You can make a screen recording on a Mac or MacBook without installing anything. With one key combination you record the whole screen or part of it as a video, optionally with your own voice. Only the sound the Mac itself plays (for example from a video) needs an extra step. This article explains how it all works.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. A screen recording is also handy when you want to show us a problem that does not always happen, such as a screen that flickers or a message that appears briefly.
Screen recording with Shift + Command + 5
- Press Shift + Command + 5. A bar appears at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose the icon to record the entire screen, or the icon to record a selected portion. For a portion, drag a frame around the part you want to record.
- Click Options to choose where the video is saved and whether your microphone is used.
- Click Record.
- Stop with the stop button in the menu bar at the top, or with Command + Control + Esc.
By default the video lands on your desktop as a .mov file. A preview briefly appears bottom right; click it to trim or share the recording straight away.
With your voice
In the bar, under Options, choose the built-in microphone or a connected headset under Microphone. Everything you say during the recording ends up in the video. Handy for explanations or a tutorial. If the microphone does not work, check in System Settings under Privacy & Security whether the app has access, and read on below if in doubt.
With the Mac's own sound
The built-in screen recording does not capture the sound the Mac plays (a video, a game, a call). For that you need an extra program. Two common solutions:
- A recording app with system audio. Programs such as OBS (free) can record the screen and system audio together. The first time, the Mac asks for permission for screen and audio recording.
- A virtual audio channel. A helper program sends the Mac's sound to a "virtual microphone" that you can select in QuickTime or the screen recording. That takes a bit more setting up.
When recording calls, always respect other people's privacy: ask permission before you record someone.
Screen recording with QuickTime Player
Open QuickTime Player and choose New Screen Recording in the File menu. You get the same bar as with Shift + Command + 5. QuickTime is handy for trimming the recording afterwards (Edit, Trim).
It does not work: common problems
- You only see your desktop background. The app has no permission for screen recording. Turn it on in System Settings, Privacy & Security, in the screen recording section, and restart the app.
- Black picture for videos. Some streaming services block recording. That is not your Mac.
- No sound from the microphone. Check the chosen microphone under Options and the input in System Settings, Sound. If you cannot hear yourself in other apps either, the microphone may be faulty.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
If your microphone, camera or speaker stopped working, or the screen shows lines or flickers, we find out whether it is the software or a part. A short screen recording of the problem helps us with that. Read more about MacBook repair in Amsterdam, or about a screen that flickers or stays black.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take a screenshot instead of a video?
With Shift + Command + 3 (whole screen) or Shift + Command + 4 (a portion). More in Print screen on a MacBook.
How long can a screen recording be?
There is no fixed limit; the limit is the free space on your drive. A long recording in high resolution quickly takes several gigabytes.
Can I screen record on a work Mac?
That depends on your employer's settings. On managed Macs screen recording is sometimes turned off.
