Screen recording on a Mac is a feature that many users find invaluable, whether they’re creating video tutorials, recording presentations, documenting gameplay, or archiving video chats. Even though macOS has built-in screen recording features, there are additional steps needed to record both the screen and audio, especially system audio (such as the sound from a video or game). This blog will cover all the information you require to record a screen on a Mac, including how to use the built-in tools and record audio using third-party software.
Using the Built-In Screen Recording Tools
The two main integrated tools for screen recording available on macOS are the Screenshot Toolbar and QuickTime Player.
Screenshot Toolbar: To start capturing your screen, simply press Command + Shift + 5. This will bring up the Screenshot Toolbar. This shows a toolbar with the option to record all or a portion of the screen at the bottom of the screen. You can also choose whether or not to include the audio from your microphone.
QuickTime Player: Another feature of QuickTime Player, the media player that comes pre-installed on macOS, is screen recording. To start recording, launch QuickTime Player, choose File > New Screen Recording, and a small recording window will appear. You can choose to record the entire screen or just a portion of it here. You can also choose whether your Mac has an integrated or external microphone.
Limitations of Built-in Tools: Why System Audio Isn’t Captured
Although QuickTime Player and the Screenshot Toolbar are both excellent for simple screen recording, they are severely limited in that they are unable to record system audio. This implies that audio generated by games, films, or other Mac apps won’t be captured. By default, these tools only capture video and, optionally, microphone audio, leaving out any internal audio from your Mac. To overcome this limitation, you need to use additional software that can route system audio into the recording.
Capturing System Audio: Installing Third-Party Software
To record system audio alongside your screen recording, you need to install third-party software. Two popular options are BlackHole (a free and open-source virtual audio driver) and Loopback (a paid option with more features). These tools work by creating a virtual audio device that your Mac can use to channel system audio into your screen recording.
Steps to Set Up BlackHole for Systems Audio Recording
Download and Install BlackHole: Go to the BlackHole GitHub page and download the installer. Follow the instructions to install it on your Mac.
Configure Audio MIDI Setup: Open the Audio MIDI Setup application (found in the Utilities folder). Here, you’ll set up a new Multi-Output Device.
- Click the + button at the bottom-left and choose Create Multi-Output Device.
- Select both your Mac’s built-in output (so you can still hear the audio) and the BlackHole virtual device.
Set Audio Source in QuickTime: When you start a new screen recording in QuickTime, click the dropdown menu next to the record button. Choose the Multi-Output Device you created as the audio input. This will ensure that both the system audio and microphone input (if desired) are recorded.
Recording Your Screen with Audio
With everything set up, you’re now ready to record your screen along with audio. Here’s how:
- Open QuickTime Player: Launch QuickTime Player and go to File > New Screen Recording.
- Select Audio Source: Before starting the recording, ensure that the correct audio source is selected. Choose the Multi-Output Device that includes BlackHole and your built-in output.
- Start Recording: Click the Record button to start recording. You can choose to record the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected portion of the screen.
- Stop Recording: Once you’re done, stop the recording by clicking the Stop button in the menu bar or by pressing Command + Control + Esc. The recording will automatically open in QuickTime Player for review.
Saving, Editing, and Exporting Your Recording
QuickTime Player will open the file instantly after you’ve completed recording so you can watch it right away. Here are a few more actions you may want to think about:
- Trim Your Recording: Choose Edit > Trim to use the trim function if you need to cut any part of your recording, either the beginning or the end. If you start recording a little too early or late, this is especially helpful.
- Exporting Your Recording: You can export your recording in several different formats and resolutions using QuickTime Player. Go to File > Export As and choose the appropriate format or quality to accomplish this.
- Further Editing: You can transfer the recording into Final Cut Pro or iMovie two video editing programs if you require more sophisticated editing capabilities. There are possibilities to add text overlays, effects, transitions, and more with these tools.
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Conclusion
Screen recording on a Mac, especially when you need to capture system audio, requires a bit of setup but is ultimately very effective. While the built-in tools like QuickTime Player and the Screenshot Toolbar offer a good starting point, adding third-party software like BlackHole enables you to capture comprehensive recordings that include all necessary audio. Whether you’re making professional video content or simply saving a personal call, following these steps will help you achieve high-quality results.
