Record Mac Screen With Audio: A Simple Guide

Hey guys! Ever needed to record your Mac's screen along with the audio playing internally? Maybe you're creating a tutorial, capturing a gameplay session, or just want to share something cool you're watching. Whatever the reason, it can be a little tricky to figure out how to get both the video and the audio from your Mac. Fear not! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making sure you get a clear recording with perfect sound. We'll explore different methods, from using built-in tools to third-party software, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. So, let's dive in and get those screen recordings sounding awesome!

Understanding the Challenge of Internal Audio Recording on macOS

Okay, so why isn't it as simple as just clicking a button and recording? Well, macOS has some built-in security features that prevent apps from directly accessing the system's audio output. This is mainly to protect your privacy and prevent malicious software from recording your conversations or other sensitive audio. However, it also means that recording internal audio requires a little bit of a workaround. This is where virtual audio devices come into play. These are software-based solutions that act as a bridge between your Mac's audio output and the screen recording software. Think of it as a virtual cable that routes the sound from your computer's speakers to your recording app. There are several virtual audio devices available, both free and paid, each with its own set of features and installation process. We'll be focusing on one of the most popular and free options, but it's good to understand the underlying principle of how these tools work to bypass the macOS audio restrictions. Understanding these limitations and the need for virtual audio devices will make the whole process much clearer and help you troubleshoot any issues you might encounter along the way. So, let's get started with the setup!

Method 1: Using OBS Studio and BlackHole (Free)

This method utilizes two free and powerful tools: OBS Studio for screen recording and BlackHole for capturing internal audio. OBS Studio is a popular open-source software used by streamers and content creators for recording and live streaming. It offers a wide range of features and customization options, making it a great choice for both beginners and advanced users. BlackHole, on the other hand, is a virtual audio driver that allows you to route audio between applications on your Mac. It's essential for capturing internal audio because, as we discussed earlier, macOS doesn't allow direct recording of system audio. The combination of OBS Studio and BlackHole provides a robust and free solution for recording your Mac's screen with internal audio. This method might seem a bit more technical initially, but trust me, it's worth the effort. The flexibility and control you get with OBS Studio are unmatched, and BlackHole is a reliable and free way to capture your audio. Let's break down the process into manageable steps.

Step 1: Installing BlackHole

First, you'll need to install BlackHole. You can download it from the Existential Audio website (just Google "BlackHole audio driver"). Make sure you download the version compatible with your macOS. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. You might be prompted to allow the installation in your System Preferences under Security & Privacy. Don't worry; this is a standard macOS security measure. BlackHole is a safe and widely used audio driver. After the installation, you'll find BlackHole listed as an audio device in your Mac's Sound preferences. This is a crucial step, as BlackHole is the bridge that will allow you to capture your Mac's internal audio. Remember to restart your computer after installation to ensure BlackHole is properly recognized by your system. This ensures that all the necessary components are loaded and ready to go. Now that you have BlackHole installed, let's move on to the next step: setting up your audio devices.

Step 2: Configuring Audio MIDI Setup

Next, we need to configure Audio MIDI Setup to create a Multi-Output Device. This will allow you to hear the audio while OBS Studio is recording it. Open Audio MIDI Setup (you can find it by searching in Spotlight). Click the "+" button in the bottom left corner and select "Create Multi-Output Device." In the right panel, check the boxes next to your built-in output (or your preferred audio output device, like headphones) and BlackHole. Make sure BlackHole is at the top of the list and that "Drift Correction" is checked for your built-in output. This is crucial for synchronizing the audio streams and preventing any audio delays or glitches. By creating this Multi-Output Device, you're essentially telling your Mac to send audio to both your speakers/headphones and BlackHole simultaneously. This way, you can monitor the audio while OBS Studio captures it. This step is a bit technical, but it's essential for a smooth recording experience. Now that we've set up the audio routing, let's move on to OBS Studio.

Step 3: Setting Up OBS Studio

Download and install OBS Studio from the official website (obsproject.com). Once installed, open OBS Studio. In the "Sources" panel, click the "+" button and add a "Display Capture" source to record your screen. You can also add other sources like a webcam or specific application windows. Next, in the "Audio Mixer" panel, click the settings icon (gear icon) next to "Mic/Aux" and disable it. We don't want to record external microphone input in this case. Then, click the "+" button in the "Sources" panel again and add an "Audio Input Capture" source. Select the Multi-Output Device you created in Audio MIDI Setup as the device. This will tell OBS Studio to capture the audio being routed through BlackHole. Finally, go to OBS Studio's settings (File > Settings) and navigate to the "Audio" tab. Under "Global Audio Devices," disable all the "Mic/Auxiliary Audio" devices to prevent any unwanted external audio from being recorded. This ensures that only the internal audio from BlackHole is captured. OBS Studio offers a lot of customization options, so feel free to experiment with different settings to find what works best for you. Now that OBS Studio is configured, you're almost ready to start recording!

Step 4: Recording Your Screen

Now you're ready to record! In OBS Studio, click the "Start Recording" button. Perform the actions you want to record on your screen. Once you're finished, click "Stop Recording." Your recording will be saved in the location specified in OBS Studio's settings (usually in your Videos folder). Playback your recording to ensure the video and audio are captured correctly. If you experience any issues, double-check your settings in Audio MIDI Setup and OBS Studio. Make sure the correct audio devices are selected and that the Multi-Output Device is configured properly. This method might seem like a lot of steps, but once you've set it up, it's a very reliable way to record your Mac's screen with internal audio. OBS Studio also offers many other features, like live streaming and adding overlays, so it's a great tool to have in your content creation arsenal. So, go ahead and give it a try, and start creating awesome screen recordings!

Method 2: Using QuickTime Player and Soundflower (Alternative Free Method)

Another free method involves using QuickTime Player, which comes pre-installed on your Mac, along with Soundflower, a similar virtual audio device to BlackHole. While BlackHole is generally the preferred option due to its stability and ease of use, Soundflower can be a viable alternative if you encounter any issues with BlackHole or simply prefer a different tool. The principle behind this method is the same as with OBS Studio and BlackHole: you need a virtual audio device to route the internal audio to QuickTime Player. Soundflower acts as that virtual cable, allowing you to capture the audio being played by your Mac's system. This method is slightly simpler than using OBS Studio, but QuickTime Player offers fewer customization options and might not be as versatile for advanced recording needs. However, for basic screen recording with internal audio, it can be a quick and easy solution. Let's walk through the steps of using QuickTime Player and Soundflower.

Step 1: Installing Soundflower

First, download and install Soundflower. You can find it by searching online (GitHub is a common source). Be aware that Soundflower can sometimes be a bit trickier to install and configure compared to BlackHole. You might need to temporarily disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) on your Mac to allow the installation. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized software from making changes to your system. However, disabling SIP can make your Mac more vulnerable to malware, so it's important to re-enable it after installing Soundflower. Instructions on how to disable and re-enable SIP can be found online. Once Soundflower is installed, you'll see two new audio devices listed in your Sound preferences: Soundflower (2ch) and Soundflower (64ch). These represent the input and output channels that Soundflower creates. The installation process can be a bit more involved than with BlackHole, but once it's set up, Soundflower should function similarly. Remember to be cautious when disabling SIP and always re-enable it after installing Soundflower.

Step 2: Configuring Audio Output

Similar to the BlackHole method, we need to configure your audio output to use Soundflower. Open Audio MIDI Setup and create a Multi-Output Device. Select your built-in output (or preferred audio output) and either Soundflower (2ch) or Soundflower (64ch). Again, ensure your built-in output has drift correction checked. This step is crucial for routing your Mac's audio to both your speakers/headphones and Soundflower, allowing you to monitor the audio while recording. The choice between Soundflower (2ch) and Soundflower (64ch) depends on your specific needs. For most basic screen recording purposes, Soundflower (2ch) should suffice. However, if you're working with more complex audio setups, you might need to use Soundflower (64ch). The key is to make sure that the Multi-Output Device is configured correctly so that both your speakers/headphones and Soundflower receive the audio signal. This will ensure a smooth recording experience with both video and audio captured properly. Now that the audio output is configured, let's move on to QuickTime Player.

Step 3: Recording with QuickTime Player

Open QuickTime Player and go to File > New Screen Recording. Before you start recording, click the dropdown arrow next to the record button. Under "Microphone," select Soundflower (2ch) or Soundflower (64ch) (whichever you chose in Audio MIDI Setup). This tells QuickTime Player to capture audio from Soundflower, which is receiving the internal audio from your Mac. If you want to show mouse clicks in your recording, make sure the "Show Mouse Clicks in Recording" option is checked. This can be helpful for tutorials or demonstrations. Once you're ready, click the record button and select the area of your screen you want to record. QuickTime Player will start recording both the video and the internal audio. When you're finished, click the stop button in the menu bar. QuickTime Player will then open the recording, allowing you to preview it. Check the audio to make sure it's captured correctly. If you experience any issues, double-check your settings in Audio MIDI Setup and QuickTime Player. Make sure the correct audio device is selected in both applications. QuickTime Player is a simple and convenient tool for basic screen recording, and when combined with Soundflower, it can be a viable alternative to OBS Studio and BlackHole. However, remember that it offers fewer customization options and might not be suitable for more advanced recording needs. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy solution for recording your Mac's screen with internal audio, give this method a try!

Method 3: Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software

If the previous methods seem a bit too technical or you're looking for a more user-friendly experience, there are several third-party screen recording software options available. These applications often come with built-in features for capturing internal audio, making the process much simpler and more streamlined. While many of these software options come with a price tag, they often offer a free trial period, allowing you to test them out before committing to a purchase. They typically provide a more intuitive interface and additional features like video editing tools, annotations, and cloud storage integration. Some popular options include ScreenFlow, Filmora Scrn, and Movavi Screen Recorder. These applications often handle the virtual audio device setup automatically, so you don't have to worry about configuring Audio MIDI Setup or installing separate audio drivers. They also offer a wider range of recording options, such as capturing specific application windows or regions of the screen. If you're willing to invest in a paid solution, third-party screen recording software can save you time and effort while providing a more professional recording experience. Let's explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of using these tools.

Advantages of Third-Party Software

The main advantage of using third-party screen recording software is the ease of use. These applications are designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows. They often handle the technical aspects of capturing internal audio automatically, so you don't have to worry about configuring complex audio settings. Another significant advantage is the additional features they provide. Many third-party screen recorders include built-in video editing tools, allowing you to trim your recordings, add annotations, and even create professional-looking videos directly within the application. They might also offer features like webcam recording, scheduled recordings, and cloud storage integration. Furthermore, third-party software often provides better customer support than free alternatives. If you encounter any issues, you can usually contact the software vendor for assistance. If you value simplicity, ease of use, and additional features, third-party screen recording software is definitely worth considering. They can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you frequently record your screen.

Disadvantages of Third-Party Software

The primary disadvantage of using third-party screen recording software is the cost. Most of these applications require a paid license, which can be a significant investment, especially if you only need to record your screen occasionally. Free trials are often available, but they may have limitations, such as watermarks on your recordings or a limited recording time. Another potential disadvantage is the learning curve. While these applications are generally user-friendly, they may have a wide range of features that can take some time to learn. If you only need basic screen recording functionality, the additional features might be unnecessary and even overwhelming. Finally, some third-party software can be resource-intensive, potentially slowing down your Mac's performance, especially if you're recording in high resolution or using complex editing features. It's important to consider your budget, your needs, and your Mac's specifications before investing in third-party screen recording software. If you're on a tight budget or only need basic screen recording functionality, the free methods we discussed earlier might be a better option.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, you might encounter some issues when recording your Mac's screen with internal audio. Don't worry! Most problems have simple solutions. One common issue is no audio being recorded. This usually indicates a problem with your audio device settings. Double-check that you've selected the correct input device in your recording software (OBS Studio or QuickTime Player) and that the Multi-Output Device is configured correctly in Audio MIDI Setup. Another common problem is distorted or low-quality audio. This can be caused by incorrect sample rates or buffer sizes. Experiment with different settings in Audio MIDI Setup and your recording software to find the optimal configuration for your system. You might also experience audio lag or synchronization issues. This can be caused by high CPU usage or conflicting audio drivers. Try closing unnecessary applications and restarting your Mac. If you're using a third-party audio interface, make sure it's compatible with your recording software and that the drivers are up to date. If you're still encountering problems, try searching online forums or contacting the software vendor for support. Many resources are available to help you troubleshoot common issues with screen recording and audio capture. Remember to be patient and methodical when troubleshooting, and you'll eventually find a solution.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Method for Your Needs

So there you have it! Several ways to record your Mac's screen with internal audio. Whether you prefer the free and powerful combination of OBS Studio and BlackHole, the simplicity of QuickTime Player and Soundflower, or the user-friendliness of third-party software, there's a method that's right for you. The best approach depends on your specific needs, your budget, and your technical expertise. If you're looking for the most versatile and customizable solution, OBS Studio and BlackHole are excellent choices. If you need a quick and easy way to record your screen with internal audio, QuickTime Player and Soundflower might be sufficient. And if you're willing to invest in a paid solution, third-party screen recording software can provide a more streamlined and professional experience. No matter which method you choose, remember to test your recordings thoroughly and troubleshoot any issues you encounter. With a little practice and patience, you'll be creating awesome screen recordings with perfect audio in no time. Now go forth and capture your Mac's screen with amazing sound!