How To Screen Record With Sound On MacBook

Recording your MacBook screen with sound is a handy skill for creating tutorials, saving online meetings, or sharing gameplay. Many Mac users don’t know their computer already has built-in tools to capture screen activity with audio. You can record your Mac screen with internal audio using the built-in Screenshot toolbar (Shift+Command+5) or QuickTime Player, while third-party apps like OBS Studio offer more advanced options for capturing both system sounds and microphone input simultaneously.

Getting sound in your screen recordings isn’t always straightforward on Macs. While the built-in Screenshot toolbar lets you select a microphone for narration, capturing internal audio (like from videos or music playing on your computer) requires extra steps. For basic needs, QuickTime Player works well, but for recording internal system audio, you might need additional software or a simple workaround.

Don’t worry if this sounds complicated – the process is actually quite simple once you know which method fits your needs. Whether you want to record a quick tutorial with voice-over or capture a full video with its original sound, your Mac has options for every situation.

How To Screen Record With Sound On MacBook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recording your screen with sound on a MacBook is useful for creating tutorials, presentations, or capturing gameplay. macOS offers built-in tools to record your screen along with audio from your microphone or system. Here’s how to do it easily.

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1. Using the Built-in Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and later)

macOS includes a native screen recording feature accessible via the Screenshot toolbar.

Steps:

1. Open Screenshot Toolbar:
   Press Shift + Command + 5 on your keyboard.
2. Select Recording Area:
   Choose either:
   • Record Entire Screen (icon with a screen and a circle)
   • Record Selected Portion (dashed rectangle with a circle)
3. Enable Audio Recording:
   • Click Options in the toolbar.
   • Under Microphone, select your preferred audio input (e.g., Built-in Microphone).
4. Start Recording:
   Click Record to begin.
5. Stop Recording:
   Click the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
6. Find Your Recording:
   By default, the video saves to your desktop.

Note: This method records microphone audio but does not capture system audio (sound from apps or the Mac itself).

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2. Recording System Audio (Mac Internal Sound)

macOS does not natively support capturing system audio during screen recording. To record both screen and internal sound, you need third-party software or audio routing tools.

Popular Options:

• Use QuickTime Player + Soundflower (or equivalent):
  1. Install Soundflower: A free virtual audio device that routes system audio to recording apps.
  2. Set Soundflower as Output: In System Preferences > Sound, select Soundflower (2ch) as the output device.
  3. Open QuickTime Player:
     • Go to File > New Screen Recording.
     • Click the arrow next to the record button and select Soundflower (2ch) as the microphone input.
  4. Start Recording: Select the screen area and record.
  5. After recording, switch output back to your speakers.
• Use Third-Party Apps with Built-in System Audio Capture:
  • OBS Studio: Free, powerful screen recorder that captures screen and system audio.
  • ScreenFlow: Paid app with advanced editing and system audio recording.
  • Camtasia: Paid, user-friendly with full audio capture.

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3. Using QuickTime Player (Microphone Audio Only)

QuickTime Player can record screen and microphone audio but not system audio by default.

Steps:

1. Open QuickTime Player.
2. Go to File > New Screen Recording.
3. Click the arrow next to the record button and select your microphone.
4. Click Record and choose your screen area.
5. Click the stop button in the menu bar to finish.
6. Save your recording.

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Summary

Method	System Audio Capture	Microphone Audio	Ease of Use	Cost
Screenshot Toolbar (Shift+Cmd+5)	No	Yes	Very Easy	Free
QuickTime Player	No	Yes	Easy	Free
QuickTime + Soundflower	Yes (with setup)	Yes	Moderate	Free
OBS Studio	Yes	Yes	Moderate	Free
ScreenFlow / Camtasia	Yes	Yes	Easy	Paid

Key Takeaways

• Mac’s built-in Screenshot toolbar (Shift+Command+5) lets you easily record your screen with microphone audio.
• QuickTime Player offers simple screen recording with microphone input but needs extra tools for internal audio.
• Third-party apps like OBS Studio can record both system sounds and your voice at the same time.

Understanding Screen Recording on MacBook

Screen recording on MacBook offers powerful tools to capture your screen activities with sound. Apple provides built-in options that make recording simple and accessible for everyone without needing extra software.

Types of Screen Recordings

MacBooks support several types of screen recordings to fit different needs. You can record the entire screen or just a selected portion of it depending on what you want to show.

Full-screen recording captures everything displayed on your monitor. This works well for tutorials or demonstrations that use the whole screen.

Partial screen recording lets you select a specific area to record. This is perfect when you only need to show one application or window without distractions.

Window recording focuses on a single app window. The recording follows that window even if you move it around your screen.

Audio recording options include system audio (sounds from your Mac) and microphone input (your voice). You can record with both audio sources or choose just one based on your needs.

Applications for Screen Recording

QuickTime Player comes pre-installed on every Mac and offers basic screen recording features. It’s easy to use and can capture your entire screen or a selected portion with audio.

The Screenshot app (accessed with Shift+Command+5) provides a simple interface for screen recording. It offers options to record the whole screen or a selected part with minimum setup.

For more advanced needs, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free third-party option. It allows multi-source recording, streaming, and advanced editing.

QuickRecorder is an open-source tool built on Apple’s ScreenCapture Kit API. It offers modern features with a clean interface.

Other third-party screen recorders like Camtasia or ScreenFlow provide extra editing tools and effects for professional-quality recordings.

Preparing Your MacBook for Screen Recording

Before you start recording your screen, you need to set up your MacBook properly. Getting the right sound settings and permissions will ensure your recording captures both video and audio clearly.

Adjusting Sound Settings

To get good audio in your screen recordings, you need to check your sound settings first. Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen. Then select Sound.

Make sure your volume is set to an appropriate level. Too low and viewers won’t hear anything. Too high and the audio might sound distorted.

For internal audio (sounds from your computer), you’ll need to install additional software since MacBooks don’t record system audio by default. Programs like BlackHole or Soundflower create a virtual audio device that captures internal sounds.

Test your audio settings before starting a long recording. Play some music or video and check if the levels look good.

Selecting the Right Audio Input

MacBooks offer several options for audio input when screen recording. You can choose between your built-in microphone, an external mic, or system audio.

To select your preferred audio input, open QuickTime Player. Click on File and select New Screen Recording. Then click the arrow next to the record button to see available audio sources.

For professional recordings, consider using an external microphone. The built-in mic works well for basic needs, but external mics provide clearer sound.

If you want to capture both your voice and computer sounds, you’ll need to use a screen recording app that supports multiple audio inputs simultaneously.

Permission and Privacy Considerations

Your MacBook requires specific permissions to record your screen and audio. The first time you use screen recording features, your system will ask for permission.

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab. Check both Screen Recording and Microphone permissions for your recording app.

Some apps may need to be restarted after permissions are granted. This is normal and ensures the app can access what it needs.

Remember that recording certain content may have legal implications. Don’t record copyrighted material without permission. Be careful about recording people without their knowledge, as this could violate privacy laws.

When recording with others, it’s polite to let them know they’re being recorded, especially in meetings or calls.

Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording

QuickTime Player offers a built-in screen recording feature that makes capturing your MacBook screen simple. This versatile tool lets you record your entire screen or selected portions while also capturing audio from your Mac or external microphone.

Starting a New Screen Recording

To begin a screen recording with QuickTime Player:

1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder
2. Click on File in the menu bar
3. Select New Screen Recording from the dropdown menu

A small recording control panel will appear on your screen. Before hitting record, you can choose whether to capture your entire screen or just a portion. For a full-screen recording, simply click anywhere on the screen. To record only part of your screen, drag to select the area you want to capture.

When you’re ready to start recording, click the Record button. A small stop button will appear in your menu bar that you can click when you want to end the recording.

Capturing Audio with QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player allows you to record both internal and external audio sources:

For external audio, click the small arrow next to the record button and select your microphone from the dropdown menu. This is perfect for adding voiceovers or commentary to your recordings.

For internal audio (system sounds from your Mac), you’ll need extra help. QuickTime doesn’t natively record internal audio, but you can use free tools like Background Music to capture system sounds.

You can adjust the volume slider to monitor audio levels during recording. This helps ensure your voice is clear and not too loud or quiet.

Managing Recording Preferences

QuickTime offers several options to customize your screen recordings:

You can show mouse clicks in your recording by enabling this feature in the options menu. This is particularly useful for tutorials where you need to highlight where you’re clicking.

Set your preferred video quality before recording. Higher quality creates larger files but preserves detail, while lower quality saves space.

After finishing your recording, use QuickTime’s basic editing tools to trim unwanted sections. Simply drag the yellow handles at the beginning or end of the timeline to remove extra footage.

Your recordings automatically save in MOV format, which works well with most video platforms and editing software.

Built-In Screenshot Toolbar Method

macOS comes with a powerful built-in tool that lets you record your screen with audio. This feature is easy to access and requires no additional software installation.

Initiating Screen Recording

To start screen recording on your MacBook, press Shift + Command + 5 on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut opens the Screenshot toolbar with several options for capturing your screen.

The toolbar appears at the bottom of your screen with different icons. You’ll see options for taking screenshots and recording videos.

For recording, look for the circular record buttons. The toolbar has two recording options: record a selected portion or record the entire screen.

Before recording, click on “Options” in the toolbar. Here you can choose where to save your recording and select audio settings. Make sure to select a microphone if you want to include voice narration.

Recording a Selected Portion or Entire Screen

To record a selected portion of your screen, click the “Record Selected Portion” button in the toolbar. Your cursor changes to a selection tool. Click and drag to choose the area you want to record.

For capturing everything, click the “Record Entire Screen” button instead. If you have multiple displays, you can select which screen to record.

When ready to begin, click the “Record” button. A 3-second countdown appears before recording starts.

While recording, a small stop button appears in your menu bar at the top of the screen. Click this button when you want to end the recording.

Your Mac will automatically save the recording to your chosen location. The default location is your Desktop.

Advanced Techniques with OBS Studio

OBS Studio offers powerful tools for Mac users who want to create professional screen recordings with audio. The software allows for custom scenes, detailed audio control, and different capture methods.

Setting Up Scenes for Screen Recording

Scenes in OBS help organize your recording layout. Think of scenes as different recording setups you can switch between.

To create a new scene, click the + icon in the Scenes box and name it based on what you’ll record (like “Tutorial” or “Gameplay“).

Add sources to your scene by clicking the + in the Sources box. Common sources include:

• Display Capture (full screen)
• Window Capture (specific app)
• Video Capture Device (webcam)
• Image (logos or backgrounds)

You can resize and position each element by clicking and dragging. This is perfect for creating picture-in-picture effects with your webcam over your screen recording.

Save different scene configurations for various recording needs. For tutorials, you might want your webcam small in the corner. For presentations, you might want slides with your webcam larger.

Audio Configuration in OBS

Getting clean audio is crucial for professional recordings. OBS on Mac handles audio differently than on Windows.

For system sounds, you’ll need the macOS Audio Capture Source. This lets you record all desktop audio or just sounds from specific apps.

For microphone setup:

1. Go to Settings → Audio
2. Select your mic from the dropdown menu
3. Set appropriate levels using the mixer

Use filters to improve sound quality. Right-click your audio source and select “Filters.” Helpful filters include:

• Noise Suppression: Removes background noise
• Gain: Adjusts volume
• Compressor: Evens out volume levels

Test your audio before recording. The audio meters in OBS should show green or yellow levels, not red.

Window Capture vs. Display Capture

OBS offers two main ways to record your Mac screen, each with pros and cons.

Window Capture records a specific application window. Benefits include:

• Focuses only on the target app
• Doesn’t show notifications from other apps
• Uses fewer resources
• Works well when recording specific applications

Display Capture records everything on your screen. This option:

• Shows your entire desktop
• Captures anything that appears
• Is simpler to set up
• Works better for demonstrations involving multiple applications

For most tutorials, Window Capture is better for privacy and professionalism. It prevents accidental exposure of personal information or distracting notifications.

For dynamic presentations that require switching between apps, Display Capture offers more flexibility. Just remember that anything on screen will be recorded.

Alternative Screen Recording Software Options

While macOS includes built-in screen recording capabilities, third-party software offers more features for those who need to capture screens with audio. These tools provide additional editing options, better audio control, and specialized recording modes.

Exploring Third-Party Tools

OBS Studio is a popular free option for Mac users who need to record their screen with internal audio. This open-source software gives you professional-level recording capabilities without any cost.

Vmaker offers HD quality recording with both screen and audio capture. It includes easy editing features and cloud storage, making it simple to save and share your recordings.

Movavi Screen Recorder provides a user-friendly interface with a good balance of features for beginners and advanced users. It offers scheduled recordings and the ability to capture specific screen areas.

Surflex Screen Recorder stands out with its lightweight design and minimal system impact. It works well for users who need to record while running other resource-intensive applications.

Comparing Features and Functionality

When choosing screen recording software, consider these key features:

Audio Options:

• Internal audio capture capability
• Microphone input quality
• Audio mixing controls

Recording Controls:

• Scheduled recordings
• Custom area selection
• Frame rate options

EaseUS RecExperts excels in video quality settings, offering multiple export formats and resolution options. It also includes helpful annotation tools for highlighting important elements during recording.

Most third-party tools offer free trials. Testing different options helps users find the best fit for their specific needs. Price ranges vary widely, from free options like OBS to subscription-based services with premium features.

The best choice depends on how often you record screens and what features matter most to your workflow. Occasional users might prefer simpler tools, while regular creators benefit from more robust options.

Implementing Sound Solutions for Internal Audio

Recording your Mac screen with internal audio requires special tools. Apple doesn’t allow direct capture of system sounds through the standard recording options, but several solutions exist to overcome this limitation.

Using Audio Aggregate Devices

Mac’s built-in Audio MIDI Setup app lets you create a combined audio device that captures internal sound. To set this up, open Audio MIDI Setup from your Applications > Utilities folder. Click the “+” button in the bottom left corner and select “Create Aggregate Device.”

In the right panel, check the boxes for your Mac’s output and input devices. This creates a virtual device that combines multiple audio sources.

Once configured, open QuickTime Player and start a new screen recording. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button and select your aggregate device as the microphone.

This method requires no additional software but may be slightly complex for beginners. The audio quality remains excellent, making it ideal for professional recordings.

Installing and Configuring Soundflower

Soundflower is a free, open-source tool that creates virtual audio channels between applications. After downloading and installing Soundflower, you’ll need to adjust your Mac’s sound settings.

Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and select “Soundflower (2ch)” to route all system audio through Soundflower. Then open QuickTime or your preferred recording app and select Soundflower as the input source.

Important setup steps:

• Install Soundflower extension
• Set Soundflower as system output
• Select Soundflower as recording input
• Test audio routing before recording

Remember to change your output back to your speakers or headphones after recording. Soundflower works well but hasn’t been updated recently, which might cause compatibility issues with newer macOS versions.

Leveraging the Blackhole Audio Driver

Blackhole is a modern alternative to Soundflower, designed specifically for macOS. This audio driver creates a virtual output device that can send audio between applications.

To use Blackhole, install it from the developer’s website or through Homebrew if you’re familiar with command line tools. After installation, set Blackhole as your system output in Sound preferences.

For recording, use the built-in screen recorder (Command+Shift+5) or QuickTime, selecting Blackhole as your audio input. Blackhole supports up to 16 channels of audio and works seamlessly with most macOS versions.

Blackhole is actively maintained and optimized for current macOS versions, making it more reliable than older alternatives. Many professional users prefer it for recording Mac screens with internal audio during tutorials, gameplay, or presentations.

Post-Recording Editing and Management

After recording your screen with sound, you’ll need to polish your video to make it more professional. The right tools and techniques will help you create a finished product that looks great and delivers your message clearly.

Editing Tools and Techniques

Once you’ve recorded your Mac screen, you’ll want to clean up your video. QuickTime Player offers basic trimming features – just open your recording and select Edit > Trim to cut unwanted sections from the beginning or end.

For more advanced editing, consider using apps like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. These tools let you:

• Cut out mistakes or pauses
• Add text overlays and callouts
• Adjust audio levels
• Insert transitions between clips

For quick fixes, you can use the built-in Preview app to trim clips. Just open your video, click the Edit button, and use the yellow handles to select the part you want to keep.

Saving and Exporting Your Recordings

MacBooks offer several options for saving your screen recordings. By default, QuickTime saves videos to your Desktop, but you can choose a different location.

When exporting, consider these settings:

Format	Best For	File Size
MP4	Most platforms	Medium
MOV	Apple devices	Large
M4V	iTunes/Apple TV	Medium

To save space, adjust the resolution or compression settings. Higher quality means larger files.

You can export your recording by selecting File > Export As and choosing your preferred format and quality.

Enhancing Videos with iMovie

iMovie comes free with your MacBook and offers powerful tools to enhance your screen recordings. It’s perfect for adding a professional touch without complex software.

With iMovie, you can:

• Add eye-catching titles and text
• Insert background music or voiceovers
• Apply color correction and filters
• Create picture-in-picture effects

To get started, import your screen recording into iMovie by dragging the file into the program window. Then use the simple editing timeline to make changes.

For tutorial videos, try adding chapter markers to help viewers navigate to specific sections. The “Speed” tool is also helpful for speeding up sections where you’re performing repetitive tasks on screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

MacBooks offer multiple ways to capture screen recordings with audio. Here are answers to common questions about getting great screen recordings with sound using built-in tools and third-party options.

How can you enable audio capture during a QuickTime screen recording on a MacBook?

To record your screen with audio using QuickTime, first open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder. Click on “File” in the menu bar and select “New Screen Recording.”

Before starting, click the small down-pointing arrow next to the record button. A dropdown menu will appear where you can select your audio source.

You might need to adjust your volume or use headphones for better audio quality. Once settings are configured, click the record button to begin capturing both video and sound.

What are the steps for recording the screen with internal sound on a MacBook Air?

Recording internal audio on a MacBook Air requires additional software. The built-in QuickTime recorder doesn’t capture system audio by default.

To record internal sound, install a virtual audio driver like BlackHole or Soundflower. These tools create a virtual output device that routes system audio to your recording software.

After setting up the virtual audio driver, open QuickTime and select this virtual device as your audio source before starting your screen recording session.

Which third-party applications are recommended for screen recording with audio on a Mac?

Several reliable third-party apps make screen recording with audio simple. Movavi Screen Recorder offers an easy-to-use interface with both system and microphone audio recording.

OBS Studio is a free, powerful option popular with content creators. It allows for advanced audio mixing and customization.

ScreenApp is another user-friendly choice that makes capturing screen activity with audio straightforward. Most third-party options offer free trials so you can test before purchasing.

How does one halt a screen recording session on a MacBook?

To stop a screen recording started with QuickTime, click the stop button in the menu bar at the top of your screen. It appears as a small square icon.

If using keyboard shortcuts, press Command + Control + Esc to end the recording. Your Mac will then process the video and display it for preview.

For third-party applications, look for stop buttons within the app’s interface or use their designated keyboard shortcuts, which may vary by program.

Is there a built-in method to record both screen and audio simultaneously on MacBook Pro?

Yes, MacBook Pro has built-in functionality to record screen with audio. The QuickTime Player app comes pre-installed and supports this feature.

To use it, open QuickTime Player and select “New Screen Recording” from the File menu. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button to choose your audio source.

You can select your Mac’s microphone to capture your voice or external audio. However, for internal system sounds, you’ll need additional software as mentioned earlier.

What troubleshooting steps should be taken if the screen recording on Mac has no sound?

First, check if you selected an audio source before starting your recording. Open QuickTime, click the arrow next to the record button, and ensure a microphone is selected.

Verify your microphone permissions are enabled. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Microphone and check that your recording app has permission.

If recording system audio, confirm your virtual audio driver is properly installed and selected. Sometimes restarting your computer can fix audio detection issues with screen recording tools.