Screen Recording on macOS Tahoe
Recording your screen is a built-in feature of macOS, perfect for creating tutorials, reporting bugs, or saving streaming content. You can record the entire screen or just a specific area, with or without audio.
Using the Screenshot Toolbar
The easiest way to record is using the system toolbar.
- Press Command + Shift + 5.
- Select one of the two video icons in the middle of the toolbar:
- Record Entire Screen: The icon looks like a solid screen with a record circle.
- Record Selected Portion: The icon looks like a dotted box with a record circle.
- Options: Click the Options menu to:
- Microphone: Select a microphone to record your voice along with the video.
- Timer: Set a countdown.
- Save to: Choose where the video file will be saved (default is Desktop).
- Click Record.
Stopping the Recording
To stop recording, you have two options:
- Click the Stop button (a square inside a circle) in the Menu Bar at the top right of the screen.
- Press Command + Control + Esc.
Using QuickTime Player
For more control, or if you prefer the classic method, use QuickTime Player.
- Open QuickTime Player from the Applications folder.
- Go to File > New Screen Recording.
- The Screenshot Toolbar will open (it uses the same system interface).
Editing Your Recording
Once you finish recording, a thumbnail appears in the bottom right corner of the screen. Click it to open the quick editor.
- Trim: Click the trim icon (looks like a film strip) to cut off the start or end of the video. Drag the yellow handles to adjust the length, then click Done.
- Share: Send it directly to AirDrop, Mail, or Messages.