How to Screen Record on Mac: A Simple Guide

June 7, 2024

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Did you know that Mac users capture over 10 million screen recordings per day? Whether you need to create a tutorial, record a presentation, or simply share your desktop with others, the ability to screen record on your Mac has become an essential tool in the digital age. Fortunately, Apple has made the process of screen recording on Mac quite straightforward, with built-in tools that offer a range of customization options to suit your needs.

To screen record on a Mac, you can utilize the Screenshot toolbar in macOS Mojave and later versions, or the versatile QuickTime Player. Both provide intuitive interfaces and powerful features to capture your entire screen, record a selected portion, or even include audio along with your screen recordings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to screen record on Mac.

Accessing the Built-in Screen Recording Tools

To capture your screen on your Mac, you have access to several built-in tools that make the process straightforward. The first option is the Screenshot toolbar, available in macOS Mojave and later versions. By pressing the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + 5, you can quickly access the on-screen controls to record your entire screen, capture a selected portion, or take a screenshot.

The Screenshot toolbar in macOS Mojave and later versions provides a user-friendly interface for how to screen capture on mac. Once you access the toolbar, you can choose to record the entire screen or select a specific area to capture. The toolbar also offers options to customize your screen recording, such as setting a timer, showing mouse clicks, and choosing the save location for your recordings.

Opening QuickTime Player for Screen Recording

Another built-in tool for recording screen with built in audio on mac is QuickTime Player. You can open QuickTime Player from the Applications folder and select “New Screen Recording” from the File menu. This will allow you to set up your screen recording, including the ability to capture audio input alongside the video.

Both the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player offer convenient options for recording your screen on your Mac, whether you need to capture the full display or a specific area. Familiarizing yourself with these built-in tools can help you efficiently document your workflows, create instructional content, or capture important on-screen activities.

How to Screen Record on Mac?

Screen recording on a Mac can be done easily using the built-in QuickTime Player. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Using QuickTime Player

Open QuickTime Player:
- You can find QuickTime Player in the Applications folder or by searching for it using Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
Start a New Screen Recording:
- Once QuickTime Player is open, click on File in the menu bar.
- Select New Screen Recording.
Set Recording Options:
- A small recording window will appear. Click on the small arrow next to the red record button to choose your recording options.
- You can select the microphone you want to use (if any) and choose whether to show mouse clicks in the recording.
Begin Recording:
- Click the red record button. You will be prompted to select the recording area.
- You can click anywhere on the screen to record the entire screen or drag to select a specific area you want to record.
- Once you’ve selected the area, the recording will begin.
Stop Recording:
- To stop recording, click the stop button in the menu bar at the top of the screen (it’s a small square icon) or press Cmd + Ctrl + Esc.
Save Your Recording:
- Once you stop the recording, QuickTime will automatically open the recorded video. You can preview it here.
- To save the recording, click File in the menu bar and select Save. Choose a name and location for your file and click Save.

Using macOS Mojave and Later

For macOS Mojave and later, there is a built-in screen recording tool:

Open the Screen Recording Tool:
- Press Cmd + Shift + 5 to open the screen recording toolbar.
Choose Your Recording Option:
- You can choose to record the entire screen, a selected portion of the screen, or a specific window.
- You also have options for capturing still screenshots if needed.
Record:
- Click the Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion button.
- To start recording, click the Record button.
Stop Recording:
- Click the stop button in the menu bar (next to the time and battery icons) or press Cmd + Ctrl + Esc.
Save Your Recording:
- The recording will automatically be saved to your desktop by default.

Using these methods, you can easily screen record on your Mac for tutorials, presentations, or any other purpose.

Navigating the Screenshot Toolbar

The Screenshot toolbar in macOS Mojave and later provides a seamless way to capture how to screen record on mac or how to screen capture on mac? Your screen. This versatile tool offers multiple recording modes and customization options to ensure you get the perfect screen capture or recording.

Selecting the Recording Mode

When you open the Screenshot toolbar by pressing Shift + Command + 5, you’ll be presented with several options to choose from. You can select to record the entire screen, capture a specific portion of the screen, or even take a screenshot. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recording or capture to your specific needs, whether you’re creating a tutorial, recording a presentation, or simply documenting your screen activity.

Adjusting Options for Screenshot or Recording

The Screenshot toolbar also enables you to fine-tune various settings before you start your how to screen record on mac or how to screen capture on mac? capture. You can adjust the recording area, toggle the display of mouse clicks, and even select the audio input source if you need to include audio in your recording. These customization options help you create screen captures and recordings that are tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring that the final output is exactly what you need.

Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording

If you’re looking to create screen recordings on your Mac with built-in audio, QuickTime Player is a powerful and user-friendly option. This versatile media player not only allows you to play various video and audio files, but it also provides a straightforward way to record your screen with integrated audio.

Setting Up Audio Input for Recording

Before you start recording your screen with QuickTime Player, you’ll need to configure the audio input settings. This ensures that your screen recording will capture any system audio or audio from a connected microphone. Simply navigate to the QuickTime Player’s “File” menu, select “New Screen Recording,” and then click on the small arrow next to the record button. Here, you can choose the desired audio input source, such as your computer’s built-in microphone or a connected external microphone, to be included in your screen recording.

Recording the Entire Screen or a Portion

You’re ready to start recording your screen once you’ve set up the audio input. QuickTime Player offers two options: recording the entire screen or capturing a specific portion of it. To record the full screen, simply click the record button in the QuickTime Player screen recording window. If you prefer to record a specific area, click and drag to select the desired region before hitting the record button.

QuickTime Player’s intuitive interface makes it easy to manage your screen recordings. You can pause, stop, and save the recordings directly within the app, and even perform basic editing tasks, such as trimming the video or adjusting the volume. This built-in tool provides a hassle-free way to screen record on mac with built-in audio, making it a valuable resource for creating tutorials, presentations, or capturing important on-screen activities.

Benefits and Limitations of Built-in Tools

The built-in screen recording tools on your Mac, such as the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player, offer the convenience of quick access and customization options. These native apps provide a straightforward way to how to screen record on mac or how do i record my screen? However, they also come with certain limitations that users should be aware of.

Advantages of Native Screen Recording Apps

The key benefits of using the built-in screen recording tools on your Mac include:

The Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player are readily available on your Mac, eliminating the need to download and install additional software.
These apps allow you to adjust various recording options, such as the capture area, audio input, and display of mouse clicks, to suit your specific needs.
The native screen recording tools integrate seamlessly with your Mac’s operating system, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience.

Drawbacks of Using Built-in Screen Recorders

While the built-in screen recording tools on your Mac offer convenience, they also have some limitations:

The native apps provide limited editing features, making it difficult to perform advanced post-recording modifications to your screen captures.
The export options for your screen recordings may be more limited compared to those offered by third-party screen recording software.
The built-in tools do not provide the option to schedule screen recordings in advance, which can be a valuable feature for certain use cases.

Understanding the pros and cons of these native screen recording apps can help you determine the best approach for your specific needs, whether that involves using the built-in tools or exploring third-party screen recording software.

Exploring Third-Party Screen Recording Apps

While the built-in screen recording tools on Mac are useful, there are also various third-party apps available that offer more advanced features and functionalities for those who want to take their screen recording capabilities to the next level. Whether you’re looking to create professional-grade tutorial videos, collaborate on projects with remote teams, or capture high-quality recordings for personal use, these third-party apps can provide a wealth of options to consider.

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio

One of the most powerful and versatile screen recording apps on the market is Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio. This free, open-source software is a favorite among gamers, streamers, and content creators who need to capture their screen activities with high-quality audio and video. OBS Studio offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to adjust settings, add overlays, and seamlessly integrate various input sources to create professional-looking recordings. Whether you’re how to screen record on mac or how do i record my screen on windows or mac?, OBS Studio is a robust solution worth exploring.

Snagit for Tutorial and Instructional Videos

For those looking to create engaging tutorial and instructional videos, Snagit is a popular choice among Mac users. This user-friendly screen capture and video editing tool provides a range of features to help you produce high-quality content, including the ability to annotate screenshots, record narrated videos, and leverage pre-designed templates. Snagit’s intuitive interface and powerful editing capabilities make it an excellent option for anyone how to screen record on mac or how do i record my screen on windows or mac? and need to create polished, informative videos.

Loom: Cloud-Based Screen Recorder

Loom is a cloud-based screen recorder that offers a simple yet feature-rich experience for those who need to capture and share their screen activities. With Loom, you can quickly record your screen, camera, and audio, and then easily share the resulting video with others. The platform’s integration with various productivity tools, such as Slack and Google Suite, makes it a compelling option for remote teams and individuals who need to collaborate and communicate effectively. Whether you’re how to screen record on mac or how do i record my screen on windows or mac?, Loom provides a seamless and versatile screen recording solution.

Apowersoft Screen Recorder

Apowersoft Screen Recorder is another powerful third-party app that offers a wide range of features for how to screen record on mac or how do i record my screen on windows or mac? users. This tool provides high-quality video and audio recording capabilities, along with a suite of editing tools to help you refine your recordings. Apowersoft Screen Recorder also includes the ability to schedule recordings, capture webcam footage, and add annotations or captions to your videos, making it a versatile choice for a variety of screen recording needs.

Ensuring Privacy and Security with Screen Recording

When capturing screen recordings on your Mac, it’s crucial to ensure that you have the necessary permissions enabled for the screen recording apps to function properly. This not only safeguards your privacy but also helps maintain the overall security of your device.

To grant screen recording permissions, go to the “Security & Privacy” section in your Mac’s System Preferences. Click on the “Privacy” tab and then select “Screen Recording.” Here, you’ll need to add the screen recording apps you plan to use, such as the built-in Screenshot toolbar or any third-party apps like OBS Studio or Loom. This step ensures that these apps have the required access to capture your screen.

Protecting Your Device with Antivirus Software

In addition to enabling the appropriate permissions, it’s highly recommended to use reliable antivirus software, such as Avast One, to protect your Mac from potential security risks associated with screen recording apps. Antivirus solutions can help detect and prevent any malicious activities or unauthorized access to your device, ensuring your personal data and privacy remain secure.

By taking these measures, you can enjoy the benefits of screen recording on your Mac while maintaining the highest levels of privacy and security for your device and information.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Screen Captures

In addition to the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player, you can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly capture screenshots or recordings on your Mac. These shortcuts include Shift + Command + 3 to capture the entire screen, Shift + Command + 4 to select a specific area, and Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.

These keyboard shortcuts provide a fast and efficient way to take screen captures on your Mac. Whether you need to quickly document an issue, share a tutorial, or capture a moment, these shortcuts allow you to streamline your workflow and save time. By mastering these keyboard commands, you can seamlessly integrate screen capturing into your daily tasks and enhance your overall productivity.

Remember, the ability to quickly screen capture on your Mac is not limited to the built-in tools. Exploring keyboard shortcuts can further optimize your screen recording capabilities, ensuring you have a versatile and efficient toolset at your fingertips. Leveraging these shortcuts can help you capture high-quality screen recordings and screenshots with ease, making them an invaluable asset in your digital toolkit

FAQs on how to screen record on Mac

How do I record my screen with built-in audio on Mac?

To record your screen with built-in audio on a Mac, you can use the Screenshot toolbar in macOS Mojave and later or the QuickTime Player app. The Screenshot toolbar allows you to capture the entire screen or a selected area, with the option to include audio. Alternatively, you can open QuickTime Player and choose “New Screen Recording” to set up a screen recording with audio input.

How do I record my screen?

To record your screen on a Mac, you can use the built-in tools like the Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime Player. The Screenshot toolbar provides options to record the entire screen or a selected area, with the ability to include audio. QuickTime Player also allows you to set up audio input and record the screen, either the entire screen or a specific portion.

How do I record my screen on Windows or Mac?

You can record your screen on both Windows and Mac using various tools. On a Mac, the built-in options include the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player, which offer screen recording capabilities. On Windows, you can use the built-in Game Bar or third-party screen recording software like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio, Snagit, Loom, or Apowersoft Screen Recorder.