Screen recording on a Mac is a powerful tool for various purposes, including creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or documenting software issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to screen record on a Mac with audio, using the built-in tools and some advanced methods for high-quality recordings.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar
The Screenshot toolbar is a convenient and built-in method for screen recording on a Mac.
Step 1: Open the Screenshot Toolbar
Press Shift + Command + 5 on your keyboard to bring up the Screenshot toolbar.
Step 2: Select Recording Options
In the toolbar, you will see several options. Select the screen recording icon on the left to record the entire screen or the one on the right to record a portion of the screen.
Step 3: Configure Audio Settings
Under the Options menu, select your microphone (either the built-in microphone or an external one) to ensure that your audio is recorded.
Step 4: Start Recording
- To record the entire screen, click anywhere on the screen.
- To record a portion of the screen, drag your cursor to specify the area and then click Record.
Step 5: Stop Recording
To end the recording, click the Stop button on the menu bar or press Command + Control + Escape.
Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is another pre-installed app on Macs that can handle screen recordings with audio.
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player
Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
Step 2: Select New Screen Recording
Go to File in the Menu bar and select New Screen Recording.
Step 3: Configure Audio Settings
Click the small arrow button next to the Record button and select your microphone (either the internal microphone or an external one).
Step 4: Start Recording
- To record the entire screen, click anywhere on the screen.
- To record a portion of the screen, drag your cursor to select the area and then click Start Recording.
Step 5: Stop Recording
To stop the recording, click the Stop Recording button or press Command + Control + Escape.
Recording Internal Audio Using BlackHole
For high-quality internal audio recording, including system sounds and mouse clicks, you can use the BlackHole audio driver.
Step 1: Install BlackHole
Download and install the BlackHole 16 channel driver from the GitHub repository.
Step 2: Set Up Aggregate Devices
Open Audio MIDI Setup (found in the Utilities folder within Applications).
- Click the plus button at the bottom left corner and select Create Aggregate Device. Name it BlackHole Audio Input and select the BlackHole 16 Channel.
- Create another aggregate device by clicking the plus button again and select Multi-Output Device. Name it Screen Recording with Audio and ensure it includes your speakers and the BlackHole device.
Step 3: Configure Audio Settings
Go to System Settings > Sound > Output, and select the Screen Recording with Audio device you created.
Step 4: Start Recording
Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar. In the Options menu, select the BlackHole Audio Input as your microphone and start recording.
Step 5: Stop Recording
To end the recording, click the Stop button on the menu bar or press Command + Control + Escape.
Additional Tips
- Ensure Privacy & Security Settings: If you encounter issues with screen recording, check your System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording to ensure that screen recording is enabled for the necessary apps.
- Check Disk Space: Make sure you have enough disk space to save your recordings.
- Test System Performance: Ensure your Mac is running smoothly to prevent glitches or crashes during recording.
By following these steps, you can effortlessly screen record on your Mac with high-quality audio, whether you’re using the built-in tools or advanced methods like BlackHole for internal audio capture.