How to Screen Record On Mac With Audio

Screen recording on a Mac offers a multitude of benefits, making it a versatile tool for various purposes such as creating tutorials to assist others in understanding complex tasks, capturing exciting gameplay moments for sharing with an audience, or preserving important video calls for future reference. 

Incorporating audio into your screen recordings can significantly elevate their impact as it allows for detailed verbal explanations to complement the visuals or preserves ambient sounds that accompany the recorded footage. 

This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with detailed step-by-step instructions on effectively capturing your Mac screen with audio, utilizing both the native tools available and additional third-party applications for advanced functionalities.

Using Built-In macOS Tools

macOS comes equipped with built-in tools that simplify screen recording with audio. Here’s how you can use them:

1. Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a versatile app that comes pre-installed on macOS. It allows you to record both your screen and audio effortlessly.

1. Open QuickTime Player: Locate QuickTime Player in the Applications folder or use Spotlight search (Command + Space) to find it.
2. Start a New Screen Recording:
   • Go to the menu bar and click on File, then select New Screen Recording.
   • A Screen Recording window will appear.
3. Configure Audio Settings:
   • Click on the small arrow next to the red record button to access recording options.
   • Select Internal Microphone or any other audio input source you have connected. This will ensure that the audio is recorded along with the screen.
4. Begin Recording:
   • Click the red record button. You’ll be prompted to select the area of the screen you want to record. You can choose to record the entire screen or drag to select a specific area.
   • After making your selection, the recording will begin. You can also choose to start recording after a brief countdown.
5. Stop Recording:
   • Click the Stop button in the menu bar when you’re finished. The recording will automatically open in a new QuickTime Player window.
6. Save Your Recording:
   • Go to File and select Save to store your recording in your desired location.

2. Using the Screenshot Toolbar in macOS Mojave and Later

macOS Mojave and later versions include a Screenshot toolbar with built-in screen recording functionality.

1. Open the Screenshot Toolbar:
   • Press Command + Shift + 5 to bring up the Screenshot toolbar.
2. Select Recording Options:
   • Click on the Options button to configure your recording settings.
   • Choose the audio input under Microphone. Select Built-in Microphone or any external microphone connected to your Mac.
3. Start Recording:
   • Select whether you want to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
   • Click on Record to start capturing both the screen and audio.
4. Stop Recording:
   • To stop recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar or use Command + Control + Esc.
5. Save Your Recording:
   • The recording will be saved automatically to your desktop or the location specified in the Screenshot toolbar options.

Using Third-Party Applications

For more advanced recording features, you may opt for third-party applications. Here are a couple of popular options:

1. OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)

OBS Studio is a powerful, free tool for screen recording and live streaming.

1. Download and Install OBS Studio:
   • Visit the OBS Project website, download the version for macOS, and follow the installation instructions.
2. Set Up OBS Studio:
   • Open OBS Studio and create a new Scene by clicking the + button under the Scenes section.
   • Add a new Source by clicking the + button under Sources and selecting Display Capture to record your screen.
3. Configure Audio Settings:
   • In the Audio Mixer section, ensure that the Desktop Audio and Mic/Aux sources are enabled and properly configured. You can select the appropriate audio devices from the settings.
4. Start Recording:
   • Click Start Recording in the lower-right corner of the OBS Studio interface.
5. Stop Recording:
   • Click Stop Recording when you’re finished. The video will be saved in the location specified in the OBS settings.

2. ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is a paid application known for its high-quality recordings and editing features.

1. Download and Install ScreenFlow:
   • Purchase and download ScreenFlow from the Telestream website, then install it on your Mac.
2. Configure Your Recording:
   • Open ScreenFlow and select New Recording. Choose the screen and audio sources you want to capture.
3. Start Recording:
   • Click the Record button to begin. ScreenFlow will capture both video and audio as configured.
4. Stop Recording:
   • Click the Stop button to end the recording. ScreenFlow will open the recording in its editor where you can trim and export the video.
5. Save and Export:
   • After editing, export your recording in your desired format.

Whether you’re using QuickTime Player, the Screenshot toolbar, or third-party apps like OBS Studio and ScreenFlow, capturing your screen with audio on a Mac is simple. 

Following these steps will allow you to generate high-quality recordings for a variety of uses, including professional presentations and personal projects.

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