Screen recording on a Mac is one of those tasks that sounds simple but comes with more options than most people realize. Whether you need to capture a quick tutorial, record a video call, save gameplay, or document a bug for a developer, macOS gives you multiple ways to do it — all without downloading anything extra.
This guide covers every built-in method for screen recording on Mac, how to record with audio, keyboard shortcuts, and answers to the most common questions people run into.
Method 1: The Screenshot Toolbar (The Easiest Way)
Apple introduced a dedicated screenshot and screen recording toolbar in macOS Mojave, and it remains the most accessible way to record your screen. Here is how to use it.
Step 1: Press Shift + Command + 5 on your keyboard. A small toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen with five icons and a few options.
Step 2: Look at the toolbar options. The first two icons capture still screenshots. The last two are for screen recording:
- The fourth icon records your entire screen
- The fifth icon records a selected portion of your screen
Step 3: Click the icon that matches what you want to record. If you chose a selected portion, drag to define the recording area.
Step 4: Before you hit record, click Options in the toolbar. This is where you can:
- Choose where the recording saves (Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, etc.)
- Set a timer delay (None, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds)
- Choose a microphone for audio recording
- Toggle whether to show or hide mouse clicks in the recording
Step 5: Click Record to start. A small stop button will appear in your menu bar at the top right of the screen.
Step 6: When you are finished, click the stop button in the menu bar, or press Command + Control + Esc to stop the recording.
Your video will save as a .mov file in whatever location you selected. It will briefly appear as a thumbnail in the bottom-right corner of your screen, similar to how screenshots behave, and you can click it to preview or edit immediately.
Method 2: QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is Apple’s built-in media app, and it has had screen recording capability for years — even before the Shift + Command + 5 toolbar existed. It is especially useful if you want a straightforward recording window without the extra interface.
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player. You can find it in your Applications folder or search for it with Spotlight (Command + Space, then type QuickTime).
Step 2: In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click File, then select New Screen Recording.
Step 3: A recording window or toolbar will appear depending on your macOS version. You will see options to record the full screen or a selected area.
Step 4: Click the dropdown arrow or Options button to select a microphone if you want to record audio alongside the screen.
Step 5: Click the Record button. If you are recording a selected area, drag to define the region, then click Start Recording inside the selection.
Step 6: Click the Stop button in the menu bar when finished. QuickTime will open the recording automatically in a new window. From there, you can trim it, save it, or export it in a different format.
QuickTime saves recordings as .mov files by default. If you need an .mp4, you can export it by going to File and selecting Export As.
How to Record Your Screen With Sound
By default, Mac screen recordings do not capture system audio — meaning sounds playing from apps, videos, or music will not be recorded unless you specifically set it up. Here is how to handle audio correctly.
Recording your microphone: This is the simplest option and works entirely within macOS. In the Shift + Command + 5 toolbar or QuickTime’s options, click the dropdown under Microphone and select your built-in microphone or any connected external mic. This is ideal for narrating tutorials, recording voiceovers, or capturing yourself talking during a demo.
Recording system audio (sounds from your Mac): This requires a third-party audio driver because macOS does not natively route internal audio to screen recordings. The most popular free solution is BlackHole, an open-source virtual audio driver. Once installed, you set BlackHole as your audio output and as your recording input simultaneously, which lets QuickTime or the toolbar recorder capture everything playing through your speakers.
For most casual use cases — tutorials, demos, presentations — microphone recording is sufficient. For recording video content, gameplay audio, or anything where the sound coming from your Mac is essential, setting up BlackHole or a similar tool is worth the extra step.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Screen Recording on Mac
macOS has a clean set of shortcuts for screen capture that are worth memorizing if you record frequently.
| Action | Shortcut |
| Open screenshot toolbar | Shift + Command + 5 |
| Screenshot entire screen | Shift + Command + 3 |
| Screenshot selected area | Shift + Command + 4 |
| Screenshot a specific window | Shift + Command + 4, then Space |
| Stop screen recording | Command + Control + Esc |
The Shift + Command + 5 shortcut is the one you will use most for screen recording. Once the toolbar is open, you can navigate it with your mouse or keyboard to choose your recording mode.
How to Record a Specific Window
If you only need to record one application window rather than your entire screen or a manual selection, here is the cleanest way to do it.
Using the Shift + Command + 5 toolbar, select the full-screen recording option, then use macOS’s built-in window focus behavior — simply keep the app you want to record as the active window. For a more precise capture, some users prefer to use the selected area option and manually drag it around a single window.
In QuickTime, you can also use File and select New Movie Recording rather than New Screen Recording, point it at your webcam if needed, or combine it with screen recording in separate windows.
Tips for Better Screen Recordings
Clean up your desktop first. If your recording will be shared or published, remove clutter from your desktop and close tabs or apps you do not want visible.
Use the timer delay. The 5 or 10 second delay in the Options menu gives you time to position your cursor, open an app, or get ready before recording starts.
Show mouse clicks. The option to highlight mouse clicks adds a visual indicator every time you click, which is helpful for tutorials and instructional content.
Check your storage. Screen recordings, especially long ones at high resolution, can generate large files quickly. Make sure you have enough space on your drive before starting a lengthy recording session.
Trim before sharing. Both QuickTime and the built-in thumbnail preview let you trim the start and end of your recording without needing any additional software. Click the thumbnail that appears after recording, then use Edit and Trim.
Third-Party Screen Recorders Worth Knowing
While macOS’s built-in tools cover most needs, there are scenarios where dedicated apps add value — particularly for longer recordings, webcam overlays, direct upload to platforms, or annotation features. Popular options include:
OBS Studio — Free, open-source, and used widely for streaming and recording. It handles system audio natively and offers far more control over recording settings. Best for content creators, streamers, and anyone with complex recording needs.
Loom — A browser-based and desktop app that records screen plus webcam simultaneously and generates a shareable link automatically. Excellent for sending quick video messages to colleagues or clients.
Screenflick — A paid Mac app with clean audio controls, including built-in system audio capture without needing additional drivers.
For most users, the built-in macOS tools are more than enough. Third-party apps make sense when you need features like direct streaming, automatic cloud sharing, webcam picture-in-picture, or consistent system audio recording.
Final Thoughts
Recording your screen on a Mac is straightforward once you know which tool to reach for. The Shift + Command + 5 toolbar handles the vast majority of use cases — full screen, partial screen, with or without audio — and requires nothing beyond what macOS already includes. QuickTime Player adds a slightly different workflow for users who prefer working through menus. And for anything more complex, free tools like OBS Studio fill the gaps without costing anything.
Start with the built-in tools. They are faster to access, require no setup, and produce clean .mov files that are easy to trim and share.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I record my screen on my Mac?
Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar, choose to record the full screen or a selected area, then click Record. A stop button appears in your menu bar when you’re ready to finish.
How do I record a video with sound on my Mac?
Open the Shift + Command + 5 toolbar, click Options, and select your microphone under the Microphone section before hitting Record. For system audio, you need a virtual audio driver like BlackHole.
Does macOS have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes. macOS includes a screen recorder accessible via Shift + Command + 5 or through QuickTime Player under File > New Screen Recording. No downloads required.
What is the shortcut for screen recording on a Mac?
Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the recording toolbar. From there, select your recording mode and click Record. To stop, press Command + Control + Esc or click the stop icon in the menu bar.
How to screen record using Ctrl?
Macs use the Command key rather than Ctrl for most shortcuts. The screen recording shortcut is Shift + Command + 5, not a Ctrl combination. On a Mac, Ctrl + Command + Esc can stop an active recording.
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