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2 min read
Updated March 2026

How to Screen Record on Mac

Record your Mac screen with the built-in Screenshot toolbar or QuickTime

Quick Answer

Press ⌘ + Shift + 5 → Choose 'Record Entire Screen' or 'Record Selected Portion' → Click Record → Stop with ⌘ + Control + Escape or menu bar button.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Open Screenshot Toolbar

Press ⌘ + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar at the bottom of your screen. You'll see options for screenshots AND screen recording.

💡This toolbar was added in macOS Mojave. For older Macs, use QuickTime method below.
2

Choose Recording Type

Click Record Entire Screen (⏺ icon) or Record Selected Portion (⏺ with dotted lines). If selecting a portion, drag to define the area.

💡Click 'Options' to choose where to save, set a timer, and enable microphone.
3

Start and Stop Recording

Click Record to start. To stop, click the Stop button in the menu bar (⏹) or press ⌘ + Control + Escape.

💡A thumbnail appears in the corner after recording — click it to trim or share.
4

QuickTime Method (Alternative)

Open QuickTime Player → File → New Screen Recording. Click the record button, then click anywhere to record full screen or drag to select a portion.

💡QuickTime gives you more control over audio settings and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I record screen with internal audio?

Mac doesn't capture internal audio by default. Install BlackHole (free) or Loopback (paid) to create a virtual audio device, then select it in recording options.

Where are my screen recordings saved?

By default, recordings save to your Desktop as .mov files. Change this in Options menu of the Screenshot toolbar (⌘ + Shift + 5).

Can I record my screen with my face?

Not with built-in tools simultaneously. Use third-party apps like Loom, OBS, or ScreenFlow to record screen + webcam together.

What's the keyboard shortcut to stop recording?

⌘ + Control + Escape stops recording. Or click the Stop button in the menu bar.

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