Yesterday, we showed you how to record your iPhone or iPad’s screen using Reflector, an app that runs on your Mac and records the iOS device’s screen via a little AirPlay magic.
Today, let’s talk about recording your Mac’s screen. I was surprised to find out that QuickTime Player (which is already on your Mac) will do this for free. Here’s how to make the magic happen.
First off, launch QuickTime Player from your Applications folder, from the Dock or from any app launcher, like Alfred. Once launched, head up to the File menu in QuickTime Player, and select New Screen Recording. You will see a cute little recording window.
Click on the red Record button in this recording window, and you will see two options. You can either click anywhere on the screen to record the entire screen, or click and drag across any portion of the screen you’d like to capture.
If you choose to record the whole screen, the recording will begin immediately. If you decide to only record a portion of your screen, you will need to click the Start Recording button that appears after you define the section you want.
When you finish, click on the same button you started the recording with (only this time it will be a square). QuickTime will offer to save your .mov file somewhere on your hard drive. Do so, and you’re done!
Add voiceover during Mac screen recording
Now you can record anything that happens on your Mac. If you want to add a voiceover while recording your Mac screen video, just click on the little triangle in the Recording window to choose your sound source. Simply choose Built-In Mic to use the microphone in your Mac. Or you can select any other microphone connected to your Mac (like a USB mic).
Rob LeFebvre is an Anchorage, Alaska-based writer and editor who has contributed to various tech, gaming and iOS sites, including 148Apps, Creative Screenwriting, Shelf-Awareness, VentureBeat, and Paste Magazine. Feel free to find Rob on Twitter @roblef, and send him a cookie once in a while; he’ll really appreciate it.
3 responses to “Record Your Mac’s Screen For Free With QuickTime Player [OS X Tips]”
But, Rob, what if we want to include the sounds of the Mac with the screen recordings?
Here is the solution – Soundflower. Google it, install it, and use it for this purpose.
When the Screen Recording window opens there is a downward facing arrow on the Right side of the screen. Click on that and it gives you the choice to use the internal mike and to capture mouse clicks. For internal sounds, you can purchase Audio Hijack Pro from RogueAmoeba. http://www.rogueamoeba.com/audiohijackpro/
It is similar to Soundflower (which is free) but Audio Hijack Pro is easier to set up.
Absolutely SENSATIONAL!
I’ve been using an app for that, and having problems after problems. Knowing this I can uninstall that app and live happy ever after. Thanks!