How to record your screen on a Mac

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

macOS records the screen without any extra software. The same toolbar that takes screenshots also records video, with your voice if you want.

The pictures are diagrams of the keys to press.

Step by step

1. Press Shift + Command + 5

   A toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen.

   Done

2. Choose what to record

   The two buttons with a small circle record video: the whole screen, or an area you drag out.

   Done

3. Click Options to add sound

   Under Microphone, choose the built-in microphone to record your voice. You can also set a 5 or 10 second timer and choose where the file is saved.

   Done

4. Click Record

   For the whole screen, click anywhere to start.

   Done

5. Stop the recording

   Click the stop button, a square in a circle, at the right side of the menu bar, or press Command + Control + Esc. A preview appears in the corner, and the video is saved as a .mov file.

   Done

Good to know

To trim the start and end, click the preview, or open the file and press Command + T in QuickTime Player.

The Mac's own sound, such as audio from a video, is not recorded by default. Recent macOS versions offer it for some apps in Options; otherwise only the microphone is captured.

The first time, an app such as Zoom or Chrome may ask for screen recording permission under System Settings, Privacy & Security.

In short: Shift + Command + 5, pick a record button, Record, stop from the menu bar.