{"id":12672,"date":"2025-08-05T16:24:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T16:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=12672"},"modified":"2025-08-05T16:24:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T16:24:32","slug":"how-to-screen-record-with-audio-on-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-record-with-audio-on-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"Screen Recording on Mac with Audio: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever tried to record your Mac screen only to realize there was no audio? Knowing <\/span><b>how to screen record with audio on Mac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential for creating tutorials, recording meetings, or capturing gameplay. While macOS includes built-in tools for screen recording, capturing internal system audio requires additional setup.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article explains <\/span><b>how to record your Mac screen with both internal and external audio<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the best tools to use, and tips for high-quality recordings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Screen Recording with Audio is Important<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Screen recordings with audio are valuable for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Training and tutorials:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Create step-by-step guides for employees or students.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Business presentations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Record product demos or webinars.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Technical troubleshooting:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Capture errors or security incidents for IT support.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Content creation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Produce gaming, review, or explainer videos.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How to Screen Record with Audio on Mac Using Built-in Tools<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">macOS offers two native options for screen recording: the <\/span><b>Screenshot Toolbar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>QuickTime Player<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Method 1: Using Screenshot Toolbar<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Press <\/span><b>Shift + Command + 5<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to open the recording toolbar.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose <\/span><b>Record Entire Screen<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>Record Selected Portion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click <\/span><b>Options<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and select <\/span><b>Built-in Microphone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to record voice.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click <\/span><b>Record<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to begin.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u26a0 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note:<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This method does <\/span><b>not capture internal system audio<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (like app sounds).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Method 2: Using QuickTime Player<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open <\/span><b>QuickTime Player<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to <\/span><b>File &gt; New Screen Recording<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click the arrow next to the record button to select a microphone.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start recording.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Recording Internal Audio on Mac<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">macOS blocks direct internal audio capture for privacy reasons. To record system audio, you need a <\/span><b>virtual audio driver<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Popular Options for Internal Audio<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>BlackHole (Free)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Lightweight and easy to configure.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Loopback (Paid)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Professional tool for routing and mixing audio.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Soundflower (Legacy)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Older but still works on many macOS versions.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once installed, set the virtual audio device as the input\/output source in <\/span><b>System Settings &gt; Sound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Best Third-Party Apps for Screen Recording with Audio<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Third-party tools make it easier to record both screen and audio with advanced features.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>OBS Studio (Free)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open-source software with powerful streaming and recording capabilities.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supports multiple audio sources.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Camtasia (Paid)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional software ideal for tutorials and demos.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Includes a built-in video editor.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>ScreenFlow (Paid)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy-to-use tool with high-quality recording and editing features.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Tips for High-Quality Screen Recordings<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use an external microphone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for better audio clarity.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Record in 1080p or higher<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for sharper visuals.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check audio levels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before starting the recording.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save recordings in <\/span><b>MP4 or MOV<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> format for easy sharing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Security and Privacy Considerations<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid recording screens that display <\/span><b>sensitive information<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use encryption if recordings contain confidential data.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always follow company policies when recording internal meetings.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>FAQs About Screen Recording on Mac<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Can I record internal audio without extra software?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. macOS prevents internal audio capture by default.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Does QuickTime record system sound?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. QuickTime can only record microphone input.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. What is the best free tool for recording screen with audio?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OBS Studio combined with BlackHole is a popular free solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Can I record Zoom or Teams meetings?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but always follow privacy regulations and company guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Will recording affect Mac performance?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slightly, especially when recording at high resolution or frame rates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning <\/span><b>how to screen record with audio on Mac<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential for professionals, IT managers, and content creators. While macOS offers basic tools, third-party software provides more flexibility, especially for recording internal audio.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Want enterprise-grade device and security management?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/signup\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign up for free at Itarian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to protect and manage your business systems efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever tried to record your Mac screen only to realize there was no audio? Knowing how to screen record with audio on Mac is essential for creating tutorials, recording meetings, or capturing gameplay. While macOS includes built-in tools for screen recording, capturing internal system audio requires additional setup. This article explains how to&hellip; <span class=\"readmore\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":12682,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ticketing-system","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12672"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12672\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12692,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12672\/revisions\/12692"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}