How to Screen Record on Mac With Audio
System audio and microphone — Cmd+Shift+5, BlackHole, OBS, or ScreenBuddy.
This guide is for recording the full Mac screen with microphone and/or system audio. If you only need system audio — no screen — use How to Record Internal Audio on Mac. The right method depends on your macOS version and whether you need voice, application sound, or both. Start with the version-specific options below, then test the actual audio sources before recording the complete take.
Key Takeaways
- Screenshot offers microphone selection and, from macOS 27, Include System Audio. Older versions need a supported recording app or virtual audio route for internal sound.
- BlackHole is the standard free virtual audio driver. Setup takes 6 steps in Audio MIDI Setup, and you have to remember to switch your output device back to speakers after every session.
- OBS Studio captures internal audio natively on macOS 13+ via Apple's ScreenCaptureKit framework -- no virtual driver needed. But it ships zero editing features.
- ScreenBuddy can capture system audio alongside the screen, then keep the recording in the same local editing workflow for zoom effects, annotations, and MP4 or GIF export.
- Audio quality directly affects whether viewers stay or bounce. Research published in Science Communication found that degraded audio alone made audiences rate identical content as less trustworthy and the presenter as less competent.
Quick Answer: How to Screen Record on Mac with Audio
If you only need your microphone, press Command + Shift + 5, choose the area to record, open Options, and pick your mic before you start. For system audio, macOS 27 or later adds Include System Audio in the same Options menu.
If you need system audio plus microphone audio, check Screenshot on macOS 27+, OBS on macOS 13+, or the supported sources in ScreenBuddy. Choose the method your operating system supports, and ScreenBuddy adds editing, captions, zoom effects, annotations, and MP4/GIF export after the recording is done.
Choose the Audio Method for Your macOS Version
Short answer: Microphone and system audio are different sources. A microphone selection does not automatically record application sound. Check your macOS version and the sources exposed by your recording app.
“Internal audio” means any sound your Mac produces: Spotify playback, YouTube audio, system notifications, game sounds, the audio track of a video call. That audio matters more than most creators realize. When your screen recording lacks the audio your viewer expects—the click sounds, the notification chimes, the music in the app you are demonstrating—they lose context and stop watching. Research from Texas Tech University found that degraded audio quality lowers perceived credibility of the speaker and the content itself (TTU, 2023).
There are four practical ways to capture internal audio on Mac today. They differ in cost, setup time, and whether editing is included. The instructions below compare their documented capture paths; verify your own device and export with a short sample.
Market context: Atlassian's $975 million acquisition of Loom in October 2023 confirmed that async video has become a core workplace communication tool, not a nice-to-have feature. Loom had 25 million users at the time of the deal.
Source: TechCrunch, 2023
Version check: Apple documents system audio in Screenshot from macOS 27. OBS documents direct desktop capture on macOS 13 or later, including a dedicated audio source from OBS 30. Older systems may require a virtual audio device.
Method 1: Built-in Screenshot Tool (Version-Specific Audio)
Bottom line: The Screenshot Toolbar (Shift-Command-5) can record microphone audio, and macOS 27 or later adds Include System Audio. On earlier versions, use a supported third-party capture path for internal sound. Check Apple’s current instructions and the Options menu on your machine.
This is the right choice when you only need voice narration over your screen—a quick walkthrough for a colleague, a bug report with verbal context, or a rough draft before re-recording. macOS holds roughly 15% of the global desktop market (StatCounter, 2025), meaning tens of millions of Mac users have this tool already and a surprising number do not know it exists. I have watched coworkers download third-party apps just to record a mic-over-screen walkthrough they could have done with Cmd+Shift+5.
How to Record with Microphone Audio
Open the Screenshot Toolbar
Press Cmd+Shift+5. The toolbar appears at the bottom of your screen with screenshot and recording options.
Click "Options"
In the toolbar, click "Options" to expand audio and save settings.
Select your microphone
Under "Microphone," choose your built-in microphone or an external mic. If it shows "None," audio will not be recorded.
Choose recording mode
Click "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion" depending on what you need to capture.
Record and stop
Click "Record" to start. To stop, click the Stop button in the menu bar or press Cmd+Control+Esc. Your recording saves as a .mov file to the Desktop by default.
Strengths
- +Free and built into every Mac since Mojave
- +Zero installation or configuration needed
- +Simple microphone audio toggle
- +Reliable -- maintained by Apple
Limitations
- −Built-in system audio requires macOS 27 or later
- −No editing beyond a basic trim
- −Exports MOV only (no MP4 or GIF)
- −No zoom effects, annotations, or backgrounds
Method 2: BlackHole + QuickTime (Free, 6-Step Setup)
Bottom line: BlackHole is a free, open-source virtual audio driver (GitHub) that routes your Mac's internal audio into any recording application. Combined with QuickTime, it is the most widely recommended free method for internal audio capture. The catch: setup requires configuring Audio MIDI Setup and manually switching your system output device before and after each recording session.
I timed myself doing this from scratch on a clean macOS 15.3 install. The brew install blackhole-2ch part took about 45 seconds. The Audio MIDI Setup dance took another 3 minutes following the steps below. The part that trips people up most—and I say this because I have done it to myself more than once—is forgetting to switch your audio output back to speakers afterward. You close QuickTime, go about your day, and then wonder why your AirPods sound wrong three hours later.
Step-by-Step Setup
Install BlackHole
Download from the official GitHub repository (github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole) or install via Homebrew: brew install blackhole-2ch. The 2-channel version handles most recording needs.
Open Audio MIDI Setup
Go to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup. Click the "+" button at the bottom left and choose "Create Multi-Output Device."
Configure Multi-Output Device
In the Multi-Output Device panel, check both your regular speakers/headphones and BlackHole 2ch. This routes audio to both destinations simultaneously -- you hear it while BlackHole captures it.
Set system output to Multi-Output Device
Open System Settings > Sound > Output. Select "Multi-Output Device." All Mac audio now plays through both your speakers and BlackHole.
Open QuickTime and select BlackHole as input
Open QuickTime Player > File > New Screen Recording. Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button and select "BlackHole 2ch" as the microphone input.
Record, then restore audio output
Click Record to start. When finished, go back to System Settings > Sound > Output and select your regular speakers. If your audio sounds wrong hours later, this missing step is almost always the reason.
If you also need microphone audio: Create an “Aggregate Device” in Audio MIDI Setup that combines BlackHole and your microphone. This adds 2–3 more steps. For tutorial recordings where you narrate while capturing app audio, the Aggregate Device approach works but is fragile—audio sync drift is a known issue on longer recordings. I noticed about 200ms of drift on a 15-minute test clip.
Strengths
- +Completely free and open source (GPL-3.0)
- +Captures true internal audio at system level
- +Works with QuickTime, DAWs, and any recording app
- +Actively maintained
Limitations
- −6-step setup (more with Aggregate Device)
- −Must switch output device before and after recording
- −Easy to forget to restore audio settings
- −No editing features -- trim only in QuickTime
Method 3: OBS Studio (Free, Native Audio on macOS 13+)
Bottom line: OBS Studio is a free, open-source recording and streaming application (GitHub). On macOS 13 Ventura and later, OBS captures internal audio natively through Apple's ScreenCaptureKit API—no BlackHole, no virtual driver, no Audio MIDI Setup. On macOS 12 or earlier, you still need a virtual audio driver.
OBS was built for live streamers who need multi-source scenes, custom transitions, and fine-grained encoding controls. That power comes with real complexity. A new user should allow time to understand Scenes, Sources, and the Audio Mixer before the real take. If those features mean nothing to you, the interface will feel like it was designed for someone else—because it was. For a free tool with supported system-audio capture and flexible sources, OBS is worth testing against your own requirements.
Setting Up OBS for Screen + Audio Recording
Download and install OBS
Go to obsproject.com and download the macOS version. Run the installer. When prompted, grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
Add a Screen Capture source
In the Sources panel, click "+" and select "Screen Capture (macOS)." Name it and click OK. Select your display from the properties dropdown.
Enable audio capture
In the Screen Capture properties, check "Capture Audio" (macOS 13+ only). This captures internal audio from the selected display without any extra software or drivers.
Add microphone input (optional)
In the Audio Mixer panel, click the gear icon next to "Mic/Aux" and select your microphone. Adjust the slider to balance voice volume against system audio.
Configure output format
Go to Settings > Output. Set Recording Path to your preferred folder. Choose MP4 under Recording Format for broad compatibility, or MKV if you want crash recovery (MKV can be remuxed to MP4 afterward).
Start and stop recording
Click "Start Recording" in the Controls panel. When done, click "Stop Recording." Your file saves to the configured path.
Video engagement data: Wistia analyzed over 100 million videos and found that videos under 1 minute average a 50% engagement rate. How-to videos specifically outperform other formats: instructional videos between 1 and 30 minutes held 50%+ average engagement, compared to 43% for non-instructional content of similar length. The takeaway for screen recordings: shorter clips with clear audio consistently outperform longer, silent walkthroughs.
Source: Wistia State of Video Report, 2025
Strengths
- +Free and open source
- +Native internal audio on macOS 13+ (no drivers)
- +Multi-source scenes with custom layouts
- +Also supports live streaming to Twitch/YouTube
Limitations
- −Steep learning curve -- built for streamers
- −Zero editing features (record only)
- −Heavy resource usage on older Macs
- −Internal audio requires macOS 13 or later
For a deeper look at simpler alternatives, see our OBS alternatives guide. Recording a 2-minute tutorial should not require learning scene management. If the job is a polished walkthrough rather than a live scene, see the Screen Studio alternative — it covers Windows as well as Mac.
Method 4: ScreenBuddy (Record + Edit)
Bottom line: ScreenBuddy supports microphone and system-audio recording on compatible Mac setups, followed by local editing in the same app. Select the available sources and make a short test before a long recording.
What separates ScreenBuddy from BlackHole and OBS is what happens after you stop recording. Both of those tools hand you a raw video file that you then open in a separate editor. ScreenBuddy opens its built-in editor immediately—add auto-zoom on clicks, draw annotations, apply gradient backgrounds, trim clips, export to MP4 or GIF. When you are producing recordings every week, cutting out the app-switching step between recording and editing saves real time. I used to record in OBS, drag the file to Final Cut, make two cuts, export again. Now it is one app, start to finish.
How ScreenBuddy Captures Audio
Open ScreenBuddy
Launch ScreenBuddy on your Mac and grant the screen and audio permissions required for the sources you plan to record.
Choose the capture target
Select the window or display you want to record.
Select available audio sources
Choose the microphone and system-audio sources needed for the recording, then make a short test and play it back.
Add microphone narration (optional)
Enable a microphone when you want to explain the workflow while demonstrating app audio.
Edit and export in the same app
When you stop recording, ScreenBuddy opens its built-in editor. Add auto-zoom on clicks (1.25x to 5x), draw annotations, apply one of 48 backdrop presets, trim clips, and export to MP4 or GIF.
Integrated Audio Capture
Choose the audio sources you need, make a short test, and keep recording and editing in one workflow.
Auto-Zoom on Clicks
Automatically zooms in when you click, with adjustable magnification from 1.25x to 5x. Viewers see the action without squinting.
48 Backdrop Presets
Wrap your recording in a designed backdrop. Pick from 48 built-in presets — gradients, radiants, wallpapers, and animated — for a polished, branded look.
MP4 & GIF Export
Export as MP4 for universal playback or GIF for quick embeds in docs and Slack messages. No separate format conversion step.
Pricing: ScreenBuddy uses one-time pricing for Mac and Windows. Recording and editing stay on your device; internet access is required for license activation and update checks. Verify current competitor pricing on each product's official page before buying.
Side-by-Side Comparison: All 4 Methods
This table compares the two things that matter most when recording screen with audio on Mac: how each method handles audio capture, and what you can do with the recording afterward.
| Method | Internal Audio | Mic Audio | Editing | Setup Steps | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Screenshot Tool | macOS 27+ | Yes | Trim only | 2 clicks | Free |
| BlackHole + QuickTime | Yes | Extra setup | Trim only | 6 steps | Free |
| OBS Studio | Yes (macOS 13+) | Yes | None | 4–6 steps | Free |
| ScreenBuddy | Supported on compatible Mac setups | Yes | Timeline editor | Select and test sources | one-time pricing |
Why audio quality matters for engagement: Research from Texas Tech University showed that degraded audio quality lowers perceived credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker, even when the content is identical. A controlled experiment published in Science Communication confirmed that listeners rate low-quality audio content as less interesting and less important. Recordings with clear audio—both narration and system sounds—hold attention longer than silent walkthroughs.
Sources: Texas Tech University, 2022 · Newman & Schwarz, Science Communication, 2018 · Wistia State of Video Report, 2025
My recommendation: If you want a free, configurable recorder and are comfortable with scenes and sources, evaluate OBS Studio. If you want recording and focused product-demo editing in one workflow, evaluate ScreenBuddy. Record, edit, and preview free. A one-time license is required to save or export.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I screen record on Mac with audio?
Press Shift-Command-5, choose a recording mode, open Options, and select a microphone for narration. On macOS 27 or later, Apple also documents Include System Audio. On earlier versions, use a compatible recorder such as OBS or ScreenBuddy, or a virtual audio route. Make a sample containing both voice and computer sound.
Can Mac record screen with system audio?
Yes. Screenshot offers Include System Audio on macOS 27 or later. OBS supports direct desktop audio on macOS 13 or later with supported OBS versions. ScreenBuddy also supports system-audio capture. The correct setup depends on your operating system, application, and permissions.
How do I record internal audio on Mac without BlackHole?
On macOS 27 or later, check the system-audio option in Screenshot. OBS provides direct audio capture on macOS 13 or later; OBS 30 and later includes a macOS Audio Capture source. ScreenBuddy combines supported audio capture with an editing workflow. Test the actual app sound before a full take.
Does QuickTime record internal audio?
On modern Macs, QuickTime New Screen Recording opens Screenshot controls, so check the options available on your macOS version. Apple documents Include System Audio from macOS 27. On older setups without that option, use another compatible recorder or route audio through a virtual device such as BlackHole.
What is the best free screen recorder for Mac with audio?
For simple capture, first check the built-in Screenshot options available on your macOS version. OBS is a free option for direct system audio on supported Macs and for multiple sources or streaming. A virtual audio driver can help older systems, but adds routing work. Choose by the audio sources and editing you actually need.
Can I record screen and webcam with audio on Mac?
Yes. OBS supports webcam as a source in a scene, and ScreenBuddy supports webcam recording alongside the screen. Choose the microphone and computer-audio sources separately, then check a short sample. Keep the webcam away from interface controls the viewer needs to see.
How do I record a Zoom meeting with audio on Mac?
Use the meeting recording controls available to your Zoom account and role when appropriate. If you use a separate recorder, confirm the meeting audio source and make a test. Inform participants and follow the meeting host’s and organization’s recording requirements.
Why is my Mac screen recording silent?
Check which sound is missing. Microphone permission and input selection affect your voice; system-audio support and routing affect app sound. Verify both sources, their levels, and the recording permissions. After changing the audio device or permissions, make another short recording and listen to the saved file.
Related Articles
How to Record Internal Audio on Mac
Deep dive into BlackHole, Loopback, and ScreenCaptureKit methods for capturing system audio.
Mac Screen Recording Guide
Complete guide to all built-in and third-party screen recording methods on macOS.
How to Record a Zoom Meeting on Mac
Built-in Zoom recording vs third-party tools for meeting capture with audio.
OBS Alternatives for Mac
Simpler alternatives to OBS Studio for Mac screen recording and editing.
Best Screen Recorder With Captions for Mac
Compare caption workflows, transcript exports, and editing options for Mac recordings.
Record Screen with Audio, Then Edit Locally
ScreenBuddy records the screen and selected audio sources, then keeps media processing local for zoom effects, annotations, and MP4 or GIF export. Available for Mac and Windows. Record, edit, and preview free. A one-time license is required to save or export. Activation and update checks require internet access.
Download ScreenBuddy for Mac & Windows