices
If you’re looking for a more professional-grade screen and audio recording solution, you may want to consider hardware solutions. External capture cards and devices can offer high-quality video and audio recording, and are often used by gamers, content creators, and professionals.
Elgato HD60
The Elgato HD60 is a popular external capture card that’s designed for gamers and content creators. It offers:
- High-quality 1080p video recording at 60fps
- Support for multiple audio sources
- Advanced audio mixing and filtering
- Support for multiple video sources
- Integration with popular streaming software, such as OBS Studio and XSplit
The Elgato HD60 is available for Mac and Windows, and costs $129.99.
AVerMedia Extremecap U3
The AVerMedia Extremecap U3 is a high-end external capture card that’s designed for professionals. It offers:
- High-quality 4K video recording at 60fps
- Support for multiple audio sources
- Advanced audio mixing and filtering
- Support for multiple video sources
- Integration with popular streaming software, such as OBS Studio and XSplit
The AVerMedia Extremecap U3 is available for Mac and Windows, and costs $299.99.
Conclusion
Screen and audio recording on Mac is a useful feature that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from creating tutorials and recording video calls to capturing gameplay and streaming live video. Whether you’re using built-in tools, third-party software, or hardware solutions, there are many options available to suit your needs and budget. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can create high-quality screen and audio recordings that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
| Tool/Software | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| QuickTime Player | Free | Screen recording, audio recording, video editing |
| Screenshot | Free | Screen recording, audio recording, screenshot capture |
| OBS Studio | Free | Screen recording, audio recording, video editing, chroma keying |
| Camtasia | $299.99 | Screen recording, audio recording, video editing, annotation tools |
| ScreenFlow | $129.99 | Screen recording, audio recording, video editing, annotation tools |
| Elgato HD60 | $129.99 | External capture card, 1080p video recording, audio recording |
| AVerMedia Extremecap U3 | $299.99 | External capture card, 4K video recording, audio recording |
What is screen recording on Mac and how does it work?
Screen recording on Mac is a feature that allows users to capture and record their screen activity, including video, audio, and mouse movements. This feature is built into the Mac operating system and can be accessed through the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. When you start a screen recording, your Mac will capture everything that happens on your screen, including any audio that is playing.
The recorded video is then saved as a file on your Mac, which can be edited, shared, or uploaded to the internet. Screen recording is a useful tool for creating tutorials, demonstrations, and presentations, as well as for capturing gameplay or other on-screen activity. It’s also a great way to troubleshoot issues or demonstrate a problem to someone else.
How do I record my screen on Mac?
To record your screen on Mac, you can use the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. To use QuickTime Player, open the application and select “File” > “New Screen Recording.” Then, select the area of the screen you want to record and click the “Record” button. To use the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard, then select the area of the screen you want to record and click the “Record” button.
Once you’ve started the recording, you can stop it by clicking the “Stop” button in the menu bar or by pressing Command + Shift + 5 again. The recorded video will be saved as a file on your Mac, which you can then edit, share, or upload to the internet. You can also use third-party screen recording software, such as OBS Studio or Camtasia, which offer more advanced features and options.
Can I record audio on Mac?
Yes, you can record audio on Mac using the built-in Voice Memos app or third-party audio recording software. The Voice Memos app allows you to record audio using your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external microphone. To use Voice Memos, open the application and click the “Record” button. You can then speak into the microphone to record your audio.
The recorded audio is then saved as a file on your Mac, which you can then edit, share, or upload to the internet. You can also use third-party audio recording software, such as Audacity or GarageBand, which offer more advanced features and options. These applications allow you to record audio from multiple sources, edit and mix audio tracks, and add effects and filters.
How do I record audio from multiple sources on Mac?
To record audio from multiple sources on Mac, you can use third-party audio recording software, such as Audacity or GarageBand. These applications allow you to record audio from multiple sources, such as your Mac’s built-in microphone, an external microphone, or a musical instrument. To record audio from multiple sources, open the application and select the sources you want to record.
Then, click the “Record” button to start recording. The application will capture audio from all of the selected sources and allow you to edit and mix the audio tracks. You can also add effects and filters to the audio tracks to enhance the sound quality. Once you’ve finished recording, you can save the audio file to your Mac or share it with others.
Can I record my screen and audio at the same time on Mac?
Yes, you can record your screen and audio at the same time on Mac using the QuickTime Player or third-party screen recording software. To use QuickTime Player, open the application and select “File” > “New Screen Recording.” Then, select the area of the screen you want to record and click the “Record” button. Make sure to select the audio source you want to record, such as your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external microphone.
The recorded video will capture both the screen activity and the audio. You can then save the recorded video to your Mac or share it with others. Third-party screen recording software, such as OBS Studio or Camtasia, also allow you to record your screen and audio at the same time. These applications offer more advanced features and options, such as the ability to record from multiple audio sources and add effects and filters to the video.
How do I edit my screen recordings on Mac?
To edit your screen recordings on Mac, you can use the built-in iMovie application or third-party video editing software. iMovie allows you to trim, split, and merge clips, as well as add transitions and effects to your video. To use iMovie, open the application and import your screen recording. Then, select the clip you want to edit and use the tools in the toolbar to make changes.
Third-party video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, offer more advanced features and options. These applications allow you to edit multiple video tracks, add color correction and grading, and use advanced effects and transitions. You can also use these applications to add audio tracks and edit the audio levels.
How do I share my screen recordings on Mac?
To share your screen recordings on Mac, you can use the built-in sharing options in the QuickTime Player or third-party screen recording software. To use QuickTime Player, open the application and select the recorded video you want to share. Then, click the “Share” button and select the sharing option you want to use, such as email, message, or AirDrop.
You can also use third-party screen recording software, such as OBS Studio or Camtasia, to share your screen recordings. These applications allow you to upload your recordings to video sharing sites, such as YouTube or Vimeo, or share them on social media platforms. You can also use these applications to export your recordings in different file formats, such as MP4 or MOV, and share them with others.