How to Screen Record on a Mac (Built-In Methods + Pro Tips)

macOS has screen recording built in—no extra apps required. The two main ways are:

• Screenshot toolbar (fastest): Shift +
Command + 5
• QuickTime Player (also built in): File >
New Screen Recording

Below is a complete, practical walkthrough (including audio, where recordings go, and common fixes).

Method 1: Use the Screenshot Toolbar (Fastest)

This is the simplest option for most people and works on macOS Mojave 10.14 or later. (Apple)

1) Open the recording controls

Press:

Shift + Command + 5

You’ll see a toolbar with screenshot and video recording buttons.

2) Choose what you want to record

Pick one of the recording modes:

• Record Entire Screen
• Record Selected Portion
• (On newer macOS versions, you may also see Record Selected Window)

If you choose Selected Portion, drag the frame edges to resize and reposition.

3) Set options (audio, timer, save location)

Click Options in the toolbar, then choose what you need, like:

• Microphone (to record your voice)
• Show Mouse Clicks
• Timer (delays the start)
• Save to (choose where the file goes; default is usually Desktop)

4) Start recording

Click Record.

5) Stop recording

To stop, either:

• Click the Stop button in the menu bar, or
• Press Command + Control + Esc

6) Edit quickly (optional)

After you stop, macOS may show a thumbnail in the corner—click it to trim or share, or just wait for it to save.

Method 2: Use QuickTime Player (Also Built In)

QuickTime can start a screen recording from a familiar menu, and on modern macOS it will typically open the same Screenshot recording tools. (Apple)

Steps

1. Open QuickTime Player
2. Go to File > New Screen Recording (shortcut: Control + Command + N)
3. Choose settings (microphone, mouse clicks)
4. Click Record, then click the screen (full screen) or drag to select an area (portion).
5. Stop with the Stop button in the menu bar or Command + Control + Esc.

Where Do Screen Recordings Save?

By default, screen recordings are typically saved to your Desktop, and you can change this via Options > Save to.
Recordings are usually saved as .mov files with a name like “Screen Recording [date] at [time].mov”.

Recording Audio: What You Can (and Can’t) Capture

✅ Easy: Record your voice (mic)

In Options > Microphone, pick the microphone you want.
Tip: If you get echo/feedback, use headphones or lower monitoring volume (QuickTime calls this out too).

⚠️ System audio (app/game sound)

macOS’s built-in recorder is designed around microphone input. Capturing system audio often requires extra setup (like a virtual audio device) or third-party tools.

Quick Troubleshooting

“Shift–Command–5 doesn’t work”

• Try again while on the desktop (Finder) and make sure the keys are registering.
• macOS lets you customize screenshot shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Screenshots.

Black screen in some apps (or recording blocked)

Some apps (especially streaming/video apps) may prevent recording their windows.

No microphone audio

• Reopen the toolbar and ensure Options > Microphone is not set to None.
• Check System Settings > Sound input device and input level.

Best Practices for Cleaner Recordings

• Turn on Do Not Disturb / Focus to avoid notification popups.
• Close sensitive tabs/windows (recording captures exactly what’s onscreen).
• Do a 5-second test clip to confirm audio and framing before a long recording.