A screen-and-face video is useful for tutorials and walkthroughs when viewers need both your actions and your explanation. This guide uses OBS, which combines sources into one recorded scene rather than leaving you with two unsynchronized files.
Build a screen-and-camera scene in OBS
OBS documents macOS Screen Capture and Video Capture Device as separate source types, and its quick-start guide recommends a test recording. Source order matters because the upper visual source appears over the lower one.
- Install OBS Studio from the OBS Project and open it on your Mac. In Sources, add macOS Screen Capture and choose the display, window, or application you want to show.
- Add a Video Capture Device source and select your webcam. If you use a Mac Studio or Mac mini, connect a compatible external camera first.
- Keep the camera source above the screen source in the Sources list so it remains visible. Drag its corners to size it and place it away from controls or text you need to demonstrate.
- Check the Audio Mixer while you speak. If the microphone meter does not move, choose the intended mic in Settings → Audio and check macOS Microphone permission.
- Open Settings → Output to confirm the Recording Path. Press Start Recording, make a short test, stop, and play the file before starting the real session.
Sources: OBS Project: Quick Start Guide · OBS Project: macOS Screen Capture Source · OBS Project: Video Capture Sources · OBS Project: Sources Guide
Choose a facecam layout people can follow
Leave a little margin around the camera so it does not touch the video edge. If your demonstration moves between applications, capture the display; if it stays in one place, an application or window source may reduce unrelated desktop clutter.
| Choice | Practical check |
|---|---|
| Camera position | Keep menus, captions, and buttons visible |
| Camera size | Large enough to read your expression, small enough not to hide the task |
| Screen source | Select the correct display or app before a long take |
| Audio | Listen to the exported test, not only the live meter |
Check voice and system sound separately
Your voice and the Mac’s app sound are different sources. OBS documents system-audio capture with macOS Screen Capture on macOS 13 or later, and newer OBS versions offer a macOS Audio Capture source. Older macOS setups may need extra routing software. Do not assume the screen source captured your microphone; watch the meter and listen to the saved test file.
If you hear an echo, check whether the same sound is being captured through two sources. If you hear only your voice, verify the screen or application-audio setup for your macOS and OBS version.
Why QuickTime is a different workflow
QuickTime Player can make a camera movie and a screen recording, but those are separate commands. It does not lay the webcam over your screen as a finished picture-in-picture recording in one step. If you only need a camera clip, use the simpler QuickTime webcam guide. If you need one composed file immediately, use the OBS scene above.
Common questions
Can I record my Mac screen and webcam together for free?
Yes. OBS Studio can put a macOS Screen Capture source and a Video Capture Device source in the same scene, then record them as one composed video.
Can QuickTime record screen and webcam in one video?
QuickTime offers screen recording and camera movie recording as separate commands. For a single picture-in-picture recording, use a scene-based recorder such as OBS.
Sources and review
Reviewed 2026-10-02. Product availability is checked separately from these Mac instructions.
Explore the Mac recorder beta
Mac Screen Recorder is in active beta testing. See the editor and check the homepage for current download availability.
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