As we navigate the digital landscape, the need to capture and share our screen activities has become increasingly important. Whether you’re a content creator, a software developer, or simply someone who wants to share their gaming experiences with friends, screen recording is an essential tool. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods of screen recording on a Mac with audio, highlighting the best practices and software options available in 2020.
Why Screen Record with Audio?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of screen recording, let’s discuss why capturing audio is crucial. When you record your screen with audio, you can:
- Create more engaging tutorials and how-to videos
- Capture commentary and feedback during gameplay or software testing
- Enhance the overall viewing experience for your audience
- Provide a more comprehensive record of your screen activities
Method 1: Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in application on Macs that allows you to record your screen with audio. Here’s how to do it:
- Open QuickTime Player and select “File” > “New Screen Recording”
- Click on the arrow next to the record button and select your microphone (e.g., “Built-in Microphone”)
- Choose the quality of your recording (e.g., “High” or “Maximum”)
- Click on the record button to start capturing your screen
- To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc
Note that QuickTime Player only records the audio from your selected microphone, so make sure to choose the correct input device.
Method 2: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular, free, and open-source screen recording software that’s widely used by content creators and gamers. Here’s how to record your screen with audio using OBS Studio:
- Download and install OBS Studio from the official website
- Launch OBS Studio and select “Settings” > “Audio”
- Choose your microphone as the input device (e.g., “Built-in Microphone”)
- Select the audio bitrate and sample rate (e.g., 128 kbps and 44.1 kHz)
- Click on the “+” button in the “Sources” panel to add a new source (e.g., “Display Capture”)
- Select the display you want to record (e.g., “Built-in Display”)
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin capturing your screen
OBS Studio offers advanced features like audio mixing, chroma keying, and more, making it a powerful tool for screen recording.
Method 3: Using Camtasia
Camtasia is a commercial screen recording software that offers advanced features like video editing, annotations, and more. Here’s how to record your screen with audio using Camtasia:
- Download and install Camtasia from the official website
- Launch Camtasia and select “Record” > “Screen”
- Choose your microphone as the input device (e.g., “Built-in Microphone”)
- Select the audio quality and sample rate (e.g., “High” and 44.1 kHz)
- Click on the “Record” button to start capturing your screen
- To stop recording, click on the “Stop” button or press Command + Shift + Esc
Camtasia offers a free trial, but you’ll need to purchase a license to access all its features.
Best Practices for Screen Recording with Audio
To ensure high-quality screen recordings with audio, follow these best practices:
- Use a good quality microphone: Invest in a decent microphone, like a USB microphone or a lavalier microphone, to capture clear and crisp audio.
- Choose the right audio settings: Select the correct audio input device, bitrate, and sample rate to ensure optimal audio quality.
- Minimize background noise: Find a quiet space to record, or use noise-reducing software to minimize background noise.
- Use a pop filter: If you’re using a microphone, consider using a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and prevent distortion.
- Record in a lossless format: Record your screen in a lossless format, like MOV or MP4, to ensure high-quality video and audio.
Common Issues and Solutions
- No audio recorded: Check that your microphone is selected as the input device, and that the audio settings are correct.
- Poor audio quality: Adjust the audio settings, use a better microphone, or try noise-reducing software.
- Video and audio out of sync: Check that the video and audio settings are correct, and that the recording software is configured properly.
Conclusion
Screen recording with audio is a powerful tool for content creators, software developers, and anyone who wants to share their screen activities. By following the methods and best practices outlined in this article, you can create high-quality screen recordings with audio that engage and inform your audience. Whether you’re using QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, or Camtasia, remember to choose the right audio settings, minimize background noise, and record in a lossless format to ensure optimal results.
| Software | Free/Paid | Audio Quality | Advanced Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickTime Player | Free | Good | Basic |
| OBS Studio | Free | Excellent | Advanced |
| Camtasia | Paid | Excellent | Advanced |
By choosing the right software and following best practices, you can create professional-grade screen recordings with audio that showcase your content in the best possible light.
What is screen recording and why do I need it on my Mac?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on your screen, often accompanied by audio, to create a video file. 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.
On a Mac, screen recording is a built-in feature that can be accessed through the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. This feature allows you to record your entire screen or a selected portion, making it easy to focus on specific areas or tasks. Additionally, you can record audio from your microphone, system audio, or both, giving you flexibility in your recording options.
How do I record my screen with audio on a Mac?
To record your screen with audio on a Mac, you can use the QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. For QuickTime Player, open the app, go to File > New Screen Recording, and select the microphone or audio source you want to use. Then, click the Record button and select the area of the screen you want to record. For the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5, select the recording option, and choose the audio source.
Once you’ve started recording, you can pause or stop the recording as needed. When you’re finished, the recorded video will be saved as a .mov file, which can be easily shared or edited using other apps. You can also use third-party screen recording software, such as OBS Studio or Camtasia, which offer more advanced features and customization options.
What are the different screen recording options available on a Mac?
On a Mac, you have several screen recording options, including the built-in QuickTime Player and Screenshot toolbar. You can also use third-party apps, such as OBS Studio, Camtasia, or ScreenFlow, which offer more advanced features and customization options. Additionally, some apps, like Skype or Zoom, have built-in screen recording capabilities for recording video calls or meetings.
When choosing a screen recording option, consider the features you need, such as audio recording, video editing, or annotation tools. You may also want to consider the file format, video quality, and compatibility with other apps or platforms. Some apps may also offer additional features, such as live streaming or video hosting, which can be useful for specific use cases.
How do I record system audio on my Mac?
To record system audio on a Mac, you’ll need to use a third-party app or a workaround, as the built-in screen recording feature only records audio from the microphone. One option is to use a third-party app, such as OBS Studio or Camtasia, which can capture system audio. Another option is to use a workaround, such as creating a virtual audio device or using a separate audio recording app.
When recording system audio, make sure to select the correct audio source and adjust the volume levels as needed. You may also want to consider using a high-quality audio interface or external microphone to improve the audio quality. Additionally, be aware of any copyright or licensing issues when recording system audio, especially if you’re recording copyrighted content.
Can I record my screen with audio on a Mac using a third-party app?
Yes, there are many third-party apps available for screen recording on a Mac, including OBS Studio, Camtasia, ScreenFlow, and more. These apps often offer more advanced features and customization options compared to the built-in screen recording feature. Some popular features include video editing, annotation tools, and live streaming capabilities.
When choosing a third-party app, consider the features you need, such as audio recording, video editing, or annotation tools. You may also want to consider the file format, video quality, and compatibility with other apps or platforms. Some apps may also offer additional features, such as video hosting or collaboration tools, which can be useful for specific use cases.
How do I edit my screen recording on a Mac?
To edit your screen recording on a Mac, you can use a video editing app, such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere Pro. These apps offer a range of editing tools, including trimming, cutting, and arranging clips, as well as adding transitions, effects, and annotations. You can also use third-party apps, such as Camtasia or ScreenFlow, which offer built-in editing features.
When editing your screen recording, consider the goals of your video, such as creating a tutorial or demonstrating a product. You may want to add captions, annotations, or other visual elements to enhance the video. You can also use color correction and audio editing tools to improve the overall quality of the video.
How do I share my screen recording on a Mac?
To share your screen recording on a Mac, you can use various methods, including exporting the video file, uploading to video hosting platforms, or sharing directly to social media. You can export the video file in various formats, such as MP4, MOV, or GIF, and upload it to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Wistia. You can also share the video directly to social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
When sharing your screen recording, consider the file format, video quality, and compatibility with other devices or platforms. You may also want to add captions, annotations, or other visual elements to enhance the video. Additionally, be aware of any copyright or licensing issues when sharing your screen recording, especially if you’re sharing copyrighted content.