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Why You Might Want to Screen Record on Mac with Audio

Before we dive into the methods, let’s look at a few common reasons you might want to record your screen with audio:

• Creating tutorials or online courses
• Recording Zoom or Skype meetings
• Capturing streaming videos or webinars
• Demonstrating bugs or software issues
• Saving gameplay or app usage
• Making YouTube or social media content

Now, let’s explore how to do it properly on your Mac.

Method 1: Use the Built-In Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and Later)

Starting with macOS Mojave, Apple introduced an easy-to-use tool called the Screenshot Toolbar, which allows you to record your screen without installing any extra software.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open the Screenshot Toolbar:
   • Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5 on your keyboard.
   • A control panel will appear at the bottom of your screen.
2. Choose Recording Type:
   • Click either Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion, depending on what you want to capture.
3. Enable Audio Recording:
   • Click Options.
   • Under “Microphone,” select Built-in Microphone or any external microphone you have connected.
   • Unfortunately, macOS does not allow system audio (the sound from your Mac) to be captured directly unless you use additional software (we’ll cover that below).
4. Start Recording:
   • Click Record.
   • A small stop icon will appear in the menu bar.
5. Stop Recording:
   • Click the stop icon in the menu bar when you’re done.
   • The recording will be saved to your desktop (or your selected destination).

Limitations:

• Cannot record internal system audio (e.g., YouTube, Zoom sounds) without third-party tools.
• Best suited for microphone narration.

Method 2: Use QuickTime Player (Comes Preinstalled on All Macs)

QuickTime Player is a built-in Mac app that can also record your screen and audio.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open QuickTime Player:
   • Use Spotlight (Command + Space) and type “QuickTime Player,” then hit Enter.
2. Start a New Screen Recording:
   • Click File > New Screen Recording.
3. Choose Audio Input:
   • Click the small arrow next to the Record button.
   • Select Built-in Microphone if you want to record your voice.
4. Begin Recording:
   • Click the red Record button.
   • Choose whether to record the whole screen or drag to record a specific part.
5. Stop the Recording:
   • Click the stop button in the menu bar or use Command + Control + Esc.
6. Save Your Video:
   • Click File > Save to store the video on your Mac.

Limitations:

• Does not record internal system audio unless you install an extra plugin.
• Very simple UI, not many editing features.

Method 3: How to Record Mac Screen with System Audio + Microphone Using Third-Party Tools

If you need to capture system audio (for example, sounds from a video, game, or call), you will need to install third-party software, because macOS restricts apps from accessing internal audio directly.

Recommended Tools:

1. OBS Studio (Free and Powerful)

OBS Studio is a free and open-source screen recorder used by streamers, gamers, and professionals.

How to Use OBS Studio with Audio:

1. Download and Install OBS Studio from https://obsproject.com.
2. Install Audio Capture Plugin:
   • Install BlackHole (free audio routing tool) from https://existential.audio/blackhole/.
   • Follow the instructions to set it up.
3. Configure Audio:
   • In OBS, go to Settings > Audio.
   • Set Desktop Audio to “BlackHole 2ch”.
   • Set Mic/Auxiliary Audio to “Built-in Microphone”.
4. Add a Screen Source:
   • Click the + in the “Sources” box and select Display Capture.
5. Start Recording:
   • Click Start Recording in the lower-right corner.
6. Stop Recording:
   • Click Stop Recording when done. The video will be saved to your default location.

2. ScreenFlow (Paid, Professional)

ScreenFlow is a paid app with powerful screen recording and video editing tools.

Features:

• Record screen + system audio + microphone
• Edit recordings with transitions, zooms, annotations, etc.
• Perfect for educators and content creators

You’ll need to install the ScreenFlow Audio Driver during setup to capture system audio.

3. CleanShot X (Paid, Minimalist)

This is a cleaner, more user-friendly app for quick screen recording and screenshots.

Bonus Tips for Better Screen Recording on Mac

• ✅ Use headphones when recording to avoid echo or audio feedback.
• ✅ Keep your desktop clean to look more professional in recordings.
• ✅ Close unnecessary apps to reduce CPU usage and improve performance.
• ✅ Record in quiet environments to improve microphone audio clarity.
• ✅ Use an external mic if possible for better sound quality.