How to Screen Record on Mac With Sound (Internal + Mic Audio Guide)
Want to create tutorials, record meetings, or capture gameplay on your Mac—with sound? Whether you’re using a MacBook or iMac, this updated guide will show you how to record your screen with both internal system audio and microphone input, using built-in macOS tools and free workarounds.
What You’ll Learn
How to use macOS’s built-in screen recorder
How to record internal system audio and microphone audio
Keyboard shortcuts for quick screen recording
Free tools to enable internal audio capture
Method 1: Use the macOS Screenshot Toolbar
macOS includes a built-in tool for screen recording, accessible with a simple shortcut.
Steps:
Press
Command + Shift + 5Choose one of the following options:
Record Entire Screen
Record Selected Portion
Click Options, then:
Choose your Microphone if you want to include voice narration
Select where to save the recording
Click Record to begin
Important: macOS does not record internal system audio by default. If you want to capture internal sounds (like app audio, YouTube, Zoom), you’ll need a workaround.
How to Record Internal Audio on Mac
macOS restricts direct internal sound capture. However, you can bypass this using a virtual audio driver.
Free Solution: Use BlackHole
BlackHole is a free and open-source virtual audio driver.
Steps:
Download BlackHole from existential.audio
Open the Audio MIDI Setup utility on your Mac
Create a Multi-Output Device that combines:
Mac Speakers
BlackHole
In QuickTime or the Screenshot Toolbar, choose BlackHole as the audio source
Now, any system sound playing on your Mac will be captured in your screen recording.
Method 2: Use QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is another built-in app for screen recording.
Steps:
Open QuickTime Player
Click File > New Screen Recording
Next to the record button, click the arrow icon
Choose your Microphone or BlackHole (if configured)
Start recording
QuickTime also allows you to trim and export recordings easily afterward.
Want Better Audio Control or Editing?
Here are some optional tools if you need more features:
OBS Studio – Free and powerful, ideal for advanced setups
Camtasia – Paid software with professional-grade editing tools
CleanShot X – Lightweight and intuitive for fast screen captures
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Internal audio not recording | Use BlackHole or similar audio driver |
| Recording options are greyed out | Enable Screen Recording in System Settings > Privacy |
| Mic volume too low | Use an external microphone or adjust gain in Audio MIDI Setup |
| File not saving | Check disk space or change the save location in Options before recording |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I record Zoom meetings or YouTube videos with audio on Mac?
Yes, but you’ll need a tool like BlackHole to capture internal system audio.
Q: Does macOS allow screen recording with internal sound by default?
No. macOS only captures microphone input unless you use a workaround.
Q: Are these steps compatible with macOS Ventura and Sonoma?
Yes. The screen recording interface and shortcut work the same across recent macOS versions.
Q: Is BlackHole safe to use?
Yes. It’s open-source and trusted by developers and streamers alike.
Final Thoughts
Screen recording on a Mac is straightforward once you understand how to enable both mic and internal audio. Apple’s built-in tools like the Screenshot Toolbar and QuickTime offer everything you need for most use cases. If you’re looking for more control over internal audio, free tools like BlackHole will bridge the gap without requiring expensive third-party software.