How To Screen Record On Mac (Free & Pro-Level Options!)

Screen recording on Mac opens up a world of possibilities for tutorials, social media content, or full online courses. Discover how to screen record on Mac with both free and pro-level options, using top tools and straightforward workflows.

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Below is an AI-assisted summary of the key points and ideas covered in the video. For more detail, make sure to check out the full time stamped video above!

QuickTime: The Built-In Freebie for Mac

QuickTime comes pre-installed on every Mac, making it an ideal choice for basic screen recording. The process is simple:

  • Open QuickTime from the Applications folder.
  • Click “File” > “New Screen Recording,” or use the shortcut Command + Shift + 5.
  • The toolbar offers options for screenshots or video (full screen or a selected portion).
  • Set the save location.
  • Select a countdown timer if desired.
  • Choose a microphone to add voice narration.
  • Optionally enable mouse click highlighting, useful for tutorials.
  • Click “Record” to begin. The stop button appears in the menu bar when finished.

QuickTime Pros:

  • Free and pre-installed
  • Easy to use and quick to start
  • High-quality recordings (up to 68 Mbps, 51 fps)
  • Video trimming available after recording

QuickTime Cons:

  • Cannot record system audio
  • No webcam overlay
  • Only basic editing tools

Try QuickTime

QuickTime gets the basics right for fast recordings.

Tella: Pro-Level Screen & Webcam Recording With AI Features

Tella delivers advanced features and customization designed for creators and professionals. The desktop app provides the highest quality and more control:

  • Simultaneously record screen and webcam (up to 4K)
  • Adjust webcam quality, screen resolution, mouse cursor visibility, and whether to record system audio
  • Utilize countdown timers and keyboard shortcuts for efficiency
  • Preview orientation (portrait or landscape) to match camera setup
  • Stop and resume, recording in clips for flexible content creation
  • Advanced web-based editing: rearrange, resize, and style elements
  • Layout, background, and branding customization options
  • Built-in AI editing: remove filler words, cut silences, edit from transcript, and apply magic trims
  • Add subtitles or captions and tweak transcripts for a polished finish
  • Share via secure link or download directly
  • Branding options and sharing features for professional delivery

Tella Pricing:

  • Free trial
  • Pro plan: $12 per user/month (billed yearly) or $19 per user/month (billed monthly)
  • Premium plan: $39 per user/month (billed yearly) or $49 per user/month (billed monthly)

Tella Pros:

  • Highly customizable layouts
  • Robust AI editing tools
  • 4K and 60fps support
  • Simple sharing, cloud backup, and branding

Tella Cons:

  • 4K and premium features require a paid plan
  • Slight learning curve for all functions

Try Tella

Tella is a strong choice for creators and teams who need more flexibility and polish.

Descript: Advanced Editing, AI, and Podcast-Friendly Recording

Descript offers more than just screen recording, making it a powerhouse for workflows requiring AI editing and integrated content systems:

  • Record camera, screen, or both—plus audio-only or guest interviews
  • Desktop or web cloud options (desktop recommended for top quality)
  • Live preview during recording
  • Edit by modifying the transcript—remove text, and video edits itself
  • Drag, drop, and rearrange for flexibility
  • Presets for all major formats (YouTube, TikTok, custom resolutions)
  • Auto-generated captions, customizable and styled easily
  • AI tools to remove filler words, shorten pauses, and enhance clarity
  • Unique features: eye contact correction, green screen, background blur, and AI-generated clips
  • Multiple export options: download, link sharing, direct upload to platforms
  • Huge royalty-free stock library for music and footage

Descript Pricing:

  • Free version
  • Hobbyist Plan: $16/month (billed yearly) or $24/month (billed monthly)
  • Creator Plan: $24/month (billed yearly) or $35/month (billed monthly)
  • Business Plan: $50/month (billed yearly) or $65/month (billed monthly)

Descript Pros:

  • Powerful AI editing that saves hours
  • Edit videos as easily as editing text
  • Versatile for video, audio, and podcasts
  • Excellent sharing and export capabilities

Descript Cons:

  • Higher cost for advanced features
  • Some learning curve for new users

Try Descript

Descript is ideal for those seeking high-level results and streamlined content creation.

Comparison Table: QuickTime vs Tella vs Descript

FeatureQuickTimeTellaDescript
Price (USD)Free$12-19/user/month$16-24/month or Free plan
Max Quality~51 fps, HD4K, 60fps (Pro+)4K, 60fps (Pro+)
Record System AudioNoYesYes
Webcam RecordingNoYesYes
AI EditingNoYesYes (advanced)
Share As LinkNoYesYes
Detailed EditingBasic TrimLayouts, Captions, AITranscript, AI, Formats
Branding OptionsNoYesYes
Free VersionYesYes (trial)Yes (limited features)

Pick Your Best Screen Recording Workflow on Mac

Screen recording on Mac doesn’t have to be tricky or time-consuming. QuickTime covers quick and free needs, while Tella and Descript offer customizable and professional options. Try out the free versions, see what fits best, and enjoy smoother, higher-quality recordings every time.

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