How to Screen Record with Sound on Mac

Screen recording has become an essential feature for many users, whether you want to create tutorials, demonstrate an issue to tech support, or capture a memorable moment in a video call. While recording the screen is straightforward on a Mac, capturing system audio along with the screen can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to screen record with sound on your Mac.

Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording

QuickTime Player is a built-in application on macOS that allows users to play, record, and edit videos. Follow these steps to screen record with sound using QuickTime Player:

1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder or search for it using Spotlight.
2. Click on “File” in the menu bar and select “New Screen Recording.”
3. A small recording control panel will appear. Click on the arrow next to the record button to select your recording options.
4. To record system audio along with the screen, click on the dropdown menu next to the record button and choose the internal microphone as your input source.
5. Click on the red record button to start your screen recording.
6. Once you are done recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc on your keyboard.
7. Save your recording by clicking on “File” and then “Save.”

Using Third-Party Applications for Advanced Features

While QuickTime Player gets the job done for basic screen recordings with sound, third-party applications offer more advanced features like editing capabilities, customizable settings, and additional export options. Some popular third-party screen recording applications for Mac include:

1. ScreenFlow: Known for its powerful editing features and intuitive interface, ScreenFlow allows users to capture high-quality screen recordings with system audio.
2. Camtasia: Ideal for creating professional-looking video tutorials, Camtasia offers features like animations, effects, and multi-track editing alongside screen recording capabilities.
3. Snagit: If you need to capture scrolling screens or specific windows, Snagit provides advanced capture options along with basic editing tools.

Troubleshooting Sound Recording Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to record system audio on your Mac, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check your System Preferences > Sound settings to ensure that the correct input and output devices are selected.
2. Restart your Mac and try recording again.
3. Update your macOS and QuickTime Player to the latest versions available.

By following these steps and utilizing either QuickTime Player or third-party applications like ScreenFlow or Camtasia, you can easily screen record with sound on your Mac and create engaging content for various purposes.