How to record the screen on your Mac From APPLE

You can use Screenshot or QuickTime player to make a video recording of the entire screen or just a selected portion of it.

Use the Screenshot toolbar

Shift, Command and 5 keys

To view the Screenshot toolbar, press these three keys together: Shift, Command and 5. You will see onscreen controls for recording the entire screen, recording a selected portion of the screen or capturing a still image of your screen:

macOS desktop with screenshot toolbar shown

Screenshot toolbar pros:

  • Keyboard shortcut to open the tool
  • Pre-installed on your Mac, so you don’t have to download additional software
  • Customizable settings, such as frame size, audio input, and mouse clicks
  • Recording delay options

Screenshot toolbar cons:

  • Basic editing features
  • No audio/visual effects or annotations
  • Exports saved only as .mov files—only converting can change the format
  • No scheduling—you can only manually start and stop the recording

Use QuickTime Player

  1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder, then choose File > New Screen Recording from the menu bar.

    • If you see the onscreen controls described above, follow those steps.

    • If you see the Screen Recording window described below, follow those steps.

  2. Before starting your recording, you can click the arrow next to the Record buttonNo alt supplied for Image to change the recording settings:

    QuickTime screen recording settings

    • To record your voice or other audio with the screen recording, choose a microphone. To monitor that audio while recording, adjust the volume slider. If you get audio feedback, lower the volume or use headphones with a microphone.

    • To see a black circle around your pointer when you click, choose Show Mouse Clicks in Recording.

  3. To start recording, click the Record buttonNo alt supplied for Image and then take one of these actions:

    • Click anywhere on the screen to start recording the entire screen.

    • Or drag to select an area to record, then click Start Recording within that area.

  4. To stop recording, click the Stop buttonNo alt supplied for Image in the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc (Escape).

  5. After you’ve stopped recording, QuickTime Player will open the recording automatically. You can now play, edit or share the recording.

QuickTime pros:

No purchase necessary—aside from the Mac that it comes pre-installed on

Basic editing features

Simple interface, uncluttered by extra bells and whistles

Can record audio along with the video

Compatible with older macOS versions

QuickTime cons:

No live streaming option

More resource-draining than other Mac screen recording tools

Learn more

  • The Screenshot toolbar is available in macOS Mojave or later.

  • When saving your recording automatically, your Mac will use the name ”Screen Recording date at time.mov”.

  • To cancel making a recording, press the Esc key before clicking to record.

  • You can open screen recordings with QuickTime Player, iMovie and other apps that can edit or view videos.

  • Some apps may not let you record their windows.

Third-party Mac screen recorders

Third-party screen recorders may offer more features than your Mac’s built-in options—but there are some potential risks, like Mac viruses. To stay safe, stick to apps from the App Store and check the reviews before downloading. Be sure to follow our Mac security guide to stay informed, and learn how to remove a virus from Mac, if needed.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular third-party screen recorder apps:

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a great screen recording option for people who need professional clips. It’s also a widely-used tool for gamers, as it’s particularly good for live streaming. Here’s how to use it to record your Mac screen:

Download OBS Studio and launch the app.

Once the app is open, select the Scenes panel and click the + button to create a new Mac recording.

In the Sources panel, click the + button. Then choose macOS Screen Capture and click OK. Next, choose what to record from the dropdown list next to Method.

If you want to record audio, go back to the Sources panel and click the + button. Select Audio Input Capture and click OK. Then select your audio input source and click OK.

Click Start Recording and Stop Recording when you’re finished. All recordings you capture with OBS Studio will be saved in your Mac’s Movies folder by default.

OBS Studio pros:

  • Advanced video and audio features
  • Free and open-source
  • Multiple input recording capabilities for both audio and video
  • Multiple outputs for a variety of platforms

OBS Studio cons:

  • Can be tricky to use
  • No video editing features
  • Many system requirements
  • Can be resource-intensive

Snagit

Snagit is a great tool for technical support specialists, YouTubers, or anyone else making basic instructional videos. Snagit’s developer TechSmith also offers a premium screen and video recording software called Camtasia, which focuses on advanced screen capturing and video editing. But for this section, we’ll focus on Snagit’s basic screen recording functionality. Here’s how to screen record on Mac using Snagit:

Download Snagit and launch the app.

Click the Capture button and select Video for screen recording.

Under Selection, choose Fullscreen or Region, then click Capture.

Select Audio Recording, then click the red Record button. When you’re finished, click the blue Stop button.

Snagit pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Includes templates for easy recordings
  • Includes overlay options for recordings
  • Multi-platform compatibility

Snagit cons:

  • No live streaming functionality
  • The trial version has restrictions

Loom

Loom is a popular cloud-based recorder that’s easy to use. The tool can be installed as a browser extension or as a standalone app. Here’s how to use Loom to screen record on Mac with sound:

Download Loom and launch the app.

Select your recording options: Screen + Cam, Screen Only, or Cam Only (for webcam recording).

Choose whether to record the entire screen, a window, or a specific tab.

Click the Start Recording button to begin capturing your screen with audio. When you’re finished, click the Stop Recording button on-screen.

Loom pros:

  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Cloud-based storage saves Mac storage space
  • Advanced editing features to customize recordings
  • Supported on multiple operating systems

Loom cons:

  • Can crash during system audio recording
  • Online use only, as it’s cloud-based
  • Trial version has restrictions

Apowersoft Screen Recorder

Apowersoft’s online screen recorder offers quality recordings and good editing options. It’s a cloud-based tool and can record both your Mac’s screen and webcam, including sound. Here’s how to use it to record your Mac screen:

Go to the Apowersoft Screen Recorder page and click Start Recording, or launch the app.

Click the options you want to record: Screen, Webcam, System Sound, and/or Microphone.

If you’re recording your Mac screen, you’ll be asked to choose what to record. Select Entire Screen, Window, or Chrome Tab.

Click Start Recording to begin capturing your screen.

Click Stop to finish the recording. The completed screen recording will be saved in your Downloads folder by default.

Apowersoft pros:

  • Option for high-resolution recordings
  • Multi-audio output recording capabilities
  • Editing tools
  • Free version available
  • No download necessary

Apowersoft cons:

  • Not optimized for game recording

ScreenFlow

If you’re looking for a professional-grade app for screen recording, video editing, and video creation, ScreenFlow might be the best way for you to screencast on a Mac. This high-end app is made for experienced users and offers a wide range of features, as well as iOS recording, a stock media library, professional animations, and more.

Download and install the program. The first step of using ScreenFlow to record your Mac’s screen is to download and install the ScreenFlow app from the official site.

Download ScreenFlow. Tweak the settings.Once the program has been installed, open ScreenFlow. A window will appear that lets you select the video and audio you wish to record. Configure the parameters accordingly.

Record the screen. Press the Record button. A timer will count down and the recording will start.

When you want to stop recording, click on the ScreenFlow icon in the top right section of the screen and press Stop Recording. The full ScreenFlow menu will then open up with your recording file ready to be edited and saved.

ScreenFlow Pros:

  • Lots of advanced features
  • Can be used to record on iOS devices, too
  • Produces high-quality recordings with both video and audio

ScreenFlow Cons:

  • One of the most expensive screen recording apps available

CAP

Beautiful screen recordings,
owned by you.Cap is the open source alternative to Loom. Lightweight, powerful, and stunning. Record and share securely in seconds with custom S3 bucket support.

Core features, including:Screen & Window recording, Local video export, Powerful video editor (custom background gradients, transitions, etc) + many more.

How to Screen Record on MAC

More Mac Screen Record App

App Name Description Download Link
Record It! Screen Recorder A simple and easy-to-use screen recording tool that allows users to capture video, audio, and add annotations. Ideal for capturing and editing screen content. Record It! Screen Recorder
TapRecord Screen Recorder A screen recording app offering high-definition video capture with manual control for recording and pausing. Perfect for users needing high-quality recordings. TapRecord Screen Recorder
Capto – Screen Capture & Recorder A versatile screen capture and recorder tool that lets users easily capture images, record videos, and annotate them. Suitable for both education and work. Capto – Screen Capture & Recorder
Screen Recorder by EaseUS A screen recording app designed for recording video and audio with options for trimming and editing. Perfect for users needing quick and easy recordings. Screen Recorder by EaseUS
1001 Record Screen Recorder A user-friendly screen recording app that allows users to record full-screen or specific areas with ease. Great for tutorials, presentations, and gaming. 1001 Record Screen Recorder
Screen Recorder by Omi An intuitive screen recorder that lets users capture video and audio while recording their screen, with extra tools for editing and sharing. Screen Recorder by Omi
Record Go – Screen Recorder A simple screen recording app that provides options to record your screen and webcam at the same time, offering easy sharing options for your content. Record Go – Screen Recorder
Screen Recorder – Record Video A screen recording app that helps users record videos, games, and online meetings with audio and editing tools for professional results. Screen Recorder – Record Video
Filmage Screen – Screen Recorder A powerful screen recording tool with multiple editing options, allowing users to record video and audio while offering robust post-recording editing tools. Filmage Screen – Screen Recorder
Screen Record A lightweight screen recording app that provides simple tools for recording videos with audio, ideal for casual and personal use. Screen Record

How to Screen Record on MAC

How to choose a screen recorder

Hopefully, this guide has helped you find out more about how to screen record on a Mac, as well as highlighting some of the best methods to capture both video and audio from your device. If you’re not sure which tool to use, here are some factors to think about:

Ease of use: Try to find a method or app for screen capture that is easy to use and matches with your own abilities and experience levels.
Features: Make sure you use an app or method that has the features you need, which may include the option to record just part of the screen or the ability to record internal audio on a Mac.
User reviews: Read through user reviews of different pieces of software to find out what people think about them and which ones are worth trying out.
Support: It’s also wise to find an app that has strong customer support options, like detailed guides and friendly live chat help systems, in case you have any problems.

Common Issues with Screen Record on MAC

Screen record on MAC can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:

  1. Saving Path: By default, QuickTime saves recordings to the Movies folder. You can change this location in the save dialog after recording.
  2. File Format Conversion: QuickTime saves recordings as .mov files. You can convert these using the “Export As” option or a third-party converter.
  3. No Audio Recorded: Ensure that your microphone or system audio is selected in the recording settings. OBS Studio and ScreenFlow allow you to choose audio sources.
  4. Recording Lag: Close unnecessary applications to free up system resources. Ensure your MAC meets the software’s minimum requirements.
  5. High File Size: Adjust the recording quality settings to balance quality and file size. OBS Studio and ScreenFlow offer customizable quality settings.
  6. Editing Recordings: Use built-in editing tools in ScreenFlow or third-party editors to trim and enhance your recordings.
  7. Permissions Issues: Ensure the screen recording software has the necessary permissions under System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Screen Recording.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the recommended tools, you can efficiently screen record on your MAC and create high-quality videos for various purposes.

You may also want to read other related content:
How to Screen Record on iPhone
How to Screen Record on Samsung
How to Screen Record on Windows
How to Screen Record on Android