How to do Screen Record on MacBook

In today’s digital world, it has become quite a norm to capture the screen and it is done for several reasons. People do this to create videos regarding tutorials and gameplay, share presentations, or troubleshoot issues.

Now, if you are a person who uses a MacBook, you have a number of tools that you can use to get help in order to make this process seamless. In this guide, we are going to help you use built-in tools like the Screenshot toolbar and QuickTime Player. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with all the knowledge that you require to screen record on the MacBook.

MacBook Screen Recording Using the Built-in Tools

Screenshot Toolbar (macOS Mojave and Later)

If you have a device that is running on macOS Mojave (10.4) or have a newer version than that, the Screenshot Toolbar is a good way to get your screen recorded. Here we will explain to you how to do just that in some simple steps.

1.    Open the Screenshot Toolbar:

First of all, you need to bring up the toolbar and for that, you need to press Shift + Command + 5. When you do this, it will lead to the display of a couple of options that shall be located at the bottom part of your display.

2.    Choose Your Documenting Mode:

On the right side of the toolbar, you are going to see two main recording options, one is used to capture the entire interface while the second one is used to record only a specific portion that you have to select.

If you want to capture only some part of the display, you can click on the second option.  You will have to click and drag to create a box around the area that you want to get recorded.

3.    Start Capturing:

After you are done with the selection, you can hit the Record button. When you do this, a small icon will appear on the menu bar that shall indicate that the process is in progress.

4.    Stop Capturing:

When you are done with this, you can hit the Stop icon which is located in the menu bar. When you do this, you will get a thumbnail of the recording in the bottom right corner of your display which shall allow you to preview it.

5.    Editing Options:

To see the captured stuff, you can tap on the thumbnail to view it. The best thing about this is that the built-in editing tools also allow you to do some basic cutting and trimming. However, if you are in the requirement of some more advanced editing features, you may end up finding these tools kind of limiting when compared to third-party software.

QuickTime Player (For Older macOS Versions)

If you are using an older version of macOS, then you can use QuickTime Player which is a reliable alternative when it comes to screen recording.

1.    Launch QuickTime Player:

Go to the Applications folder and open the QuickTime player.

2.    Initiate The Process:

Now, you have to search for the tab named File which is present in the menu bar, and then click on New Screen Recording. When you do this, you will see the appearance of a small recording window.

3.    Set Up Your Audio:

Before you begin the process, you have to click on the arrow that is present next to the Record button and then you get to choose your audio input. This is quite useful if you want to record your voice while you are demonstrating something that is being captured on the display.

4.    Start The Process:

You can now press the Record button. With this, you can capture everything that is on the screen or drag on a specific area to select it.

5.    Stop The Process:

When you are done with this process, you can click on the Stop button on the menu bar or click on Command + Control + Escape. This is going to stop recording.

The key advantage of QuickTime Player is that it is compatible with older macOS versions. Also, it is a straightforward tool that is sufficient for basic capturing needs.

Tips for Effective Screen Recording on a MacBook

If you want to enjoy the best experience with this, you may just have to consider leaving the matter to some of our additional tips:

●     Plan Your Content:

Before you capture your desired stuff, you should always have an outline of what you want to say or show. With this, you can stay focused and also this is going to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary edits which you might have to make later.

●     Optimize Your Screen:

You should always make sure that all the applications and the windows that are not needed for recording are closed. This is because it is going to minimize the distractions and keep the viewers focused on the content that you actually want to showcase. The popping of notifications and extra applications can keep the audience more focused on it.

●     Practice:

If you are documenting a tutorial or a presentation, be prepared for it. Make sure that you practice your delivery a couple of times before you start doing it. This will allow you to be more comfortable with the process. One more perk of it is that it is going to improve the quality of your recording. As you know, practice makes you perfect!

●     Use Good Sound:

If you are also capturing your voice, you should always make sure that you have a suitable environment to do this. A quiet room that lacks any noise is the perfect place that can help in the enhancement of your audio quality. A good audio quality can make or break your video.

Conclusion

Screen recording on a MacBook can be a powerful tool that can help you share information and also in creating engaging content. When you are choosing the tools that come built-in with the device like the QuickTime Player and Screenshot toolbar, you have a good variety of options that can help you in meeting your requirements.

With these tools at your disposal, capturing and sharing your screen has never been easier. So now, you can grab your Mac, start recording your screen, and unleash your creativity.