Ever wanted to capture your Mac screen for a tutorial, gameplay, or to save an important moment? You’re not alone — screen recording is a powerful tool, and Mac offers several ways to do it.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore all the methods to record your screen on a Mac, from the simplest built-in tools to advanced third-party applications. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, find step-by-step instructions, tips, and troubleshooting advice to help you create high-quality recordings with ease.
We’ll also cover how to record with audio, capture specific windows, and even record your iPhone screen using your Mac. Plus, we’ll introduce you to the best free and paid screen recording software for Mac, so you can choose the perfect tool for your needs. Learn how to screen record on your Mac with sound, capturing both your voice and system audio for professional results.
Understanding Screen Recording on Mac
Screen recording involves capturing the visual output of your Mac's display, often with audio, for various purposes. macOS provides built-in methods for free, while third-party apps offer additional features like editing and multiple audio sources.
Different Ways to Record a Screen on Mac
Below, we explore how to record a screen on a mac with step-by-step instructions and tips, ensuring a comprehensive guide for users.
Using Built-in Screen Capture Tool (Command + Shift + 5) — Easiest Way
The built-in screen capture tool, introduced in macOS Mojave and enhanced in later versions, is accessible via Command + Shift + 5. It's ideal for quick, basic recordings.
Step 1: Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the screen capture menu.
Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the screen capture menu, which appears at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Choose to record the entire screen or a portion by selecting the area.
- Choose between "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion."
- For a portion, click and drag to select the area, adjusting as needed.
Step 3: Click "Options" to configure settings, like recording audio from the built-in microphone.
Click on "Options" to configure settings:
- Save to: Choose where to save (e.g., Desktop, Documents, or a custom folder).
- Timer: Set a delay (5 or 10 seconds) for recording to start.
- Microphone: Select "Record audio from built-in microphone" to capture your voice.
- Show Floating Thumbnail: Toggle to show a thumbnail after recording for quick editing.
- Show Mouse Clicks: Highlight mouse clicks for tutorials.
Step 4: Click "Record" to start, and stop by clicking the Stop button in the menu bar or pressing Command + Shift + 5 again.
- Click "Record" to start. A small stop button appears in the menu bar.
- To stop, click the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Shift + 5 again.
- The recording saves as a .mov file in the chosen location, typically the Desktop.
Note: This method primarily records screen activity and can capture microphone audio, but capturing system audio (sounds from your Mac, like music or video playback) is limited due to macOS privacy restrictions. Recent versions require third-party apps for system audio.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use for simple recordings, like quick demos. Adjust the selected portion by dragging the edges before recording.
- Check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone to ensure the tool has permission.
- If recordings are choppy, close unnecessary apps to free up resources.
Using Command-line Tool — For Advanced Users
The screenrecord command, part of macOS, is a terminal-based method for users comfortable with command-line interfaces. It's often overlooked but captures both screen and system audio.
Step 1: Open Terminal.
Open the Terminal application, found in Applications > Utilities or via Spotlight (Command + Space, type "Terminal").
Step 2: Type screenrecord output.mov (replace "output.mov" with your desired file name).
Type the command screenrecord followed by the desired output file name, for example:
screenrecord output.movReplace "output.mov" with your preferred name and location (e.g., /Users/YourName/Desktop/output.mov for the Desktop).
Step 3: Press Enter to start recording.
Press Enter to start recording. The entire screen will be captured, and a recording indicator appears.
Step 4: Press Control + C to stop.
To stop recording, press Control + C in Terminal.
Step 5: Find the saved file in your current directory, typically as a .mov file.
The recorded video saves as a .mov file in the specified directory, defaulting to the current directory if no path is given.
Note: screenrecord captures the entire screen and includes system audio by default, making it a hidden gem for advanced users needing audio from apps like music players or videos.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use man screenrecord in Terminal for more options, like setting frame rate or quality.
- Ensure you have write permissions in the directory where you're saving the file.
- For specific areas, consider third-party tools, as screenrecord doesn't support partial screen recording.
Using OBS Studio — Free Recording Software for Mac with and without Audio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source software popular for live streaming and recording, offering advanced features for screen capture with multiple audio sources.
Step 1: Download and install OBS Studio
Download and install OBS Studio from obsproject.com.
Step 2: Open OBS Studio and click the "+" button in the "Sources" panel.
- Open OBS Studio. Upon first launch, it may prompt for setup; choose "Optimize for Recording" if unsure.
- In the "Sources" panel (bottom left), click the "+" button to add a new source.
Step 3: Select "Display Capture" for the whole screen or "Window Capture" for a specific window.
Select "Display Capture" to capture the entire screen or "Window Capture" for a specific window.
- For Display Capture, choose which display if you have multiple monitors.
- For Window Capture, select the application window from a dropdown.
Step 4: Configure settings, like resolution, and add audio sources (microphone or system audio, with setup).
- In the source properties, adjust resolution and frame rate (e.g., 1920x1080 at 30 fps for standard quality).
- In the "Audio Mixer" panel, add audio sources by clicking the "+" under "Audio Input Capture" for microphone and "Audio Output Capture" for system audio.
- For system audio, ensure macOS audio permissions are set in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone and ensure OBS has access.
Step 5: Click "Start Recording" in the "Controls" panel to begin.
Go to the "Controls" panel (bottom right) and click "Start Recording" to begin.
Step 6: Click "Stop Recording" to finish.
- To stop, click "Stop Recording."
- Find the recording in the output directory, set in Settings > Output > Recording Path (default is in your Videos folder).
Note: Setting up system audio can be tricky due to macOS permissions. You may need to use "Core Audio" and select the correct input, which might require additional configuration.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use for complex recordings, like multi-source setups for tutorials with overlays. Adjust settings for performance on older Macs.
- Check OBS forums for macOS-specific audio troubleshooting, as system audio setup can be a common issue.
- Export in MP4 for compatibility, adjustable in Output settings.
Using Loom — Now with Free Chrome Extension
Loom is designed for quick, shareable screen recordings, especially for remote work and communication, with free and paid plans.
Step 1: Download and install Loom
Download and install the Loom app from www.loom.com.
Step 2: Open Loom and click "Record a Video."
- Open Loom. Sign in or create an account for free to access basic features.
- Click "Record a Video" from the main interface.
Step 3: Choose Full Screen, Application, or Custom Region.
Choose the type of recording:
- Full Screen: Captures the entire display.
- Application: Records a specific app window.
- Custom Region: Select a portion by dragging.
Step 4: Select audio settings (voice and system audio, if supported).
- Toggle "Record your voice" for microphone audio.
- Toggle "Record system audio" for sounds from your Mac (supported in paid plans for higher quality).
Step 5: Click "Start Recording," then stop by clicking the Loom icon in the menu bar and selecting "Stop Recording."
- Click "Start Recording." A countdown begins, and recording starts.
- To stop, click the Loom icon in the menu bar (a small camera) and select "Stop Recording."
Step 6: Edit and share directly from Loom.
- After stopping, Loom opens an editor where you can trim, add text, or draw on the video.
- Share directly via Loom's platform by copying the link, or download the video for local use.
Note: Free plans limit recording length and features, while paid plans (starting at $8/month) offer unlimited recordings and system audio recording.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use for quick demos or team communications. Share links instantly for collaboration.
- Check storage limits in free plans; upgrade for longer recordings or system audio needs.
- Edit within Loom for basic cuts; export for advanced editing in other software.
Using ScreenFlow — Video Editing and Screen Recording Software
ScreenFlow is a paid, professional tool for recording computer screen on mac, ideal for creating polished tutorials and demonstrations.
Step 1: Purchase and download ScreenFlow
Purchase and download ScreenFlow from its official website (typically around $129 for a one-time purchase).
Step 2: Open ScreenFlow
Open ScreenFlow. Upon launch, it may prompt for a license; enter your purchase details.
Select the type of recording:
- Full Screen: Captures the entire display.
- Application: Records a specific app window.
- Custom Region: Select a portion by dragging.
Step 3: Choose audio settings if needed.
- Select microphone for voice recording.
- Ensure system audio is enabled for capturing Mac sounds, available in settings.
Step 4: Click "Record" to start, then stop by clicking the ScreenFlow icon in the menu bar and selecting "Stop Recording."
- Click "Record" to start. A countdown begins, and recording starts.
- To stop, click the ScreenFlow icon in the menu bar (a small camera) and select "Stop Recording."
- The recording opens in ScreenFlow's editor, where you can trim, add annotations, transitions, and export in various formats (e.g., MP4, MOV).
Note: ScreenFlow is not free, but its editing capabilities make it worth the investment for professional use.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use for high-quality tutorials with annotations. Export in MP4 for web compatibility.
- Check system requirements; older Macs may lag with heavy editing.
- Leverage templates for consistent branding in recordings.
Additional Considerations
Screen recording methods have limitations and considerations. The built-in tools are free and easy but may lack advanced features like editing. Third-party apps offer more control but can be complex (OBS Studio) or costly (ScreenFlow). Controversy exists around system audio recording, with macOS privacy changes limiting built-in tools, requiring third-party solutions for full functionality.
Common drawbacks include permission issues (check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone and Screen Recording), performance lags on older hardware, and file size management (record in lower resolution for smaller files). Creators should also consider storage space, as recordings can be large, especially in high resolution.
Also Read: How to Use Snipping Tool on Mac
Most Asked Queries About Screen Recording on a Mac
How do I start and stop screen recording on my Mac?
Press Command + Shift + 5, select your recording option, and click "Record." Stop via the menu bar or Command + Shift + 5.
How can I record my screen with audio on a Mac?
Use Command + Shift + 5, pick a microphone in "Options," and record. System audio needs apps like OBS Studio.
Why is my screen recording not saving or where do my screen recordings go on Mac?
Check Desktop or your set folder in "Options." If unsaved, verify disk space or permissions in Security & Privacy.
How do I allow screen recording permissions for third-party apps on macOS?
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Screen Recording, unlock, and enable the app.
What are the best free screen recording apps for Mac in 2025?
OBS Studio for power users, Loom for simplicity.
How can I record internal audio (system sound) on my Mac?
Use a third-party app like OBS Studio or ScreenFlow.
How do I stop screen recording if the stop button is not working?
Press Command + Control + Esc to halt it.
Can I screen record a specific window or application on my Mac?
Yes, use Command + Shift + 5 and "Record Selected Portion," or OBS Studio’s "Window Capture."
How do I edit my screen recordings on a Mac?
Trim in QuickTime Player or edit fully in iMovie.
Is there a way to record my iPhone screen on my Mac?
Connect your iPhone, open QuickTime Player, select "New Movie Recording," choose your iPhone, and record.