How to Screen Record on a Mac in Four Easy Ways

By Ben Jacklin

With the growing importance of remote work, online learning, and digital communication, being able to record your screen with audio is essential for effective collaboration and sharing information.

If you’re using Mojave or an older version of macOS, you may be wondering how to record a screen on a Mac. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to do that.

Available Screen Recording on Mac

Before we get started, please keep in mind that some methods might require a newer macOS version. So, be sure to check if your system is compatible and update it if necessary. In the following sections, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions for each method, from adjusting settings to capturing your screen. Now, let’s explore how to screen record on a MacBook easily and efforlessly.

1. Screenshot Toolbar

One easy way to screen record on a Mac is by using the built-in Screenshot Toolbar, which not only allows you to take screenshots but also includes a screen recording feature with audio. 

1. To access the toolbar, simply press and hold the Shift + Command + 5 keys.
2. From there, you can choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
3. Before starting the recording, make sure to enable the microphone option in the toolbar settings and tidy up your desktop for a clean recording.
4. To start recording, click on the Record button or use the Control + Command + R keys.
5. When finished, press the Stop button or use the shortcut again.
   

While the Screenshot Toolbar is a convenient and free tool for screen recording, it may have limitations such as lower audio quality and the inability to edit recordings before saving them.

2. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a free and pre-installed application on Mac computers that also offers a screen recording feature. 

1. To use it, simply open the app through Finder or Spotlight
2. Go to File > New Screen Recording
3. Select your microphone, and choose the area of the screen you want to record
4. Click Record.
5. You can trim your recording before saving it

Keep in mind that QuickTime Player doesn’t allow you to record system audio and lacks advanced features like annotations and screen effects.

3. Movavi Screen Recorder

If you find that the built-in options for screen recording on a Mac are not sufficient for your needs, you can use third-party software such as Movavi Screen Recorder. 

Follow these steps to use Movavi Screen Recorder:

1. Download and install it from the official website onto your Mac.
2. Once installed, open the program and access the Settings menu by clicking on the cogwheel icon.
3. From there, you can choose your webcam option, adjust audio quality, select a framerate, and decide whether to show cursor or keyboard actions during recording.
4. When you are ready to start recording, select the Screen Recording option and choose the area of the screen you want to capture. You can manually resize the area by dragging the mouse or typing in exact dimensions, or capture an entire app window. The software displays an orange border around the selected area to help you visualize what will be recorded.
5. Press the REC button to start recording and press the Stop button when you are finished, or use the keyboard shortcuts that you have previously set. Trim the recording if needed and choose from a variety of popular formats for exporting.

Pros of using Movavi Screen Recorder include high-quality recordings with customizable settings and easy editing features, making it suitable for personal and professional use. It also offers advanced features such as scheduling recording sessions, annotating on the screen, removing background noise, and sharing recordings online to platforms like YouTube or Google Drive.

However, Movavi Screen Recorder comes with a price tag and may not be the best option for those looking for a free recording tool. It does offer a free trial for those who want to test it out before making a purchase.

4. Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder

Apowersoft offers a free online screen recorder that is suitable for Mac users. Here is how you can use it to screen record on your Mac:

1. Go to the Apowersoft Free Online Screen Recorder website.
2. Click on the “Start Recording” button to launch the online screen recorder.
3. You may be prompted to download and install a launcher for the screen recorder. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
4. Once the launcher is installed, you will see a control panel on your screen. You can adjust settings such as recording area, audio input, and more.
5. Click on the red “REC” button to start recording your screen.
6. When you are done recording, click on the stop button to finish the recording.
7. You can then preview the recording and save it to your computer.

This screen recording tool is free to use without the need for software download or installation, allowing users to easily record their screen with audio and webcam simultaneously. It supports recording high-quality videos in various formats and offers basic editing features like trimming and merging recordings. 

However, the free version may have limitations on recording time and video quality. There may also be a lack of advanced editing features. 

Conclusion

With these four methods at your disposal, you can easily record your Mac screen for various purposes. Consider the features and limitations of each option to find the best fit for your needs. Start creating engaging screen recordings on your Mac today!

Author Bio

Ben Jacklin is a writer from the UK with qualifications in Media and Music Technology, he specializes in software reviews and tutorials. Ben has been blogging about media and tech subjects since he was a teenager from his base in the East of England.