If you want to show someone how to use an app, create a tutorial, record a presentation, or save something happening on your Mac screen, screen recording is one of the easiest ways to do it.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to install another application. Modern versions of macOS include built-in tools that let you record your Mac screen, capture the entire display, record a selected area, and add microphone audio.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to screen record on a Mac using five practical methods, including Apple’s built-in Screenshot tool and QuickTime Player.
What Is Screen Recording on a Mac?
Screen recording lets you capture what happens on your Mac display as a video file.
You can use a Mac screen recording to:
- Create software tutorials
- Record online presentations
- Demonstrate a problem
- Save a video demonstration
- Create educational content
- Record a workflow
- Show someone how to use an application
- Capture a selected part of your screen
For most everyday tasks, Apple’s built-in tools are enough.
1. How to Screen Record on a Mac Using Screenshot
The easiest way to screen record on a Mac is with the built-in Screenshot toolbar.
Step 1: Open the Screenshot toolbar
Press:
Shift + Command + 5
A control bar will appear near the bottom of your screen.
The toolbar provides options for screenshots as well as screen recording. Current versions of macOS can offer recording of the entire screen, a selected portion, and, on supported newer macOS versions, a selected window.
Step 2: Choose a recording option
You can choose between:
- Record Entire Screen
- Record Selected Portion
- Record Selected Window, where supported
If you want to record everything happening on your display, choose Record Entire Screen.
If you only need one application or part of the screen, choose a more specific recording option.
Step 3: Choose your settings
Click Options before recording.
Depending on your Mac and macOS version, you can choose settings such as:
- Microphone
- Recording location
- Timer
- Mouse pointer visibility
- Mouse click indicators
Apple says recordings are saved to the Desktop by default unless you choose another location.
Step 4: Start recording
Click Record.
Your Mac will begin capturing the screen.
Step 5: Stop the recording
When you’re finished, click the Stop button in the menu bar.
You can also use:
Command + Control + Esc
Apple lists this shortcut as another way to stop a screen recording.
2. How to Record Part of Your Screen on a Mac
You don’t always need to record your entire display.
For example, if you’re creating a tutorial about one application, recording the entire desktop may include unnecessary information.
The Screenshot toolbar lets you select a specific area.
Here’s how:
- Press Shift + Command + 5.
- Select Record Selected Portion.
- Drag the borders around the area you want to capture.
- Click Record.
- Complete the activity you want to record.
- Click the Stop button when you’re finished.
This method is particularly useful for tutorials, demonstrations and troubleshooting videos.
3. How to Screen Record on a Mac Using QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is another built-in Mac tool that can be used for screen recording.
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player
Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
Step 2: Start a new screen recording
From the menu bar, choose:
File → New Screen Recording
Depending on your macOS version, QuickTime may open the Screenshot recording controls rather than an older standalone recording window. Apple currently documents this workflow.
Step 3: Select your recording area
Choose whether you want to record:
- The entire screen
- A selected area
Step 4: Start recording
Click Record and begin the activity you want to capture.
Step 5: Stop recording
Click the Stop button in the menu bar when you’re finished.
QuickTime Player can then open the recording so you can play, edit or share it.
4. How to Screen Record on a Mac With Your Voice
If you’re creating a tutorial or presentation, you may want to explain what’s happening while the screen is being recorded.
Your Mac’s Screenshot tool can let you select a microphone before starting the recording.
To record your voice:
- Press Shift + Command + 5.
- Click Options.
- Look for the microphone setting.
- Select the microphone you want to use.
- Start the screen recording.
Apple’s current instructions confirm that you can select a microphone when configuring a screen recording.
Why use microphone audio?
Recording your voice can make screen recordings more useful for:
- Software tutorials
- Online lessons
- Product demonstrations
- Presentation walkthroughs
- Technical support
- Training videos
Tip: Before recording a long video, make a short test recording to make sure your microphone volume is clear.
5. How to Screen Record on a Mac With a Third-Party App
Mac’s built-in screen recording tools are suitable for many users, but some people need additional features.
Third-party screen-recording applications may provide features such as:
- Webcam overlays
- Advanced editing
- Annotations
- Cursor effects
- Advanced audio controls
- Cloud sharing
- Team collaboration
- Streaming tools
However, if your goal is simply to record your Mac screen, you may not need additional software.
Start with the built-in Screenshot tool. Consider another application only if you need features that macOS doesn’t provide.
Where Are Mac Screen Recordings Saved?
By default, Mac screen recordings can be saved to the Desktop.
However, you can change the destination before recording.
To change the save location:
- Press Shift + Command + 5.
- Click Options.
- Find Save To.
- Select your preferred location.
Apple also notes that automatically saved recordings use a filename based on “Screen Recording” followed by the date and time.
How to Stop a Screen Recording on Mac
There are two simple ways to stop recording.
Method 1: Use the menu bar
Click the Stop button in the menu bar.
Method 2: Use the keyboard shortcut
Press:
Command + Control + Esc
The recording will stop and the file will be saved according to your selected settings.
Can You Edit a Mac Screen Recording?
Yes.
After recording, you can open the video in QuickTime Player for basic editing.
QuickTime Player supports common editing functions such as trimming and splitting video clips.
For more advanced editing, you can use a dedicated video-editing application.
Mac Screen Recording Not Working? Try These Fixes
If your Mac won’t record the screen, try these basic troubleshooting steps.
1. Restart your Mac
A simple restart can resolve temporary software problems.
2. Check your microphone
If your video records but your voice doesn’t, check whether the correct microphone is selected.
3. Check available storage
Long screen recordings can create relatively large video files. Make sure your Mac has enough free storage.
4. Check app restrictions
Some applications may restrict screen recording. Apple notes that certain apps, including the Apple TV app, may not allow their windows to be recorded.
5. Update macOS
If your Mac is running an older version of macOS, updating the system may provide newer recording features and fixes.
Screenshot vs. Screen Recording: What’s the Difference?
A screenshot captures a single image of your screen.
A screen recording captures your screen as a video.
| Feature | Screenshot | Screen Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Captures | Still image | Video |
| Best for | Quick information | Tutorials and demonstrations |
| Audio | No | Yes, depending on settings |
| File type | Image | Video |
| Useful for tutorials | Sometimes | Yes |
| Captures movement | No | Yes |
If you need a still image, use your Mac’s screenshot tools. If you need to demonstrate something happening on the screen, screen recording is usually more appropriate.
You can also read our related guide: 4 Ways to Capture Your Screen or Take a Screenshot on Your Mac.
Mac Screen Recording Keyboard Shortcuts
Here are the most useful shortcuts to remember:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Screenshot toolbar | Shift + Command + 5 |
| Stop screen recording | Command + Control + Esc |
| Open QuickTime screen recording | Control + Command + N |
Apple documents these shortcuts and recording workflows in its current Mac support documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I screen record on a Mac?
Press Shift + Command + 5, choose a screen-recording option, and click Record.
Can I screen record on a Mac without downloading an app?
Yes. macOS includes built-in screen-recording tools, so you can record your screen without installing third-party software.
How do I record part of my screen on a Mac?
Press Shift + Command + 5, select Record Selected Portion, adjust the recording area and click Record.
Can I record my voice while screen recording on Mac?
Yes. Open the Screenshot toolbar, select Options, and choose a microphone before starting the recording.
Where does Mac save screen recordings?
The default save location is generally the Desktop, but you can choose another location through the Options menu.
Can I screen record a specific application?
Yes, depending on your macOS version, you may be able to record a selected window. Some applications may restrict recording of their windows.
Is QuickTime Player still useful for screen recording?
Yes. QuickTime Player can provide access to Mac screen-recording functionality and can also be used to view and perform basic edits on recordings.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to screen record on a Mac doesn’t have to be complicated.
For most users, the quickest solution is Shift + Command + 5. It gives you easy access to screen-recording controls without requiring additional software.
If you need more advanced features, a dedicated screen-recording application may be worth considering. But for everyday tutorials, demonstrations, presentations and troubleshooting, the tools already included with macOS can be enough.
If you’re also looking for a quick way to capture a still image, check out our guide to taking screenshots on a Mac.
