Are you looking for ways to record your Mac screen with audio? Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls, screen recording is an essential tool for many Mac users. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for recording your Mac screen with audio, including built-in tools, third-party software, and external devices.
Using Built-in Tools: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar
Mac comes with two built-in tools that allow you to record your screen with audio: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar. These tools are free, easy to use, and don’t require any additional software or hardware.
Recording with QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a media player that comes pre-installed on Macs. It also has a screen recording feature that allows you to capture your screen with audio. Here’s how to use it:
- 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.”
- A window will appear with a red record button. Click on this button to start recording your screen.
- You can choose to record your entire screen or select a portion of it by dragging the crosshairs.
- To record audio, click on the arrow next to the record button and select your microphone from the list.
- Click on the record button to start recording. You can pause or stop the recording by clicking on the stop button.
- Once you’ve finished recording, QuickTime Player will save the video as a .mov file.
Recording with Screenshot Toolbar
Screenshot Toolbar is a feature introduced in macOS Mojave that allows you to take screenshots and record your screen with audio. Here’s how to use it:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard to open the Screenshot Toolbar.
- Click on the record button (it looks like a circle with a dot in the center).
- Select the type of recording you want to make: entire screen or selected portion.
- To record audio, click on the microphone icon and select your microphone from the list.
- Click on the record button to start recording. You can pause or stop the recording by clicking on the stop button.
- Once you’ve finished recording, the video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Using Third-Party Software: OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow
While built-in tools are convenient, they may not offer the features and flexibility you need for more advanced screen recording tasks. That’s where third-party software comes in. Here are three popular options:
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among gamers and content creators. It offers advanced features like:
- Multi-source recording: record multiple sources, including your screen, webcam, and microphone.
- Chroma keying: remove the background from your webcam feed.
- Audio mixing: adjust audio levels and add effects.
To use OBS Studio, follow these steps:
- Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
- Launch OBS Studio and select “Settings” from the top menu bar.
- In the Settings window, select your microphone and webcam from the list.
- Click on the “+” button to add a new source. Select “Display Capture” to record your screen.
- Adjust the settings as needed, such as resolution, frame rate, and audio levels.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording.
Camtasia
Camtasia is a paid screen recording software that offers advanced features like:
- Video editing: trim, split, and merge clips.
- Visual effects: add transitions, animations, and annotations.
- Audio editing: adjust audio levels, add music, and remove noise.
To use Camtasia, follow these steps:
- Download and install Camtasia from the official website.
- Launch Camtasia and select “Record” from the top menu bar.
- In the Record window, select your microphone and webcam from the list.
- Choose the type of recording you want to make: entire screen or selected portion.
- Adjust the settings as needed, such as resolution, frame rate, and audio levels.
- Click on the “Record” button to begin recording.
ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a paid screen recording software that offers advanced features like:
- Video editing: trim, split, and merge clips.
- Visual effects: add transitions, animations, and annotations.
- Audio editing: adjust audio levels, add music, and remove noise.
To use ScreenFlow, follow these steps:
- Download and install ScreenFlow from the official website.
- Launch ScreenFlow and select “Record” from the top menu bar.
- In the Record window, select your microphone and webcam from the list.
- Choose the type of recording you want to make: entire screen or selected portion.
- Adjust the settings as needed, such as resolution, frame rate, and audio levels.
- Click on the “Record” button to begin recording.
Using External Devices: Elgato HD60 and AVerMedia Extremecap U3
If you want to record your Mac screen with high-quality audio and video, consider using an external device. Here are two popular options:
Elgato HD60
The Elgato HD60 is a popular external capture card that allows you to record your Mac screen with high-quality video and audio. It’s a great option for gamers and content creators who want to record their gameplay or screen activity.
To use the Elgato HD60, follow these steps:
- Connect the Elgato HD60 to your Mac via USB.
- Download and install the Elgato Game Capture HD software from the official website.
- Launch the software and select your microphone and webcam from the list.
- Choose the type of recording you want to make: entire screen or selected portion.
- Adjust the settings as needed, such as resolution, frame rate, and audio levels.
- Click on the “Record” button to begin recording.
AVerMedia Extremecap U3
The AVerMedia Extremecap U3 is another popular external capture card that allows you to record your Mac screen with high-quality video and audio. It’s a great option for gamers and content creators who want to record their gameplay or screen activity.
To use the AVerMedia Extremecap U3, follow these steps:
- Connect the AVerMedia Extremecap U3 to your Mac via USB.
- Download and install the AVerMedia RECentral software from the official website.
- Launch the software and select your microphone and webcam from the list.
- Choose the type of recording you want to make: entire screen or selected portion.
- Adjust the settings as needed, such as resolution, frame rate, and audio levels.
- Click on the “Record” button to begin recording.
Conclusion
Recording your Mac screen with audio is a useful skill that can be applied to various tasks, from creating tutorials to recording gameplay. Whether you use built-in tools, third-party software, or external devices, there’s a solution that suits your needs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can start recording your Mac screen with 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 features and settings. |
| Screenshot Toolbar | Free, easy to use, and comes pre-installed on Macs. | Limited features and settings. |
| OBS Studio | Free, open-source, and offers advanced features. | Steep learning curve and requires technical knowledge. |
| Camtasia | Offers advanced features and video editing capabilities. | Paid software and requires a subscription. |
| ScreenFlow | Offers advanced features and video editing capabilities. | Paid software and requires a subscription. |
| Elgato HD60 | High-quality video and audio, and easy to use. | Requires a separate device and software. |
| AVerMedia Extremecap U3 | High-quality video and audio, and easy to use. | Requires a separate device and software. |
By considering the pros and cons of each method, you can choose the best solution for your screen recording needs.
What is screen recording and why is it useful on a Mac?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on your Mac’s screen, often accompanied by audio. This feature is useful for various purposes, including creating tutorials, recording gameplay, and capturing video calls or online meetings. With screen recording, you can easily share your experiences, demonstrate software or apps, and provide visual explanations.
Screen recording on a Mac can also be helpful for educational purposes, allowing teachers to create video lessons and students to record online lectures. Additionally, it can be used for marketing and sales, enabling businesses to create product demos and showcase their services. Overall, screen recording is a versatile tool that can be applied in various contexts to enhance communication and sharing.
How do I record my screen on a Mac?
To record your screen on a Mac, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. With QuickTime Player, you can select “File” > “New Screen Recording” and then choose the recording area and audio source. Alternatively, you can use the Screenshot toolbar by pressing Command + Shift + 5, selecting the recording area, and clicking the “Record” button.
Once you’ve started the recording, you can capture your screen activity, including mouse movements and keyboard interactions. You can also add audio commentary using your Mac’s microphone or an external audio source. When you’re finished recording, you can save the video file in various formats, including MOV, MP4, and GIF.
What are the different screen recording modes available on a Mac?
There are two primary screen recording modes available on a Mac: entire screen recording and selected area recording. Entire screen recording captures everything displayed on your screen, including multiple monitors. Selected area recording, on the other hand, allows you to choose a specific area of the screen to record, which can be useful for focusing on a particular app or window.
In addition to these modes, you can also record a specific window or app by selecting it from the “Record Selected Portion” menu. This mode is helpful when you want to capture a specific application or window without recording the entire screen. You can also use the “Record Entire Screen” mode to capture everything, including your desktop and multiple monitors.
Can I record audio with my screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, you can record audio with your screen recording on a Mac. QuickTime Player and the Screenshot toolbar allow you to select an audio source, such as your Mac’s microphone or an external audio device. You can also choose to record system audio, which captures the sound coming from your Mac’s speakers.
When recording audio with your screen recording, make sure to select the correct audio source and adjust the volume levels accordingly. You can also use an external microphone to improve the audio quality. Additionally, you can record audio commentary while capturing your screen activity, which can be helpful for creating tutorials or explaining complex concepts.
How do I edit my screen recording on a Mac?
You can edit your screen recording on a Mac using various video editing software, including iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro. These applications allow you to trim, cut, and arrange your video clips, as well as add transitions, effects, and text overlays.
When editing your screen recording, you can also add audio effects, such as music or voiceovers, to enhance the video. Additionally, you can use color correction and grading tools to improve the video’s visual appearance. If you’re looking for a more straightforward editing experience, you can use the built-in Photos app to trim and split your screen recording.
Can I share my screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, you can share your screen recording on a Mac in various ways. You can upload your video to video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook, or share it via email or messaging apps. You can also export your screen recording in different formats, such as MP4, MOV, or GIF, to share it on various devices or platforms.
When sharing your screen recording, make sure to consider the file size and format compatibility. You can also use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to share your video with others. Additionally, you can use the built-in sharing features in QuickTime Player or the Photos app to share your screen recording directly from your Mac.
Are there any third-party screen recording software available for Mac?
Yes, there are several third-party screen recording software available for Mac, including OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These applications offer advanced features, such as multi-stream recording, chroma keying, and video editing, which can enhance your screen recording experience.
Third-party screen recording software can also provide more customization options, such as adjustable frame rates, bitrates, and audio settings. Additionally, some applications offer features like live streaming, screen sharing, and video hosting, which can be useful for various purposes, including education, marketing, and entertainment.