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Screen recording on Mac is a useful feature that allows you to capture and record what’s happening on your computer screen. Whether you want to create tutorials, record gameplay, or capture online video, screen recording can come in handy. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and tools you can use to do a screen recording on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To successfully do a screen recording on your Mac, you will need the following:
1. A Mac computer running macOS Mojave or later.
2. Sufficient free space on your hard drive to save the recorded video.
3. A microphone if you want to record audio alongside your screen recording.
4. A reliable screen recording software or tool.
What Requires Your Focus?
Here are a few things you should focus on when doing a screen recording on Mac:
1. Selecting the right screen recording software: There are numerous screen recording tools available for Mac, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Choosing the right one that suits your needs is crucial.
2. Adjusting settings: Before starting your screen recording, take some time to adjust the recording settings according to your preferences. You might want to select the recording area, adjust the frame rate, or enable/disable audio recording.
3. Managing system resources: Screen recording can be resource-intensive, especially if you are recording high-resolution videos or using other resource-heavy applications simultaneously. Keep an eye on your system resources, such as CPU and RAM usage, to ensure smooth recording.
4. Editing and saving the recorded video: After you have completed the screen recording, you may want to edit the video by trimming, adding annotations, or applying effects. Make sure you are familiar with the editing features of your chosen screen recording software.
Method 1. How to Do a Screen Recording on Mac via QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in application on Mac that offers basic screen recording capabilities. Here’s how you can use QuickTime Player to do a screen recording:
1. Open QuickTime Player which can be found in the Applications folder or via Spotlight search.
2. Click on "File" in the menu bar and select "New Screen Recording."
3. A small recording window will appear. Click on the red "Record" button to start the screen recording.
4. You can choose to record the full screen or a specific portion by clicking and dragging to select the desired area.
5. If you want to record audio, click on the arrow next to the red "Record" button and select the microphone source.
6. Once you are ready to start recording, click on the "Record" button again. You can also pause and resume the recording using the controls in the recording window.
7. To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
8. After stopping the recording, you can edit, save, and export the recorded video using the options available in QuickTime Player.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy to use.
2. Built-in software, no need to install additional applications.
3. Ability to record audio alongside the screen recording.
Cons:
1. Limited editing features compared to dedicated screen recording software.
2. Cannot capture system audio directly, only microphone audio.
FAQs
Q1: Is QuickTime Player free?
A1: Yes, QuickTime Player is a free application pre-installed on Mac.
Method 2. How to Do a Screen Recording on Mac via ScreenFlow
ScreenFlow is a popular third-party screen recording software for Mac that offers advanced features for professional screen recording. Here’s how you can use ScreenFlow to do a screen recording:
1. Download and install ScreenFlow from the official website.
2. Launch ScreenFlow and click on the "New Recording" button in the welcome window.
3. A recording window will appear. Select the desired recording area by clicking and dragging, or choose to record the full screen.
4. If you want to record audio, click on the microphone icon to enable audio recording. You can also select the audio source from the drop-down menu.
5. Customize other recording settings such as frame rate, cursor effects, and keyboard shortcuts according to your preferences.
6. Once you are ready to start recording, click on the red "Record" button in the recording window or press the designated hotkey.
7. During the recording, you can pause and resume using the controls in the recording window.
8. To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press the designated hotkey.
9. After stopping the recording, you can preview, edit, add annotations, and save the recorded video using the available options in ScreenFlow.
Pros:
1. Advanced editing features, including the ability to add annotations, transitions, and effects.
2. Professional-quality screen recording with customizable settings.
3. Can capture system audio directly.
Cons:
1. ScreenFlow is a paid software with a one-time purchase or subscription model.
2. Higher learning curve compared to basic screen recording software.
FAQs
Q1: Can ScreenFlow record audio from multiple sources?
A1: Yes, ScreenFlow allows you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously.
Method 3. How to Do a Screen Recording on Mac via OBS Studio
OBS Studio, short for Open Broadcaster Software, is an open-source screen recording and streaming software that is widely used by content creators. Here’s how you can use OBS Studio to do a screen recording:
1. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
2. Open OBS Studio and go to the "Settings" menu.
3. In the "Output" tab, set the video settings such as resolution and frame rate according to your preference.
4. In the "Audio" tab, select the audio sources you want to record alongside the screen recording.
5. Go to the "Scene" section and click on the "+" button to create a new scene.
6. Click on the "+" button in the "Sources" section and select "Display Capture" or "Window Capture" to select the screen or window you want to record.
7. Adjust the size and position of the screen recording area if needed.
8. Click on the "Start Recording" button in the controls section to start the screen recording.
9. During the recording, you can pause and resume using the controls in the OBS Studio interface.
10. To stop the recording, click on the "Stop Recording" button or use the designated hotkey.
11. After stopping the recording, you can access the recorded video in the "File" menu and save it to your desired location.
Pros:
1. Powerful and customizable screen recording software.
2. Ability to record multiple audio sources simultaneously.
3. Open-source and free to use.
Cons:
1. OBS Studio has a steeper learning curve compared to other screen recording software.
2. Requires more advanced setup and configuration.
FAQs
Q1: Can OBS Studio record multiple displays?
A1: Yes, OBS Studio can record multiple displays by selecting the desired screen or window capture sources.
Method 4. How to Do a Screen Recording on Mac via Screenium
Screenium is a feature-rich screen recording software for Mac that offers a wide range of options and tools to enhance your screen recordings. Here’s how you can use Screenium to do a screen recording:
1. Download and install Screenium from the official website.
2. Launch Screenium and click on the "New Recording" button in the main window.
3. A recording window will appear. Select the desired recording area by clicking and dragging, or choose to record the full screen or specific application window.
4. Customize the recording settings such as frame rate, audio source, and cursor effects according to your preferences.
5. Click on the red "Record" button in the recording window to start the screen recording.
6. During the recording, you can pause and resume using the controls in the recording window or via hotkeys.
7. To stop the recording, click on the stop button in the menu bar or press the designated hotkey.
8. After stopping the recording, you can edit, trim, add annotations, and export the recorded video in various formats using the available options in Screenium.
Pros:
1. Advanced editing features, including the ability to add annotations, transitions, and effects.
2. Flexible recording options, such as recording a specific window or application.
3. Variety of export options and formats.
Cons:
1. Screenium is a paid software with a one-time purchase or subscription model.
2. More advanced features may have a steeper learning curve.
FAQs
Q1: Can Screenium capture keystrokes during a screen recording?
A1: Yes, Screenium can display keystrokes on the screen during a screen recording.
Why Can’t I Do a Screen Recording on Mac?
There can be several reasons why you may encounter issues or difficulties when trying to do a screen recording on your Mac. Here are some common issues and their potential fixes:
1. Insufficient permissions: Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access and record your screen. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy and check if screen recording permissions are granted to the application you are using.
2. Outdated software: Ensure that your macOS and screen recording software are up to date. Check for updates and install them if available.
3. Limited resources: If your Mac is running low on resources such as CPU or RAM, it might struggle to handle screen recording. Close unnecessary applications and processes to free up resources.
4. Conflicting software: Some applications or utilities can interfere with screen recording. Temporarily disable or quit any background applications that might be causing conflicts.
Implications and Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations and suggestions related to screen recording on Mac:
1. Choose the right software: Consider your specific needs and requirements when selecting a screen recording software. Evaluate the features, ease of use, and overall performance before making a decision.
2. Plan your recording: Before starting a screen recording, plan out the content and structure to ensure a smooth and effective recording. This includes selecting the recording area, preparing any necessary files or materials, and rehearsing the steps or actions you want to showcase.
3. Practice editing skills: To enhance the quality of your screen recordings, invest some time in learning basic video editing skills. Familiarize yourself with the editing features of your chosen screen recording software to trim, crop, add annotations, or apply effects to your recordings.
5 FAQs about Screen Recording on Mac
Q1: What is the maximum duration for a screen recording on Mac?
A1: There is no specific maximum duration for screen recordings on Mac. However, longer recordings may require more storage space and system resources.
Q2: Can I record a specific window or application instead of the entire screen?
A2: Yes, depending on the screen recording software you are using, you can usually choose to record a specific window or application instead of the entire screen.
Q3: Can I record audio alongside my screen recording?
A3: Yes, most screen recording software allows you to record audio alongside your screen recording. You can select the audio source, such as system audio or microphone input.
Q4: Can I pause and resume a screen recording?
A4: Yes, in most screen recording software, you can pause and resume a screen recording to capture specific moments or take breaks without stopping the recording completely.
Q5: What format should I use to export my screen recordings?
A5: The choice of export format depends on your specific needs and requirements. Common video formats such as MP4 or MOV are widely supported and recommended for sharing or uploading to online platforms.
Final Words
Screen recording on Mac is a powerful feature that enables you to capture and share your screen activities. By using the right software and understanding the necessary settings, you can create engaging tutorials, record gameplay, or capture important moments. Experiment with different methods and techniques to find the one that best suits your needs, and remember to always plan, practice, and refine your screen recording skills.