As a Mac user, you may have encountered situations where you need to record your screen with audio. Whether you’re creating a tutorial, recording a video call, or capturing gameplay, screen recording is an essential feature that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods to screen record on Mac with screen audio, including the built-in QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, and third-party apps.
Method 1: Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a free media player that comes pre-installed on Macs. It’s also a powerful screen recording tool that allows you to capture your screen with audio. Here’s how to use QuickTime Player to screen record on Mac with screen audio:
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player
To open QuickTime Player, navigate to the Applications folder in your Finder, or use Spotlight to search for it.
Step 2: Select “New Screen Recording”
Once QuickTime Player is open, go to File > New Screen Recording. This will open the Screen Recording window.
Step 3: Choose Your Audio Source
In the Screen Recording window, you’ll see a dropdown menu next to the record button. Click on this menu and select your audio source. You can choose from the following options:
- Internal Microphone: This will record audio from your Mac’s built-in microphone.
- External Microphone: This will record audio from an external microphone connected to your Mac.
- None: This will not record any audio.
Step 4: Select Your Screen Recording Area
You can choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion of it. To record your entire screen, click on the record button. To record a selected portion, drag the crosshair pointer to select the area you want to record.
Step 5: Start Recording
Once you’ve selected your audio source and screen recording area, click on the record button to start recording. You’ll see a countdown timer before the recording starts.
Step 6: Stop Recording
To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
Method 2: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among gamers and content creators. It’s a powerful tool that allows you to record your screen with audio and customize your recording settings. Here’s how to use OBS Studio to screen record on Mac with screen audio:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio
To download OBS Studio, visit the official website and click on the download link for Mac. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the installation instructions.
Step 2: Set Up OBS Studio
Once OBS Studio is installed, open the app and follow the setup wizard. You’ll be asked to choose your language, select your theme, and configure your audio settings.
Step 3: Create a New Scene
To create a new scene, click on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the OBS Studio window. Select “Display Capture” and choose your screen recording area.
Step 4: Add an Audio Source
To add an audio source, click on the “+” button in the bottom left corner of the OBS Studio window. Select “Audio Input Capture” and choose your audio source.
Step 5: Start Recording
Once you’ve set up your scene and added an audio source, click on the “Start Recording” button to start recording.
Step 6: Stop Recording
To stop recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
There are many third-party apps available that allow you to screen record on Mac with screen audio. Some popular options include:
- Camtasia: A powerful screen recording software that allows you to record your screen with audio and customize your recording settings.
- ScreenFlow: A popular screen recording app that allows you to record your screen with audio and add annotations and effects.
- Monosnap: A free screen recording app that allows you to record your screen with audio and share your recordings online.
Step 1: Download and Install the App
To download and install a third-party app, visit the official website and click on the download link for Mac. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the installation instructions.
Step 2: Set Up the App
Once the app is installed, open it and follow the setup wizard. You’ll be asked to choose your language, select your theme, and configure your audio settings.
Step 3: Start Recording
To start recording, click on the record button and select your screen recording area. You can also choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion of it.
Step 4: Stop Recording
To stop recording, click on the stop button.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your screen recording experience:
- Use a high-quality microphone: If you’re recording audio, make sure to use a high-quality microphone to ensure that your audio is clear and crisp.
- Choose the right screen recording area: Make sure to choose the right screen recording area to capture the content you need.
- Customize your recording settings: Take advantage of the customization options available in your screen recording software to optimize your recording settings.
- Edit your recordings: Use video editing software to edit your recordings and add annotations, effects, and transitions.
Conclusion
Screen recording on Mac with screen audio is a powerful feature that can help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re creating a tutorial, recording a video call, or capturing gameplay, there are many methods available to help you get the job done. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can master the art of screen recording on Mac with screen audio and take your content creation to the next level.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| QuickTime Player | Free, easy to use, and comes pre-installed on Macs | Limited customization options, no editing features |
| OBS Studio | Free, open-source, and highly customizable | Steep learning curve, requires technical expertise |
| Third-Party Apps | Highly customizable, offers advanced features and editing capabilities | May require a subscription or one-time payment, can be expensive |
By considering the pros and cons of each method, you can choose the best approach for your screen recording needs and take your content creation to the next level.
What is screen recording and why is it useful 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. This feature is useful on a Mac for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls. It can also be used to demonstrate software applications, record online lectures, or create video presentations.
Screen recording can be especially helpful for educators, gamers, and professionals who need to communicate complex ideas or showcase their work. By recording their screen, they can create engaging and informative content that can be shared with others. Additionally, screen recording can be used to troubleshoot technical issues or provide feedback on software applications.
What are the system requirements for screen recording on a Mac?
To record your screen on a Mac, you’ll need a computer running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. You’ll also need a Mac with a built-in microphone, such as a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro. If you’re using an iMac or Mac Pro, you may need to connect an external microphone to record audio.
Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that your Mac has enough storage space to save the recorded video file. The amount of storage space required will depend on the length and quality of the recording. It’s also recommended to have a stable internet connection if you plan to upload your recorded video to online platforms.
How do I start a screen recording on a Mac?
To start a screen recording on a Mac, you can use the built-in Screen Recording feature in the QuickTime Player app. To access this feature, open QuickTime Player and select “File” > “New Screen Recording” from the menu bar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screen Recording window.
Once you’ve opened the Screen Recording window, you can select the microphone you want to use and choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion. You can also select the destination folder where you want to save the recorded video file. When you’re ready, click the “Record” button to start the screen recording.
Can I record screen audio on a Mac?
Yes, you can record screen audio on a Mac using the built-in Screen Recording feature in the QuickTime Player app. To record screen audio, you’ll need to select the correct audio input source in the Screen Recording window. You can choose to record audio from the built-in microphone, an external microphone, or the system audio.
To record system audio, you’ll need to select the “Built-in Microphone” option and then check the box next to “Use ambient noise reduction.” This will allow you to capture the audio from your Mac’s speakers or headphones. Keep in mind that recording system audio may not be possible in all applications, so you may need to experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
How do I edit a screen recording on a Mac?
Once you’ve recorded your screen on a Mac, you can edit the video file using the iMovie app or other video editing software. To edit a screen recording in iMovie, open the app and select “File” > “Import Media” to import the recorded video file. You can then trim the video, add transitions and effects, and add audio narration or music.
iMovie also allows you to split the video into multiple clips, add titles and captions, and adjust the video’s color and brightness. When you’re finished editing, you can export the video in various formats, including HD, 4K, and 360p. You can also share the video directly to YouTube, Vimeo, or other online platforms.
Can I record a specific window or region on a Mac?
Yes, you can record a specific window or region on a Mac using the Screen Recording feature in the QuickTime Player app. To record a selected portion of the screen, open the Screen Recording window and select the “Selected Portion” option. You can then drag the crosshair pointer to select the area of the screen you want to record.
When you’ve selected the desired area, click the “Record” button to start the screen recording. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 4 to record a selected portion of the screen. This will open a crosshair pointer that you can use to select the area you want to record.
How do I share a screen recording on a Mac?
Once you’ve recorded and edited your screen recording on a Mac, you can share it with others in various ways. You can export the video file in different formats, such as HD, 4K, or 360p, and then upload it to online platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook. You can also share the video directly from the iMovie app or QuickTime Player.
Additionally, you can share the video file via email or messaging apps, or save it to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. You can also use the built-in AirDrop feature to share the video file with nearby Macs or iOS devices.