How to Screen Record on a Mac (2025 Guide) – Step-by-Step with Audio Tips

🖥️ Step-by-Step: How to Screen Record on Mac

🔹 Step 1: Open the Screenshot Toolbar

Press: Command + Shift + 5
You’ll see a toolbar pop up with screenshot and screen recording options at the bottom of your screen.

🔹 Step 2: Choose Your Recording Style

Record Entire Screen (icon with a full rectangle)

Record Selected Portion (icon with a dotted rectangle)

Choose what fits your purpose.

🔹 Step 3: Enable Microphone Audio (Optional)

Click “Options” on the toolbar.
Under "Microphone", choose Built-in Microphone if you want to narrate.

📢 Pro tip: Make sure you're in a quiet place if recording audio!

🔹 Step 4: Click "Record"

Once you're ready, click Record on the toolbar.

🎬 You’ll see a small stop button in the menu bar while recording.

🔹 Step 5: Stop Recording

Click the Stop icon in the top-right menu bar (next to your Wi-Fi and battery icons).

📂 The recording saves automatically to your Desktop (by default). You can change the save location under "Options" in the toolbar.

🧑‍💻 How to Edit Your Screen Recording
macOS lets you:

Trim the start/end of your video

Quick Share to Mail, Messages, or AirDrop

Drag & drop into iMovie or Final Cut for advanced edits

🎤 Want to Record Your Voice Too?

Yes! Just make sure to select a microphone before recording.

You can also adjust your input volume in:

> System Settings → Sound → Input

🛠 Troubleshooting

Shortcut not working? Make sure your keyboard settings haven’t disabled screenshot features.

No sound? Double-check microphone permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.

Laggy video? Close unnecessary apps to free up RAM.

✅ Recap

Step Action

1️⃣ Press Command + Shift + 5
2️⃣ Select recording area
3️⃣ Enable mic if needed
4️⃣ Click Record
5️⃣ Stop and access your video

That’s it — simple and done! 🎉

🔚 Final Thoughts

Screen recording on a Mac is built right in — no need for fancy tools or expensive software. Whether you're teaching, troubleshooting, or just capturing memories, this little feature can be surprisingly powerful.

Give it a try and share your first recording like a pro!