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 hardware solutions.
Using Built-in Tools: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar
MacOS 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.
- Go to File > New Screen Recording.
- Click on the arrow next to the record button and select your microphone from the list of available audio inputs.
- Choose whether you want to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
- Click on the record button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
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 to open the Screenshot Toolbar.
- Click on the screen recording button (it looks like a circle with a dot in the center).
- Choose whether you want to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
- Click on the record button to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
Third-Party Software: More Features and Flexibility
While built-in tools are convenient, they may not offer the features and flexibility you need for more advanced screen recording tasks. Third-party software can provide more options for customizing your recordings, editing your footage, and sharing your videos.
Popular Third-Party Screen Recording Software for Mac
Some popular third-party screen recording software for Mac includes:
- Camtasia: A powerful screen recording and video editing software that offers advanced features like chroma keying, audio ducking, and more.
- ScreenFlow: A popular screen recording software that offers features like video editing, color correction, and audio editing.
- OBS Studio: A free and open-source screen recording software that offers advanced features like chroma keying, audio mixing, and more.
Features to Look for in Third-Party Software
When choosing third-party screen recording software, consider the following features:
- Audio input options: Look for software that allows you to select from multiple audio inputs, including your Mac’s built-in microphone, external microphones, and audio interfaces.
- Video editing features: Consider software that offers video editing features like trimming, splitting, and merging clips.
- Color correction and grading: Look for software that offers color correction and grading tools to enhance the look of your recordings.
- Sharing options: Consider software that allows you to share your recordings directly to YouTube, Vimeo, and other video sharing platforms.
Hardware Solutions: External Capture Cards and Devices
If you’re looking for a more professional-grade screen recording solution, consider using an external capture card or device. These devices can provide higher quality video and audio, as well as more advanced features like chroma keying and audio mixing.
Popular External Capture Cards and Devices
Some popular external capture cards and devices include:
- Elgato HD60: A popular external capture card that offers 1080p video capture and audio mixing.
- AVerMedia Extremecap U3: A high-end external capture card that offers 4K video capture and advanced features like chroma keying.
- Blackmagic Design UltraStudio HD Mini: A professional-grade external capture device that offers 1080p video capture and advanced features like color correction.
Features to Look for in External Capture Cards and Devices
When choosing an external capture card or device, consider the following features:
- Video resolution and frame rate: Look for devices that offer high video resolutions (like 1080p or 4K) and frame rates (like 60fps).
- Audio input options: Consider devices that offer multiple audio inputs, including XLR and TRS connectors.
- Chroma keying and green screen: Look for devices that offer chroma keying and green screen features for advanced video production.
- Compatibility with Mac: Make sure the device is compatible with your Mac and MacOS version.
Conclusion
Recording your Mac screen with audio is a useful skill for many applications, from creating tutorials to capturing video calls. Whether you use built-in tools, third-party software, or hardware solutions, there are many options available to suit your needs. By considering the features and flexibility you need, you can choose the best method for recording your Mac screen with audio.
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. Once you’ve edited your screen recording, you can export it in various formats, including MP4, MOV, and GIF.
Can I share my screen recording on social media or online platforms?
Yes, you can share your screen recording on social media or online platforms. Once you’ve recorded and edited your video, you can export it in a format compatible with popular social media platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook.
You can also upload your screen recording to video sharing websites, such as Wistia or Loom, which provide features like video hosting, analytics, and collaboration tools. Additionally, you can share your screen recording via email or messaging apps, or embed it on your website or blog using HTML code.
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 effects, 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 resolution settings. Additionally, some applications offer features like live streaming, screen sharing, and collaboration tools, which can be useful for various purposes, including education, marketing, and gaming.