How to Screen Record on Mac (Built-In, With Audio)

To screen record on a Mac, press Shift + Command + 5 to open the capture toolbar, click a Record option, then click Record. Recordings save to the desktop as MOV files by default. No extra software is needed. Just need a still image? See how to screenshot on Mac.

Method 1: The Screenshot toolbar (simplest)

1. Press Shift + Command + 5.
2. Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
3. Click Options to pick a microphone (Built-in Microphone = record your voice; None = no audio).
4. Click Record.
5. Click the Stop icon in the menu bar (or press Cmd + Control + Esc) when finished.

Method 2: QuickTime Player (more control)

1. Open QuickTime Player (in Applications).
2. File → New Screen Recording.
3. Choose record area, audio source, and click Record.
4. Stop via the menu bar icon, then File → Save.

QuickTime gives you a bit more editing control after recording (trim, export presets).

Recording system audio (internal sound)

macOS can’t capture internal audio natively without a helper:

• BlackHole (free) — route audio so QuickTime records system sound.
• Loopback (paid) — easier setup, more features.

Most people only need microphone audio, which the built-in tools handle. For the full system-audio setup, see how to record internal audio on Mac.

Recording with both voice and system sound

To capture your voice and the Mac’s audio at once:

1. Install BlackHole (free).
2. Create a Multi-Output Device in Audio MIDI Setup (BlackHole + your speakers).
3. In QuickTime, select BlackHole as the mic.
4. For voice too, the paid Loopback app mixes both most easily.

Where do recordings save?

Recordings save as MOV files to your Desktop by default. Change the location in the toolbar’s Options menu, and convert to MP4 later if you need to share widely.

Common problems and fixes

If your recording ends up as a large file you can’t send, see how to compress a video. For capturing the Mac’s own sound, see how to record internal audio on Mac.

On a Chromebook instead? See how to screen record on a Chromebook.

FAQ

Does Mac have a built-in screen recorder?

Yes. The Screenshot toolbar (Shift + Cmd + 5) and QuickTime Player both record your screen for free. On iPhone, see how to screen record on iPhone.

Where do Mac screen recordings save?

To the Desktop as MOV files by default. Change the location in the toolbar’s Options menu.

Can I record my screen and voice at the same time on Mac?

Yes — in the toolbar’s Options, select “Built-in Microphone” (or an external mic) before recording.

How do I record system sound on Mac?

Use a free audio router like BlackHole (or the paid Loopback), since macOS doesn’t capture internal audio by default.

Can I record just part of the screen?

Yes — choose Record Selected Portion in the toolbar and drag the area you want.

Is there a time limit on Mac screen recordings?

No built-in limit. Very long recordings create large MOV files, so keep an eye on disk space.