How to Record Computer Screen With Audio on Mac

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Screen recording is an essential feature that helps users to create informative video tutorials, presentations, and tutorials. Whether you are a student, trainer, or business owner, recording your computer screen can come in handy when you want to share your skills or knowledge with your audience. However, recording your computer screen with audio is a bit challenging, especially if you are using a Mac computer. Unlike PCs, MacBook doesn’t have built-in audio recording software that can be used for this purpose. But don’t worry; in this guide, we will show you how to record computer screen with audio on Mac.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To record the computer screen with audio on Mac, you need to have a reliable third-party software that can capture both the video and audio files. Some of the best and popular software to use includes ScreenFlow, QuickTime, Camtasia, OBS, and Capto. These applications offer a wide range of recording features and editing tools that allow you to create professional quality videos.

In addition to the above software, you will also need a microphone or headphones with a built-in microphone for recording your voice. If you want to capture sound from your computer, then you will also need to download and install the Soundflower application. This software is essential because it helps to route audio from your Mac to your screen recorder.

What requires your focus?

Before we dive into the methods of recording your computer screen with audio on Mac, there are a few things that require your focus. These include:

  • The clarity of the recording environment: Ensure that you are recording in a quiet and controlled environment to avoid any background noise.
  • The quality of the microphone: Choose a high-quality microphone to ensure that the audio is clear and audible.
  • The selection of the recording application: Select a screen recorder with the features that you need to create the desired video quality.

Method 1: Using QuickTime to Record Computer Screen With Audio on Mac

QuickTime Player is a popular and free application built-in to all versions of Mac OS X. It can record your computer screen and capture audio from your microphone. To use the QuickTime player, follow these steps:

  1. Launch QuickTime by opening the QuickTime Player Application from the Applications folder.
  2. Click on the File menu, Select New Screen Recording.
  3. Click on the drop-down arrow next to the Record Button.
  4. Select your microphone from the list of available options.
  5. Click the Red Record button to start recording.
  6. Select the area of the screen you want to record by dragging the cursor over the relevant area.
  7. Click the Stop button to stop recording; the recording is saved automatically.

Pros:

  • QuickTime Player is free and pre-installed on all versions of Mac OS X.
  • It’s easy to use and requires no additional setup.

Cons:

  • QuickTime Player has limited features and editing tools compared to other screen recorders.
  • It cannot record audio playing from your computer.

Method 2: Using ScreenFlow to Record Computer Screen With Audio on Mac

ScreenFlow is a professional screen recording software that offers advanced recording and editing tools. It allows you to capture video and audio from your screen, microphone, and computer system simultaneously. To use ScreenFlow, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install ScreenFlow on your Mac computer.
  2. Launch ScreenFlow by double-clicking on the application.
  3. Click on the New Recording button from the menu bar.
  4. Select the recording options you want to use.
  5. Click on the Record button to start recording; the recording will start after a 3-second countdown.
  6. To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar.
  7. Save the recorded video file in the desired format.

Pros:

  • ScreenFlow offers advanced recording features and editing tools that enable you to create professional quality videos.
  • You can capture audio playing on your Mac and the microphone simultaneously.

Cons:

  • ScreenFlow is a paid application, and its full version can be expensive for some users.
  • The application requires a higher processing power on your Mac, making it difficult to use on older models.

Method 3: Using Capto to Record Computer Screen With Audio on Mac

Capto is a screen recording and editing software specifically designed for Mac. It allows you to capture videos, images, and audio from your screen and microphone. Capto also offers editing tools that help you refine your video and export it in different formats. To use Capto, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Capto on your Mac computer.
  2. Launch the application by double-clicking on the Capto icon from the Application folder.
  3. Click on the Record option in the menu bar.
  4. Select the recording options you want to use.
  5. Click on the Record button to start recording; the recording will start after a 3-second countdown.
  6. To stop recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar.
  7. Save the recorded video file in the desired format.

Pros:

  • Capto is designed specifically for Mac, and it offers features that work well with the Apple OS user interface.
  • The application is easy to use and navigate.

Cons:

  • Capto is a paid application, and it’s full version can be expensive for some users.
  • Capto may not work well with old Mac computers with lower processing power.

Method 4: Using OBS to Record Computer Screen With Audio on Mac

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free and open-source screen recording and streaming software available for macOS. It is widely used by gamers, trainers, and content creators to capture both audio and video files. OBS offers audio mixing, scene editing, and filters that help you create professional quality videos. To use OBS, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install OBS on your Mac computer.
  2. Open OBS by double-clicking on the OBS icon from the application folder.
  3. Click on the + button under Sources to add a display capture or window capture.
  4. To capture audio, click on the + button under Sources and select Audio Input Capture.
  5. Select your microphone from the list of available options.
  6. Click on the Start Recording button to start recording.
  7. Stop recording by clicking on the Stop Recording button.
  8. Save the recorded video file in the desired format.

Pros:

  • OBS is a free and open-source application that offers advanced features and editing tools.
  • You can stream your recording live on YouTube, Facebook, or other live stream platforms.

Cons:

  • OBS can be challenging for beginners to use and may require some technical skills.
  • OBS may not work well with older Mac computers with lower processing power.

Why Can’t I Record My Computer Screen with Audio on Mac?

Recording your computer screen with audio on Mac can be challenging. Here are some of the reasons why you may face difficulty in recording audio and the fixes:

1. Permission issues with microphone or screen recorder

Q: Why can’t I record audio on my Mac?
A: You may be facing permission issues with your microphone or screen recorder. Ensure that you have granted access to your microphone and screen recorder by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone and Screen Recording.

2. Sound preferences are not set correctly

Q: Why can’t you record sound while screen recording on Mac?
A: Your sound preferences may not be set correctly. In Sound Preferences, select the Internal Microphone and set the input volume to the desired level.

3. Soundflower software is not installed

Q: Why can’t I hear audio while screen recording on Mac?
A: You may not have installed the Soundflower software, a vital application that helps route audio from your Mac to your screen recorder. Download and install Soundflower for your Mac from the official website.

Implications and Recommendations

Screen recording with audio is an essential feature that is required for creating informative video tutorials, presentations, and online courses. In addition to the above methods, there are several software applications that you can use for screen recording with audio on Mac. Some of the recommended software includes Camtasia, Movavi Screen Recorder, and Filmora scrn. These software applications offer advanced features and editing tools that enable you to create professional quality videos.

FAQs

Q1: Is it legal to record someone on a Mac computer?

A1: It is illegal to record someone on a Mac computer or any other device without their consent or knowledge.

Q2: Can I record system audio while recording my computer screen on Mac?

A2: Yes, you can record audio playing from your computer while recording your screen on Mac by using additional software like Soundflower.

Q3: Can I record my computer screen with audio using the QuickTime player on Mac?

A3: Yes, you can record your computer screen with audio on Mac using the QuickTime player by selecting your microphone as the audio source.

Q4: How do I edit recorded videos on Mac?

A4: You can edit recorded videos on Mac using the built-in iMovie application or other advanced editing software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Filmora.

Q5: Can I record computer games on Mac?

A5: Yes, you can record computer games on Mac using screen recording software like OBS or ScreenFlow.