How to Screen Record with Audio on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Screen Record with Audio on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Screen recording with audio on a Mac can be an invaluable tool for a variety of purposes, from creating tutorials and presentations to capturing gameplay or online meetings. Whether you’re a seasoned Mac user or a newcomer, understanding the nuances of screen recording with audio can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity. This article will delve into the various methods, tools, and tips to help you master the art of screen recording with audio on your Mac.

1. Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording with Audio

QuickTime Player is a built-in application on macOS that offers a straightforward way to record your screen with audio. Here’s how you can use it:

  • Step 1: Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
  • Step 2: Go to the “File” menu and select “New Screen Recording.”
  • Step 3: A recording toolbar will appear. Click the arrow next to the record button to select your audio source. You can choose between “Internal Microphone” for capturing system audio or “External Microphone” if you have one connected.
  • Step 4: Click the record button to start recording. You can choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion by dragging to select an area.
  • Step 5: When you’re done, click the stop button in the menu bar. Your recording will automatically save to your desktop.

QuickTime Player is a reliable option for basic screen recording needs, but it has limitations, such as the inability to record system audio directly without additional software.

2. Third-Party Applications for Advanced Screen Recording

For more advanced features, such as recording system audio or adding annotations, third-party applications like OBS Studio, ScreenFlow, or Camtasia are excellent choices.

  • OBS Studio: OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free, open-source software that allows you to record your screen with both system and microphone audio. It’s highly customizable, making it ideal for streamers and content creators.

    • Step 1: Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
    • Step 2: Set up your audio sources by adding “Audio Input Capture” for your microphone and “Audio Output Capture” for system audio.
    • Step 3: Configure your screen capture source and start recording.
  • ScreenFlow: ScreenFlow is a premium screen recording and video editing software that offers a wide range of features, including multi-track editing, annotations, and the ability to record system audio directly.

    • Step 1: Purchase and download ScreenFlow from the official website.
    • Step 2: Open the application and set up your recording preferences, including audio sources.
    • Step 3: Start recording and utilize the editing tools to enhance your video.
  • Camtasia: Camtasia is another powerful tool that combines screen recording with video editing capabilities. It’s user-friendly and offers a variety of templates and effects.

    • Step 1: Download and install Camtasia.
    • Step 2: Set up your recording preferences, including audio sources.
    • Step 3: Record your screen and use the built-in editor to refine your video.

3. Recording System Audio on Mac

Recording system audio (the sound coming from your Mac) can be tricky because macOS restricts direct access to system audio for security reasons. However, there are workarounds:

  • Soundflower: Soundflower is a free, open-source audio routing tool that allows you to capture system audio. It creates a virtual audio device that can be selected as an input source in QuickTime Player or OBS Studio.

    • Step 1: Download and install Soundflower.
    • Step 2: Open “Audio MIDI Setup” from your Utilities folder and create a Multi-Output Device that includes both Soundflower and your default output.
    • Step 3: Select Soundflower as the audio source in your screen recording software.
  • Loopback: Loopback is a premium application that provides a more user-friendly interface for routing audio. It allows you to create virtual audio devices that can capture system audio and route it to your recording software.

    • Step 1: Purchase and download Loopback.
    • Step 2: Create a new virtual audio device and route system audio to it.
    • Step 3: Select the virtual device as the audio source in your screen recording software.

4. Tips for High-Quality Screen Recordings

  • Optimize Audio Settings: Ensure that your audio levels are balanced. Avoid clipping by keeping the input levels below the maximum.
  • Use a Good Microphone: If you’re recording voiceovers or commentary, invest in a quality microphone to ensure clear audio.
  • Lighting and Background: If you’re recording your face via a webcam, ensure good lighting and a clean background.
  • Edit Your Recordings: Use video editing software to trim, cut, and enhance your recordings. Adding captions, transitions, and effects can make your videos more engaging.

5. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • No Audio in Recording: If your recording has no audio, double-check your audio source settings in your recording software. Ensure that the correct input device is selected.
  • Poor Audio Quality: If the audio quality is poor, try adjusting the input levels or using a different microphone. Background noise can also affect audio quality, so consider using noise reduction tools.
  • Lag or Stuttering: If your recording is lagging, try closing other applications to free up system resources. Lowering the recording resolution can also help.

6. Conclusion

Screen recording with audio on a Mac is a versatile skill that can be applied in numerous scenarios. Whether you’re using QuickTime Player for simple recordings or advanced software like OBS Studio for more complex projects, understanding the tools and techniques available will help you create high-quality recordings. By following the tips and troubleshooting advice provided, you can overcome common challenges and produce professional-grade screen recordings with ease.


Q1: Can I record system audio without third-party software on a Mac? A1: Unfortunately, macOS does not natively support recording system audio without third-party software. Tools like Soundflower or Loopback are necessary to capture system audio.

Q2: What is the best free software for screen recording with audio on Mac? A2: OBS Studio is one of the best free options for screen recording with audio on a Mac. It offers a wide range of features and is highly customizable.

Q3: How can I improve the audio quality of my screen recordings? A3: To improve audio quality, use a good microphone, adjust input levels to avoid clipping, and consider using noise reduction tools if you’re recording in a noisy environment.

Q4: Can I edit my screen recordings after capturing them? A4: Yes, you can edit your screen recordings using video editing software like iMovie, ScreenFlow, or Camtasia. These tools allow you to trim, cut, and enhance your recordings.

Q5: Why is my screen recording lagging or stuttering? A5: Lag or stuttering in screen recordings can be caused by insufficient system resources. Try closing other applications, lowering the recording resolution, or upgrading your hardware if necessary.