Are you looking for ways to screen record on your Mac with audio without breaking the bank? Look no further. In this article, we will explore the various methods to screen record on Mac with audio for free. We will cover the built-in tools, third-party apps, and browser extensions that can help you achieve this.
Using Built-in Tools: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar
Mac comes with two built-in tools that allow you to screen record with audio: QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar. These tools are free and easy to use, making them a great option for those who want to screen record without spending a dime.
Method 1: Using 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 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 screen recording window will appear. Click on the arrow next to the record button to select the microphone you want to use to capture audio.
- Choose the microphone you want to use and click on the record button to start the screen recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Method 2: Using Screenshot Toolbar
The Screenshot Toolbar is a feature introduced in macOS Mojave that allows you to take screenshots and screen recordings with ease. Here’s how to use it to screen record with audio:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard to open the Screenshot Toolbar.
- Click on the screen recording button (it looks like a circle with a dot in the center) to select the type of screen recording you want to do.
- Choose “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” depending on your needs.
- Click on the microphone button to select the microphone you want to use to capture audio.
- Click on the record button to start the screen recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Using Third-Party Apps: OBS Studio and Camtasia
While the built-in tools are great, they may not offer the features and flexibility you need. That’s where third-party apps come in. OBS Studio and Camtasia are two popular screen recording apps that offer advanced features and are free to use.
Method 3: Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording app that is popular among gamers and content creators. It offers advanced features such as chroma keying, audio mixing, and more. Here’s how to use it to screen record with audio:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your Mac.
- 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 capture.
- 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 the screen recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mp4 file on your desktop.
Method 4: Using Camtasia
Camtasia is a popular screen recording app that offers advanced features such as video editing, annotations, and more. It offers a free trial, but you can use it for free with some limitations. Here’s how to use it to screen record with audio:
- Download and install Camtasia on your Mac.
- Launch Camtasia and click on the “New Recording” button.
- Select the display you want to capture and choose the microphone you want to use.
- Click on the “Record” button to start the screen recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .trec file on your desktop.
Using Browser Extensions: Screencastify and Loom
If you don’t want to download and install any software, you can use browser extensions to screen record with audio. Screencastify and Loom are two popular browser extensions that offer free screen recording with audio.
Method 5: Using Screencastify
Screencastify is a popular browser extension that allows you to screen record with audio. Here’s how to use it:
- Install the Screencastify browser extension on your Chrome browser.
- Click on the Screencastify icon in the top right corner of your browser and select “Record” from the drop-down menu.
- Select the type of screen recording you want to do and choose the microphone you want to use.
- Click on the “Record” button to start the screen recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mp4 file on your desktop.
Method 6: Using Loom
Loom is another popular browser extension that allows you to screen record with audio. Here’s how to use it:
- Install the Loom browser extension on your Chrome browser.
- Click on the Loom icon in the top right corner of your browser and select “Record” from the drop-down menu.
- Select the type of screen recording you want to do and choose the microphone you want to use.
- Click on the “Record” button to start the screen recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop” button.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mp4 file on your desktop.
Conclusion
Screen recording on Mac with audio is easier than you think. With the built-in tools, third-party apps, and browser extensions available, you can choose the method that works best for you. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, or just want to record a tutorial, these methods will help you achieve your goal without spending a dime.
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, such as creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls. On a Mac, screen recording can be used to demonstrate software functionality, record online lectures, or even create video content for social media platforms.
By having the ability to record your screen with audio, you can effectively communicate your ideas, showcase your skills, or preserve memories. Moreover, screen recording can be a valuable tool for educators, marketers, and content creators who need to produce high-quality video content without investing in expensive equipment or software.
How do I record my screen with audio on a Mac for free?
To record your screen with audio on a Mac for free, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar. QuickTime Player allows you to record your screen and audio simultaneously, while the Screenshot toolbar provides a more streamlined experience. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps like OBS Studio or Camtasia, which offer more advanced features and editing capabilities.
When using QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar, ensure that you have selected the correct audio input source, such as your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external audio device. You can also choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion, depending on your needs. Once you’ve started recording, you can pause, resume, or stop the recording as needed.
What are the system requirements for screen recording on a Mac?
To record your screen with audio on a Mac, you’ll need a Mac computer running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. Additionally, your Mac should have a compatible audio input device, such as a built-in microphone or an external audio interface. It’s also recommended to have a relatively fast processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a decent amount of free disk space to store your recorded videos.
In terms of software, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar, which come pre-installed on Macs running macOS Mojave (10.14) or later. If you prefer to use third-party apps, ensure that they are compatible with your Mac’s operating system and meet the system requirements specified by the app developer.
Can I record my screen with audio using an external microphone?
Yes, you can record your screen with audio using an external microphone on a Mac. In fact, using an external microphone can significantly improve the audio quality of your recordings. To do this, connect your external microphone to your Mac and select it as the audio input source in your recording software. You can then adjust the microphone settings to optimize the audio quality.
When using an external microphone, make sure to position it correctly to capture the best possible audio. You may also need to adjust the gain levels or apply noise reduction techniques to achieve the desired audio quality. Some popular external microphones for screen recording include the Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB, and HyperX QuadCast Gaming Microphone.
How do I edit my screen recordings on a Mac?
To edit your screen recordings on a Mac, you can use the built-in iMovie app or third-party video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. iMovie provides a user-friendly interface for trimming, splitting, and merging clips, as well as adding transitions and effects. More advanced video editing software offers additional features, such as color correction, audio ducking, and visual effects.
When editing your screen recordings, you can also add captions, annotations, or watermarks to enhance the video content. Additionally, you can export your edited videos in various formats, such as MP4, MOV, or GIF, depending on your intended use. Some video editing software also allows you to upload your videos directly to social media platforms or video sharing sites.
Can I record my screen with audio on a Mac without any software?
Yes, you can record your screen with audio on a Mac without any additional software. macOS provides a built-in feature called the Screenshot toolbar, which allows you to record your screen and audio simultaneously. To access the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. You can then select the recording option and choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion.
The Screenshot toolbar also provides options to record your screen with audio from your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external audio device. Once you’ve started recording, you can pause, resume, or stop the recording as needed. The recorded video will be saved as a MOV file on your Mac, which you can then edit or share as desired.
Are there any limitations to recording my screen with audio on a Mac?
While recording your screen with audio on a Mac is a powerful feature, there are some limitations to be aware of. For example, the built-in QuickTime Player and Screenshot toolbar may not offer advanced features like chroma keying, audio ducking, or visual effects. Additionally, the video quality may be limited to 1080p or 60fps, depending on your Mac’s hardware capabilities.
Another limitation is that some apps or websites may not allow screen recording due to copyright or security restrictions. In such cases, you may need to use alternative methods, such as taking screenshots or recording audio separately. Furthermore, recording your screen with audio can consume significant system resources, which may impact your Mac’s performance or battery life.