How to Screen Record on Mac

Built-in Screen Recording Tool on Mac

If you own a Mac computer running macOS Mojave or later, you already have a built-in screen recording tool called Screenshot. It allows you to capture anything that’s happening on your screen and save it as a video file. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the app or window you want to record.
2. Press Shift-Command-5 on your keyboard to bring up the Screenshot toolbar.
3. Click on the Record Entire Screen button (the first button on the left).
4. Choose a destination folder for your recording and click on the Record button.
5. To stop the recording, click on the Stop button in the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc on your keyboard.

You can also choose to record only a portion of your screen by selecting the Record Selected Portion button instead. This allows you to drag and drop a box around the area you want to record.

Screenshot also offers additional options, such as the ability to capture still screenshots or record your screen with or without audio. You can access these options by clicking on the Options button on the Screenshot toolbar.

How to Record Your Screen with QuickTime Player

If you’re looking for a more powerful screen recording tool on your Mac, QuickTime Player is a great option. It’s a free app that comes pre-installed on all Macs and can be used for a variety of multimedia tasks, including screen recording. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
2. Click on File in the menu bar and select New Screen Recording.
3. Click on the red Record button to start recording your screen.
4. To stop the recording, click on the Stop button in the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc on your keyboard.

QuickTime Player also allows you to customize your screen recording by clicking on the arrow next to the Record button. You can choose to record your entire screen or just a portion of it, and you can also choose whether or not to record audio.

Once you’ve finished recording your screen, your video file will automatically be saved to your chosen destination folder. You can then use QuickTime Player to edit your recording or share it with others.

Recording with Third-Party Screen Recording Apps

While the built-in screen recording tools on Macs are powerful, you may find that you need additional features or more control over your recordings. In that case, there are several third-party screen recording apps available for Macs that can provide the functionality you need. Here are a few popular options:

1. Camtasia: This app offers advanced screen recording and editing features, as well as the ability to add annotations, effects, and animations to your recordings.

2. ScreenFlow: This app is designed specifically for screen recording and allows you to capture both your screen and webcam footage simultaneously. It also offers a range of editing tools and effects.

3. OBS Studio: This app is popular among gamers and live streamers for its ability to capture high-quality gameplay footage and stream it live to platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Before choosing a third-party screen recording app, make sure to do your research and read reviews to ensure that it meets your needs and is compatible with your Mac’s operating system.

Tips for Optimizing Your Screen Recording

Whether you’re using the built-in screen recording tools on your Mac or a third-party app, there are several tips you can follow to ensure that your recordings come out clear and high-quality:

1. Close unnecessary apps: Before starting your screen recording, close any unnecessary apps or browser tabs to free up system resources and reduce the risk of lag or glitches.

2. Use a wired connection: If you’re recording content that requires an internet connection, such as a webinar or online meeting, use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi to ensure a more stable and reliable connection.

3. Record in a quiet environment: Background noise can be distracting and make it harder to hear your voice or other audio. If possible, record in a quiet environment or use a noise-cancelling microphone.

4. Adjust recording settings: Depending on the app you’re using to record your screen, you may have options to adjust the recording quality, frame rate, or other settings. Experiment with these settings to find the best combination for your needs.

5. Preview your recording: Before sharing your recording with others, take the time to preview it and make any necessary edits or adjustments. This can help ensure that your final product is professional-looking and error-free.

Editing and Sharing Your Screen Recording on Mac

Once you’ve recorded your screen on your Mac, you may need to edit it or share it with others. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Edit your recording: If you need to make any edits to your recording, you can use a video editing app like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Pro. These apps allow you to trim the length of your recording, add text or captions, or even overlay additional footage.

2. Export your recording: Once you’ve finished editing your recording, export it as a video file to your desired destination folder. This can usually be done by clicking on the Export button in your editing app.

3. Share your recording: There are several ways to share your screen recording with others. You can upload it to a video sharing platform like YouTube or Vimeo, send it as a file attachment via email, or use a file sharing service like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Before sharing your recording, make sure to check its file size and format to ensure that it’s compatible with the platform or service you’re using. You may also want to add a title or description to your recording to help others understand what it’s about.