How To Screen Record With INTERNAL COMPUTER AUDIO On A Mac (FREE)
Learn how to screen record with internal computer audio on a Mac for free. Follow this step-by-step QuickTime and BlackHole guide for macOS 12 or older.
Key Takeaways
🚨 Important Note for Mac Users: This guide is specifically for macOS 12 (Monterey) or older. If you are using macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer, please refer to this updated macOS 13+ screen recording tutorial.
Recording your screen on a Mac is famously simple thanks to Apple’s built-in tools. However, capturing your computer’s internal audio while you record is a big missing piece out of the box. If you want to capture the audio from a video playing on your screen, a Zoom meeting, or gameplay, you need to follow a few extra steps.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to screen record on your Mac with internal computer audio included, completely for free.
FAQ
Does this method work on the newest Mac operating systems like macOS Ventura?
No, this specific guide is tailored for macOS 12 (Monterey) or older. If you are running macOS 13 (Ventura) or a newer version, the setup process has changed. You can follow the updated instructions in this macOS 13+ screen recording tutorial.
Can I record my microphone and internal computer audio at the same time using this method?
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macOS Compatibility: This specific method applies to macOS 12 (Monterey) or older (users on newer systems should follow the macOS 13+ tutorial).
Essential Free Tools: You can capture internal sound by combining Mac's native QuickTime Player with the free BlackHole Virtual Audio Driver.
Audio Routing: Use your Mac's Audio MIDI Setup to create an Aggregate Device (routes audio into QuickTime) and a Multi-Output Device (allows you to hear the sound through headphones while recording).
Pre-Set Your Volume: Always adjust your headphone volume before switching your audio output to the recording profile, as system volume controls disable during capture.
QuickTime Settings: When initiating a new screen recording, click the Options menu and change your microphone input to your newly created Computer Audio Input device.
Visual Upgrades: Improve your screencasts by using the Presentation Assistant App to highlight mouse clicks and instantly hide messy desktop icons.
Before getting started, make sure you have the following ready:
QuickTime Player: Pre-installed on your Mac.
BlackHole Virtual Audio Driver: A free third-party tool.
Headphones: Plugged in (if you don't have headphones, you can use your MacBook speakers, but headphones prevent audio feedback).
Step 1: Download and Install BlackHole
To capture internal audio, we need a way to reroute the audio output of your Mac back in as a microphone input. To do this, we use a free virtual audio device called BlackHole.
Enter your email address and name, then click subscribe.
Check your email for a download link and click it.
On the download page, choose the BlackHole 2 Channel option.
Open your downloads folder, double-click the installer, and follow the standard installation wizard.
Step 2: Configure Your Audio MIDI Setup
Now that BlackHole is installed, we need to create two specific virtual audio devices on your Mac.
Press Command + Space on your keyboard to open Spotlight Search, type Audio MIDI Setup, and hit Enter.
In the bottom left corner of the window, click the Plus (+) icon.
You will need to create two new devices using the configurations in the table below:
Device Type to Create
Name to Assign
Checkboxes to Select (In Order)
Purpose
Aggregate Device
Computer Audio Input
BlackHole 2 Channel
Acts as your microphone input for QuickTime.
Multi-Output Device
Headphones (For Recording)
1. External Headphones 2. BlackHole 2 Channel
Allows you to hear the audio while simultaneously sending it to QuickTime.
Note: Your headphones must be plugged in to see "External Headphones" in the list. If they are out of order in the Multi-Output device, uncheck them and re-check them in the correct sequence (Headphones first, BlackHole second).
Once both are set up, you can safely close the Audio MIDI Setup window.
Step 3: Prepare Your Audio Output Before Recording
Before you hit record, you need to tell your Mac where to send its audio.
Adjust your volume now. Once you switch to the recording profile in the next step, your volume controls will be temporarily disabled.
After your volume is set perfectly, click the Volume icon again and select your newly created Headphones (For Recording).
You will still hear audio through your headphones, but your Mac is now ready to send that same audio directly to your screen recording.
Step 4: Record Your Screen and Internal Audio in QuickTime
You are now ready to capture your screen!
Open QuickTime Player (Press Command + Space, type "QuickTime").
In the top menu bar, go to File → New Screen Recording.
A control bar will appear at the bottom of your screen. Select the Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion icon.
Click on Options.
Under the Microphone section, select Computer Audio Input (the Aggregate Device you created earlier).
Click anywhere on the screen (or hit the Record button) to begin recording.
Play the video or audio you want to capture.
When you are finished, click the Stop button in the top menu bar.
Your video will automatically save to your desktop, complete with pristine internal computer audio!
Bonus Tips for High-Quality Screencasts
If you want to elevate the quality of your videos, here are a few extra resources to check out.
1. Highlight Your Clicks with Presentation Assistant
QuickTime has a built-in "Show Mouse Clicks" feature, but it often fails to work reliably. To solve this, and to make your tutorials look incredibly professional, check out the Presentation Assistant App on the Mac App Store.
For just a few dollars, this app gives you:
Mouse Highlights: Turn your cursor into a Spotlight, Ring, or Disk (can be toggled on/off with a keyboard shortcut like Alt + 1).
Custom Click Animations: Show distinct visual circles whenever you click, with adjustable size and opacity.
Clean Desktop Mode: Instantly hide all your messy desktop icons with a single click in the menu bar.
2. Never Run Out of Video Ideas
Struggling to figure out what to record next? Grab this free, printable Video Ideas Cheat Sheet. It is packed full of video formats and concepts you can keep on your desk to brainstorm your next piece of content.
3. Upgrade Your Studio Gear on a Budget
If you are curious about the hardware that can make your videos look and sound better, you don't have to spend a fortune. Check out this Budget Studio Gear Spreadsheet for recommendations on cameras, microphones, and lighting.
(Note: If you want to mix a live microphone into your recording along with your internal computer audio, you may want to look into using OBS Studio instead of QuickTime, as it offers a dedicated digital audio mixer.)
While the QuickTime and BlackHole method is perfect for capturing just the internal computer audio, it doesn't natively mix in a live microphone. If you want to record both your voice and the internal audio simultaneously, you should look into using software like OBS Studio, which includes a dedicated digital audio mixer.
Why can't I change my Mac's volume while I am screen recording?
When you switch your audio output to a Multi-Output Device (like the "Headphones (For Recording)" profile you created), macOS temporarily disables standard volume controls. You must adjust your volume before switching to this profile. If you need to change it during your session, switch your output back to "External Headphones", adjust the volume, and then reselect your recording profile.
What should I do if the volume icon is missing from my Mac's menu bar?
If you don't see the volume icon (🔊 or 🎧) at the top of your screen, you will need to enable it in your system settings before proceeding. You can watch this quick video fix to learn how to add the audio icon back to your menu bar.
How can I hide my desktop icons to make my screen recording look more professional?
An easy way to instantly hide messy desktop icons is by using a third-party tool like the Presentation Assistant App. It includes a "Clean Desktop Mode" that hides your files with a single click, alongside other helpful features like custom mouse highlight animations.
