QuickTime records audio by default, but only if you choose to include it
When you use QuickTime Player to record your screen on a Mac, the app will capture both video and audio at the same time — but you control whether audio gets recorded before you start. During setup, you pick a microphone source (your Mac's built-in mic, an external microphone, or no audio at all). If you select "None," the recording will be silent. If you pick a microphone, QuickTime will record whatever sound that microphone picks up while you're recording the screen.
This matters because screen recordings often need audio — you might want to narrate what you're doing, record a video call, or capture system sounds. But it also means you need to think about what's happening around you before you hit record. If your microphone is on and someone walks into the room, their voice gets recorded too.
Key Takeaways
- QuickTime records audio and video together when you start a screen recording, but you choose the audio source before recording begins.
- You can select your built-in microphone, an external microphone, or "None" to record without audio.
- System sounds (notification pings, alert sounds) are not recorded — only what your chosen microphone picks up.
- Once recording starts, you cannot change the audio source without stopping and restarting the recording.
- The audio and video are saved together in the same file, so you cannot separate them later without additional software.
How to choose your audio source before recording
Open QuickTime Player and go to File menu, then select "New Screen Recording." A small window will appear with a red record button and a dropdown menu next to it. Click that dropdown — it shows your available microphone options. You'll see "Built-in Microphone" (your Mac's internal mic), any external microphones you have connected, and "None" at the bottom.
Select the microphone you want to use. If you choose "None," your screen recording will have no audio track at all. Once you've picked your audio source, click the red button to start recording. The audio source is now locked in for that recording session — you cannot switch microphones mid-recording.
What audio actually gets recorded
QuickTime records only what your chosen microphone picks up. This means if you select your built-in microphone, it will capture your voice, background noise, keyboard clicks, and any other sound in the room. It will not record system sounds like notification alerts, error beeps, or the "ding" when your Mac wakes up — those sounds don't go through the microphone.
If you're recording a video call or a meeting, the audio from the other people comes through your speakers, not your microphone, so it won't be recorded unless you're using special software that routes call audio to your mic. This is why people often use dedicated recording software when they need to capture both their voice and system audio together.
Stopping the recording and finding your file
While recording, a menu bar icon appears at the top of your screen showing a filled circle. Click it to stop recording. QuickTime will then open a preview window showing your finished recording with both the video and audio included. From there, you can play it back, trim it, or save it.
To save the file, go to File and then "Save." Choose where you want it stored and what name you want to give it. QuickTime saves screen recordings as .mov files by default, which most video players and editing software can open. The audio is baked into that file — it's not a separate track you can easily remove or edit without using video editing software.
When audio recording causes problems
The most common issue is forgetting to set the audio source to "None" when you don't want audio recorded. If you're recording a screen to share with someone and you have a private conversation happening in the background, that conversation will be in the file. Always check your microphone setting before you start recording, especially if you're capturing something you plan to share.
Another issue is recording system audio. If you need to capture sounds that come from your Mac itself — like audio from a video you're playing, or sounds from an application — QuickTime alone cannot do this. You would need to use third-party software like ScreenFlow, OBS, or Camtasia, which have options to record system audio separately from microphone audio.
Comparing QuickTime to other recording options
| Tool | Records Microphone Audio | Records System Audio | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickTime Player | Yes | No | Free (built into macOS) |
| OBS Studio | Yes | Yes | Free |
| ScreenFlow | Yes | Yes | Paid ($99) |
| Camtasia | Yes | Yes | Paid ($180/year) |
QuickTime is the simplest choice if you only need to record your voice or microphone audio alongside your screen. If you need system audio — sounds from your Mac itself — you'll need different software. OBS Studio is free and powerful but has a steeper learning curve. ScreenFlow and Camtasia are paid options designed specifically for screen recording and include built-in editing tools.
The right tool depends on what you're recording. For a quick tutorial where you're talking over your screen, QuickTime works fine. For a podcast, webinar, or anything that needs system audio captured, you'll want OBS or one of the paid options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my screen without any audio in QuickTime?
Yes. In the screen recording window, click the microphone dropdown and select "None." Your recording will have video only, with no audio track at all.
Will QuickTime record sounds from a video I'm playing on my screen?
No. QuickTime only records what your microphone picks up, not sounds coming from your Mac's speakers or applications. To capture video audio, you need software like OBS Studio or ScreenFlow.
Can I edit the audio after I've recorded it in QuickTime?
QuickTime has basic trimming tools but cannot separate audio from video or edit audio independently. For detailed audio editing, you'd need to export the file to video editing software like Final Cut Pro or iMovie.
What if I want to record a Zoom call with both my voice and the other person's voice?
QuickTime alone won't capture the other person's audio because it only records your microphone. Zoom has its own built-in recording feature that captures both sides of the conversation. Alternatively, use OBS Studio or Camtasia with proper audio routing configured.
Does QuickTime record background noise?
Yes, if you have a microphone selected, it records everything that microphone picks up — including background noise, keyboard typing, and room sounds. To reduce this, record in a quiet space or use an external microphone positioned close to your mouth.