Recording the screen of your Mac computer can be incredibly useful in many situations. Whether you want to create a tutorial for a software application, save a video call for future reference, or capture gameplay footage, knowing how to record your screen with audio can come in handy. In this blog post, we will explore various methods and techniques to help you effortlessly record your Mac screen with audio.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Record Screen on Mac with Audio
There are several reasons why you might need to record your screen on a Mac computer with audio. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
1. Creating Tutorials: If you are a teacher, trainer, or content creator, recording your screen with audio can help you create engaging tutorials and instructional videos. By capturing your screen and your voice simultaneously, you can explain complex concepts more effectively.
2. Software Troubleshooting: When you encounter a technical issue with a software application, being able to share a recording of your screen with the support team can help them better understand the problem. This can lead to quicker solutions and a smoother troubleshooting process.
3. Gaming and Streaming: Many gamers and streamers like to record their gameplay sessions to share with others or create highlight reels. Recording your screen with audio allows you to capture all the action and your live commentary.
4. Remote Collaboration: During remote meetings or presentations, recording your screen with audio can be extremely useful. It allows you to document important discussions, share presentations with team members who couldn’t attend the live session, and review meeting outcomes later.
Method 1: QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in application on Mac computers that allows you to not only play various media files but also record your screen with audio. Follow these steps to record your screen using QuickTime Player:
1. Open QuickTime Player from the Applications folder or by searching for it using Spotlight.
2. In the top menu bar, click on "File" and then select "New Screen Recording" from the dropdown menu.
3. A small recording window will appear. Click on the arrow next to the red record button to configure your microphone settings and select the audio source you want to record (internal microphone or an external microphone).
4. Once you are ready to start the recording, click on the red record button. You can choose to record the entire screen or just a specific portion by dragging a selection around the desired area.
5. While recording, you can add audio narration by speaking into the microphone. Click on the stop button in the menu bar to finish the recording.
6. After you stop the recording, a preview window will appear. You can click on the play button to review the recording. If you are satisfied, click on "File" and then "Save" to save the recording to your desired location.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to use
– Built-in application, no additional software required
– Allows audio recording alongside screen capture
Cons:
– Limited editing capabilities
– Recording options are somewhat basic
Method 2: ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a powerful screen recording and video editing software available for Mac. It offers advanced features and capabilities for recording your screen with audio. Here’s how you can use ScreenFlow to record your Mac screen with audio:
1. Download and install ScreenFlow from the official website.
2. Launch ScreenFlow and click on "Record" in the toolbar.
3. The recording window will appear. You can choose to record the entire screen, a selected portion, or a specific application window.
4. Click on the record button to start the screen recording. While recording, you can add audio narration by speaking into the microphone.
5. When you finish recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar.
6. The recorded video will be automatically loaded into the ScreenFlow editor. Here, you can edit the video, add annotations, titles, transitions, and more.
7. Once you are satisfied with the edits, click on "File" and then "Export" to save the final video to your desired location and format.
Pros:
– Advanced editing capabilities
– Ability to record from multiple sources simultaneously
– Offers a wide range of export options
Cons:
– Not a free software
– Requires a bit of learning curve to utilize all the features
Method 3: OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software Studio) is a free and open-source software that is primarily designed for live streaming but can also be used for screen recording with audio. Follow these steps to record your Mac screen with audio using OBS Studio:
1. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
2. Launch OBS Studio and click on "Settings" in the lower right corner.
3. In the settings window, click on the "Audio" tab and select the desired audio source from the dropdown menu.
4. Go back to the main window and click on the "+" button in the "Sources" section to add a display capture or window capture source.
5. Configure the display capture or window capture settings according to your recording needs.
6. Click on "Start Recording" or press the hotkey specified in the settings to begin the screen recording.
7. During the recording, you can add audio narration by speaking into the microphone.
8. When you are done recording, click on "Stop Recording" or use the specified hotkey to end the recording.
9. The recorded video will be saved to the location specified in the settings.
Pros:
– Free and open-source software
– Supports customizable hotkeys for recording
– Suitable for live streaming and screen recording
Cons:
– Can be overwhelming for beginners
– Limited editing capabilities compared to dedicated video editors
Method 4: Using Quick Actions
With macOS Mojave or later, Apple introduced a feature called Quick Actions that allows you to record your screen with audio directly from the Finder. Follow these steps to use Quick Actions for screen recording:
1. Find the video or audio file you want to record.
2. Right-click on the file and select "Quick Actions" from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Quick Actions menu, click on "Screen Recording".
4. A recording window will appear. Click on the record button to start recording your screen with audio.
5. When you finish recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar.
6. The recorded video will be saved to the location of the original file.
Pros:
– Quick and convenient access to screen recording
– Suitable for recording specific files
Cons:
– Limited to recording specific files only
– Basic recording options
What to Do If You Can’t Record Screen on Mac with Audio
If you encounter issues while trying to record your screen on a Mac with audio, here are a few possible fixes you can try:
1. Check Microphone Settings: Ensure that the correct microphone is selected as the audio input source in your system settings. Go to "System Preferences" > "Sound" > "Input" and select the appropriate microphone.
2. Restart Applications: Close all applications running in the background and restart the application you are using for screen recording. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve any temporary issues.
3. Update Software: Make sure that your operating system and screen recording software are up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can enhance the recording experience.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (parameter random-access memory) on your Mac can help fix various hardware-related issues, including audio problems. To reset NVRAM/PRAM, restart your Mac and hold down the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time.
5. Contact Support: If none of the above solutions work, it is recommended to reach out to the support team of the software application you are using for screen recording. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps tailored to their software.
Bonus Tips
1. Use a quality microphone: Investing in a good microphone can significantly improve the audio quality of your screen recordings. A USB or XLR microphone can provide better clarity and eliminate background noise.
2. Edit and enhance your recordings: After you finish recording your screen with audio, consider editing the video to remove any mistakes, add annotations, or enhance the overall quality. There are various video editing software available specifically for Mac, such as iMovie or Final Cut Pro.
3. Record with a script or outline: To ensure a smooth and error-free recording, it can be helpful to prepare a script or outline of what you want to say while recording. This will help you stay on track and deliver your message effectively.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I record my screen with audio on older versions of macOS?
A: The ability to record the screen with audio is available on macOS Mojave or later. If you are using an older version of macOS, you may not have access to this feature. Consider upgrading your operating system or using a third-party screen recording software.
Q2: Why is there no sound in my screen recording?
A: Ensure that your microphone is properly connected, enabled, and selected as the audio input source in your system settings. Additionally, make sure that the recording software has permission to access the microphone.
Q3: Can I edit the audio separately from the screen recording?
A: Yes, most video editing software allows you to edit the audio separately from the video. You can adjust the volume, eliminate background noise, and perform other audio editing tasks.
Q4: How much storage space do screen recordings with audio consume?
A: The file size of screen recordings with audio can vary depending on the length and content of the recording. Higher resolutions and frame rates will result in larger file sizes. It is recommended to allocate sufficient storage space for your screen recordings.
Q5: Can I record screen and audio from external devices?
A: Yes, if you want to record audio from an external device, such as a microphone or an audio interface, you can connect it to your Mac and configure the audio input settings accordingly. This allows you to record both the screen and the audio from external devices simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
Recording your Mac screen with audio can be incredibly useful in various scenarios. Whether you need to create tutorials, troubleshoot software issues, or capture gameplay footage, knowing the different methods to record your screen with audio gives you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs. Experiment with the methods mentioned in this blog post, and don’t forget to explore the bonus tips to enhance your screen recording experience. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll be able to record stunning videos with crystal clear audio on your Mac computer.