Screen recording is a digital process that captures the activities on a computer or mobile device’s screen, effectively creating a video of whatever appears on the display. This can include everything from live streaming and video playback on the screen to software operations and user interactions such as mouse movements and clicks, typing, and opening or closing applications. Screen recordings often incorporate audio components as well, either through system sounds (like notifications or in-app sounds) or through a microphone, allowing the user to narrate actions as they occur on the screen.
Recording video with audio on a Mac is a straightforward process, thanks to the built-in QuickTime Player application that comes with macOS.
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Here’s a simple guide to how to record screen with audio on Mac:
Using QuickTime Player
- Open QuickTime Player: You can find QuickTime Player in the Applications folder. Alternatively, press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search, type “QuickTime Player”, and press Enter to launch it.
- Start a New Recording: In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on “File” and select “New Movie Recording” for video. For audio, you can select “New Audio Recording”.
- Adjust Settings: Before starting your recording, click the arrow next to the record button in the QuickTime window. Here, you can select the camera and microphone you wish to use for your recording. If you’re looking to record both video and audio, make sure your microphone is selected here.
- Record: To start recording, click the red record button. QuickTime will capture both video and audio. To stop recording, click the stop button in the QuickTime window.
- Save Your Recording: Once you’ve stopped recording, go to “File” in the menu bar and select “Save”. Choose your desired save location, name your file, and click “Save”.
Recording Screen with Audio
If you’re looking to record your screen with audio (for example, for a presentation or a tutorial), you can try this process:
- Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.
- Click on “Options” to choose where to save your recording, set a timer if needed, and select the microphone for audio recording.
- To record the entire screen, click “Record Entire Screen”. If you want to record a selected portion, click “Record Selected Portion” and adjust your selection.
- Click “Record” to start. You can stop the recording by clicking the stop button in the menu bar or by pressing Command + Control + Esc.
Tips for how to record screen with audio on Mac
Ensure your microphone is properly connected and selected for audio recordings.
You can use external microphones or audio interfaces for higher-quality audio.
For screen recordings with audio, make sure you have the necessary permissions enabled in System Preferences under Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording and Microphone.
QuickTime Player is a versatile tool for basic video and audio recordings. For more advanced features, such as editing or enhancing your recordings, you might consider additional software like InVideo, iMovie, or third-party applications.
This functionality is widely used for a variety of purposes, including creating tutorials or instructional videos, recording gameplay, documenting software bugs, and conducting online meetings or webinars. Screen recording can be a powerful tool for educators, content creators, gamers, and professionals, providing a means to share knowledge, entertainment, and information effectively. Modern operating systems on both computers and smartphones include built-in screen recording tools, and many third-party applications offer advanced features such as editing, annotating, and more sophisticated audio management.
Best Mac screen recorders for free
Several free screen recording software for Mac offers a range of features catering to different needs, from simple recordings to more complex ones with annotations and editing capabilities. Here’s a rundown of some of the best free screen recorders available for Mac users:
QuickTime Player: Built into macOS, QuickTime Player is a versatile tool that can handle basic screen recording tasks. It allows you to record the entire screen or a selected portion, and you can also record audio through a microphone. QuickTime is ideal for users who need a straightforward, easy-to-use screen recorder without the need for additional downloads.
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software): OBS Studio is a powerful, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It offers high-performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing, allowing users to create scenes made up of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, and more. OBS Studio is perfect for users looking for professional-grade recording and streaming capabilities.
Monosnap: Monosnap is a screen capture application that doubles as a screen recorder. It’s great for quick recordings, and it allows you to highlight important details on your screen with pen, text, arrows, and shapes. Monosnap can record both system audio and microphone audio, making it a good option for creating tutorials or presentations.
Movavi Screen Recorder: Movavi allows you to record screen activities and webinars with sound, capture online videos and calls, and save all recorded content in any format. It also includes features for scheduled recording, drawing on video during recording, and showing keystrokes and mouse clicks. This is how to record screens with audio on Mac. Individuals and professionals who need to capture screen content for tutorials, educational content, presentations, or personal use.
Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder: This is a web-based tool that you can access directly from your browser, requiring no software download (though it does require a launcher to be installed the first time you use it). It offers a flexible recording area selection, various audio inputs for recording, and an easy-to-use interface. It’s suitable for users who prefer not to install additional software on their Mac.
VLC Media Player: While primarily known as a multimedia player, VLC also offers screen recording functionality. It’s a bit more hidden within the media player’s options, but it can capture screen activity and system audio. This option is best for users already familiar with VLC who need occasional screen recording without extra bells and whistles.
Conclusion
Mac users have a variety of free screen recording tools at their disposal, each offering unique features tailored to different recording needs. Each of these tools has its unique strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs, such as the complexity of the recordings, the need for editing features, and whether you’re recording gameplay, tutorials, or professional presentations. QuickTime and OBS Studio are among the most popular due to their ease of use, availability, and comprehensive features, but exploring others based on your specific requirements is worthwhile.
