Screen recording is an essential feature for many Mac users, whether you’re a content creator, educator, or software developer. Recording your screen with computer audio can be particularly useful for creating tutorials, demos, and presentations. However, many Mac users struggle to find the right tools and settings to capture high-quality screen recordings with computer audio. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for screen recording on Mac with computer audio, including built-in tools, third-party software, and hardware solutions.
Using Built-in Tools: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar
Mac comes with two built-in tools that allow you to screen record with computer audio: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar. While these tools are convenient and free, they have some limitations.
QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a media player that also allows you to record your screen. To screen record with computer audio using QuickTime Player, follow these steps:
- Open QuickTime Player and select “File” > “New Screen Recording” from the menu bar.
- A screen recording window will appear, allowing you to select the recording area, microphone, and other settings.
- To record computer audio, select the “Built-in Microphone” option and make sure the “Record Computer Audio” checkbox is selected.
- Click the “Record” button to start the screen recording.
However, QuickTime Player has some limitations. For example, it doesn’t allow you to customize the recording settings, such as the frame rate, resolution, or audio quality.
Screenshot Toolbar
The Screenshot Toolbar is a newer feature introduced in macOS Mojave. It allows you to take screenshots and record your screen with a few clicks. To screen record with computer audio using the Screenshot Toolbar, follow these steps:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot Toolbar.
- Select the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” option.
- Click the “Options” menu and select the “Built-in Microphone” option.
- Make sure the “Record Computer Audio” checkbox is selected.
- Click the “Record” button to start the screen recording.
The Screenshot Toolbar is a convenient tool, but it also has some limitations. For example, it doesn’t allow you to customize the recording settings or add annotations to the recording.
Third-Party Software: OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow
If you need more advanced features and customization options, you may want to consider third-party software. Here are three popular options:
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among content creators. It allows you to customize the recording settings, add annotations, and stream your recordings live. To screen record with computer audio using OBS Studio, follow these steps:
- Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
- Launch OBS Studio and select the “Settings” option from the menu bar.
- Select the “Audio” tab and choose the “Built-in Audio” option.
- Select the “Video” tab and choose the recording settings, such as the frame rate and resolution.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start the screen recording.
Camtasia
Camtasia is a popular screen recording software that’s designed for content creators and educators. It allows you to customize the recording settings, add annotations, and edit the recordings. To screen record with computer audio using Camtasia, follow these steps:
- Download and install Camtasia from the official website.
- Launch Camtasia and select the “Record” option from the menu bar.
- Select the “Audio” tab and choose the “Built-in Audio” option.
- Select the “Video” tab and choose the recording settings, such as the frame rate and resolution.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start the screen recording.
ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a popular screen recording software that’s designed for Mac users. It allows you to customize the recording settings, add annotations, and edit the recordings. To screen record with computer audio using ScreenFlow, follow these steps:
- Download and install ScreenFlow from the official website.
- Launch ScreenFlow and select the “Record” option from the menu bar.
- Select the “Audio” tab and choose the “Built-in Audio” option.
- Select the “Video” tab and choose the recording settings, such as the frame rate and resolution.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start the screen recording.
Hardware Solutions: Elgato HD60 and AVerMedia Extremecap U3
If you need high-quality screen recordings with computer audio, you may want to consider hardware solutions. Here are two popular options:
Elgato HD60
The Elgato HD60 is a popular game capture card that allows you to record your screen with computer audio. It’s designed for gamers, but it can also be used for screen recording. To screen record with computer audio using the Elgato HD60, follow these steps:
- Connect the Elgato HD60 to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Launch the Elgato Game Capture HD software and select the “Record” option.
- Select the “Audio” tab and choose the “Built-in Audio” option.
- Select the “Video” tab and choose the recording settings, such as the frame rate and resolution.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start the screen recording.
AVerMedia Extremecap U3
The AVerMedia Extremecap U3 is a popular game capture card that allows you to record your screen with computer audio. It’s designed for gamers, but it can also be used for screen recording. To screen record with computer audio using the AVerMedia Extremecap U3, follow these steps:
- Connect the AVerMedia Extremecap U3 to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Launch the AVerMedia RECentral software and select the “Record” option.
- Select the “Audio” tab and choose the “Built-in Audio” option.
- Select the “Video” tab and choose the recording settings, such as the frame rate and resolution.
- Click the “Start Recording” button to start the screen recording.
Conclusion
Screen recording with computer audio is a useful feature for many Mac users. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or software developer, there are several tools and methods available to help you achieve high-quality screen recordings. From built-in tools like QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar to third-party software like OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow, and hardware solutions like the Elgato HD60 and AVerMedia Extremecap U3, there’s a solution for every need and budget. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create high-quality screen recordings with computer audio and take your content to the next level.
What is screen recording with computer audio on a Mac?
Screen recording with computer audio on a Mac refers to the process of capturing the video and audio output of your computer screen, including any sounds produced by the computer itself, such as system beeps, video audio, and application sounds. This is useful for creating tutorials, presentations, and other types of video content that require both visual and audio elements.
To record your screen with computer audio on a Mac, you’ll need to use a screen recording software that supports this feature. Some popular options include QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, and Camtasia. These software programs allow you to select the audio input source, including the computer’s built-in audio, and record it along with the screen video.
How do I enable screen recording with computer audio on my Mac?
To enable screen recording with computer audio on your Mac, you’ll need to use a screen recording software that supports this feature. First, open the software and select the screen recording option. Then, choose the audio input source, which is usually listed as “Built-in Audio” or “Computer Audio.” Make sure this option is selected, and then start the screen recording.
If you’re using QuickTime Player, you can enable screen recording with computer audio by opening the software, selecting “File” > “New Screen Recording,” and then clicking on the arrow next to the record button. From the dropdown menu, select “Built-in Audio” as the audio input source. Then, click on the record button to start the screen recording.
What are the system requirements for screen recording with computer audio on a Mac?
The system requirements for screen recording with computer audio on a Mac vary depending on the software you’re using. However, in general, you’ll need a Mac with a recent version of macOS, such as macOS High Sierra or later. You’ll also need a screen recording software that supports computer audio recording, such as QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, or Camtasia.
In terms of hardware requirements, you’ll need a Mac with a decent processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7, and at least 8GB of RAM. A dedicated graphics card can also be helpful, especially if you’re planning to record high-resolution video or multiple screens at once.
Can I record my screen with computer audio using QuickTime Player?
Yes, you can record your screen with computer audio using QuickTime Player. To do this, open QuickTime Player and select “File” > “New Screen Recording.” Then, click on the arrow next to the record button and select “Built-in Audio” as the audio input source. This will allow you to record the audio produced by your computer, including system beeps and video audio.
Once you’ve selected the audio input source, click on the record button to start the screen recording. You can then select the area of the screen you want to record, or record the entire screen. When you’re finished, click on the stop button to end the recording, and then save the file to your computer.
How do I record my screen with computer audio using OBS Studio?
To record your screen with computer audio using OBS Studio, you’ll need to set up the software to capture the computer audio. To do this, open OBS Studio and select the “Settings” option from the menu. Then, click on the “Audio” tab and select “Built-in Audio” as the audio input source.
Once you’ve selected the audio input source, you can start the screen recording by clicking on the “Start Recording” button. You can then select the area of the screen you want to record, or record the entire screen. When you’re finished, click on the “Stop Recording” button to end the recording, and then save the file to your computer.
Can I edit my screen recordings with computer audio on a Mac?
Yes, you can edit your screen recordings with computer audio on a Mac using video editing software. Some popular options include iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro. These software programs allow you to import your screen recordings, trim and cut the video, add transitions and effects, and export the final video in a variety of formats.
To edit your screen recordings, simply import the file into your chosen video editing software and start editing. You can trim and cut the video, add annotations and captions, and adjust the audio levels to ensure the computer audio is clear and audible. When you’re finished, export the final video in a format suitable for sharing or uploading to the web.
How do I share my screen recordings with computer audio on a Mac?
You can share your screen recordings with computer audio on a Mac by exporting the file in a format suitable for sharing or uploading to the web. Some popular options include MP4, MOV, and AVI. You can also upload your screen recordings to video sharing sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia.
To share your screen recordings, simply export the file from your video editing software and save it to your computer. Then, upload the file to your chosen video sharing site or share it with others via email or messaging apps. You can also embed the video on your website or blog using HTML code.