Are you looking for a way to record your screen with audio on your Mac? Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls, screen recording is a useful feature that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll show you how to screen record with audio on a Mac using the built-in tools and third-party software.
Using the Built-in Screen Recording Tool
MacOS has a built-in screen recording tool that allows you to capture your screen with audio. This tool is called QuickTime Player, and it’s free to use. Here’s how to use it:
Recording Your Screen with QuickTime Player
To record your screen with QuickTime Player, follow these steps:
- Open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
- Click on “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Screen Recording” from the drop-down menu.
- A window will appear with a red record button. Click on this button to start recording your screen.
- Before you start recording, you can choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion of it. To record a selected portion, click and drag the crosshair pointer to select the area you want to record.
- Once you’ve selected the area you want to record, click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the recording process.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
Recording Audio with QuickTime Player
By default, QuickTime Player records your screen without audio. To record audio, you need to select the correct audio input source. Here’s how to do it:
- Before you start recording, click on the arrow next to the record button and select “Microphone” as the audio input source.
- If you want to record audio from a different source, such as a USB microphone or a audio interface, select the correct input source from the list.
Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software
While QuickTime Player is a great tool for screen recording, it has some limitations. For example, it doesn’t allow you to edit your recordings or add annotations. If you need more advanced features, you may want to consider using third-party screen recording software. Here are some popular options:
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among gamers and content creators. It allows you to record your screen with audio and add annotations, transitions, and other effects. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your Mac.
- Launch OBS Studio and select “Screen Recording” as the recording mode.
- Choose the audio input source and select the correct screen resolution and frame rate.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the recording process.
Camtasia
Camtasia is a paid screen recording software that’s popular among professionals. It allows you to record your screen with audio and add annotations, transitions, and other effects. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Camtasia on your Mac.
- Launch Camtasia and select “Screen Recording” as the recording mode.
- Choose the audio input source and select the correct screen resolution and frame rate.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the recording process.
Editing Your Screen Recordings
Once you’ve recorded your screen with audio, you may want to edit the recording to add annotations, transitions, or other effects. Here are some popular video editing software that you can use:
iMovie
iMovie is a free video editing software that comes with every Mac. It allows you to edit your screen recordings and add annotations, transitions, and other effects. Here’s how to use it:
- Import your screen recording into iMovie.
- Trim the recording to remove any unwanted parts.
- Add annotations, transitions, and other effects to the recording.
- Export the edited recording as a video file.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a paid video editing software that’s popular among professionals. It allows you to edit your screen recordings and add annotations, transitions, and other effects. Here’s how to use it:
- Import your screen recording into Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Trim the recording to remove any unwanted parts.
- Add annotations, transitions, and other effects to the recording.
- Export the edited recording as a video file.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your screen recordings:
Use a Good Microphone
A good microphone can make a big difference in the quality of your screen recordings. Consider investing in a USB microphone or a audio interface to improve the audio quality.
Choose the Correct Screen Resolution and Frame Rate
Choosing the correct screen resolution and frame rate can help you achieve the best possible video quality. Consider recording at a higher frame rate (such as 60fps) for smoother video.
Add Annotations and Transitions
Annotations and transitions can help you add context and visual interest to your screen recordings. Consider using video editing software to add these effects.
Conclusion
Screen recording is a useful feature that can help you achieve your goals, whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn how to screen record with audio on a Mac using the built-in tools and third-party software. Remember to use a good microphone, choose the correct screen resolution and frame rate, and add annotations and transitions to get the most out of your screen recordings.
What is screen recording and how does it work on a Mac?
Screen recording on a Mac is a feature that allows users to capture their screen activity, including audio and video, and save it as a video file. This feature is useful for creating tutorials, demonstrations, and presentations. The screen recording feature on a Mac uses the built-in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar to capture the screen activity.
To start a screen recording on a Mac, users can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar. From there, they can select the screen recording option and choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion. The recording will capture all the activity on the screen, including mouse movements and keyboard input.
What are the different screen recording options available on a Mac?
There are two main screen recording options available on a Mac: QuickTime Player and the Screenshot toolbar. QuickTime Player is a built-in media player that can also be used to record the screen. The Screenshot toolbar, on the other hand, is a newer feature that provides more options and flexibility for screen recording. The Screenshot toolbar allows users to record the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific window.
In addition to these two options, there are also third-party screen recording software available for Mac, such as OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software provide more advanced features and options for screen recording, such as the ability to add annotations, transitions, and effects.
How do I record audio with my screen recording on a Mac?
To record audio with your screen recording on a Mac, you can use the built-in microphone or an external microphone. If you want to record audio from your computer, such as system sounds or audio from a video, you can select the “Built-in Microphone” option in the screen recording settings. If you want to record audio from an external source, such as a voiceover or a musical instrument, you can select the “External Microphone” option.
To ensure that your audio is recorded clearly and without any background noise, make sure to choose a quiet recording environment and adjust the microphone settings as needed. You can also use noise-reducing software or plugins to improve the quality of your audio recording.
Can I edit my screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, you can edit your screen recording on a Mac using various video editing software. The built-in QuickTime Player allows you to trim and split your screen recording, but for more advanced editing features, you can use software like iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere Pro. These software provide a range of editing tools, including the ability to add transitions, effects, and annotations to your screen recording.
When editing your screen recording, you can also add captions, subtitles, or closed captions to make it more accessible to your audience. Additionally, you can export your edited screen recording in various formats, such as MP4, MOV, or GIF, depending on your needs.
How do I share my screen recording on a Mac?
You can share your screen recording on a Mac by exporting it as a video file and uploading it to video sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia. You can also share it directly from the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar by clicking on the “Share” button. From there, you can choose to share it via email, Messages, or AirDrop.
Alternatively, you can also share your screen recording by embedding it on a website or blog. To do this, you can export the screen recording as an MP4 file and upload it to your website or blog. You can then embed the video using HTML code or a video embedding plugin.
What are some common issues with screen recording on a Mac?
Some common issues with screen recording on a Mac include poor video quality, audio delays, and software crashes. To resolve these issues, make sure to update your operating system and screen recording software to the latest version. You can also try adjusting the screen recording settings, such as the frame rate or resolution, to improve the video quality.
Additionally, you can try closing other resource-intensive applications while screen recording to prevent software crashes. If you experience audio delays, try adjusting the audio settings or using an external microphone to improve the audio quality.
Is screen recording on a Mac secure?
Screen recording on a Mac is generally secure, but it depends on how you use it. When you record your screen, you may be capturing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. To ensure that your screen recording is secure, make sure to only record what is necessary and avoid capturing sensitive information.
Additionally, be cautious when sharing your screen recording, especially if it contains sensitive information. Make sure to only share it with trusted individuals or platforms, and consider adding passwords or encryption to protect your video.