Whether you’re creating a tutorial, capturing a bug report, or simply want to preserve a moment on your screen, knowing how to record mac screen is an invaluable skill. With Apple’s built-in screen recording tools, the process is surprisingly straightforward. This detailed guide will walk you through various methods of how to record mac screen, ensuring you have all the necessary knowledge to capture your screen effortlessly.
Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a versatile media player that comes pre-installed on every Mac. It also offers a screen recording feature that allows you to capture both your entire screen or a specific portion.
Recording the Entire Screen
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Click "File" in the menu bar and select "New Screen Recording."
- A small menu bar will appear at the top of your screen. Click the "Record" button to start recording.
Recording a Portion of the Screen
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Click "File" in the menu bar and select "New Screen Recording."
- In the menu bar that appears, click the "Options" button.
- Under "Screen," select "Custom."
- Drag the blue rectangle to the area of the screen you want to record.
- Click the "Record" button to start recording.
Using macOS Mojave and Later
macOS Mojave and later introduced a dedicated screen recording feature called "Screenshot."
Recording the Entire Screen
- Press "Shift" + "Command" + "5" to open the Screenshot toolbar.
- Click the "Record Screen" button.
- Click "Record" to start recording.
Recording a Portion of the Screen
- Press "Shift" + "Command" + "5" to open the Screenshot toolbar.
- Click the "Options" button.
- Select "Select Portion."
- Drag the blue rectangle to the area of the screen you want to record.
- Click "Record" to start recording.
Using Third-Party Software
While QuickTime Player and macOS’s built-in features are sufficient for most users, there are also many excellent third-party screen recording software available.
Using ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a powerful screen recording software that offers a wide range of features, including the ability to record audio, add annotations, and edit your recordings.
Using Camtasia
Camtasia is another popular screen recording software that is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface. It also offers a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive screencasts, add captions, and zoom in on specific areas of your screen.
Table: Summary of Screen Recording Methods
| Method | Platform | Features | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickTime Player | macOS | Can record entire screen or portion | Simple |
| Screenshot (macOS Mojave and later) | macOS | Can record entire screen or portion | Easy |
| ScreenFlow | macOS | Extensive features, including audio recording and editing | Intermediate |
| Camtasia | macOS | Intuitive interface, interactive screencasts | Beginner-friendly |
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to easily record mac screen and capture everything that happens on your display. Whether you’re using QuickTime Player, macOS’s built-in features, or third-party software, there’s a solution that meets your needs. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create professional-looking screen recordings that can enhance your presentations, tutorials, and other content.
FAQ about How to Record Mac Screen
How do I record my Mac screen?
There are two built-in methods for recording your Mac screen: QuickTime Player and Screenshot app.
How do I use QuickTime Player to record my screen?
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Click File > New Screen Recording.
- In the floating menu bar, click the arrow next to the Record button to specify recording settings.
- Click Record to start recording.
- Click Stop to end recording.
How do I use the Screenshot app to record my screen?
- Press Shift + Command + 5.
- Click the Record button.
- Drag the selection tool to select the area you want to record.
- Click the Record button to start recording.
- Click the Stop button to end recording.
How do I record my entire screen?
Use the QuickTime Player or Screenshot app methods described above without specifying a specific recording area.
How do I record a specific part of my screen?
In either QuickTime Player or the Screenshot app, use the selection tool to drag and select the specific area you want to record.
How do I record with my microphone?
In the QuickTime Player recording settings, select the microphone you want to use. In the Screenshot app, click Options and toggle on the Microphone checkbox.
How do I edit my screen recording?
After recording, open the recording in QuickTime Player and use the built-in editing tools. You can trim, split, and crop the recording, as well as add transitions and annotations.
How do I save my screen recording?
In QuickTime Player, click File > Export > File and choose a location to save the recording. In the Screenshot app, the recording will automatically be saved to your Desktop.
How do I change the recording quality?
In QuickTime Player recording settings, select a higher or lower quality option. The Screenshot app does not currently offer quality settings.
How do I share my screen recording?
Once you have saved the recording, you can share it by uploading it to a video sharing platform like YouTube or Vimeo, or by sending it directly to others via email or messaging apps.
