Screen recording on Mac is a powerful feature that allows users to capture their screen activity, making it an essential tool for various purposes such as creating tutorials, recording gameplay, and even troubleshooting. However, one of the most common issues users face is capturing audio along with the screen recording. In this article, we will explore the different methods to screen record on Mac and get audio, ensuring that you have a seamless and high-quality recording experience.
Understanding the Basics of Screen Recording on Mac
Before we dive into the methods of screen recording on Mac, it’s essential to understand the basics. Macs come with a built-in screen recording feature, which can be accessed using the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. However, these methods have limitations, and you may need to use third-party software to achieve the desired results.
Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording
QuickTime Player is a free media player that comes pre-installed on Macs. It also has a screen recording feature that allows you to capture your screen activity. Here’s how to use QuickTime Player for screen recording:
- 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” from the drop-down menu.
- A window will appear with a red record button. Click on this button to start the screen recording.
- Drag the crosshair pointer to select the area of the screen you want to record. You can also record the entire screen by clicking on the “Record Entire Screen” button.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the screen recording.
However, QuickTime Player has limitations when it comes to capturing audio. It can only record audio from the built-in microphone, and you cannot select a different audio source.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar for Screen Recording
The Screenshot toolbar is a feature introduced in macOS Mojave that allows you to take screenshots and record your screen. Here’s how to use the Screenshot toolbar for screen recording:
- Press the Command + Shift + 5 keys on your keyboard to open the Screenshot toolbar.
- Click on the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” button to start the screen recording.
- Drag the crosshair pointer to select the area of the screen you want to record.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the screen recording.
The Screenshot toolbar also has limitations when it comes to capturing audio. It can only record audio from the built-in microphone, and you cannot select a different audio source.
Methods to Screen Record on Mac and Get Audio
Now that we have explored the basics of screen recording on Mac, let’s dive into the methods to screen record on Mac and get audio.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software options available that allow you to screen record on Mac and get audio. Some popular options include:
| Software | Features |
|---|---|
| Camtasia | Screen recording, audio recording, video editing, and sharing |
| ScreenFlow | Screen recording, audio recording, video editing, and sharing |
| OBS Studio | Screen recording, audio recording, live streaming, and video editing |
These software options allow you to select a different audio source, such as an external microphone or the audio from a specific application.
How to Use Camtasia for Screen Recording and Audio
Camtasia is a popular screen recording software that allows you to capture your screen activity and audio. Here’s how to use Camtasia for screen recording and audio:
- Download and install Camtasia on your Mac.
- Launch Camtasia and click on the “New Recording” button.
- Select the area of the screen you want to record and choose the audio source.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the screen recording.
How to Use OBS Studio for Screen Recording and Audio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that allows you to capture your screen activity and audio. Here’s how to use OBS Studio for screen recording and audio:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your Mac.
- Launch OBS Studio and click on the “Settings” button.
- Select the area of the screen you want to record and choose the audio source.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the screen recording.
Method 2: Using the Built-in Audio Recording Feature
macOS has a built-in audio recording feature that allows you to record audio from a specific application or the entire system. Here’s how to use the built-in audio recording feature:
- Open the QuickTime Player on your Mac.
- Click on “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Audio Recording” from the drop-down menu.
- Select the audio source, such as the built-in microphone or an external microphone.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the audio recording.
You can then use the screen recording feature in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar to capture your screen activity.
Conclusion
Screen recording on Mac is a powerful feature that allows users to capture their screen activity, making it an essential tool for various purposes. However, capturing audio along with the screen recording can be a challenge. In this article, we have explored the different methods to screen record on Mac and get audio, including using third-party software and the built-in audio recording feature. By following these methods, you can ensure a seamless and high-quality recording experience.
Best Practices for Screen Recording on Mac
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when screen recording on Mac:
Choose the Right Software
Choose a software that meets your needs and is compatible with your Mac. Consider factors such as video quality, audio quality, and editing features.
Select the Right Audio Source
Select the right audio source, such as an external microphone or the audio from a specific application. This will ensure that your audio is clear and of high quality.
Record in a Quiet Environment
Record in a quiet environment to minimize background noise and ensure that your audio is clear.
Edit Your Recording
Edit your recording to remove any unnecessary parts and add annotations or captions. This will make your recording more engaging and easier to understand.
By following these best practices, you can ensure a high-quality screen recording experience on your Mac.
What is screen recording on a Mac and how does it work?
Screen recording on a Mac is a feature that allows users to capture their screen activity, including audio and video, and save it as a video file. This feature is built into the macOS operating system and can be accessed using the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. When you start a screen recording, your Mac will capture everything that happens on your screen, including mouse movements, keyboard input, and any audio that is playing.
The screen recording feature uses the graphics processing unit (GPU) to capture the screen activity, which means that it can handle high-resolution recordings without putting too much strain on the computer’s processor. The recorded video is then saved as a .mov file, which can be played back using QuickTime Player or other video playback software. You can also edit the recorded video using video editing software, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere Pro.
How do I start a screen recording on my Mac?
To start a screen recording on your Mac, you can use the Screenshot toolbar or the QuickTime Player. To use the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will open the Screenshot toolbar, which will give you the option to record your entire screen or a selected portion of it. To use QuickTime Player, open the application and select “File” > “New Screen Recording” from the menu.
Once you have started the screen recording, you can click on the “Record” button to begin capturing your screen activity. You can also pause the recording at any time by clicking on the “Pause” button. When you are finished with the recording, click on the “Stop” button to save the video file. You can then find the recorded video in the “Movies” folder on your Mac.
Can I record audio with my screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, you can record audio with your screen recording on a Mac. When you start a screen recording, you will be given the option to record audio from your computer’s microphone or from the computer’s audio output. To record audio from your microphone, select the microphone icon in the Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime Player. To record audio from your computer’s audio output, select the “Built-in Audio” option.
When you record audio with your screen recording, the audio will be captured in real-time and will be synchronized with the video. This means that you can capture audio from your computer’s speakers, such as music or video playback, or you can capture audio from your microphone, such as your voice or other external audio sources. The recorded audio will be saved as part of the video file, so you can play it back along with the video.
How do I edit my screen recording on a Mac?
You can edit your screen recording on a Mac using video editing software, such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere Pro. To edit your screen recording, open the video file in your chosen video editing software and use the software’s editing tools to trim, cut, and arrange the video clips. You can also add transitions, effects, and titles to your video using the software’s built-in features.
In addition to using video editing software, you can also use the QuickTime Player to trim your screen recording. To do this, open the video file in QuickTime Player and select “Edit” > “Trim” from the menu. This will allow you to trim the beginning and end of the video, as well as remove any unwanted sections from the middle.
Can I share my screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, you can share your screen recording on a Mac. Once you have recorded and edited your screen recording, you can share it with others by exporting it as a video file or uploading it to a video sharing website. To export your screen recording as a video file, open the video file in QuickTime Player or video editing software and select “File” > “Export” from the menu.
You can also upload your screen recording to video sharing websites, such as YouTube or Vimeo. To do this, open the video file in QuickTime Player or video editing software and select “File” > “Share” from the menu. This will give you the option to upload the video to a variety of video sharing websites, as well as to share it via email or social media.
Are there any limitations to screen recording on a Mac?
Yes, there are some limitations to screen recording on a Mac. One limitation is that you can only record your screen activity in real-time, which means that you cannot record your screen activity in slow motion or fast motion. Another limitation is that you can only record audio from your computer’s microphone or audio output, which means that you cannot record audio from external sources, such as a separate audio recorder.
Additionally, screen recording on a Mac can be affected by the computer’s processing power and memory. If your Mac is running low on processing power or memory, the screen recording may be choppy or may not capture all of the screen activity. To avoid this, make sure that your Mac is running smoothly and that you have enough free memory and processing power available.
Is screen recording on a Mac secure?
Yes, screen recording on a Mac is secure. When you record your screen activity, the video file is saved locally on your Mac, which means that it is not transmitted over the internet unless you choose to upload it to a video sharing website. Additionally, the video file is encrypted, which means that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized users.
However, as with any digital file, there is a risk that the video file could be accessed by unauthorized users if your Mac is compromised by malware or if you share the file with someone who is not authorized to view it. To minimize this risk, make sure to keep your Mac secure by installing anti-virus software and keeping your operating system up to date.