As a MacBook Pro user, you may have encountered situations where you need to record your screen, whether it’s to create a tutorial, demonstrate a software feature, or capture a video call. Fortunately, macOS provides a built-in screen recording feature that allows you to capture both video and audio with ease. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods to screen record with audio on MacBook Pro, including the built-in QuickTime Player, Screenshot toolbar, and third-party apps.
Method 1: Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a free media player that comes pre-installed on Macs. It’s also a powerful screen recording tool that allows you to capture both video and audio. Here’s how to use QuickTime Player to screen record with audio on MacBook Pro:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open QuickTime Player on your MacBook Pro. 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 process.
- You’ll be prompted to select the area of the screen you want to record. You can choose to record the entire screen or select a specific region.
- Once you’ve selected the recording area, click on the “Start Recording” button.
- To capture audio, make sure the microphone is selected as the audio input device. You can do this by clicking on the arrow next to the record button and selecting “Microphone” from the drop-down menu.
- Start speaking or playing the audio you want to capture. The screen recording will capture both the video and audio.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Tips and Variations
- To record a specific window, click on the window you want to record and then click on the “Start Recording” button.
- To record a specific region, drag the crosshair pointer to select the area you want to record.
- To add a video overlay, click on the arrow next to the record button and select “Show Mouse Clicks in Recording.”
- To record audio from a different source, such as a USB microphone, select the audio input device from the drop-down menu.
Method 2: Using the Screenshot Toolbar
macOS Mojave and later versions provide a built-in Screenshot toolbar that allows you to capture screenshots and screen recordings with ease. Here’s how to use the Screenshot toolbar to screen record with audio on MacBook Pro:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard to open the Screenshot toolbar.
- Click on the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” button, depending on your preference.
- If you want to capture audio, click on the “Options” menu and select “Microphone” as the audio input device.
- Click on the “Start Recording” button to begin the screen recording process.
- To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
- The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Tips and Variations
- To record a specific window, click on the window you want to record and then click on the “Record Selected Portion” button.
- To record a specific region, drag the crosshair pointer to select the area you want to record.
- To add a video overlay, click on the “Options” menu and select “Show Mouse Clicks in Recording.”
- To record audio from a different source, such as a USB microphone, select the audio input device from the “Options” menu.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
While the built-in screen recording features on MacBook Pro are convenient, you may want to use third-party apps for more advanced features and customization options. Here are some popular third-party apps for screen recording on MacBook Pro:
| App Name | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Camtasia | Advanced video editing, screen recording, and sharing features | $299.99 (one-time purchase) |
| ScreenFlow | Screen recording, video editing, and sharing features, with advanced audio editing options | $129 (one-time purchase) |
| OBS Studio | Free and open-source screen recording and live streaming software with advanced features | Free |
Benefits of Using Third-Party Apps
- Advanced video editing features, such as chroma keying and color correction
- Customizable recording options, such as frame rate and resolution
- Advanced audio editing features, such as noise reduction and equalization
- Integration with popular video sharing platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo
Best Practices for Screen Recording on MacBook Pro
- Use a high-quality microphone to capture clear audio.
- Invest in a good pair of headphones to monitor your audio and prevent echo.
- Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds and improve audio quality.
- Record in a quiet room with minimal background noise.
- Use a consistent frame rate and resolution to ensure smooth playback.
- Edit your video to remove unnecessary footage and improve pacing.
Conclusion
Screen recording on MacBook Pro is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using the built-in QuickTime Player, Screenshot toolbar, or third-party apps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can capture high-quality video and audio with ease. Whether you’re creating tutorials, demonstrating software features, or capturing video calls, screen recording is a powerful tool that can help you communicate more effectively.
What is screen recording and why is it useful on a MacBook Pro?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on your MacBook Pro’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.
Screen recording on a MacBook Pro can be particularly useful for professionals, educators, and content creators. For instance, teachers can record video lessons, while software developers can create tutorials to help users understand their applications. Additionally, gamers can record their gameplay to share with friends or upload to video-sharing platforms.
What are the built-in screen recording tools available on a MacBook Pro?
A MacBook Pro comes with built-in screen recording tools, including the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player. The Screenshot toolbar allows you to capture a selected portion of your screen or the entire screen, while also providing options to record your screen with audio. QuickTime Player, on the other hand, is a media player that also offers screen recording capabilities.
To access the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will open the toolbar, which provides various options for capturing and recording your screen. For QuickTime Player, you can find it in the Applications folder or use Spotlight to search for it. Once opened, navigate to File > New Screen Recording to start capturing your screen.
How do I record my screen with audio on a MacBook Pro using the Screenshot toolbar?
To record your screen with audio using the Screenshot toolbar, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will open the toolbar, which provides various options for capturing and recording your screen. Click on the record button, which looks like a circle, and select the microphone you want to use to capture audio. You can choose to record your entire screen or a selected portion.
Once you’ve selected your recording options, click on the record button to start capturing your screen. You can pause or stop the recording by clicking on the stop button in the menu bar or pressing Command + Shift + 5 again. The recorded video will be saved as a .mov file on your desktop.
Can I record my screen with an external microphone on a MacBook Pro?
Yes, you can record your screen with an external microphone on a MacBook Pro. To do this, connect your external microphone to your MacBook Pro and select it as the audio input device. 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 selected your external microphone, you can start recording your screen using the Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime Player. Make sure to select the correct microphone in the recording settings to capture high-quality audio. This is particularly useful for professionals who require high-quality audio for their recordings.
How do I edit my screen recordings on a MacBook Pro?
You can edit your screen recordings on a MacBook Pro using various video editing software, including iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. iMovie is a free video editing software that comes pre-installed on Macs, while Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are professional-grade editing software that require a subscription or purchase.
To edit your screen recordings, import the video file into your chosen video editing software and trim, cut, or arrange the clips as needed. You can also add transitions, effects, and audio to enhance your video. Additionally, you can export your edited video in various formats, such as MP4, MOV, or AVI.
Can I record my screen on a MacBook Pro without any software or apps?
Yes, you can record your screen on a MacBook Pro without any additional software or apps. The Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player are built-in tools that allow you to capture and record your screen without the need for third-party software.
To record your screen without any software or apps, use the Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime Player. These tools provide basic screen recording capabilities, including the option to capture audio. However, if you require more advanced features, such as video editing or annotation, you may need to use third-party software.
Are there any third-party screen recording software available for MacBook Pro?
Yes, there are several third-party screen recording software available for MacBook Pro, including OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software offer advanced features, such as video editing, annotation, and sharing options, that are not available with the built-in screen recording tools.
Third-party screen recording software can be useful for professionals, educators, and content creators who require more advanced features and customization options. However, some of these software may require a subscription or purchase, and may have a learning curve due to their advanced features.