Recording your Mac screen with audio can be a valuable tool for creating tutorials, demos, presentations, or even capturing moments from your favorite games. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve this on a Mac without the need for any additional software. This guide will walk you through the various methods to record your Mac screen with audio, both using built-in features and third-party apps.
Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a native application on Mac that allows you to play, record, and edit videos. It also has a built-in screen recording feature that can capture audio alongside the screen activity.
- Open QuickTime Player: Launch QuickTime Player from your Applications folder or search for it using Spotlight.
- Select Screen Recording: Click on “File” in the menu bar and choose “New Screen Recording.”
- Choose Audio Source: Click on the arrow next to the record button and select your audio input source (built-in microphone or external microphone).
- Start Recording: Click the record button and select the area of your screen you want to record. You can also record the entire screen by clicking and dragging to cover the whole screen.
- Stop Recording: To stop recording, click the stop button in the menu bar.
Your recorded video will automatically open in a new QuickTime Player window, where you can preview and edit it if necessary. Save the recording by going to “File” and selecting “Save.”
Using macOS Mojave and Later Built-in Recording Tool
Beginning with macOS Mojave, Apple introduced a new built-in screen recording tool that expands on QuickTime Player’s capabilities.
- Launch Recording Tool: Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the recording tool.
- Select Recording Options: Choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion. You can also enable audio recording by clicking on the options button and selecting your audio source.
- Start Recording: Click the record button to start capturing your screen with audio.
- Stop Recording: To stop the recording, click the stop button in the menu bar.
Your recorded video will be saved to your desktop by default. You can change the storage location and other settings in the recording tool preferences.
Using Third-Party Screen Recording Apps
If you need more advanced features or prefer a third-party solution, there are several screen recording apps available for Mac that offer additional functionalities.
- ScreenFlow: ScreenFlow is a popular screen recording and video editing software that allows you to capture your screen with system audio and microphone input. It also offers powerful editing tools for creating professional-looking videos.
- Camtasia: Camtasia is another well-known screen recording and video editing tool that supports recording with audio on Mac. It includes features like annotations, animations, and effects for enhancing your recordings.
- Snagit: Snagit is a simple yet effective screen capture tool that enables you to record your screen with audio. It also offers a variety of editing tools for customizing your recordings.
Before choosing a third-party screen recording app, make sure to consider your specific needs and budget, as some apps may offer more features but come at a higher price.
Tips for Recording Screen with Audio on Mac
Recording your Mac screen with audio can be straightforward with the right tools and techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use an External Microphone: For better audio quality, consider using an external microphone instead of the built-in one on your Mac.
- Adjust Audio Levels: Make sure to balance the audio levels of your system sound and microphone input for a clear and balanced recording.
- Prepare Your Environment: Choose a quiet environment for recording to minimize background noise and distractions.
- Practice Before Recording: Familiarize yourself with the recording tool and practice capturing your screen to ensure a smooth recording process.
Conclusion
Recording your Mac screen with audio can be a valuable asset for various purposes, from creating tutorials to capturing moments in games. With the built-in tools like QuickTime Player and macOS Mojave’s screen recording feature, as well as third-party apps like ScreenFlow and Camtasia, you have multiple options to choose from based on your needs and preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips provided, you can successfully record your Mac screen with audio and create engaging content.
