Are you looking for ways to record your MacBook screen with audio? Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls, screen recording is an essential feature that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll show you how to screen record on MacBook with audio using built-in tools and third-party software.
Using Built-in Tools: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar
MacBooks come with built-in tools that allow you to screen record with audio. Two of the most popular tools are QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar.
QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a free media player that comes pre-installed on MacBooks. 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 MacBook. 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” from the drop-down menu.
- A screen recording window will appear. Click on the arrow next to the record button and select the microphone you want to use to capture audio.
- Choose the quality of your recording by selecting from the options provided. You can choose from “High,” “Medium,” or “Low” quality.
- Click on the record button to start recording your screen. You can record your entire screen or select a portion of it by dragging the crosshairs.
- Once you’re done recording, click on the stop button. Your recording will be saved as a .mov file.
Screenshot Toolbar
The 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 Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” button to start recording your screen.
- Choose the microphone you want to use to capture audio by clicking on the arrow next to the record button.
- Click on the record button to start recording your screen.
- Once you’re done recording, click on the stop button. Your recording will be saved as a .mov file.
Using Third-Party Software: OBS Studio and Camtasia
While built-in tools are convenient, they may not offer the features and flexibility you need. Third-party software like OBS Studio and Camtasia can provide more advanced features and better quality recordings.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among gamers and content creators. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your MacBook.
- Launch OBS Studio and click on the “+” button in the sources panel to add a new source.
- Select “Display Capture” as the source type and choose the display you want to record.
- Click on the “+” button again to add an audio source. Select “Microphone/Auxiliary Audio Device” and choose the microphone you want to use.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to start recording your screen.
- Once you’re done recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button. Your recording will be saved as a .flv or .mp4 file.
Camtasia
Camtasia is a paid screen recording software that offers advanced features like video editing and sharing. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Camtasia on your MacBook.
- Launch Camtasia and click on the “New Recording” button.
- Select the display you want to record and choose the microphone you want to use.
- Click on the “Record” button to start recording your screen.
- Once you’re done recording, click on the “Stop” button. Your recording will be saved as a .trec file.
- Camtasia also offers video editing features, so you can trim, cut, and arrange your clips as needed.
Tips and Tricks for Screen Recording on MacBook
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your screen recordings:
Choose the Right Microphone
When recording audio, it’s essential to choose the right microphone. If you’re using a built-in microphone, make sure it’s not picking up background noise or echo. Consider using an external microphone like a USB microphone or a lavalier microphone for better quality audio.
Use a Pop Filter
A pop filter can help reduce plosive sounds like “p” and “t” when speaking. You can buy a pop filter online or make your own using a simple DIY method.
Invest in a Good Pair of Headphones
Good-quality headphones can help you monitor your audio and catch any mistakes or issues during recording. Look for headphones with good sound isolation and a comfortable fit.
Record in a Quiet Room
Background noise can ruin your recording, so it’s essential to record in a quiet room. Turn off any fans, air conditioners, or other noisy appliances, and ask family members or roommates to keep the noise down.
Use a Screen Recording Software with a User-Friendly Interface
Choose a screen recording software that’s easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. Look for software with features like drag-and-drop functionality, customizable hotkeys, and a built-in video editor.
Conclusion
Screen recording on MacBook with audio is easier than you think. With built-in tools like QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar, you can start recording your screen with audio in minutes. If you need more advanced features, consider using third-party software like OBS Studio or Camtasia. Remember to choose the right microphone, use a pop filter, invest in good-quality headphones, record in a quiet room, and use a screen recording software with a user-friendly interface. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be creating high-quality screen recordings with audio in no time.
What is screen recording and why do I need it on my MacBook?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on your MacBook’s screen, often accompanied by audio. This feature is useful for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, recording video calls, or capturing gameplay. With screen recording, you can easily share your experiences, demonstrate software, or provide feedback to others.
On a MacBook, screen recording can be particularly helpful for professionals, educators, and gamers. For instance, you can record a tutorial on how to use a specific software, record a video call with a client or colleague, or capture your gameplay to share with friends or online communities. The ability to record your screen with audio enhances the overall experience and provides a more comprehensive way to communicate or share content.
How do I screen record on my MacBook with audio?
To screen record on your MacBook with audio, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. With QuickTime Player, you can select “File” > “New Screen Recording” and choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion. You can also select the microphone to record audio. Alternatively, you can use the Screenshot toolbar by pressing Command + Shift + 5, and then selecting the record option.
Once you’ve started the screen recording, you can choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion. You can also select the microphone to record audio, and even add a voiceover or narration to your recording. When you’re finished, you can save the recording as a video file and share it with others. Make sure to check the audio settings to ensure that the sound is being recorded correctly.
What are the system requirements for screen recording on a MacBook?
To screen record on a MacBook, you’ll need to have a MacBook with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later. You’ll also need a compatible microphone, such as the built-in microphone or an external one. Additionally, you’ll need to have enough storage space on your MacBook to save the recorded video file.
It’s also recommended to have a relatively fast processor and sufficient RAM to ensure smooth screen recording. A minimum of 4GB of RAM is recommended, but 8GB or more is ideal. You should also have a compatible graphics card, such as Intel Iris or Intel HD Graphics. Make sure to check your MacBook’s specifications to ensure that it meets the system requirements for screen recording.
Can I screen record on my MacBook with an external microphone?
Yes, you can screen record on your MacBook with an external microphone. In fact, using an external microphone can provide better audio quality compared to the built-in microphone. To use an external microphone, simply connect it to your MacBook and select it as the audio input device in the screen recording settings.
When using an external microphone, make sure to position it correctly to capture the best audio quality. You can place it near your mouth or use a lavalier microphone for better sound quality. Also, make sure to adjust the audio settings to optimize the sound quality. You can do this by going to System Preferences > Sound > Input and selecting the external microphone as the default input device.
How do I edit my screen recording on a MacBook?
To edit your screen recording on a MacBook, you can use the built-in iMovie app or third-party video editing software. iMovie provides a user-friendly interface for trimming, splitting, and merging clips, as well as adding transitions and effects. You can also add text, images, and audio to your screen recording.
Alternatively, you can use third-party video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. These apps offer more advanced features and tools for editing your screen recording, such as color correction, audio ducking, and visual effects. You can also use online video editing tools, such as WeVideo or Clipchamp, which offer a range of features and templates for editing your screen recording.
Can I share my screen recording on social media or YouTube?
Yes, you can share your screen recording on social media or YouTube. Once you’ve edited and finalized your screen recording, you can export it as a video file and upload it to your preferred platform. You can share your screen recording on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms.
When sharing your screen recording, make sure to optimize it for the platform you’re using. For example, you can add captions, tags, and descriptions to your YouTube video to make it more discoverable. You can also share your screen recording on your website or blog by embedding the video file or linking to it. Make sure to check the platform’s guidelines and requirements for uploading and sharing video content.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on screen recording on a MacBook?
Yes, there are some limitations and restrictions on screen recording on a MacBook. For example, you may not be able to record copyrighted content, such as movies or TV shows, without permission from the copyright holder. Additionally, some apps may not allow screen recording, or may have restrictions on recording certain types of content.
You should also be aware of any privacy or security concerns when screen recording, especially if you’re recording sensitive information or personal data. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of any app or platform you’re using, and ensure that you have the necessary permissions and consent to record and share the content.