Are you a Mac user looking to capture more than just visuals? Screen recording on Mac with sound enables you to do just that. In today’s digital age, screen recording has become a necessity for various purposes.
Picture this: You’ve stumbled upon a brilliant online tutorial, but there’s no option to download it. Wouldn’t it be great if you could record it and revisit it whenever you like? Or imagine you’re troubleshooting a technical issue with customer support. Being able to record the entire interaction for reference is invaluable. These are just a couple of scenarios where screen recording becomes your best ally.
This article is a guide on how to screen record video on Mac with sound. This post will guide you through the process of capturing both visuals and sound on your Mac, and also list various screen recorders you can use for this purpose.
Keep reading!
Basics of Screen Recording on a Mac
Screen recording on a Mac is a straightforward process, and one of the key advantages of using an Apple computer is the convenience of having built-in screen recording tools at your disposal.
Let’s delve into the basics of screen recording on a Mac and introduce you to Apple’s built-in screen recording feature.
QuickTime Player
Apple’s QuickTime Player is more than just a media player; it’s a versatile screen recording tool that comes pre-installed on your Mac. You don’t need to search for or download third-party software, which makes the process exceptionally convenient.
This native feature is user-friendly, and once your recording is complete, you can effortlessly save the file to your preferred location. Editing options are also available and allow you to trim or enhance your recordings.
Why use Mac’s native tools
The beauty of using Mac’s native tools for screen recording is their simplicity and accessibility. You don’t have to go through the hassle of downloading and installing third-party software, which can sometimes be overwhelming and come at a cost.
QuickTime Player’s user-friendly interface makes it perfect for beginners, and you can be up and running with your first screen recording in minutes.
Additionally, using built-in tools ensures compatibility and smooth integration with your Mac’s operating system. You won’t encounter issues related to software conflicts or updates, which can be a common concern when using third-party applications.
How to Screenshot on MacBook Pro
There are three ways you can screenshot on a MacBook Pro. You can either capture the entire screen, a portion of the screen, or a menu or window.
How to use Shift-Command-3 for screenshotting your entire screen
To screenshot a page, press and hold Shift, Command, and 3 together.
You can edit the screenshot by clicking on the thumbnail that will appear in the corner of your screen after screenshotting. Alternatively, you can edit it after you’ve saved the screenshot.
To take a screenshot of a section of your Mac’s screen:
1.Simultaneously hold down Shift, Command, and 4 keys on your keyboard.
2.You will notice a crosshair cursor; use it to mark the area you want to capture. If you need to reposition the selection, press and hold the Space bar while dragging.
To stop the screenshot, press the Esc (Escape) key.
3.Release your mouse or trackpad button when you are ready to capture.
To capture a specific window or menu:
1.Begin by opening the window or menu that you wish to capture.
2.Press and hold these keys simultaneously: Shift, Command, 4, and the Space bar. You will notice that your pointer transforms into a camera icon.
To stop the screenshot, press the Esc (Escape) key.
3.Click on the window or menu you want to capture. If you’d like to exclude the window’s shadow from the screenshot, press and hold the Option key while clicking.
How to store and retrieve screenshots on a MacBook Pro
Usually, your screenshots are saved to your desktop with “Screen Shot [date] at [time].png” as a filename.
If you’re using macOS Mojave or a more recent version, you can customize the default location for saved screenshots. To do that, head to the Options menu within the Screenshot app.
Alternatively, you can drag the screenshot’s thumbnail to a folder or directly into a document.
How to Use the Screenshot Toolbar for Screen Recording on Mac
1.Use launchpad, or press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot and unveil the tools.
2.Either use the Touch Bar or select the tool that best suits your needs for capturing or recording.
3.If you desire further customization, click on “Options.” The available choices will vary depending on whether you’re taking a screenshot or recording your screen.
4.To start the screen recording, click on “Record.”
5.To conclude the recording, hit the “Stop Recording” button located in the menu bar.
Click the thumbnail to open a window where you can edit the recording or easily share it.
Screen Recording with QuickTime Player
If you prefer an alternative to the screenshot toolbar for screen recording on your Mac, QuickTime Player offers a simple solution.
Here’s how to do screen recording using QuickTime Player:
1.Launch the QuickTime Player app. Navigate to the Menu bar, click on “File,” and select “New Screen Recording.”
2.Click the arrow next to the red “Record” button to choose your audio input. After that, adjust the screen recording parameters by clicking the Record button.
3.If you wish to record the entire screen, simply click anywhere on the screen to initiate the recording. For capturing a specific portion of the screen, drag your cursor to select the desired area, then click “Start Recording.”
4.To conclude the recording, you have two options: click the “Stop” button in the menu bar, or press and hold “Command + Control + Escape.”
QuickTime Player shares several benefits and drawbacks with the Screenshot toolbar. Notably, it works with older macOS versions which makes it versatile.
However, it has fewer features compared to more modern tools; it lacks features like a delayed recording timer and the ability to remember your preferences.
Third-Party Screen Recording Programs for Mac
If you’re looking for more advanced screen recording tools on your Mac, consider third-party programs like OBS Studio, Screenapp.io, Screencastify, ActivePresenter, Apowersoft, Peek 360, and many others.
These tools offer additional features – such as video editing and annotation, which makes them ideal for various screen recording needs.
Movavi Screen Recorder
The Movavi screen recorder is a free tool that can enhance your productivity. You can use it to capture both your screen and audio either simultaneously or individually.
It allows you to personalize your recordings with a webcam overlay and engage your audience with on-video drawings. It’s the perfect tool for capturing essential webinars and much more.
Loom
Loom is a top screen recorder that offers a free solution for recording. With its quick installation and user-friendly interface, you can start recording in just a few clicks.
You can easily share your recordings using instantly generated links and enjoy the flexibility to capture in up to 4k resolution.
With Loom, you can engage your viewers with comments and emoji reactions, and conveniently upload your videos to the Loom HQ library.
Movavi Screen Recorder for Chrome
Movavi Screen Recorder Chrome extension is a user-friendly tool for screen and audio recording. With this extension, you can record either the entire screen or specific tabs on Google Chrome, grab webpage audio, and seamlessly integrate webcam footage into your video captures.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio, a free and open-source software, is your go-to tool for video recording and live streaming.
Its impressive features include real-time video and audio capture that allows you to mix various sources like window captures, images, text, webcams, and more to create customized scenes. You can set up an unlimited number of scenes, seamlessly switching between them with custom transitions.
The intuitive audio mixer offers per-source filters for precise control over sound quality, including noise gate, suppression, and gain adjustment.
With VST plugin support, you have even more flexibility. The configuration options are powerful yet user-friendly and enable you to add, duplicate, and modify sources effortlessly.
OBS Studio’s modular ‘Dock’ UI allows you to personalize the layout as you see fit, and you can detach individual Docks into separate windows.
The streamlined Settings panel provides access to a wide range of configuration options to ensure you have complete control over every aspect of your broadcasts and recordings.
Screencast-o-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic, a browser-based screencasting and video editing tool, serves a diverse range of purposes, but most especially in education. It facilitates video creation for student assessments, flipped classrooms, assignments, and lecture capture.
With its user-friendly screen capture features, you can effortlessly create, edit, and convey your ideas using videos and images.
ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter, developed by Atomi Systems, Inc., is a versatile 3-in-1 tool for screencasting, eLearning, and video editing. It is compatible with both MacOS and Microsoft Windows.
ActivePresenter is also a comprehensive solution for educational video content development and provides the tools you need to make your training materials interactive and effective for your audience.
While it’s ideal for crafting engaging training courses, it may not be the top choice for recording extensive hour-long sessions.
Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is your hassle-free solution for capturing your screen with audio. It allows you to record tutorials, webinars, applications, live streams, and more, to enhance your productivity.
With features like annotating and editing recordings, you have the flexibility to fine-tune your captures using Icecream Screen Recorder. Plus, you can share your recordings instantly.
VLC
VLC is a free and open-source media player that has the ability to play various media files – from online streams to DVDs, CDs, and more. However, when it comes to screen recording, it may not be your top choice.
VLC’s screen recording feature isn’t enabled by default, which means that you have to take additional steps to activate the record button. Other dedicated screen recording tools offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience if your primary goal is recording your screen or capturing video clips.
Apowersoft
Apowersoft’s online screen recorder provides high-quality screen recordings and a range of editing tools. It offers the option for high-resolution recordings and supports multi-audio output recording, which is a valuable feature for those who need versatile audio sources.
However, it’s vital to note that you need to install a launcher to use this tool, and it’s not optimized for game recording.
Screencastify
Screencastify, a top Chrome screen recorder, is a quick and easy-to-install Chrome extension. With it, you can effortlessly record, edit, and share videos within a short time. It is ideal for making class assignments in video.
Peek 360
Peek 360 offers the quickest and most straightforward method to create screencasts on your PC. You can use it to record your screen and narration, and once you’re done, your screencast uploads to Review 360 for stakeholder feedback. You can also choose to download the video as an MP4 file or LMS package.
Screenapp.io
Screenapp.io is a tool you can use to record your screen, audio, and webcam. It allows you to enjoy fast, lag-free, and watermark-free recording without the need for any installation.
Additionally, you can transcribe, summarize videos, and take notes during meetings and workflows with the help of the tool’s AI, which makes it convenient to share important information with your team.
Instant sharing and download options available in the tool further streamline the screen recording process to ensure your recordings are readily available when you need them.
How to Choose the Right Screen Recording Tool on Mac
Selecting the right screen recording tool on Mac is crucial to ensure a seamless and productive experience. When making your choice, consider the following factors:
Ease of use and customization:
A user-friendly interface on a screen recording tool is essential. You want a tool that doesn’t make the recording process overly complex. The option to customize settings – such as screen resolution and frame rate, can be valuable for creating high-quality recordings.
Sound quality:
Quality audio recording is vital, especially if you plan to include sound in your screen recordings. Ensure the tool allows you to configure and capture clear, crisp audio.
Video editing:
Look for features that enable video editing. The ability to trim, add annotations, or insert text can greatly enhance your recordings.
Compatibility and output options:
Make sure the tool is compatible with your Mac’s operating system to avoid any potential conflicts. Ensure the tool provides various output formats to allow you to choose the one that suits your needs best.
Cost:
Consider your budget. Some tools are free, while others come with a price tag. Weigh the features against the cost to find the best fit for your needs.
Tips for Effective Screen Recording on Mac
Here are some tips to ensure your screen recordings on Macbook are top-notch:
Ensure good audio quality
Audio quality is paramount. Use a high-quality microphone to capture clear sound. Eliminate background noise and test audio levels to ensure your voice is audible and not too loud or soft.
Prepare the screen before recording
Clean up your desktop and close any unnecessary apps or notifications. Choose the specific area you want to capture to avoid distracting clutter. This preparation enhances the professionalism of your video.
Use editing tools for a polished video
After recording, don’t hesitate to edit. Trim unnecessary segments, add annotations, and insert text or captions to clarify the content. Using quality screen recorders with video editing tools can help you create a polished final product that engages your audience.
Conclusion
Screen recording on a Mac with sound is an invaluable process that helps you to capture and share your digital experiences, whether it’s creating engaging tutorials, preserving memorable moments, or enhancing your professional presentations.
The built-in tools on Mac – like QuickTime Player, provide you with a user-friendly and convenient way to get started to ensure that you can easily harness the power of screen recording.
However, there are a plethora of screen recording tools available, of which some are listed in this article. You are encouraged to explore different options to find the best fit for your needs.
