QuickTime Player is a powerful, free tool for screen recording on Mac, but recording with audio can be tricky. This detailed guide walks you through recording both microphone and system audio, ensuring your screen recordings capture all the sound you need.
Basic Screen Recording in QuickTime
Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder. Select File > New Screen Recording from the menu bar. A recording window appears with a red record button. Click the arrow next to the record button to select your microphone. Choose recording quality (High or Maximum for best results). Click the record button and select your recording area.
Setting Up Microphone Audio
QuickTime easily records from any connected microphone. In the recording window, click the dropdown arrow. Select your preferred microphone (Built-in or external). Test audio levels by speaking - you'll see the input meter move. Adjust input volume in System Preferences > Sound if needed. Position yourself consistently relative to the microphone for even audio levels.
Recording System Audio - The Challenge
QuickTime doesn't natively record system audio (computer sounds). This limitation exists for copyright and privacy protection. To record system audio, you need additional software. BlackHole is a free, popular solution for routing system audio. Install BlackHole and configure it as your audio output during recording.
Complete Audio Setup with BlackHole
Download and install BlackHole audio driver. Open Audio MIDI Setup (in Utilities folder). Create a Multi-Output Device including BlackHole and your speakers. Set this as your sound output before recording. In QuickTime, select BlackHole as your microphone input. This setup captures all system audio in your recording.
Alternative: Using ShotVu for Simple Audio Recording
If QuickTime's audio limitations are frustrating, consider ShotVu. It captures both microphone and system audio automatically. No complex setup or additional software required. Record directly in your browser with professional quality. Get instant shareable links without rendering or uploading. Perfect for tutorials, demos, and presentations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No audio in recording? Verify microphone permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Audio out of sync? Close other audio applications during recording. Crackling or distorted audio? Lower input gain or move farther from microphone. Can't hear system audio while recording? Use headphones connected to your Multi-Output Device.