How to Screen Record on Mac (2026): Shift-Command-5 and QuickTime

If you've ever tried to explain a process to a client or a new team member by email, you'll know how quickly it turns into a wall of text. A short screen recording on your Mac does the job in a minute. You can show someone how to update a page on your website, walk a client through a report, record a training video for staff, or capture a bug exactly as it happens.

macOS has two built-in ways to record your screen: the Screenshot app, which you open with a keyboard shortcut, and QuickTime Player. Neither needs a download. This guide follows Apple's own support pages, and I'll point out the options that depend on which version of macOS you're running. If you'd like a few more ways to speed up everyday work on your computer, my guide to boosting your Mac's productivity is a good companion.

Open the Mac Screenshot toolbar with Shift-Command-5

Press Shift, Command and 5 together. A small toolbar appears at the bottom of the screen. The first buttons take still screenshots, and the next ones are for video. Apple lists these recording modes:

• Record Entire Screen captures everything on your display.
• Record Selected Window captures one window. Apple says this needs macOS Tahoe 26 or later.
• Record Selected Portion captures an area you choose. Drag the borders of the box to resize it, or drag the middle to move it.

For tutorials, I'd lean towards a selected portion or window. It keeps your bookmarks, desktop files and other open apps out of the video, and the result is easier to watch on a phone.

Shift-Command-5 options worth setting before you press Record

Click Options on the toolbar to choose how the recording behaves. Apple describes these settings:

• Microphone. Pick a microphone if you want to talk over the recording.
• Include System Audio. Apple says this is available in macOS 27 Golden Gate or later. On earlier versions, the built-in tools record your microphone but not the sound your Mac is playing.
• Show Mouse Clicks. Adds a black circle around the pointer each time you click, which helps viewers follow along.
• Timer. Adds a delay before recording begins, so you can get the right window ready.
• Save to. Changes where the file goes. Apple says the default is your desktop.
• Capture format. On supported Macs with macOS Tahoe 26 or later, you can choose SDR (H.264, the most compatible) or HDR (HEVC).

If you're sending videos to clients who use all sorts of devices, the more compatible format is the safer choice.

Record and stop with the macOS Screenshot app

1. Press Shift-Command-5 and choose your recording mode.
2. Set your options, including the microphone if you want narration.
3. Click Record. If you chose Record Selected Window, click the window you want to capture.
4. Do what you want to show. Speak slowly and move the pointer with purpose.
5. To stop, click the stop button in the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc.
6. A thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen. Click it to edit the recording, or leave it and it saves to your chosen location.

To cancel before you start, press Esc. Apple says recordings are named Screen Recording followed by the date and time, and saved as .mov files.

Recording your Mac screen in QuickTime Player instead

QuickTime Player offers a second route, and some people prefer it because the recording opens straight away for playback. Apple's steps are:

1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
2. Choose File, then New Screen Recording, or press Control-Command-N. If the Screenshot toolbar appears instead, use the steps above.
3. Click the arrow next to the Record button to choose a microphone and turn on Show Mouse Clicks in Recording if you'd like.
4. Click Record. Click anywhere to record the whole screen, or drag to select an area and click Start Recording.
5. Stop with the menu bar stop button or Command-Control-Esc. QuickTime Player opens the recording so you can play, edit or share it.

Apple notes that if you hear feedback while monitoring your microphone, you should turn the volume down or use headphones with a microphone.

Trimming a Mac recording in QuickTime

Most recordings start and end with a few seconds of you reaching for the stop button. QuickTime Player can cut those off. Apple's trimming steps are:

1. Open the recording in QuickTime Player.
2. Choose Edit, then Trim.
3. Drag the yellow handles on the trimming bar. Anything outside the handles is removed.
4. For finer control, click and hold a handle to see individual frames.
5. Click Trim, then save the file.

For anything more involved, such as titles or joining several clips, Apple says you can open recordings in iMovie or another video app.

macOS Privacy and Security settings for screen recording apps

The built-in tools work without extra setup, but third-party apps, video call apps and browsers need your permission to record the screen. If an app says it can't see your screen, Apple's path is:

1. Choose Apple menu, then System Settings.
2. Click Privacy and Security in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.
3. Click Screen and System Audio Recording.
4. Turn recording access on or off for each app in the list. Apple says you can allow an app to record the screen and audio, or audio only.
5. To add an app that isn't listed, use the add button under the list.

Only give access to apps you trust, and remove it from apps you no longer use. Apple points out that third-party apps handle what they collect under their own terms and privacy policies.

Fixing a Mac screen recording that won't behave

• No sound from videos or apps. On versions before macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple's built-in tools don't record system audio. Check your macOS version, and use the microphone for narration.
• No voice either. Open Options and make sure a microphone is selected, not None.
• A window records as blank. Apple notes that some apps, such as the Apple TV app, might not let you record their windows.
• Can't find the file. Look on the desktop, or check the Save to setting under Options.
• A meeting or browser app can't share your screen. Check Screen and System Audio Recording in Privacy and Security, as above.
• The option to record a single window is missing. That needs macOS Tahoe 26 or later, so select a portion of the screen instead.

Making a business tutorial from a Mac recording

A screen recording is only useful if people watch it to the end. A few habits make a big difference:

• Close email, chat apps and anything with client details before you start, and hide desktop files.
• Write three or four bullet points to follow, so you don't ramble.
• Keep each video focused on one task. Short clips are easier to update when something changes.
• Turn on Show Mouse Clicks so viewers can follow the pointer.
• Name each file clearly, such as the task and the date, so your team can find it later.
• If you record a call or a meeting, tell everyone first.

When you outgrow the built-in tools, my roundup of screen recording software covers editors and webcam overlays, and there's a separate list of free and open source screen recorders if you'd rather avoid subscriptions.

Shift-Command-5 or QuickTime: a quick comparison

Feature	Screenshot app	QuickTime Player
How to open	Shift-Command-5	File, then New Screen Recording
Record one window	Yes, on macOS Tahoe 26 or later	Whole screen or a dragged area
Timer and save location	Yes, in Options	Not listed by Apple
Show mouse clicks	Yes, in Options	Yes, from the Record button menu
After recording	Thumbnail, then saves to desktop	Opens the video straight away

Frequently asked questions

Where do Mac screen recordings save?

By default they save to your desktop as .mov files named Screen Recording with the date and time. You can change the location under Options in the Screenshot toolbar.

How do I stop a screen recording on a Mac?

Click the stop button in the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc. This works for both the Screenshot app and QuickTime Player.

Can I record internal audio on a Mac?

Apple says the Include System Audio option is available in macOS 27 Golden Gate or later. On earlier versions, the built-in tools record your microphone only.

Why can't an app record my Mac screen?

It probably needs permission. Go to System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Screen and System Audio Recording, and switch that app on.

Can I record just one window on a Mac?

Yes, if you're on macOS Tahoe 26 or later. Press Shift-Command-5, choose Record Selected Window, then click the window you want.