macOS can record the screen without extra software. The Screenshot toolbar is the fastest method on modern Macs, and QuickTime Player offers another built-in recording path.
This guide applies to macOS Mojave and later, including Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia.
Does This Affect You?
Use screen recording for tutorials, bug reports, demonstrations, walkthroughs, or saving a visual process. Turn on microphone input if you need narration.
Record with the Screenshot Toolbar
- Press Shift + Command + 5.
- Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
- If recording a portion, drag the box around the area to capture.
- Click Options to choose save location, timer, microphone, and mouse-click display.
- Click Record.
- Stop with the menu bar Stop icon, or reopen the toolbar and click Stop.
- Use the corner thumbnail to trim/share, or wait for the .mov file to save automatically.
Record with QuickTime Player
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Choose File > New Screen Recording.
- Use the microphone menu if you want narration.
- Click the record button and choose the screen or area.
- Stop from the menu bar.
- Trim with Edit > Trim and save the file.
Screen Recording Notes
Record One Window
In the Screenshot toolbar, choose selected recording and use the window highlight behavior when available to capture one moving window instead of a fixed rectangle.
Trim the Ends
Open the MOV in QuickTime and use Edit > Trim to remove dead time before or after the recording.
Change Save Location
Use Options in the Screenshot toolbar before recording to save somewhere other than the Desktop.
Microphone Is Not Automatic
Recordings are video-only unless you choose a microphone. Built-in tools do not capture every kind of system audio without additional routing software.
Sources
- Apple Support: Take a screenshot or screen recording on Mac
- Apple Support: Record your screen with QuickTime Player