Screen recording has become an essential skill in today’s digital world. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or compiling video presentations, knowing how to effectively screen record on your Mac can elevate your content. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to screen record on a laptop Mac with sound, ensuring that your recordings are clear and professional.
Why Screen Recording is Essential
Screen recording is a versatile tool that serves various needs. Here are just a few reasons why mastering this skill is vital:
- Tutorial Creation: Share your knowledge by creating step-by-step tutorials for software solutions, coding, or art techniques.
- Game Streaming: Capture your gaming sessions and share them with friends or upload them to platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
- Presentations: Enhance your business presentations by recording your screen to explain processes or showcase products.
Now that we understand the importance of screen recording, let’s dive into how to achieve this on a Mac.
Getting Started with Screen Recording on Mac
Before we even start recording, it’s crucial to ensure you have the right settings in place.
Check Your MacOS Version
Screen recording features can vary by macOS version. As of macOS Mojave (10.14) and later, Apple introduced a built-in screen recording feature that is easy to use. To check your macOS version, click on the Apple logo in the top left corner and select “About This Mac.”
Initial Settings for Sound
When it comes to recording sound, ensure your settings cater to both internal and external audio. Follow these steps:
- System Preferences: Navigate to your Apple menu and select “System Preferences,” then click on “Sound.”
- Select Input Device: Under the “Input” tab, check if the correct microphone is selected, especially if you’re using an external mic.
- Volume Levels: Adjust the input volume slider to ensure your voice or the audio from the application is captured clearly.
How to Screen Record on a Mac with Sound
Now that you have everything prepared, let’s explore how to screen record on a Mac, complete with sound.
Using the Built-In Screen Recording Tool
The simplest way to start recording is using the built-in screen recording tool incorporated in macOS. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Accessing the Screen Recording Tool
- Shortcut Key: Press
Command+Shift+5on your keyboard. This will bring up the screen recording toolbar. - Choose Your Recording Type:
- Select to Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion based on your need.
Step 2: Configuring Audio Settings
- Click on “Options”: In the recording toolbar, an Options menu appears.
- Select Microphone: Under the microphone section, choose your input device to capture external audio. If you want to capture internal audio, you will need additional software (discussed later).
- Set Timer (if necessary): If you need a delay before recording starts, set a timer here.
Step 3: Initiating the Recording
- Start Recording: Click the “Record” button. If you’re recording a selected portion, drag to select the area you wish to record.
- Stop Recording: To finish, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press
Command+Control+Esc.
Step 4: Saving and Reviewing Your Recording
Once you stop recording, a thumbnail will appear in the corner of your screen. Click on it to review, or it will automatically save to your desktop.
Recording Internal Audio on Mac
While the built-in tool allows you to capture external audio, recording internal audio requires additional applications because macOS does not allow internal audio recording by default. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Install a Third-Party Application
- Use an Application: Applications like OBS Studio or Soundflower can be used to capture internal audio.
- OBS Studio: A free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming that allows you to capture internal audio.
- Soundflower: A tool that makes it easy to route audio between applications on your Mac.
Step 2: Configuring the Application
- Setting Up Soundflower: After installing, you might need to configure your System Preferences > Sound to use Soundflower as an output device.
- Configure OBS Studio: Go to settings in OBS and set desktop audio to Soundflower to capture system sounds.
Step 3: Combine with Built-In Screen Recording
Now that you have set up the equipment, combine your recording tool with the third-party application.
- Launch OBS Studio or your chosen audio-routing application.
- Open Screen Recording Toolbar: Press
Command+Shift+5, choose your recording area, and begin the recording. - Ensure Sound is Captured: Play an audio clip or speak to make sure the audio is being recorded.
Editing Your Screen Recordings
Once you have your screen recordings with sound, some editing might be necessary to enhance your final video.
Using iMovie for Editing
iMovie is a powerful yet user-friendly video editing tool that comes free with your Mac.
Step 1: Import Your Recording
- Open iMovie and create a new project.
- Click on the import button and select your screen recording file from your desktop.
Step 2: Basic Editing Tasks
- Trim Clips: Drag your recording to the timeline. To trim, select the clip and drag the edges.
- Add Transitions: Go to the “Transitions” tab and drag your chosen transition to the timeline between clips.
- Add Titles and Music: Utilize the “Titles” and “Audio” tabs to enhance your video with text overlays and background music.
Step 3: Exporting Your Final Video
Once you are satisfied with the edits, export your video. Go to “File” > “Share” > “File,” and choose your preferred resolution and quality.
Tips for Perfecting Your Screen Recordings
Here are some insider tips to ensure your screen recording experiences are flawless:
- Plan Ahead: Outline what you’re going to record to save time and avoid mistakes during the recording process.
- Test Your Setup: Always conduct a short test recording to ensure that both video and audio are captured correctly.
Additionally, keep your desktop clean and minimize distractions to facilitate a smoother recording process.
Conclusion
Screen recording on a Mac with sound might seem challenging at first, but with the right tools and steps, you can produce high-quality recordings for any purpose. Whether you’re using built-in functionalities or opting for third-party applications, practice makes perfect. Keep experimenting with various techniques and editing skills to create dynamic and engaging screen recordings that capture your audience’s attention.
By following this guide, you are well on your way to becoming proficient in screen recording on your laptop Mac, equipped to share knowledge and creativity with the world!
What tools do I need to record my screen on a Mac?
To record your screen on a Mac, you primarily need the built-in QuickTime Player, which offers an easy and effective way to capture video. You can access it through your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight. QuickTime Player allows you to record the entire screen or just a selected portion, making it versatile for various recording needs.
In addition to QuickTime, you may also want to explore other third-party applications like OBS Studio or ScreenFlow, which provide advanced features such as customizable settings and editing capabilities. These tools can enhance your recording experience if you require more than what QuickTime has to offer.
How can I record audio along with my screen video?
To ensure that your screen recording includes audio, you’ll need to set up your recording preferences correctly. When using QuickTime, make sure to select the option to record your microphone input. You can do this by clicking on the arrow next to the record button and choosing your internal or external microphone from the list presented.
For users who want to capture system audio (the sound produced by applications), QuickTime does not natively support this feature. In such cases, you may need additional software like Soundflower or BlackHole to route your system audio into QuickTime for recording. Once installed, these tools allow you to select system audio as your input source, ensuring your recordings include all necessary audio components.
Are there any shortcuts to start and stop screen recording on Mac?
Yes, Mac users can utilize keyboard shortcuts to streamline the screen recording process. If you’re using QuickTime Player, there’s no default shortcut for recording, but you can create a custom one through the Keyboard preferences under System Settings. This option can expedite your workflow when you’re frequently recording your screen.
If you are using macOS Mojave or later, you can use the built-in screenshot tool, which includes screen recording capabilities. Simply press Command + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar, where you can select to capture either the entire screen or a selected portion. You can start and stop the recording directly from this toolbar, making it a quick and convenient method.
What formats can I save the recorded video in on a Mac?
When you record your screen using QuickTime Player, your video is saved in a .mov format by default, which is widely compatible with various devices and media players. This format is particularly useful for editing in video editing software, as it retains high quality. You can easily share this format, but ensure that the recipient can support .mov playback.
If you need your recording in a different format, you can export it using the File > Export As option in QuickTime Player. From there, you can choose formats such as .mp4 or .m4v, which are more universally compatible with a range of platforms and devices. This flexibility makes it easier for you to share your recorded content with others who may not have the capability to view .mov files.
What can I do if my screen recording has no sound?
If your screen recording has no sound, the first step is to check your audio settings before you start recording. Ensure that you have selected the correct audio input source, whether it’s the built-in microphone or an external one, depending on your needs. In QuickTime, this can be verified by clicking the dropdown menu next to the record button and checking your microphone settings.
If you’re still experiencing issues, double-check the system preferences on your Mac. Navigate to System Preferences > Sound and ensure that the correct output and input sources are selected. Additionally, confirm that the volume settings are turned up and not muted. If all settings appear correct and there is still no sound, consider trying a different screen recording tool that might provide more robust audio support.
Can I edit my screen recordings after capturing them?
Yes, you can edit your screen recordings after capturing them, depending on the tool you used. If you’ve recorded with QuickTime Player, basic editing features are available under the Edit menu. You can trim your video, cut sections, or make simple modifications to enhance the final product before saving it.
For more advanced editing capabilities, consider using video editing software like iMovie or Final Cut Pro. These applications offer a wide range of tools for editing videos, including adding effects, transitions, and audio adjustments. You can import your QuickTime recording into these programs, allowing for a more polished and professional final video.