Meet Mark. Mark set out to create a detailed video tutorial for his team. He hit “record” on his Mac, and everything seemed perfect until he realized the audio was missing.
The recording caught every click and scroll, but it was nearly useless without the sound of his voice. Sound familiar? Many Mac users face the same struggle when trying to screen record with audio—whether it’s system audio, microphone input, or both.
Luckily, macOS has built-in tools like QuickTime Player, plus third-party apps to simplify the process. If you’re one of the 100+ million Mac users worldwide, here’s how to screen record on Mac with audio!
🧠 Fun Fact: The original Apple logo, designed by co-founder Ronald Wayne in 1976, featured Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree.
How to Screen Record on Mac with Audio Effortlessly
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
If you’re struggling with missing audio in recordings, this guide will help you create seamless screen recordings on your Mac:
Here’s how you screen record on a Mac and use ClickUp to get the most out of your recordings.
- Use the Screenshot Toolbar (Command + Shift + 5) for quick screen capture and audio recording
- Try QuickTime Player for a user-friendly way to record your screen and system audio
- Resolve common issues like no audio, system lags, and app restrictions with a proper setup before you begin recording
- Explore third-party tools like OBS Studio, Camtasia, Vmaker, and Snagit for advanced features
- Try using ClickUp Clips is a game-changer with seamless task integration, team collaboration, and AI transcription
- Follow best practices like planning, optimizing settings, and editing to create professional recordings
Summarize this article for me pleaseHow to Screen Record on Mac with Audio
Screen recording on your Mac is easier when you know the right tools and settings.
By default, macOS records screen captures without audio. However, you can use the OS’s built-in Screenshot Toolbar, QuickTime Player, or various compatible third-party apps to capture audio in your recordings.
First, let’s walk you through some screen recording options on macOS itself.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar
The Screenshot Toolbar is a built-in feature in macOS that offers an easy way to screen record your whole screen or a selected portion along with audio.
1. Open the Screenshot Toolbar
- Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard
- The Screenshot Toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen with options for capturing or recording your screen
2. Select the recording option
Choose either:
- Record Entire Screen: Capture your whole screen
- Record Selected Portion: Drag and select the specific area you want to record
3. Enable audio recording
- Click Options on the toolbar
- Under the Microphone section, select your desired audio input (e.g., Internal Microphone or External Microphone)
- Ensure the audio option is enabled for recording sound
4. Start recording
- Click Record on the toolbar and perform the actions you want to record
5. Stop recording
- When you are done recording, either press Command+Control+Escape or Shift+Command+5 again and then the Stop Recording icon in the Menu Bar
6. Save the recording
- Your recording will be saved automatically in the default location (usually the desktop) or the folder you selected under Options
Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is the default media player application bundled with macOS. Known for its simplicity and flexibility, it’s also fantastic for capturing screen recordings with audio.
1. Open QuickTime Player
- Find and launch QuickTime Player from your Applications folder, or you can use Spotlight Search for the same
2. Choose New Screen Recording
- In the Menu Bar, click on File and select New Screen Recording
- The screen recording feature will open with a small control bar
3. Enable audio recording
- Click the small arrow next to the Record button
- From the dropdown menu, choose the audio source (e.g., Internal Microphone or other available sound output devices)
4. Customize the recording area
- Decide whether you want to record the whole screen or a specific area. Click anywhere on the desktop to record the entire screen
- To record a specific portion, drag the cursor to highlight the desired area
5. Begin recording
- Click the red button marked ‘Record’ to start recording, and perform the tasks you want to screen-capture
6. Stop recording
- Click the Stop Recording icon in the Menu Bar (a small square inside a circle) at the top of your screen or press Command + Control + Esc
7. Save the recording
- As soon as you finish recording, QuickTime Player will automatically open the recorded file for preview
- Then click File > Save to name and save your recording in your preferred location
👀 Did You Know? QuickTime Player was initially available for both macOS and Windows platforms. However, Apple discontinued the Windows version in 2016 because of decreasing need for a cross-platform version.
Summarize this article for me pleaseCommon Issues with Screen Recording on Mac
Screen recording on a Mac is generally straightforward, but users face a few common issues:
- Some apps, especially those with protected content (think streaming platforms), can block screen recording to prevent unauthorized sharing. If you find something wrong with the recording settings, it’s likely due to these protective measures
- QuickTime Player doesn’t support webcam recording, which can be a real letdown if you aim to create more engaging, interactive videos for your projects
- macOS screen recording feels outdated, capping its recording quality at 1080p. While 1080p might still work for most scenarios, the absence of higher-resolution options like 4K is noticeable
- Regarding exporting your recordings, QuickTime Player only supports the .mov format exclusive to Apple. You can’t screen record with the default tools in more widely used formats like .mp4, .wmv, or .mkv; you’ll have to convert the file first
- Another limitation is that all recordings are stored locally on your device. Unlike cloud-based tools, your recorded videos are tied to one system, and sharing them can become a hassle
Summarize this article for me pleaseOther Tools for Mac Screen Recording
While built-in tools like QuickTime Player and the Screenshot Toolbar are great for basic screen recording on Mac devices, sometimes you might need more flexibility or functionality for your recording needs.
For instance, if you’re working on tutorials, gaming videos, or professional presentations, you’ll want advanced features like audio mixing, editing options, and live streaming capabilities.
You need third-party software or a third-party extension to access these advanced features. Let’s explore some of the best ones on the market!
1. OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is an open-source, free software that has become a favorite among content creators and professionals. It’s widely appreciated for its flexibility and robust capabilities.
The lightweight program has some user-favorite features:
- Supports screen recording and live streaming
- Allows you to record internal audio, system audio, and microphone input
- Lets you customize recording with multiple scenes, overlays, and transitions
- Offers options for recording at high frame rates and resolutions
OBS Studio is ideal for gamers, educators, and anyone who wants professional-grade recordings without spending a dime. However, its interface might feel overwhelming to beginners.
2. Camtasia
One of the tools offered by screen capture and screen recording specialists TechSmith, Camtasia is a premium third-party app perfect for professionals who want an all-in-one solution for screen recording and video editing.
You can use this tool to capture recordings smoothly thanks to the following:
- Easy-to-use interface for recording entire screen or selected portions
- Built-in editor for adding annotations, animations, and effects
- Support for audio recording from multiple sources like microphones and system sound
- Royalty-free music and assets to enhance your recordings
Camtasia is great for creating tutorials, webinars, and training videos. It’s beginner-friendly but expensive.
3. Vmaker
Looking for a lightweight, modern tool? Vmaker is an excellent choice for quick screen recordings. It’s a cloud-based tool designed for modern-day collaboration and content creation.
Use the tool’s intuitive user interface to:
- Record video, audio, and even webcam feeds simultaneously
- Schedule recordings and set reminders
- Store and share your recordings easily with cloud storage
- Make basic trims and annotations with a lightweight editor
Vmaker is perfect for teams collaborating remotely or individuals creating short videos for social media or presentations.
4. Loopback
If you’ve ever struggled with recording internal audio on a Mac, Loopback by Rogue Amoeba is great third-party software. While it’s not a traditional screen recorder for macOS, it’s a powerful tool for seamlessly managing audio sources.
You’ll find this tool particularly useful for:
- Combining system audio and microphone input into one virtual device for recording
- Capturing high-quality internal audio for podcasts and video tutorials
- Integrating and sharing your recordings with other tools like OBS Studio and QuickTime Player
If you’re struggling to record system audio on a Mac, Loopback can be a lifesaver. It’s ideal for recording internal audio while live streaming or recording a tutorial.
However, it’s a niche tool best for advanced users.
5. Loom
One of the most commonly used tools for quick personal recordings, Loom is a popular choice for users who need a fast and hassle-free way to share videos and record on a Mac.
It offers an intuitive interface and is perfect for communication in remote teams, allowing for instant recording and sharing.
Loom has risen in popularity thanks to a comprehensive product that lets you:
- Record your screen and webcam together for a personal touch
- Share recordings instantly with a link
- Collaborate with teams with comments and feedback features
- Highlight important areas during recordings with drawing tools
Loom’s simplicity and collaboration features make it a favorite for remote teams, educators, and professionals.
6. Snagit
The other screen capture and recording tool by TechSmith, Snagit, focuses on ease of use and high-quality screen captures. It’s perfect for users who want to combine screen recording with annotated images.
Snagit focuses on simplified recording, giving you the ability to:
- Capture your entire screen, selected portion, or scrolling areas
- Annotate recordings with text, arrows, and effects
- Trim and combine clips with a basic video editor
- Create how-to guides, demos, and presentations with ease
Snagit is great for professionals who create tutorials or visual documentation. Its focus on simplicity and polished results makes it a trusted tool for beginners and experts.
7. ClickUp
Most third-party tools let you record your screen and audio easily, but that’s all they are—recording software.
If you’re looking for a screen recording solution that goes beyond capturing video and lets you effortlessly integrate your recordings into your workflow, ClickUp is your answer.
ClickUp is the everything app for work that combines project management, knowledge management, and chat—all powered by AI that helps you work faster and smarter.
Known for its project management features, ClickUp goes beyond the basic screen recording feature with ClickUp Clips, a super-useful feature that simplifies team collaboration and boosts productivity.
What is ClickUp Clips?
ClickUp Clips lets you record and share your screen directly within your workspace. It’s a productivity tool that bridges communication gaps, making it easier to keep everyone on the same page.
Whether you’re walking a teammate through a task, demonstrating a feature, or providing feedback, ClickUp Clips will ease the entire process for you.
Here is a video of ClickUp Clips to help you understand more:
Here are some amazing features that will help you capture recordings on a Mac as well as do much more:
1. Record screen and share instantly
ClickUp Clips lets you record your screen and webcam simultaneously. To add a personal touch, you can overlay your video as you explain your process.
Once recorded, Clips are automatically saved in your ClickUp workspace, making them instantly accessible to your team.
2. Attach screen recordings to tasks
This is where ClickUp truly shines. Unlike standalone screen recorders, you can directly attach your Clips to specific tasks or projects. For example:
- Record a bug report and link it to a development task
- Demonstrate a process and attach the recording to a team training module
- Provide visual feedback on a design or document and link it to the respective task
3. Collaborate with teams using recordings
Collaboration becomes effortless when your screen recordings are centralized in ClickUp. Your team can:
- Watch Clips directly within the task or comment thread
- Leave feedback, ask questions, or provide updates in real-time
- Ensure everyone stays in sync without the need for endless back-and-forth emails
4. Leverage AI with your recordings
ClickUp’s AI capabilities give you maximum usability from your recordings with simple prompts. ClickUp Brain can automatically transcribe all your Clips, turning video content into searchable text for easy reference by all team members.
This also makes your content accessible for team members who prefer reading over watching while allowing you to search for specific keywords or phrases within your recordings for faster navigation.
Watch how Brain transcribes with ease:
5. Secure and centralized storage
Keep all your recordings safe and organized within ClickUp’s secure workspace.
- Access Clips directly from their associated tasks or projects
- Eliminate the need for external storage or third-party platforms
- Ensure recordings are available only to authorized team members
ClickUp is perfect for teams, educators, and professionals who want to combine screen recording with seamless project management.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a brief text-based checklist or outline to your task in ClickUp before hitting record. Once done, attach your Clip directly to the task and use ClickUp Brain’s transcription feature to create a written summary for easy reference.
Summarize this article for me pleaseBest Practices for Screen Recording on Mac
Creating high-quality screen recordings on your Mac involves more than just hitting the record button. To ensure your recordings are clear, professional, and effective, consider the following best practices:
- Plan your content before you start recording
- Choose a screen recorder that aligns with your needs. QuickTime Player and the Screenshot Toolbar are more suitable for basic features, and for advanced features, consider third-party apps like Camtasia and ClickUp
- Decide whether you’ll record system audio, microphone input, or both, and ensure your audio settings and audio sources are correctly configured
- Keep an eye on the duration of your recording. Long recordings can result in large file sizes and require more extensive video editing
- Choose the right file format and resolution for your audience. Make sure the final video is accessible and maintains quality across different devices and platforms
Most importantly, remember to review your recordings when you’re done to ensure that all the video and audio have been captured correctly!
Why Just Record When You Can ClickUp Your Workflow?
Hopefully, with these tips and tools, you won’t make a mistake like Mark: recording your screen only to realize the audio didn’t make the cut.
Whether using the built-in Screenshot Toolbar, exploring third-party apps like OBS Studio, or utilizing the efficient workflow of ClickUp Clips, the right tool can make all the difference.
Use ClickUp’s robust suite to boost the utility of your recordings. Attach them to tasks, collaborate with your team, and even transcribe videos for searchable insights—all in one place.
The next time you hit “record,” make it count with a tool that works as hard as you do. Sign up for a free ClickUp account and see for yourself!
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