4 Ways to Record Your Mac Screen with Sound or Not
Recording your Mac screen can be incredibly useful in various scenarios. Whether you want to create tutorials, record gameplay, or capture a video call, having the ability to record your screen can greatly enhance your productivity and communication. In this article, we will explore 4 effective ways to record your Mac screen with or without sound. We will discuss a range of tools and techniques to cater to different preferences and requirements.
Table of Contents
- Built-in Screen Recording Tool
- Third-Party Screen Capture Software
- Browser-Based Screen Recorders
- Online Screen Recording Services
- Conclusion
1. Built-in Screen Recording Tool
macOS Screen Recording Tool Overview
Mac computers come with a built-in screen recording tool that allows you to capture your screen without the need for third-party software. This feature is available on macOS Mojave (10.14) and later versions. It offers basic screen recording capabilities but does not provide the option to record system audio. To record system audio, you’ll need to explore alternative methods.
Steps to Record Your Screen with the Built-in Tool
To record your Mac screen using the built-in tool, follow these steps:
- Launch the application you wish to record or navigate to the screen you want to capture.
- Open the Control Center by clicking on the icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar.
- In the Control Center, locate the screen recording button (represented by a circle within a circle) and click on it.
- A recording control overlay will appear. You can choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion by clicking and dragging.
- After selecting the desired area, click on the record button to start the recording.
- To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
Please note that the built-in screen recording tool does not provide advanced features such as video editing or annotations. If you require more functionality, consider exploring third-party screen capture software.
2. Third-Party Screen Capture Software
Overview of Third-Party Screen Capture Software
So, how to record screen and audio on Mac? Third-party screen capture software offers a wide range of features and flexibility compared to the built-in tool. These applications provide the ability to record your Mac screen along with system audio, microphone input, and additional options such as video editing, annotations, and customizable recording settings.
Recommended Third-Party Screen Capture Software
Here are some highly regarded third-party screen capture software options for Mac:
Software | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
OBS Studio | Advanced recording and streaming capabilities | Free |
ScreenFlow | Professional-level editing and screen recording | $129.00 (one-time fee) |
Camtasia | Robust editing suite with screen recording capabilities | $249.99 (one-time fee) |
Snagit | Easy-to-use screen capture and recording tool | $49.95 (one-time fee) |
Steps to Record Your Screen with Third-Party Software
The exact steps may vary depending on the software you choose, but generally, the process to record your Mac screen with third-party software involves the following:
- Download and install the chosen screen capture software.
- Launch the application and configure the recording settings according to your preferences.
- Select the screen or specific region you want to record.
- Enable the options to record system audio and microphone input if desired.
- Begin the recording by clicking the record button.
- When finished, click the stop button to end the recording.
- Utilize any additional editing features provided by the software if necessary.
- Save the recorded video in your desired format and location.
3. Browser-Based Screen Recorders
Overview of Browser-Based Screen Recorders
In addition to standalone software, there are browser-based screen recorders that allow you to capture your Mac screen directly within your web browser. These tools are convenient when you don’t want to install any additional software on your computer.
Recommended Browser-Based Screen Recorders
Here are a few reliable browser-based screen recorders for Mac:
- Loom
- Screencastify
- Nimbus Capture
Steps to Record Your Screen with Browser-Based Tools
To record your screen using a browser-based screen recorder, follow these general steps:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the website of the chosen browser-based screen recorder.
- Install the required browser extension or add-on.
- Launch the screen recorder tool within your browser.
- Configure the recording settings, such as the area to record and audio sources.
- Start the recording by clicking on the record button.
- When you finish recording, click the stop button to end the session.
- Preview and save the recorded video to your local drive or cloud storage.
4. Online Screen Recording Services
Overview of Online Screen Recording Services
Apart from browser-based screen recorders, there are also online screen recording services available that enable you to capture your Mac screen without the need for any installations or extensions. These services are accessible through their websites and offer simplicity and convenience.
Recommended Online Screen Recording Services
Here are a few popular online screen recording services:
- Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder
- Screencast-O-Matic
- Hippo Video
Steps to Record Your Screen with Online Services
To record your screen using an online screen recording service, follow these general steps:
- Visit the website of the chosen online screen recording service.
- Click on the “Start Recording” or similar button to initiate the screen recording tool.
- Grant necessary permissions for screen and audio access if prompted.
- Configure the recording settings, such as screen area, audio sources, and recording quality.
- Start the recording by clicking the record button.
- When you finish recording, click the stop button to end the session.
- Preview and download the recorded video to your local drive or cloud storage.
Conclusion
Recording your Mac screen with or without sound can be accomplished through various methods, each catering to different preferences and requirements. Whether you choose to utilize the built-in screen recording tool, third-party software, browser-based screen recorders, or online services, the key is to find the solution that best suits your needs. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to record your Mac screen effortlessly and efficiently.
Since 2019, Sabrina has been sharing her expertise as the author of three online courses, making photography and videography accessible to all, regardless of age or talent. Her blog, moonlight3d, serves as a hub for connecting with her audience, offering valuable tips on software, videography, and personal experiences. Feel free to reach out to Sabrina for insights and guidance on your creative journey through photography and videography.