How to Screen Record on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re trying to share a tutorial, capture a presentation, or showcase a project, screen recording on your Mac is an essential function. 

There are multiple ways to do it—some built right into your Mac, and other third-party apps, like Loom, that offer enhanced features. 

This guide will take you through the step-by-step process for each method, so you can start recording like a pro in no time.

Pro tip: If you’re using a Windows computer, check out this 2024 guide to learn about screen capturing on Windows.

Since the release of macOS Mojave in September 2018, Macs have had a built-in screen recording tool, which is quick and easy to access. You don’t need any additional software to use it.

Here’s how you can start Mac screen capture with your Apple computer’s built-in tool.

1. Open the screen recording tool: Press Command + Shift + 5. This will bring up the screen capture toolbar. You can also open QuickTime Player and navigate to File, then New Screen Recording, to open the window.

   

2. Choose your recording area: On the toolbar, you'll see options for what you want to record:

   • The entire screen

   • A selected window

   • A portion of the screen

3. If you want to record the entire screen, click the screen icon on the left. If you’d prefer to record a specific part of the screen, drag to select your desired area.

   

4. Recording settings: Before you start recording, you can tweak some settings.

   • Click “Options” to choose where to save your video.

   • You can also set a countdown timer if you need a few seconds to get ready before the recording starts.

   • Want audio recording? Select your microphone from the Options menu if you want to record your voice alongside the screen activity.

     

5. Start recording: Once everything is set, click the “Record” button. A small circle will appear in the top right corner of your screen, indicating that the recording is active.

6. Stop recording: When you’ve finished, click the circle icon in the menu bar, or press Command + Shift + 5 again and select “Stop Recording.” Your video will be saved in the location you specified.

While the built-in tool works well for basic recording needs, it comes with a few limitations.

• No editing tools: Once you finish recording, you’re left with raw footage and no way to edit or annotate the video directly within the tool.

• Limited audio control: Recording system audio is not natively supported. You’ll need additional software to capture sound from your MacBook.

• No sharing features: Sharing your video requires a few extra steps, and you’ll need to upload it manually if you’re sharing with a team or clients.

For more advanced features, consider using other screen recording tools that provide additional functionality and integrate easily into your everyday work.

If you need more than just the basics, Loom offers a more robust free screen recorder option. 

In addition to the basic functions within Mac’s built-in screen recorder, the Loom screen recorder features:

• Easy-to-navigate user interface (UI) with many options for how to record and present your voice, screen, and audio

• High-quality video recording in up to 4K

• The ability to trim and stitch your recordings together

• Loom AI to remove filler words and pauses with the click of a button

• Shareable links to new screen recordings

• iPhone and Android apps for easy mobile usage and access

Here’s how to use Loom to take your Mac screen recordings to the next level.

1. Download and install Loom: First, download Loom from the Mac App Store for iPhone or iPad only or directly from Loom’s website.

   

2. Log in or create an account: Once installed, open Loom and either log in with your existing account or create a new one.

3. Launch Loom: Open the Loom desktop or mobile app or launch the Chrome extension from your toolbar.

   

4. Set your recording preferences: After opening Loom, customize your recording settings.

   • What’s recorded: Choose if you want to record your full screen, a browser window, or just your current tab.

   • How you’re recorded: Decide if you want to use your built-in webcam or an external camera and which microphone should record your audio. Loom also allows you to record system audio, including sounds from your computer, like from videos or apps.

   • Add personality: Select any desired effects or backgrounds to spruce up your recording.

     

5. Start recording: Hit the “Start Recording” button. After a quick countdown, Loom will begin capturing your screen activity.

6. Annotate or edit your video: As you’re recording, use Loom’s annotation tools to highlight important areas of the screen. Once you've finished, Loom’s built-in editor allows you to trim the video or add additional edits, like cutting out unnecessary sections. 

7. Share your video: After you stop recording, Loom will automatically generate a shareable link. You can send this link via email, embed it on a webpage, or post it in a messaging app. Plus, Loom lets you track viewer engagement, so you’ll know when and how often someone has watched your video.

Loom’s screen recorder makes it easy to record, customize, and share engaging presentations, team updates, and pitch decks directly from your Mac.

If you’re looking for alternatives to both Mac’s built-in tool and Loom, here are a few other screen recording options to consider:

• OBS Studio: A free, open-source option, OBS Studio offers advanced editing features for screen recording and live streaming.

• Snagit: A paid option known for its simple interface and excellent image and video editing tools. Individual plans start at $39 per year.

• ScreenFlow: This tool is perfect for users who need professional-level editing tools alongside screen recording features. Prices start at $169 for lifetime access.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—the best screen recording tool depends on your budget, what features you prioritize, and how you intend to use the tool.

Have more questions about screen recording on your Mac? These FAQs should point you in the right direction.

Do Macs allow screen recording?

Yes, Macs come with a built-in screen recording tool. The tool is completely free with no usage limits.

However, Mac’s screen recording tool doesn’t include audio recording, like Loom and other video recording tools. It also lacks advanced features like annotations and automatic shareable link creation.

What is the shortcut for screen recording on a Mac?

The keyboard shortcut for opening the screen recording toolbar is Command + Shift + 5. You can also access screen recording by launching your Mac’s QuickTime Player app, navigating to File > New Screen Recording, and starting your recording.

How do you record on a Mac without an app?

To record your screen without any third-party apps, use Mac’s built-in tool by pressing Command + Shift + 5 and selecting your recording options.

How do I record my screen with audio on Mac QuickTime?

To record your screen with audio using QuickTime, open QuickTime Player and click File > New Screen Recording. Then, navigate to Options and select your microphone from the dropdown menu.

Why is there no sound when I screen record on a Mac?

The built-in screen recorder doesn’t capture system audio by default, which can be super frustrating if you don’t realize it before you press “Record.”

You’ll need to choose your microphone under the audio options or use a third-party tool like Loom to capture both system and external audio.

Can you screen record on a Mac with sound?

Yes, if you select a microphone source, the built-in tool can capture external audio. To record system audio, use a tool like Loom that can capture both system audio, like a YouTube video, alongside external audio, such as your narration.

For users looking for more functionality than what Mac’s built-in screen recorder can offer, Loom is the perfect alternative.

Loom supports strategic communication within sales teams and improves sales outreach by making it easy to share pipeline updates and personalized product demos. Designers can use Loom’s screen recording to share prototypes and annotate ideas on screen. Team leads love using Loom to enhance team alignment by sharing prerecorded training videos, reducing the number of meetings per week, and giving richer, more contextual feedback via video messaging.

Loom is also available on the go via the Loom iOS Screen Recorder app or Android Screen Recorder for non-Apple devices.

With Loom’s simple interface and convenient features like video editing and annotations, users can create polished, professional screen recordings in a matter of minutes.

Revamp your screen recording experience on Mac with Loom.