macOS has a built-in screen recorder you can start in seconds without installing anything

The fastest way to record your Mac screen is through Screenshot, the tool already on your computer. Press Shift + Command + 5, click the "Record" button in the toolbar that appears, then click "Record" again to start. When you're done, press Stop or click the stop icon in the menu bar. The file saves to your Desktop by default, though you can change that before recording starts.

This built-in method captures video and audio, works on any Mac running macOS 10.14 or later, and produces an MP4 file you can play in any video player. You don't need to sign up, pay, or download anything. The trade-off is that the built-in tool has fewer editing options than third-party apps — you can trim the start and end, but not much else.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the built-in screen recorder, which works on any recent Mac without installation.
  • You can record your entire screen, a window, or a selected area, and choose whether to capture audio from your microphone or system sound.
  • The file saves as an MP4 to your Desktop, and you can trim it right from the save dialog before the recording closes.
  • Third-party apps like ScreenFlow, OBS, and Camtasia offer more editing features, but cost money or have a learning curve.

Recording your entire screen versus a window or selection

When you press Shift + Command + 5, four buttons appear in the toolbar: one records the whole screen, one records a selected window, and one lets you drag to select a specific area. A fourth button opens options. Choose which one fits what you're recording — if you're capturing a tutorial, recording just the app window keeps the file smaller and removes distracting background elements.

After you click your choice, the screen shows a preview of what will be recorded. For a window or selection, you can adjust the borders by dragging them. Once you're happy with the frame, click "Record" to start. The recording begins immediately.

Choosing audio sources and where files save

Before you hit Record, click "Options" in the toolbar to set where the file goes and whether to capture audio. By default, audio is off. If you want sound, choose "Microphone" to record your voice, or "Internal Audio" to capture system sounds like music or video playback. You can only pick one at a time with the built-in tool.

In the same Options menu, you can change where the file saves — Desktop, Documents, a folder you choose, or the clipboard (which keeps it in memory instead of saving a file). If you want to edit the recording before it fully saves, leave it set to Desktop and you'll get a chance to trim it in the save dialog.

Trimming and saving your recording

When you stop recording, a thumbnail appears in the corner of your screen. Click it to open a preview window where you can trim the start and end by dragging the handles on the timeline. This is the only built-in editing option — you can't cut the middle, add text, or change the audio. Once you're happy, click "Done" to save, or click "Delete" to throw it away.

If you don't click the thumbnail, the file saves automatically after a few seconds. You can find it on your Desktop or wherever you set it to save in Options.

Third-party apps for more control and editing

ScreenFlow costs $99 and is built for Mac. It records video and audio, lets you add text, shapes, and cursor highlights during editing, and exports to multiple formats. It's simpler than OBS but more expensive than free options.

OBS Studio is free and works on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It's designed for streaming and recording, so it has more settings than most people need — you can control bitrate, resolution, frame rate, and audio levels. The learning curve is steeper, but you pay nothing and get professional-level features.

Camtasia costs around $100 per year and includes both recording and editing in one app. It's aimed at people making tutorials and courses, so it has built-in templates, stock media, and easy ways to add callouts and zoom effects. It's less technical than OBS but costs more than ScreenFlow.

When the built-in tool is enough and when you need more

Use the built-in Screenshot tool if you're recording a quick demo, a bug to show tech support, or a short clip to share. It's fast, the file quality is good, and there's nothing to learn. You don't need anything else for these jobs.

Switch to a third-party app if you're making a course, a YouTube video, or anything you'll edit heavily. If you need to add text, trim the middle of a clip, layer multiple recordings, or control audio levels separately, the built-in tool will frustrate you. Third-party apps cost money or time to learn, but they're worth it if you record regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record just one app window without the rest of my screen?

Yes. Press Shift + Command + 5, then click the "Record Selected Window" button (the second one). Move your cursor over the window you want to record and click it. Only that window will be captured, even if other windows are open behind it.

How do I record system audio like music or video sound?

Press Shift + Command + 5, click Options, and choose "Internal Audio" instead of Microphone. This captures sound playing through your Mac's speakers. You can't record both your voice and system audio at the same time with the built-in tool — you have to pick one.

What file format does the built-in recorder save?

It saves as MP4, which plays on any computer, phone, or tablet without converting. MP4 is the standard format for video on the web and works with most editing software if you need to edit later.

Can I record while using other apps?

Yes. Once recording starts, you can switch between apps, open new windows, and use your Mac normally. The recording captures whatever is on screen, so if you switch apps, the recording will show that switch.

Where do I find my recording after I save it?

By default, it goes to your Desktop. If you changed the save location in Options, check that folder instead. You can also search for it by name in Spotlight (Command + Space) if you forget where it went.