How to Audio Record Screen on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for ways to record your screen on a Mac, complete with audio? Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls, screen recording is a valuable tool. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods for audio recording your screen on a Mac, including built-in tools and third-party software.

Using QuickTime Player

One of the easiest ways to record your screen on a Mac is by using QuickTime Player. This built-in app allows you to record your screen, complete with audio, and save it as a video file. Here’s how to do it:

Recording Your Screen with QuickTime Player

To record your screen with QuickTime Player, follow these steps:

  1. Open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
  2. Click on “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Screen Recording” from the drop-down menu.
  3. A window will appear with a red record button. Click on this button to start recording your screen.
  4. Before you start recording, you can choose to record your entire screen or just a portion of it. To record a portion of your screen, click and drag the crosshairs to select the area you want to record.
  5. Once you’ve selected the area you want to record, click on the “Start Recording” button.
  6. QuickTime Player will start recording your screen, complete with audio. You can pause or stop the recording at any time by clicking on the “Stop Recording” button.
  7. When you’re finished recording, QuickTime Player will save the video file to your desktop.

Adding Audio to Your Screen Recording

By default, QuickTime Player will record audio from your Mac’s built-in microphone. However, you can also choose to record audio from an external microphone or other audio source. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Before you start recording, click on the arrow next to the record button and select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
  2. In the Options window, select the audio source you want to use. You can choose from your Mac’s built-in microphone, an external microphone, or other audio source.
  3. Once you’ve selected the audio source, click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your screen.

Using OBS Studio

Another popular method for recording your screen on a Mac is by using OBS Studio. This free, open-source software is widely used by gamers and content creators to record and stream video. Here’s how to use OBS Studio to record your screen with audio:

Setting Up OBS Studio

Before you can start recording your screen with OBS Studio, you’ll need to set it up. Here’s how:

  1. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
  2. Once you’ve installed OBS Studio, launch the app and click on “Settings” in the bottom right corner of the window.
  3. In the Settings window, select the “Video” tab and choose your desired video settings. You can choose from a variety of resolutions, frame rates, and other options.
  4. Next, select the “Audio” tab and choose your desired audio settings. You can choose from a variety of audio sources, including your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external microphone.
  5. Once you’ve set up your video and audio settings, click on the “OK” button to save your changes.

Recording Your Screen with OBS Studio

Now that you’ve set up OBS Studio, you can start recording your screen. Here’s how:

  1. In the OBS Studio window, click on the “+” button in the bottom left corner to add a new source.
  2. Select “Display Capture” from the list of available sources.
  3. Choose the display you want to record and click on the “OK” button.
  4. Next, click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your screen.
  5. OBS Studio will start recording your screen, complete with audio. You can pause or stop the recording at any time by clicking on the “Stop Recording” button.
  6. When you’re finished recording, OBS Studio will save the video file to your desired location.

Using ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is a popular screen recording app for Mac that allows you to record your screen, complete with audio. Here’s how to use ScreenFlow to record your screen:

Recording Your Screen with ScreenFlow

To record your screen with ScreenFlow, follow these steps:

  1. Launch ScreenFlow and click on the “New Recording” button.
  2. Select the area of your screen you want to record and click on the “Start Recording” button.
  3. ScreenFlow will start recording your screen, complete with audio. You can pause or stop the recording at any time by clicking on the “Stop Recording” button.
  4. When you’re finished recording, ScreenFlow will save the video file to your desired location.

Adding Audio to Your Screen Recording

By default, ScreenFlow will record audio from your Mac’s built-in microphone. However, you can also choose to record audio from an external microphone or other audio source. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Before you start recording, click on the “Audio” tab in the ScreenFlow window.
  2. Select the audio source you want to use. You can choose from your Mac’s built-in microphone, an external microphone, or other audio source.
  3. Once you’ve selected the audio source, click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your screen.

Using Camtasia

Camtasia is a popular screen recording app for Mac that allows you to record your screen, complete with audio. Here’s how to use Camtasia to record your screen:

Recording Your Screen with Camtasia

To record your screen with Camtasia, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Camtasia and click on the “New Recording” button.
  2. Select the area of your screen you want to record and click on the “Start Recording” button.
  3. Camtasia will start recording your screen, complete with audio. You can pause or stop the recording at any time by clicking on the “Stop Recording” button.
  4. When you’re finished recording, Camtasia will save the video file to your desired location.

Adding Audio to Your Screen Recording

By default, Camtasia will record audio from your Mac’s built-in microphone. However, you can also choose to record audio from an external microphone or other audio source. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Before you start recording, click on the “Audio” tab in the Camtasia window.
  2. Select the audio source you want to use. You can choose from your Mac’s built-in microphone, an external microphone, or other audio source.
  3. Once you’ve selected the audio source, click on the “Start Recording” button to begin recording your screen.

Conclusion

Recording your screen on a Mac, complete with audio, is a valuable tool for creating tutorials, recording gameplay, and capturing video calls. Whether you’re using QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, ScreenFlow, or Camtasia, there are many methods for recording your screen with audio. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create high-quality screen recordings with audio that meet your needs.

What are the system requirements for audio recording the screen on a Mac?

To record the screen with audio on a Mac, you’ll need to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements. First, your Mac should be running macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later. Additionally, you’ll need a Mac with a built-in microphone or an external microphone connected to your Mac. It’s also essential to have the QuickTime Player or another screen recording software installed on your Mac.

If you’re using an external microphone, make sure it’s properly connected to your Mac and selected as the input device in your System Preferences. You can do this by going to System Preferences > Sound > Input and selecting your external microphone from the list of available devices. Once you’ve met these system requirements, you’re ready to start recording your screen with audio.

How do I record my screen with audio using QuickTime Player on a Mac?

To record your screen with audio using QuickTime Player, start by opening the QuickTime Player app on your Mac. Next, go to File > New Screen Recording. This will open the Screen Recording window, where you can select your microphone and choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion. To record your screen with audio, make sure the microphone is selected and the volume is turned up.

Once you’ve set up your recording options, click the Record button to start recording your screen. You can then perform the actions you want to record, such as opening apps or browsing the web. To stop the recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc. Your recorded video will be saved as a .mov file, which you can then edit or share as needed.

Can I record my screen with audio using other software on a Mac?

Yes, there are several other software options available for recording your screen with audio on a Mac. Some popular alternatives to QuickTime Player include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These apps offer more advanced features, such as video editing and annotation tools, and may be preferred by users who need more control over their screen recordings.

When choosing a screen recording software, consider the features you need and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with. Some apps may have a steeper learning curve, but offer more advanced features and customization options. Be sure to read reviews and try out demos before committing to a particular software.

How do I record audio from multiple sources on a Mac?

If you need to record audio from multiple sources, such as your Mac’s built-in microphone and an external microphone, you can use a software that supports multi-track recording. OBS Studio is a popular option that allows you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously. To set this up, go to Settings > Audio and select the multiple audio sources you want to record.

Once you’ve set up your audio sources, you can start recording your screen and audio as usual. OBS Studio will capture audio from all selected sources and allow you to mix and edit the tracks later. This feature is particularly useful for podcasters, YouTubers, and other content creators who need to record audio from multiple sources.

Can I record my screen with audio on a Mac without using any software?

No, you cannot record your screen with audio on a Mac without using any software. While macOS has a built-in screenshot feature, it does not have a built-in screen recording feature that can capture audio. You’ll need to use a third-party software, such as QuickTime Player or OBS Studio, to record your screen with audio.

However, if you’re running macOS Mojave or later, you can use the built-in screenshot feature to record a video of your screen without audio. To do this, press Command + Shift + 5 and select the Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion option. This will capture a video of your screen, but it will not include audio.

How do I edit my screen recording with audio on a Mac?

To edit your screen recording with audio on a Mac, you can use a video editing software such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere Pro. These apps allow you to trim, cut, and arrange your video clips, as well as add transitions, effects, and annotations.

Once you’ve imported your screen recording into your chosen video editing software, you can start editing your video. You can trim the beginning and end of the recording, remove any mistakes or unwanted sections, and add captions or subtitles. You can also adjust the audio levels, add music or sound effects, and export your edited video in various formats.

How do I share my screen recording with audio on a Mac?

To share your screen recording with audio on a Mac, you can export it in a format suitable for sharing, such as MP4 or MOV. You can then upload your video to video sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia, or share it via email or messaging apps.

Alternatively, you can share your screen recording directly from your video editing software. For example, if you’re using iMovie, you can click the Share button and select the platform you want to share your video on. You can also add a title, description, and tags to your video before sharing it.

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