As technology continues to advance, the need to capture and share content from our screens has become increasingly important. Whether you’re a content creator, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to share a funny moment with friends, screen recording has become an essential tool. For Mac users, the built-in screen recording feature is a convenient and easy-to-use option. However, one question that often arises is: does screen record on Mac record audio?
Understanding the Screen Recording Feature on Mac
Before we dive into the audio aspect, let’s take a closer look at the screen recording feature on Mac. Introduced in macOS Mojave, the screen recording feature allows users to capture their screen with just a few clicks. To access the feature, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 5 or go to Applications > Utilities > Screen Recording.
When you open the Screen Recording app, you’ll see a simple interface with a few options. You can choose to record your entire screen or select a specific area. You can also choose to show or hide the mouse pointer and add a microphone audio source.
Does Screen Record on Mac Record Audio by Default?
Now, let’s get to the main question: does screen record on Mac record audio by default? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. By default, the screen recording feature on Mac does not record audio from external sources, such as your computer’s speakers or external speakers. However, it does record audio from your computer’s microphone.
This means that if you’re recording a video or a tutorial, and you’re speaking into your computer’s microphone, your audio will be recorded. However, if you’re playing music or a video with audio, that audio will not be recorded.
Why Doesn’t Screen Record on Mac Record Audio by Default?
So, why doesn’t the screen recording feature on Mac record audio from external sources by default? There are a few reasons for this:
- Copyright issues: Recording audio from external sources, such as music or videos, can raise copyright concerns. By not recording audio by default, Apple avoids any potential copyright issues.
- Quality issues: Recording audio from external sources can also result in poor quality audio. By not recording audio by default, Apple ensures that the audio quality is better and more consistent.
- User preference: Some users may not want to record audio at all, or they may want to record audio from a specific source. By not recording audio by default, Apple gives users more control over their screen recordings.
How to Record Audio on Mac Using the Screen Recording Feature
If you want to record audio from external sources using the screen recording feature on Mac, there are a few workarounds:
- Use a third-party app: There are several third-party apps available that can record audio from external sources, such as Audacity or GarageBand. You can use these apps to record audio and then add it to your screen recording.
- Use the “Built-in Output” option: In the Screen Recording app, you can select the “Built-in Output” option to record audio from your computer’s speakers. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Screen Recording app.
- Click on the “Options” dropdown menu.
- Select “Built-in Output” as the audio source.
- Start your screen recording.
Note that using the “Built-in Output” option can result in poor quality audio, and it may not work for all types of audio.
Alternative Screen Recording Apps for Mac
If you’re not satisfied with the built-in screen recording feature on Mac, there are several alternative apps available that can record audio from external sources. Some popular options include:
- Camtasia: A powerful screen recording app that can record audio from external sources.
- ScreenFlow: A popular screen recording app that can record audio from external sources.
- OBS Studio: A free and open-source screen recording app that can record audio from external sources.
These apps offer more advanced features and better audio quality than the built-in screen recording feature on Mac.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the screen recording feature on Mac does record audio, but only from the computer’s microphone by default. If you want to record audio from external sources, you’ll need to use a third-party app or the “Built-in Output” option. While the built-in screen recording feature is convenient and easy to use, it may not offer the best audio quality or features. Alternative screen recording apps, such as Camtasia, ScreenFlow, and OBS Studio, offer more advanced features and better audio quality.
By understanding how the screen recording feature on Mac works, you can make informed decisions about how to capture and share your content. Whether you’re a content creator, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to share a funny moment with friends, screen recording is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals.
Does Screen Record on Mac Record Audio?
The screen recording feature on Mac does record audio, but it depends on the settings you choose. By default, the screen recording feature will capture the audio from your Mac’s microphone, but you can also choose to record the system audio or both.
To record system audio, you need to select the correct option before starting the screen recording. You can do this by opening the Screenshot toolbar, clicking on Options, and selecting the audio source. If you want to record both the system audio and the microphone audio, you can select both options.
How to Record System Audio on Mac?
To record system audio on Mac, you need to select the correct option in the Screenshot toolbar. Open the toolbar, click on Options, and select “Built-in Microphone and System Audio” or “System Audio” only. This will ensure that the screen recording captures the audio from your Mac’s system.
Alternatively, you can also use third-party screen recording software that allows you to record system audio. Some popular options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software programs offer more advanced features and settings for recording system audio.
Why is My Mac Not Recording Audio?
If your Mac is not recording audio, it may be due to the wrong audio source being selected. Make sure that you have selected the correct audio source in the Screenshot toolbar. If you want to record system audio, select “Built-in Microphone and System Audio” or “System Audio” only.
Another reason why your Mac may not be recording audio is due to a software issue. Try restarting your Mac or updating your operating system to the latest version. You can also try using third-party screen recording software to see if the issue persists.
Can I Record Audio from a Specific App on Mac?
Yes, you can record audio from a specific app on Mac. To do this, select the app you want to record audio from and then open the Screenshot toolbar. Click on Options and select “Built-in Microphone and System Audio” or “System Audio” only. This will ensure that the screen recording captures the audio from the selected app.
Alternatively, you can also use third-party screen recording software that allows you to record audio from a specific app. Some popular options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software programs offer more advanced features and settings for recording audio from a specific app.
How to Record Audio from Multiple Sources on Mac?
To record audio from multiple sources on Mac, you can select multiple audio sources in the Screenshot toolbar. Open the toolbar, click on Options, and select “Built-in Microphone and System Audio” or select multiple audio sources. This will ensure that the screen recording captures the audio from multiple sources.
Alternatively, you can also use third-party screen recording software that allows you to record audio from multiple sources. Some popular options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software programs offer more advanced features and settings for recording audio from multiple sources.
Is it Possible to Record Audio Only on Mac?
Yes, it is possible to record audio only on Mac. To do this, you can use the Voice Memos app or QuickTime Player. Open the app, select the audio source, and start recording. This will record the audio only, without capturing the screen.
Alternatively, you can also use third-party screen recording software that allows you to record audio only. Some popular options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software programs offer more advanced features and settings for recording audio only.
How to Edit the Recorded Audio on Mac?
To edit the recorded audio on Mac, you can use the built-in audio editing software, GarageBand. Open GarageBand, import the recorded audio file, and start editing. You can trim, cut, and arrange the audio clips, as well as add effects and filters.
Alternatively, you can also use third-party audio editing software, such as Adobe Audition or Logic Pro X. These software programs offer more advanced features and settings for editing audio files.