Choose the task you need to complete. Each guide gives the short answer first, then the steps and checks that matter when you actually record.
Start with the recording itself
For a quick screen capture, use the macOS Screenshot toolbar. It can record the entire display or a selected portion and lets you choose a microphone. If the goal is a narrated demonstration, make a brief test recording before a long take.
Add a camera or solve a capture problem
A webcam-only movie and a screen recording are different workflows in macOS. Camera permission, microphone permission, and screen recording permission are also separate controls. Use the focused guides below when one source is missing or a capture turns black.
Plan the exported file
Video length alone does not determine size. The bitrate of the encoded video and audio matters too. Estimate transfer size before you record a long tutorial or send a file to someone with a size limit.
About the upcoming Mac recorder
Mac Screen Recorder is in development. The site previews planned local editing, smooth zooms, cursor effects, a free tier, and a $49 lifetime Pro plan. Check the homepage for current download availability instead of assuming a preview is a released app.
Explore the Mac recorder preview
Mac Screen Recorder is in development. See the planned editor and check the homepage for download availability.
See the product preview →