Are you looking for a way to record your screen with audio on your Mac? Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls, screen recording is a useful feature that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll show you how to screen record with audio on Mac using built-in tools and third-party software.
Using QuickTime Player to Screen Record with Audio
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 with audio. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player
To open QuickTime Player, go to your Applications folder and double-click on the QuickTime Player icon. You can also use Spotlight to search for it.
Step 2: Select the Screen Recording Option
Once QuickTime Player is open, go to File > New Screen Recording. This will open the Screen Recording window.
Step 3: Choose Your Audio Source
In the Screen Recording window, you’ll see a dropdown menu that says “Microphone.” Click on this menu and select the audio source you want to use. You can choose from the following options:
- Built-in Microphone: This is the default option and uses your Mac’s built-in microphone.
- External Microphone: If you have an external microphone connected to your Mac, you can select it from this menu.
- None: If you don’t want to record audio, you can select this option.
Step 4: Start the Screen Recording
Once you’ve selected your audio source, click on the Record button to start the screen recording. You’ll see a countdown timer, and then the recording will begin.
Step 5: Stop the Screen Recording
To stop the screen recording, click on the Stop button in the menu bar. You can also press Command + Control + Esc to stop the recording.
Using OBS Studio to Screen Record with Audio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recording software that’s popular among gamers and content creators. It’s more advanced than QuickTime Player and offers more features. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio
To download OBS Studio, go to the official website and click on the download link. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the instructions to install the software.
Step 2: Set Up OBS Studio
Once OBS Studio is installed, open it and set up your audio and video sources. To do this, go to Settings > Audio and select your audio source from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Start the Screen Recording
To start the screen recording, click on the Start Recording button in the main window. You can also press Command + R to start the recording.
Step 4: Stop the Screen Recording
To stop the screen recording, click on the Stop Recording button in the main window. You can also press Command + R to stop the recording.
Using Camtasia to Screen Record with Audio
Camtasia is a paid screen recording software that’s popular among content creators and marketers. It offers advanced features like video editing and annotation. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Download and Install Camtasia
To download Camtasia, go to the official website and click on the download link. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the instructions to install the software.
Step 2: Set Up Camtasia
Once Camtasia is installed, open it and set up your audio and video sources. To do this, go to Preferences > Audio and select your audio source from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Start the Screen Recording
To start the screen recording, click on the Record button in the main window. You can also press Command + R to start the recording.
Step 4: Stop the Screen Recording
To stop the screen recording, click on the Stop button in the main window. You can also press Command + R to stop the recording.
Tips and Tricks for Screen Recording with Audio
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your screen recordings:
- Use a good microphone: A good microphone can make a big difference in the quality of your audio. Consider investing in an external microphone like the Blue Yeti or the Rode NT-USB.
- Choose the right audio source: Make sure to choose the right audio source for your screen recording. If you’re using an external microphone, select it from the dropdown menu.
- Adjust the audio levels: Adjust the audio levels to ensure that your audio is clear and crisp. You can do this by going to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
- Use a pop filter: A pop filter can help reduce plosive sounds like “p” and “t.” You can buy a pop filter online or make your own using a simple DIY tutorial.
- Record in a quiet room: Record in a quiet room to minimize background noise. Turn off any fans or air conditioners, and ask others to keep quiet while you’re recording.
Common Issues with Screen Recording on Mac
Here are some common issues you may encounter while screen recording on Mac:
- No audio: If you’re not getting any audio, check that your audio source is selected correctly. Also, make sure that your microphone is working properly.
- Poor video quality: If your video quality is poor, check that your screen resolution is set correctly. Also, make sure that your internet connection is stable.
- Screen recording not working: If your screen recording is not working, check that your software is up to date. Also, make sure that your Mac meets the system requirements for screen recording.
Conclusion
Screen recording with audio on Mac is a useful feature that can help you create tutorials, record gameplay, and capture video calls. Whether you’re using QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, or Camtasia, there are many options available to you. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create high-quality screen recordings with audio that will engage and inform your audience.
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.