How to Screen Record on MacBook With Audio (2026 Guide)

If you’re wondering how to screen record on a MacBook with audio, you’re not alone. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording presentations, making product demos, or capturing gameplay, knowing how to record both your screen and audio is essential.

The good news is that macOS includes built-in recording tools. However, recording internal audio can be a little tricky because Apple restricts direct access to system sound recording. Fortunately, there are several ways to record your Mac screen with audio, ranging from native tools like QuickTime Player to advanced solutions like OBS and modern creators’ tools such as CursorClip.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to screen record on a MacBook with audio, including microphone audio, internal audio, and professional-quality recordings.

Why Record Your Screen With Audio on Mac?

Many users don’t just want a screen recording, they need audio and video together.

Common use cases include:

• Creating software tutorials
• Recording online meetings
• Capturing webinars
• Making YouTube content
• Creating SaaS product demos
• Recording presentations
• Teaching online courses

When you record the screen along with sound, viewers can better understand what you’re explaining.

How Do I Screen Record on Mac With Audio Using Built-In Tools?

Apple provides a built-in Screenshot App and QuickTime Player for screen recording.

Method 1: Use the Screenshot App

This is the easiest way to record your screen on Mac.

Step 1: Open the Screenshot App

Press:

Command + Shift + 5

This opens the screenshot app toolbar.

You’ll see options to:

• Capture the entire screen
• Capture a selected window
• Record the entire screen
• Record a portion of the screen

Step 2: Choose Recording Type

Select either:

• Entire screen
• Selected portion

If you only want a specific window recorded, choose the portion option.

Step 3: Configure Audio Settings

Click Options.

Under the microphone section choose:

• Built-in Microphone
• External Mic
• AirPods microphone

This allows you to record your voice while recording.

Step 4: Start Recording

Click the Record button.

Everything happening on your display will be captured.

Step 5: Stop and Save

Click the stop icon in the menu bar.

The recording will automatically save to your desktop by default.

Limitations of the Screenshot App

While convenient, the Screenshot App cannot directly record internal audio.

This means:

• No system audio recording
• No app sound recording
• No browser audio recording

If you need to record internal audio, you’ll need additional software. For dedicated tools, see our Mac screen recorder comparison. For the full visual capture workflow before audio setup, start with how to do screen capture video on Mac.

How to Record Screen and Voice on Mac Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is Apple’s native screen recorder.

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player

Open QuickTime Player from Applications.

Step 2: Create a New Recording

From the menu select:

File -> New Screen Recording

Step 3: Select Audio Source

Before starting, choose your microphone.

Available options include:

• Built-in microphone
• USB microphone
• External microphone

Step 4: Start Recording

Click Record.

Choose:

• Entire screen
• Selected area

QuickTime will begin recording.

Step 5: Stop Recording

Click the stop control in the menu bar.

You can immediately edit the video before saving.

Pros

• Free
• Easy to use
• Built into macOS

Cons

• Cannot record system audio natively
• Limited editing features
• Basic output controls

How to Record Your Mac Screen With Audio Including Internal Audio

One of the biggest challenges on Mac is recording system audio.

Apple intentionally prevents apps from capturing system sound directly.

To record internal audio, you need an audio-routing tool.

The most common solution is:

BlackHole 2ch

BlackHole 2ch is a free virtual audio driver that lets applications access audio on your Mac.

Step 1: Install BlackHole Software

Download and install BlackHole software.

After installation, open:

Audio MIDI Setup

This utility is already available on macOS.

Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device

In Audio MIDI Setup:

1. Click +
2. Create Multi-Output Device
3. Select BlackHole 2ch and Internal Speakers

This allows playback through your speakers while routing audio for recording.

Step 3: Configure Sound Output

Go to:

System Settings -> Sound

Change the sound output to the Multi-Output Device.

Now your system sound can be routed to recording applications.

Step 4: Record Internal Audio

Applications such as OBS can now record internal audio from BlackHole.

This setup allows you to record screen and internal audio simultaneously.

Using OBS to Record Screen and Internal Audio

OBS is one of the most popular recording tools available.

If you need advanced controls, OBS is a powerful option.

Step 1: Install OBS

Download and install OBS.

Step 2: Add Screen Source

Inside OBS:

1. Click +
2. Add Display Capture

This creates a screen capture source.

Step 3: Add Audio Sources

Add:

• BlackHole audio source
• Microphone source

This setup captures:

• Screen and internal audio
• Voice narration

Step 4: Start Video Recording

Press Start Recording.

OBS will begin recording audio and video.

Advantages of OBS

• Free
• Highly customizable
• Supports multiple sources
• Record system audio

Disadvantages

• Complex setup
• Steeper learning curve
• Multiple settings to configure

For beginners, OBS can feel overwhelming.

The Easier Way to Record Professional Mac Tutorials

If your goal is creating polished tutorials, product demos, or educational content, there is a much easier option.

Use CursorClip

CursorClip combines screen recording and editing into a single workflow.

Unlike traditional tools that require separate recording and editing software, CursorClip automatically transforms recordings into professional-looking videos.

Key benefits include:

• Automatic cursor tracking
• Dynamic zoom effects
• Smooth panning
• Professional transitions
• Fast editing workflow
• Designed specifically for Mac creators

Instead of spending hours editing recordings in iMovie or other editors, you can produce polished content in minutes.

For SaaS founders, educators, marketers, and content creators, CursorClip significantly reduces production time while improving video quality.

Best Audio Settings for Mac Screen Recordings

To improve recording quality:

Microphone Tips

• Use an external microphone when possible
• Record in a quiet room
• Keep the mic close to your mouth

Volume Settings

Before recording:

• Adjust speaker volume
• Check microphone levels
• Test playback

This helps avoid distorted recordings.

Recording Format

For maximum compatibility:

• Use MP4 when available
• Export high-quality output
• Verify audio synchronization

Troubleshooting Common Audio Problems

No Audio Recorded

Check:

• Microphone permissions
• Recording software settings
• Input device selection

No System Audio

Verify:

• BlackHole 2ch installation
• Audio MIDI Setup configuration
• Correct sound routing

Echo During Recording

This usually happens when speaker output is re-recorded through the microphone.

Use headphones to eliminate echo.

Audio Out of Sync

Restart the recording application and reduce background processes.

Most modern recording tools automatically correct synchronization issues.

Which Mac Screen Recording Method Should You Choose?

If you simply want to record your screen occasionally, QuickTime works well.

If you need complete control and want to record internal audio, OBS is a strong choice.

If you’re creating content regularly and want professional-looking results with ease, CursorClip offers the fastest workflow. For a broader recording workflow beyond audio, read the complete guide on how to screen record videos on Mac.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to screen record on a MacBook with audio, the best method comes down to your goals.

If you only need occasional recordings, Apple’s built-in tools like QuickTime Player and the Screenshot App are perfectly adequate. If you need to record internal audio, advanced setups using OBS and BlackHole can get the job done, though they often require extra configuration and a steeper learning curve.

But if you’re creating tutorials, SaaS demos, educational videos, onboarding guides, product walkthroughs, or social media content regularly, there’s a much faster and more professional solution.

CursorClip is built specifically for Mac creators who want studio-quality recordings without spending hours editing. It automatically adds cursor-aware zooms, smooth camera movements, and professional effects that make your videos look polished right after recording. Instead of juggling multiple tools for recording, editing, and post-production, you can create engaging videos in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re a content creator, educator, marketer, developer, or SaaS founder, CursorClip helps you transform simple screen recordings into videos that look professionally produced.

Ready to Create Better Screen Recordings?

Skip the complicated OBS setups and manual editing workflows.

Grab the CursorClip Lifetime Deal today and get lifetime access to professional Mac screen recording and automated editing features with a single purchase.

Start creating polished tutorials, product demos, and training videos faster with CursorClip. Your future self, and your audience, will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I screen record on Mac with audio?

You can use the Screenshot App or QuickTime Player to record your screen with microphone audio. For system audio, you’ll need tools like BlackHole and OBS.

Can QuickTime Player record internal audio?

No. QuickTime Player cannot directly record internal audio without additional software such as BlackHole.

How do I record screen and voice on Mac?

Open the Screenshot App using Command + Shift + 5, select a recording option, choose your microphone under Options, and start recording.

How do I record your Mac screen with audio from apps?

To capture audio from apps, you’ll need an audio-routing solution like BlackHole 2ch combined with OBS.

What is the easiest way to record a Mac screen with audio?

For basic recordings, QuickTime is the easiest option. For professional tutorials and demos, CursorClip provides the simplest workflow with built-in editing capabilities.

Can I record screen and internal audio at the same time on Mac?

Yes. Using BlackHole software and OBS, you can record screen and internal audio at the same time.

Does macOS include a built-in screen recorder?

Yes. macOS includes both the Screenshot App and QuickTime Player for screen recording.