Screen recording with audio has become an essential tool for many individuals, whether it’s for creating tutorials, capturing online meetings, or recording gameplay. If you own a Mac, you might be wondering how to screen record with audio effectively. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and techniques to help you achieve the desired results.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Screen Record Audio on Mac
There are several reasons why you might need to screen record with audio on your Mac. Here are a few common scenarios where this feature can come in handy:
1. Creating Tutorials: Whether you’re an educator, content creator, or simply want to share your knowledge with others, screen recording with audio can help you create informative and engaging tutorials.
2. Capturing Online Meetings: With the rise of remote work, online meetings have become the norm. Screen recording with audio allows you to document important discussions, presentations, or training sessions.
3. Recording Gameplay: Gamers often like to share their gaming experiences with others. Screen recording with audio enables you to capture your gameplay, reactions, and commentary to share with your audience.
4. Troubleshooting: If you’re facing a technical issue or need to seek assistance, recording your screen with audio can provide a clearer understanding of the problem, making it easier for others to help you troubleshoot.
Method 1. Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in application on Mac that allows you to screen record with audio. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player. You can find it in your Applications folder or search for it using Spotlight.
Step 2: Click on "File" in the menu bar and select "New Screen Recording".
Step 3: A screen recording window will appear. Here, you can customize your recording settings. Click on the arrow next to the record button to adjust options like microphone input and screen recording quality.
Step 4: Click on the record button to start recording. You can choose to record your entire screen or a specific portion by dragging your cursor.
Step 5: Once you’re done recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press "Command + Control + Esc" on your keyboard.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy access as it is a built-in application.
2. Allows customization of recording settings.
3. Provides the option to record the entire screen or a specific portion.
Cons:
1. Limited editing features compared to dedicated screen recording software.
2. No option to add annotations or captions within QuickTime Player.
Method 2. Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software
If you’re looking for more advanced features and customization options, third-party screen recording software might be the better choice. Here’s how you can screen record with audio using a third-party software like ScreenFlow:
Step 1: Download and install the screen recording software of your choice. ScreenFlow is a popular option known for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.
Step 2: Open the software and set up your recording preferences. This includes selecting your audio input source, screen resolution, and frame rate.
Step 3: Click on the record button to start capturing your screen with audio. You can choose to record the entire screen, a specific application window, or a portion of the screen.
Step 4: While recording, you can add annotations, highlight specific areas, or zoom in on specific details to enhance your video.
Step 5: Once you’re done recording, click on the stop button to end the recording session.
Pros:
1. Offers advanced features and customization options.
2. Allows editing and enhancing the recorded video with annotations, effects, and transitions.
3. Can capture high-quality audio and video.
Cons:
1. Requires a separate software installation.
2. Some third-party software may have a learning curve for beginners.
Method 3. Using Online Screen Recording Tools
If you don’t want to install additional software on your Mac, online screen recording tools are a convenient alternative. Here’s how you can screen record with audio using a popular online tool called Screencast-O-Matic:
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the Screencast-O-Matic website.
Step 2: Click on the "Start Recording for Free" button to launch the online screen recorder.
Step 3: Customize your recording settings, such as the audio source and screen recording area.
Step 4: Click on the record button to start the screen recording. You can also choose to enable your webcam if you want to include a video of yourself.
Step 5: To end the recording, click on the stop button. You will then be able to preview and save the recorded video.
Pros:
1. No software installation required.
2. Can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
3. Offers basic editing features like trimming and adding captions.
Cons:
1. May have limitations in terms of recording quality and advanced editing features.
2. Requires a stable internet connection for smooth recording.
Method 4. Using OBS Studio
For users who require advanced screen recording features with customizable settings, OBS Studio is a powerful open-source software solution. Here’s how you can screen record with audio using OBS Studio:
Step 1: Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
Step 2: Open OBS Studio and set up your recording preferences. This includes selecting your audio input source and configuring video settings like resolution and frame rate.
Step 3: Create a new scene by clicking on the "+" button under the "Scenes" section.
Step 4: Add a source to your scene by clicking on the "+" button under the "Sources" section. Choose "Display Capture" to record your entire screen or "Window Capture" to record a specific application window.
Step 5: Click on the record button to start recording. You can also enable your microphone and webcam if needed.
Step 6: To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the controls section.
Pros:
1. Offers advanced customization options and settings.
2. Supports multiple sources and scenes for complex recording setups.
3. Highly configurable for specific recording requirements.
Cons:
1. Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the vast number of settings.
2. Requires some technical knowledge to set up properly.
What to Do If You Can’t Screen Record Audio on Mac
If you’re experiencing issues while trying to screen record with audio on your Mac, here are a few things you can try to fix the problem:
1. Check Microphone Settings: Ensure that your microphone is properly connected to your Mac and that it is selected as the audio input source in the screen recording settings.
2. Restart Your Mac: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that may be preventing audio recording.
3. Update Software: Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS and your screen recording software installed. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) or parameter random-access memory (PRAM) can help reset various settings on your Mac, including audio configurations.
5. Contact Support: If none of the above methods work, reach out to the support team of the screen recording software or Apple for further assistance.
Bonus Tips
1. Use a Good Quality Microphone: To ensure clear and crisp audio in your screen recordings, invest in a good quality microphone that suits your needs.
2. Free Up Storage Space: Before starting a screen recording session, make sure you have enough free storage space on your Mac to save the recorded video file.
3. Practice and Prepare: Before recording important sessions or tutorials, rehearse and prepare your content to ensure a smooth recording process.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I enable audio recording in QuickTime Player?
A: To enable audio recording in QuickTime Player, click on the dropdown arrow next to the record button and select your desired microphone input.
Q2: Can I edit my screen recordings after capturing them?
A: Yes, depending on the software you use, you can often edit your screen recordings by adding annotations, captions, trimming unwanted sections, or adjusting the audio levels.
Q3: Is it possible to record audio from specific applications only?
A: Yes, with some screen recording software, you can choose to record audio from specific applications by adjusting the audio input settings.
Q4: Can I change the screen recording quality?
A: Yes, most screen recording software allows you to adjust the recording quality settings, including resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.
Q5: Can I record audio from external devices?
A: Yes, if your Mac supports external audio input, you can connect devices like microphones or audio interfaces to capture high-quality audio during screen recording.
Final Thoughts
Screen recording with audio on your Mac is a valuable skill that can enhance your productivity and enable you to create engaging content. By following the methods and tips mentioned in this blog post, you’ll be able to screen record with audio in various situations. Whether it’s for tutorials, online meetings, or gaming, capturing your screen along with audio allows you to convey information effectively and create compelling content. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for your needs. Happy recording!