How to Screen Record on a Mac

Screen recording on a Mac has become an essential skill for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or making presentations. Whether you are using built-in tools or exploring third-party applications, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to record your Mac screen effectively. We will also explore both free and paid solutions.

Using Built-in Tools

How to Record Screen on Mac Using the Screenshot Toolbar

The Screenshot Toolbar, introduced in macOS Mojave, provides an easy way to capture screenshots and record your screen.

1. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot Toolbar.
2. In the toolbar, you will see options to capture the entire screen, a selected portion, or to start a screen recording. Select either "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion".
3. Adjust Recording Settings. Click "Options" to choose where to save the recording, set a timer, and select the microphone if you need to record audio.
4. Click the record button to start. A recording icon will appear in the menu bar indicating that recording is in progress.
5. Click the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.

How to Record a Screen on Mac with QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a versatile media player that comes pre-installed on Mac computers. It offers a simple way to record your screen without needing additional software.

1. Launch QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
2. Click on "File" in the menu bar and select "New Screen Recording".
3. A small screen recording window will appear. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button to select your microphone if you want to record audio.
4. Click the red record button. You can choose to record the entire screen or drag to select a specific area.
5. To stop recording, click the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.

Third-Party Free Solutions

How to Record Mac Screen Using OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a powerful, open-source screen recording and live streaming software. It is highly customizable and perfect for users who need advanced features.

1. Visit the OBS Studio website, download the Mac version, and follow the installation instructions.
2. Set Up a New Scene. Open OBS Studio and click on the “+” button under “Scenes” to create a new scene.

1. Add Sources. Click the “+” button under “Sources” and select “Display Capture” to record your screen. You can also add “Audio Input Capture” to include sound.

1. Adjust settings such as resolution and frame rate according to your needs.
2. Click the “Start Recording” button to begin. To stop, click “Stop Recording.”

Recording Screen on Mac with Monosnap

Monosnap is another free tool that offers screen capturing and recording capabilities, with cloud storage integration.

1. Get Monosnap from the official website or Mac App Store.
2. Sign up for a Monosnap account to access cloud storage features.
3. Configure Recording Options: Open Monosnap and select the screen recording option. Adjust settings such as recording area and sound input.
4. Click the record button to begin. Use the stop button to end the recording.

Third-Party Paid Solutions

How to Record a Screen on Mac with ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is a premium screen recording and video editing software that offers a wide range of features.

1. Download ScreenFlow from the official website and purchase a license.
2. Launch the application and select “New Recording”.
3. Choose to record your screen, webcam, microphone, and system audio.
4. Click the red record button. To stop recording, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + 2.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Recording Screen on Mac with Movavi Screen Recorder
Movavi Screen Recorder offers an intuitive interface with basic editing capabilities.

1. Get the software from the Movavi website.
2. Open Movavi Screen Recorder and click “Screen recording”. Select the recording area and configure audio settings.
3. Click the “REC” button to start. Use the stop button or F10 to end the recording.

How to Record Mac Screen with Screen Story

Screen Story is a powerful tool for creating high-quality videos with minimal effort. It’s perfect for users who need professional-looking results without extensive editing skills.

1. Download and Install Screen Story. Follow the installation instructions provided after purchasing.
2. Start a New Recording. Open Screen Story and select the screen recording option. You can record the entire screen or a specific window.
3. Record with Sound. Ensure your microphone is connected and selected in the settings to add voiceovers.
4. Export and Share. Once recording is complete, use the export presets to save and share your video.

Conclusion

Screen recording on a Mac is a straightforward process, whether you are using built-in tools like QuickTime Player or exploring third-party applications such as OBS Studio, Monosnap, ScreenFlow, Movavi Screen Recorder, and Screen Story. Each tool offers unique features that cater to different needs, from basic screen captures to professional-quality videos with advanced editing capabilities.

When choosing a screen recording tool, consider your specific requirements, budget, and the complexity of the features you need. Screen Story stands out for its ease of use and advanced features, making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking high-quality video creation without extensive editing skills.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively record your screen on a Mac, whether for personal projects, professional presentations, or educational content.