How to Screen Record on Mac With Audio | Full Step-by-Step

Looking for a way to effortlessly screen record on your mac with audio? 

You’ve come to the right place. Believe it or not, this task is as easy as can be. In fact, there’s not merely one way to create your screen recording. 

Whether you’re a pro content creator or simply want to make a quick video, we have the answers you’ve been looking for. Read on for our advice.

Can you screen record both audio and video on Mac?

The short answer to that question is yes. There are a few different ways that you can record both audio and video on Mac. You may choose to use the built-in Screenshot toolbar or alternative screen recording software to create your content. Which option you choose will depend on the quality recording you need. In this guide, we will quickly walk you through some great options. 

How to screen record video and audio on Mac using keyboard shortcuts

Want to screen record video and audio on Mac without using a particular app? You can use the QuickTime Player Screenshot toolbar. This option is rudimental, but it helps you to get the job done. You can use this method when you are in a rush or need to create a quick screen recording. If you want to get started, follow the steps that we have outlined here: 

Step 1: Start by pressing “Shift + Command + 5” on your keyboard. 

Step 2: This will bring up the Screenshot toolbar, where you can see specific onscreen controls.

Step 3: Select options in the toolbar, and then under Microphone, check your Mac microphone (or an external microphone). Then, press Record.

Step 4: When you are ready to stop recording, press “Command + Control + Escape”. You can also press “Shift + Command + 5 again” and then select “Stop Recording”.

The video that you have captured will appear on your desktop. If you have followed the above steps, the screen recording should include audio as well as the video. 

How to screen record video and audio on Mac using QuickTime

QuickTime Player is an Apple product that was once preinstalled on all Mac devices. Your Apple MacBook likely already features the application. Apple discontinued the multimedia program and has since replaced it with AV Foundation. However, QuickTime Player is still downloadable online and can help you to screen record video and audio on a Mac device. 

While the program is relatively basic, it includes a range of straightforward features. If you want a quick solution to your screen-recording conundrum, follow the below steps: 

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player on your Mac. You can find it in your Applications folder. (If you can’t see it immediately, use the search bar at the top.) 

Step 2: When the application is open, go to “File” and then “New Screen Recording”. You will see a full-screen Recording window at the top of the screen. 

Step 3: Next up, click the small arrow button next to the Record button. You can then choose a microphone (either your internal microphone or an external one). 

Step 4: When you are ready, click the “Record” button to get started. You should then do one of the following to begin the recording session: 

• Record the entire screen by clicking anywhere on your screen. 
• Create a box by using the drag function on the screen. Then click the “Start Recording” button to record within the box alone. 

Step 5: Record your content. You can speak — or use other audio — while you are making the screen recording. This will record through your chosen microphone input. 

Step 6: When you are ready to finish your session, simply press Stop Recording. Alternatively, you can press “Command-Control-Esc” (Escape) to exit the recording.  

Step 7: Once you have done the above, QuickTime Player will automatically launch and show you the recording. You should review it and ensure that the sound quality is right before editing or saving the recording on your Mac device. 

How to screen record on Mac with your webcam using Riverside

Riverside is an affordable and straightforward remote recording platform.

For a quick screen capture, you can use our online screen recording tool. But if you also want to access high-quality remote recording, AI editing and a lot more, then it's worth signing up for one of our plans.

Capture astounding, top-quality content in up to 4K video and 48kHz audio. You can use the software to create your own virtual recording studio. Invite guests to join you in the studio, and each participant’s audio, video, and screen automatically records onto separate tracks. Use the screen-sharing function to make a clear, crisp recording of your screen while also capturing high-end audio content. There’s also a presentation recorder that allows you to upload slides and assign controls to any participant. 

When you have finished recording your video, there are plenty of ways to optimize your video. The Editor makes it easier than ever to put your stamp on your content by arranging the layout, adding your logo, and trimming your video. With text-based editing, trimming your video becomes as easy as deleting text. The platform also uses AI transcription technology to create highly accurate transcripts which you can also use for captions.

If you want to screen record on a Mac using Riverside, follow the simple steps below: 

Step 1: Sign up for Riverside and log into your account. Click the “+ New Studio” button to launch your own virtual studio. 

Step 2: Name your studio and then select “Audio & Video”. 

Step 3: When you are ready, press “Enter Studio”, and it will take you to a new screen. 

Step 4: Select whether you are using headphones and then use the dropdown menus to make sure your sound and camera input is correct. 

Hint: If you are using an external microphone, make sure it is selected at this point!

Step 5: Press “Enter Studio” again to begin your session. 

Step 6: Click the “Share” button at the bottom of the screen and then click “Screen”. 

Step 7: A pop-up box will appear. You can select either browser tab, window, or entire screen and then press “Share”.

Note: You will only be able to share audio from your computer if you select the browser tab.

To share the audio from your computer, toggle on “Also share tab audio” and then click “Share”. 

Alternatively, you can record audio through your microphone while presenting your screen recording.

Step 8: Press “Record” and then create your video. 

Step 9: When you finish recording, click “Stop” and wait for all of your recording files to upload. 

Step 10: You can then press “Leave”. You will leave the studio and enter another lobby. Wait for your recording to upload successfully.

Step 11: Save your video to your Mac. Press “Export” at the top of the screen and choose from the options in the dropdown. Click “Export” again to download your video.

What screen recorder is best for recording on Mac with audio?

Now that we’ve gone through the simple steps you can follow to screen record on your Mac, let’s talk about which program is the best. The screen capturing app or software you choose will depend on your needs. Here’s what you need to know about the two that we have highlighted:

Riverside 

If you want to create a slick screen-recording that boasts flawless audio, using Riverside is the answer. Simply enter your own virtual studio and start your recording session. With the flexible platform, you can share your screen with ease. Present your screen recording, add real-time commentary, or simply record the audio from the screen with ease. When you have done all of the above, use the Editor to finalize your project. Let’s take a look at some of Riverside’s additional features now: 

• Highly accurate AI Transcriptions available in 100+ languages, straight after recording
• Create ultra high-quality recordings with up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution
• Speaker detection so you can easily navigate through your transcript
• Automatic audio fine-tuning with background noise removal and level normalization
• Text-based Editor so you can cut and adjust your recordings as easily as reading through a text transcript.
• Record with up to 10 participants at the same time, no matter where they’re located.
• Stay on track with a built-in teleprompter and script feature in your studio
• Spice up your recording with sound effects, or videos using our Media Board
• Presentation recorder to record your entire session

Best for: High-quality, professional screen recordings with crisp audio

QuickTime Player

While Apple discontinued the QuickTime Player some time ago, it remains a firm favorite with Mac users. Aside from allowing you to screen record on Mac with audio, the app also has basic video editing features. You can trim, split, and rearrange clips with ease, for example. However, it’s worth noting that this free software lacks some of the more complex features you may be looking for, such as automatic AI-powered transcriptions. 

Best for: Quick screen recordings with audio on a Mac

Loom 

Loom is a free screen recorder extension for Mac devices. You can download the extension for your Chrome web browser. When you’ve done that, simply enable it in the top right corner of the screen. The extension includes screen recording for your voice, computer audio, and video. You can record videos in up to 4K quality and trim and stitch your recordings together. If you’re looking for a third-party extension, you can try this one. 

Best for: Simultaneous audio and voice recording

FAQs on How to Screen Record On Mac (with Audio)

Can QuickTime record screen and audio?

Yes. If you want to screen record with audio in QuickTime, you need to set it up properly. Once you have opened the program, click on the small arrow button next to the Record button. You can then select which microphone you want the software to use when recording. 

How do I make a video of my computer screen?

On a Mac, you can use QuickTime, the Screenshot toolbar, or a third-party app, like Riverside. To use the Screenshot toolbar, simply click “Shift + Command + 5” to get started. You can then use the “Options” menu to select the microphone you want to use. 

Looking for a more in-depth guide? Check out our full guide above for details of how you can use either QuickTime Player or Riverside to screen record. 

Where do screen recordings go on Mac?

If you are using the Screenshot toolbar, your screen recordings will automatically save to your desktop. When using QuickTime Player or Riverside, you can choose where to save your screen recordings when you export or share them.

Can you record your screen and webcam together?

Yes! With the Riverside platform, screen record and record from your webcam on Mac at the same time. To use this feature, get a free account on the platform and launch your virtual studio. You can share your screen while presenting to the camera seamlessly. The platform uses a split-screen format that looks slick. Create high-quality audio and video content now.