Keyboard commands for recording vary across platforms and applications. This comprehensive reference covers all major recording shortcuts for screen capture, audio recording, and video capture across Mac, Windows, and popular software applications.
macOS Recording Commands
Command + Shift + 5: Screenshot and screen recording toolbar. Command + Control + Esc: Stop screen recording (Monterey+). QuickTime: Command + Control + N for new audio recording. Command + Control + Option + N for new movie recording. Voice Memos: Spacebar to start/stop recording. GarageBand: R to start recording, Spacebar to stop.
Windows Recording Commands
Windows + Alt + R: Start/stop Xbox Game Bar recording. Windows + Alt + G: Record last 30 seconds. Windows + G: Open Game Bar. Windows + Alt + M: Start/stop microphone recording. Print Screen: Screenshot only (not recording). Ctrl + Shift + S: Snipping Tool for screenshots.
Popular Software Recording Shortcuts
OBS Studio: Start/Stop recording hotkeys are customizable. Zoom: Command/Alt + Shift + R for cloud recording. Audacity: Shift + R to record, Spacebar to stop. Camtasia: F9 to start/stop recording by default. ScreenFlow: Command + Shift + 2 for recording. Adobe Premiere: Shift + 0 for voice-over recording.
Browser-Based Recording
Most browser recorders use button clicks, not shortcuts. ShotVu and similar tools work with standard browser commands. Chrome DevTools: Command/Ctrl + Shift + P for commands. Firefox Screenshots: Command/Ctrl + Shift + S. Browser extensions may add custom shortcuts. Check extension settings for available commands.
Mobile Recording Commands
iOS: No keyboard shortcuts for screen recording. Use AssistiveTouch for quick access options. iPad with keyboard: Command + Shift + 5 (iPadOS 15+). Android: Varies by manufacturer, often no shortcuts. External keyboards may support system shortcuts. Mobile recording typically requires touch controls.
Customizing Recording Commands
Mac: System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts. Windows: Settings > Gaming > Game Bar shortcuts. Most pro software allows custom hotkey assignment. Avoid conflicts with system or app shortcuts. Test custom shortcuts before important recordings. Document custom shortcuts for consistency.