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How to Record Screen on macOS
Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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Recording your screen on a macOS device can be extremely useful for a variety of tasks. Whether you're creating a tutorial, want to save a webinar, or record your gameplay session, macOS provides you with the tools to effectively capture your screen. In this guide, we'll explore how you can record your screen on macOS. We'll take you step-by-step through the process, considering the different methods you can use for this task.
Introducing screen recording on macOS
Screen recording involves capturing a specific portion of your computer's display or screen as a video. On macOS, Apple has included built-in tools to make this process seamless. The main tool is the Screenshot toolbar, introduced in macOS Mojave (10.14) and later. Additionally, QuickTime Player, an application available on all Macs, has screen recording capabilities.
Method 1: Using the Screenshot Toolbar on macOS
Step-by-step guide
Let's first understand how to record your screen using the Screenshot toolbar. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any downloads or setup as it's built into macOS.
- Access the Screenshot toolbar: Press
Command+Shift+5This will bring up the Screenshot toolbar at the bottom of your screen. - Choose your recording option: You'll see different options: Capture the entire screen, Capture a selected window, or Capture a selected portion. For screen recording, choose from the icons with the record symbol (circle).
- Recording options: Before you start recording, click “Options.” Here you can choose the audio input source if you want to include sound, and choose other preferences such as setting a timer.
- Start recording: Click “Record entire screen” or “Record selected part”, then click the “Record” button. If you choose “Selected part”, adjust the frame according to what you want to record.
- Stop recording: To stop recording, click the Stop button in your menu bar, which is usually in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Save recording: After the recording is finished, a thumbnail appears in the bottom right corner. Click it if you want to trim or edit the video. Otherwise, it is automatically saved to your desktop or your default save location.
The Screenshot toolbar is easy to use, but remember that this tool is only available in macOS Mojave and above. If your system is running an older version, you may need to update it or use an alternative method like QuickTime Player.
Method 2: Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is another helpful tool for recording your screen. It has been available on Mac computers for many years and provides recording capabilities. Using QuickTime Player is not as simple as the screenshot toolbar, but it remains a reliable option.
A step-by-step guide to using QuickTime Player
- Open QuickTime Player. You can find QuickTime Player using Spotlight by pressing
Command+Spaceand then typing "QuickTime Player." - Start a new screen recording: Once QuickTime Player opens, click "File" in the menu, then select "New Screen Recording."
- Access the recording controls: A small screen recording prompt will appear. Here, click the drop-down menu next to the record button to choose a voice input.
- Start recording: Click the red Record button. You'll then have the option to click anywhere on the screen to begin recording the entire screen, or click and drag to record a specific portion.
- Stop recording: To end the recording, just like with the screenshot toolbar method, click the Stop button in the menu bar.
- Save the recording: After you stop recording, QuickTime Player will automatically open the video. You can then save it by going to "File" and clicking "Save."
QuickTime Player is especially useful if you're on an older version of macOS that doesn't have a screenshot toolbar. In addition, QuickTime Player offers basic editing features like trimming that can come in handy after recording.
Considerations for screen recording on macOS
Audio recording
When recording a screen, sometimes only the visuals are captured by default. If you need to record audio along with the video, make sure to select the correct audio input option. This can be internal sound from your computer or external sound like sound from a microphone.
Permissions
macOS requires you to grant permission for screen recording. When you start recording, if you're using this feature for the first time, a prompt may ask you to enable screen recording permissions in System Preferences. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording and grant the required permissions.
Edit your recording
After recording, you may want to make some adjustments or cuts to your video. macOS's QuickTime player provides basic editing features such as trimming videos. For more advanced editing features, you may need to use a third-party application such as iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro X.
Third-party applications for screen recording
While macOS offers built-in options for screen recording, third-party applications can provide additional features and customization options. Here are some popular third-party screen recording applications for macOS:
- Camtasia: Known for its extensive video editing features, Camtasia also offers excellent screen recording capabilities and is user-friendly.
- OBS Studio: Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free tool that is widely used for game recording and live streaming. It is customizable but takes some learning to get started.
- Snagit: A lightweight tool that provides simplicity and ease for capturing and editing videos and screenshots.
Conclusion
Screen recording on macOS is facilitated by the operating system's built-in tools, such as the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime player. Each tool offers its own set of features that meet different user needs, from simple click-and-record tasks to more controlled recording with audio input. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision and increase your efficiency in capturing screen activities.
By knowing how to use these tools, users can easily record lectures, tutorials, or gameplay on their macOS device. Remember that both methods have their merits, and depending on your needs, you can opt for the simplicity of the screenshot toolbar or the reliability of the QuickTime player.
Whether you're a developer looking to record programming tutorials, a gamer wanting to show off your gameplay, or a teacher conducting remote classes, mastering screen recording on macOS can significantly enhance your digital communication capabilities.
With this comprehensive guide, you should be able to confidently navigate macOS's screen recording features and find the method that best suits your specific needs. Stay creative and enjoy sharing your screen captures with the world!
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