Recording your screen on a Mac is a handy tool for creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or saving important video calls. But what if you need to include audio? Whether you want to record a voiceover or capture system sounds, learning how to screen record on Mac with audio is essential. With a few built-in options and some third-party apps, you can easily achieve high-quality recordings. This guide will walk you through the best methods, ensuring you get the perfect video and audio capture every time. Ready to start recording? Let’s dive in!
Methods to Screen Record on Mac with Audio
1. Using the Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave or Later)
The Screenshot Toolbar on macOS Mojave and later versions is a convenient, built-in tool that lets you screen record with audio in just a few clicks. This method is ideal for quick recordings and straightforward tasks, especially when external audio is all you need.
Here’s a step-by-step process to guide you through using this feature:
Step 1: Open the Screenshot Toolbar
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. This will bring up the Screenshot Toolbar at the bottom of your screen. The toolbar includes various options for capturing still images and recording video.
Step 2: Choose Your Recording Area
- In the toolbar, you’ll see options to “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion.” Choose “Record Entire Screen” if you want to capture everything on your display, or select “Record Selected Portion” to record a specific area. To select a portion, drag the crosshair cursor to define the area you want to record.
Step 3: Select Audio Input
- Click the “Options” button on the toolbar. This will open a dropdown menu where you can choose additional settings. Under the “Microphone” section, select your desired audio input source. You can choose the built-in microphone or any connected external microphone to record your voice along with the screen video.
Step 4: Start Recording
- Once your audio and video settings are configured, click the “Record” button on the toolbar to begin recording. If you selected “Record Entire Screen,” the recording will start immediately. If you chose “Record Selected Portion,” you’ll need to click within the selected area to start recording.
Step 5: Stop Recording
- When you’re ready to stop recording, press Command + Control + Esc or bring up the Screenshot Toolbar again with Command + Shift + 5 and click the “Stop Recording” button. The recording will automatically be saved to your desktop as a .MOV file.
Step 6: Review and Save
- The recorded video will appear as a thumbnail in the lower-right corner of your screen. You can click on it to open, preview, trim, or save it to a different location. The video will also be automatically saved in your default location, typically the desktop.
This method is straightforward and perfect for quick recordings, especially when you only need to capture external audio through a microphone. However, it doesn’t support capturing internal system audio, which is something to keep in mind if your project requires that.
2. Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a versatile and built-in application on macOS that allows you to record your screen with audio. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you use QuickTime Player for your screen recording needs:
Step 1: Launch QuickTime Player
- Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and launch QuickTime Player. You can also use Spotlight Search (Command + Space) and type “QuickTime Player” to find and open the app.
Step 2: Start a New Screen Recording
- Once QuickTime Player is open, click on “File” in the menu bar and select “New Screen Recording” from the dropdown menu. This will open the Screen Recording window.
Step 3: Select Audio Input
- Before starting the recording, click the small arrow next to the red record button in the Screen Recording window. This will open a dropdown menu where you can choose your audio input. Select “Internal Microphone” if you want to record external audio (such as your voice) or choose another connected microphone if available. If you need to capture internal system audio, you’ll need to install additional software like Soundflower.
Step 4: Choose Recording Area
- You can choose to record the entire screen or just a selected portion. To record the entire screen, simply click anywhere on the screen. To record a specific area, click and drag to select the area you want to capture, then click “Start Recording.”
Step 5: Record Your Screen
- After you’ve selected your recording area and audio input, click the red “Record” button. Your recording will begin immediately. Perform the actions you want to capture on your screen.
Step 6: Stop Recording
- When you’re done recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc to stop the recording. QuickTime Player will automatically open the recorded video so you can preview it.
Step 7: Save Your Recording
- Once you’re satisfied with the recording, click “File” in the menu bar and select “Save.” Choose a location and name for your file, and it will be saved as a .MOV file.
QuickTime Player is a simple yet powerful tool for screen recording on Mac, particularly for capturing basic screen activities with external audio. However, capturing internal audio requires additional setup with third-party extensions like Soundflower, which allows QuickTime to capture system sounds directly.
3. Using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source software that offers advanced screen recording capabilities, including capturing both external and internal audio. Although OBS Studio is powerful, it requires a bit more setup than built-in macOS tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using OBS Studio to record your screen with audio on a Mac:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio
- Visit the official OBS Studio website and download the macOS version of the software. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install OBS Studio on your Mac.
Step 2: Launch OBS Studio
- After installation, open OBS Studio from your Applications folder. Upon first launch, you may be prompted to grant OBS access to your screen and microphone. Make sure to allow these permissions.
Step 3: Create a New Scene
- OBS operates using “Scenes” that contain various “Sources” (like your screen, audio inputs, etc.). To create a new scene, click the “+” button under the “Scenes” panel located at the bottom left of the OBS interface. Give your scene a name, such as “Screen Recording.”
Step 4: Add Display Capture Source
- With your new scene selected, add a source by clicking the “+” button under the “Sources” panel. Choose “Display Capture” from the list to capture your entire screen. You can name this source (e.g., “Main Screen”) and select the display you wish to capture if you have multiple monitors. Click “OK” to add the source.
Step 5: Add Audio Sources
- To capture audio, click the “+” button under the “Sources” panel again and choose “Audio Input Capture” to add your microphone as an audio source. Select your desired microphone from the dropdown menu.
- If you need to capture internal system audio (like application sounds), you’ll need to install an additional tool like iShowU Audio Capture. Once installed, add another source in OBS by selecting “Audio Output Capture” and choose the system audio as the source.
Step 6: Configure Audio Settings
- OBS Studio includes a powerful audio mixer that allows you to adjust the volume levels of different audio sources. You’ll see this mixer at the bottom of the OBS interface. Use the sliders to balance your microphone and system audio levels to ensure clear sound in your recording.
Step 7: Start Recording
- Once you’ve configured your scene and audio sources, click the “Start Recording” button located in the lower-right corner of the OBS interface. OBS will begin capturing your screen and audio based on the settings you configured.
Step 8: Stop Recording
- When you’re finished, click the “Stop Recording” button in the same location. OBS will automatically save your recording to the location specified in your settings. You can find and change the save location by navigating to “Settings” > “Output” > “Recording.”
Step 9: Review and Edit
- Navigate to the location where your recording was saved to review your video. OBS Studio does not include built-in editing features, so if you need to trim or edit your recording, you’ll need to use a separate video editing software.
OBS Studio is highly customizable and offers a wide range of features beyond simple screen recording, such as live streaming, scene transitions, and multiple audio tracks. While it may require a bit of a learning curve, it’s an excellent choice for users who need a powerful, all-in-one solution for screen recording on Mac.
4. Using Third-Party Apps (Movavi, EaseUS RecExperts)
Third-party apps like Movavi Screen Recorder and EaseUS RecExperts offer advanced features and a user-friendly interface for screen recording on Mac with audio. These tools handle both internal and external audio, making them perfect for users needing more control over their recordings.
Movavi Screen Recorder stands out for its simplicity. After installing, you can quickly select the screen area and audio sources, such as system sounds or microphone input. The app also allows you to adjust settings like frame rate and resolution. During recording, you can highlight cursor movements and add voiceovers. Once done, Movavi lets you edit and save your video in various formats.
EaseUS RecExperts is another excellent choice, providing comprehensive recording options. It allows you to select specific recording areas, customize audio settings, and even schedule recordings—ideal for capturing webinars or live streams. Post-recording, you can add annotations, create picture-in-picture videos, and export files in multiple formats. Both apps are paid but offer free trials with limited features, making them great options for users requiring more than what macOS tools provide.
FAQs
1Q. How do I record internal audio on my Mac?
To record internal audio on your Mac, you’ll need to use tools like Soundflower with QuickTime or a third-party app like Movavi or EaseUS RecExperts that support internal audio capture directly.
2Q. Can I screen record on Mac with audio using built-in tools?
Yes, you can use the Screenshot Toolbar or QuickTime Player to screen record with external audio (microphone). However, capturing internal audio requires additional setup or third-party software.
3Q. What are the best third-party apps for screen recording on Mac with audio?
Movavi Screen Recorder and EaseUS RecExperts are top choices for advanced features like internal audio capture, editing, and format conversion.
4Q. Is OBS Studio suitable for beginners?
OBS Studio is powerful but has a steeper learning curve. It’s ideal for users needing advanced features but may be complex for beginners.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, mastering how to screen record on Mac with audio is essential for creating high-quality tutorials, capturing important meetings, or recording gameplay. Whether you choose built-in tools like the Screenshot Toolbar and QuickTime Player or opt for third-party apps like Movavi and EaseUS RecExperts, each method has its strengths. For basic needs, built-in options are sufficient, but for advanced features like internal audio capture and editing, third-party software offers the best experience. Choose the method that fits your requirements, and you’ll be able to record with ease and precision.