The fastest way: use the built-in Screenshot app

macOS comes with a Screenshot app that records video without downloading anything. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open it. A menu bar appears at the bottom of your screen with five icons — the last one (a rectangle with a dot inside) starts a video recording of your whole screen or a selected area.

Click the icon, then click "Record" or drag to select just the part of your screen you want to capture. When you are done, press the Stop button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc. The video saves to your Desktop by default, though you can change where it goes by clicking "Options" before you record.

The video file is an MOV file, which plays in QuickTime, most video editors, and most web browsers. File sizes are usually 5 to 50 MB per minute depending on what is on your screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot app, then click the video icon and select "Record" to capture your screen without installing software.
  • You can record your entire screen or drag to select just a portion, and stop recording by pressing Command + Control + Esc or clicking Stop in the menu bar.
  • Videos save as MOV files to your Desktop and can be moved, edited, or shared like any other file on your Mac.
  • If you need more control over quality, frame rate, or audio input, third-party apps like OBS Studio or ScreenFlow offer additional options.

Recording a specific window or menu

If you only want to record one window — say, a browser tab or an process — the Screenshot app can isolate it. After pressing Shift + Command + 5, look for the window-selection option in the menu bar. Click it, then hover over the window you want to record. It highlights in yellow when you hover over it. Click to select it, then click "Record".

This is useful when you are making a tutorial or showing someone how to use a specific program, because the recording does not include your other open windows or your desktop background. The file size is also smaller because less of your screen is changing.

Changing where videos save and what they are named

By default, videos go to your Desktop with a name like "Screen Recording 2024-01-15 at 2.30.45 PM.mov". To change the save location, press Shift + Command + 5, then click "Options" in the menu bar. A dropdown shows where the file will go — choose Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Trash, or "Other Location" to pick a folder yourself.

The filename is set by macOS and includes the date and time. You cannot change the name before recording, but you can rename the file after it saves, just like any other file on your Mac. Right-click the file, select "Rename", and type a new name.

Recording with audio from your microphone or system sounds

The Screenshot app can record audio along with your video. After opening the menu with Shift + Command + 5, click "Options" and look for "Microphone". Choose your microphone from the dropdown, or select "System Audio" if you want to record sounds coming from your Mac (like music, video playback, or notification sounds).

If you want both your voice and system sounds, you will need a third-party app — the built-in Screenshot app records one or the other, not both at the same time. Apps like OBS Studio (free) or ScreenFlow (paid) let you mix multiple audio sources.

Audio files add to the file size. A one-minute video with audio is usually 10 to 30 MB instead of 5 to 15 MB without it.

When to use third-party apps instead

The Screenshot app works for most everyday recording — showing a coworker how to do something, capturing a bug to report, or recording a presentation. But if you need more control, a third-party app may be better.

OBS Studio is free and lets you record at a specific frame rate (24, 30, or 60 frames per second), choose video quality, mix multiple audio sources, and add overlays or text. ScreenFlow costs money but has a simpler interface and built-in editing tools. Camtasia is also paid but includes editing, captions, and templates.

If you are just recording once or twice, the Screenshot app is enough. If you record regularly or need to edit the video afterward, a third-party app saves time.

Troubleshooting common recording problems

If the Screenshot app does not appear when you press Shift + Command + 5, your Mac may have an older version of macOS. The app came built-in starting with macOS Mojave (2018). If you have an older Mac, use Shift + Command + 6 to open the older Screenshot utility, or read a free app like OBS Studio.

If your video is choppy or stutters, close other programs running in the background. Recording uses processor power, and if your Mac is also running email, web browsers, or other apps, the video may skip frames. Restart your Mac before recording if you have had it on for a long time.

If the audio is not recording even though you selected a microphone, check that the microphone is not muted. Look at the top-right corner of your screen — if you see a microphone with a line through it, click it and unmute. Also check that the app you are recording (like Zoom or a web browser) has permission to use your microphone. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone to see which apps have access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record just part of my screen?

Yes. Press Shift + Command + 5, click the video icon, then drag a rectangle around the area you want to record. Release the mouse to set the selection, then click "Record". Only that portion of your screen will be captured.

What format is the video file in?

The Screenshot app saves videos as MOV files, which is Apple's standard video format. MOV files play in QuickTime (built into macOS), most web browsers, and most video editing software. If you need a different format like MP4, you can convert it using free tools like HandBrake or iMovie.

How do I edit the video after I record it?

Open the MOV file in iMovie (free, comes with macOS) to trim, add music, or add text. For more advanced editing, use Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve. You can also trim the video quickly by right-clicking the file, selecting "Quick Actions", and choosing "Trim".

Why is my video file so large?

Video files are large because they contain many images per second. A one-minute recording at standard quality is usually 10 to 30 MB. If the file is larger, you may have recorded at a higher resolution or with audio. Closing other programs before recording can also reduce file size by preventing unnecessary screen changes.

Can I record multiple monitors at once?

The Screenshot app records only one monitor at a time. If you have two displays, select which one you want to record before you start. For multi-monitor recording, use OBS Studio or ScreenFlow, which can capture all displays or specific ones.