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.
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🚨 UPDATE: This tutorial is for macOS 12 or older. For macOS 13 Ventura (2022) or newer, watch this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph1gpaPQN2M
Learn how to record your screen including INTERNAL COMPUTER AUDIO on a Mac for FREE! By the end of this video you'll be a pro at screen recording on your Mac, plus a few bonus tips to elevate the quality of your videos.
Video Ideas Cheat Sheet - https://jaymayor.com/go/video-ideas-cheat-sheet
All links mentioned:
BlackHole - https://existential.audio/blackhole
Presentation Assistant - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/presentation-assistant/id1324964512
🔊🎧 Can't find the volume icon? Fix it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jl69TLfnec
🎬 Curious about my studio gear/equipment? Check out my budget studio spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11PLFsWyL6aau3HFUx6aQqwa9CqnO39ZWl-TeJwI7dKE
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:14 What we'll cover
0:41 Recording Your Screen
2:55 Computer Audio Input Setup
4:48 Setup Steps (Pause Here)
4:58 Time To Record (Screen + Internal Audio)
6:29 Screen Recording Steps (Pause Here)
6:40 Bonus Tip #1 - Presentation Assistant
8:52 Bonus Tip #2 - Video Ideas Cheat Sheet
9:20 Outro
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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.
- Creator Resources: Brainstorm new content with the free Video Ideas Cheat Sheet or upgrade your setup using the Budget Studio Gear Spreadsheet.
🚨 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
Quick answers to the questions people usually ask about this topic.
Does this method work on the newest Mac operating systems like macOS Ventura?
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?
Can I record my microphone and internal computer audio at the same time using this method?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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