How to Screen Record on Mac

Whether you're a gamer, content creator, teacher or just someone who wants to share what's on your screen, screen recording is a must-have capability. Luckily, Mac users have a built-in option with QuickTime Player, but if you need more customization, flexibility, or want to show your face while you explain what's on screen, a recording software Streamlabs Desktop may be a better fit.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to record your screen on Mac using both QuickTime and Streamlabs Desktop, so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Jump Ahead:

• How to Screen Record on Mac Using QuickTime
• How to Screen Record on Mac Using Streamlabs Desktop
• Best Ways to Use Streamlabs Desktop Recording
• Which Screen Recording Method Is Best for You?

How to Screen Record on Mac Using QuickTime

QuickTime Player is built into every Mac from day one, making it a fast and easy option for basic screen recordings.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player on your Mac.

Step 2: Click File > New Screen Recording to open the screen recording feature of QuickTime Player.

Step 3: To record with your microphone, In the small window that appears, click Options to reveal the dropdown (next to the record button) to select your microphone if you want to capture your voice.

Step 4: Determine whether you want to record your entire screen or just a portion. If the latter, use the rectangular selector to choose the portion of your screen that should show in your recording.

Step 5: When you're ready, press the Record button.

📝Note: If you click through screens when recording, whatever you see in the recording window is what will be captured.

Step 6: When you're done, click the Stop button in the recording menu bar towards the bottom of your screen or use the Command + Control + Escape as a shortcut

🧠 Pro Tip: If you skip selecting a microphone in step 3, QuickTime won't capture any audio even if you're talking.

QuickTime Pros:

• Built-in and free
• Easy to use for quick recordings
• Allows screen area selection and mic selection

QuickTime Limitations:

• No webcam support
• No overlays or branding
• Doesn't record internal system audio (e.g., sounds from apps or games) unless you install additional software
• Even if you add software like BlackHole or Loopback to capture internal audio, you still won't get webcam footage or on-screen customization

How to Screen Record on Mac Using Streamlabs Desktop

If you're creating tutorials, product demos, online courses, or content for YouTube, Streamlabs Desktop gives you much more flexibility than QuickTime.

For example, you can record your screen and your webcam simultaneously, add your mic, include overlays, and even record gameplay or app walkthroughs with internal audio.

Want to capture internal audio (like app or game sounds)?

macOS doesn't allow apps like Streamlabs to capture system audio by default. For that, you'll need to install a virtual audio device like BlackHole. If you're not using headphones, your mic might pick up your Mac's speakers, but it won't be clean.

You can follow this full guide to set it up properly.

Step 1: Download and open Streamlabs Desktop for Mac. If you're a first time Streamlabs Desktop user and need a walkthrough, check out this getting started guide.

Step 2: In the Sources panel, click the "+" icon and select macOS Screen Capture from the dropdown.

Step 3: Name your screen capture source appropriately so you can identify it from other sources in your Streamlabs Desktop setup then click Add Source.

Step 4: Next, choose from on the below options

• Display Capture - records your entire screen
• Window Capture - records a specific app or browser window
• Application Capture - records a specific app only
  
  

Step 5: Spruce up your recording by adding other interactive elements that can engage your viewers. Add other sources and elements such as:

• Webcam - so viewers can see you while you narrate or explain
• Microphone - for clear voiceover audio
• Overlays/text - for branding, steps, links, or extra context
• Widgets- to add dynamic elements like goals, sponsors, chat highlight etc, that enhance tutorials and demos. Particularly good if you're recording something taught in real time.

Step 6. Click the REC button in the bottom right to begin recording in Streamlabs Desktop. Press the REC button again to stop your recording.

Step 7: When you're done, click into your Streamlabs Desktop notifications to find your finished recording file.

🧠 Pro Tip: Change the file save destination of your recordings by heading to Settings > Output > Recording Path (in Stremalabs Desktop).

Best Ways to Use Streamlabs Desktop for Recording

Which Screen Recording Method is Best for You?

If all you need is a quick clip of your screen with optional voice narration, QuickTime gets the job done. But if you're creating content where branding, or multiple sources or inputs matter, Streamlabs Desktop gives you far more creative control.

It's free to use and easy to get started, even if you're not streaming live. Ready to level up your screen recordings? Download Streamlabs Desktop for Mac and start recording with confidence.