Like at some point we may need to take a screenshot of our iPhone, iPad or Mac (for example, in order to obtain a quick snapshot of what we are seeing at that moment on the screen of the device or device) , something similar would happen with the possibility of recording the screen of our Mac.
Of course, we should not confuse the option of taking a screenshot with recording a video of the Mac screen , since, as is logical to imagine, they are two very different options.
For example, while the first is useful to take a capture of what we are seeing at a certain moment on the screen, obtaining a fixed snapshot of the device screen, in the case of a video recording it consists of obtaining a kind of film about what we are doing on the Mac (and which, therefore, is equally visible on the screen).
Although at first you may think that making a recording of the Mac screen is more complicated than taking a screenshot as an image, the reality is that it is just as simple and simple. However, it is necessary to know how and what steps to follow, especially when it comes to getting the most out of this useful functionality.
What can recording the screen of our Mac be useful for?
In short, we can generate a video record of what happens on the screen of our Mac . And the reasons that can lead us to have or want to do so can be, as you can imagine, quite varied.
For example, we may wish to save in a video what, for example, is being played on our screen, record a tutorial explaining how to follow a series of steps to perform a specific function or task, or share what we are watching with family members and friends.
Taking into account some important aspects
Luckily, did you know that macOS has a functionality that offers you the possibility to record your Mac screen easily and without having to use external programs developed by third parties?
This option, for example, is tremendously useful when all you need is to make a recording of what is happening on the computer screen, easily and without too many complications.
But you must bear in mind something fundamental: it will not be possible to record what is being played through Apple’s integrated DVD player .
Configuring our options
We must start by pressing Shift (Shift) + Command + 5 at the same time . This will open the Screen Capture application.
A control bar will be displayed just below, specifically at the bottom of the screen. As you will see, we can use it to take fixed screen captures, or to record a video of our screen (effectively, the option that interests us the most this time).
We must click on the Options button when configuring our preferences. For example, we can turn on the microphone and speak while recording the screen, set a timer or choose where what we record will be saved.
How to record Mac screen in macOS Mojave or Catalina
Once we have pressed the Shift + Command + 5 keys, and the lower control bar of the Screen Capture application has appeared, we can proceed to record our screen.
The system offers us different options. For example, if you want to record the entire screen, you must click the button that shows a screen-like icon with a circle located right in the corner.
In case you prefer to record only a section of the screen, you should click on the button that shows a screen with a dotted outline and a circle in the corner. Then, you will see how part of the screen will be highlighted with a series of dotted lines around it, which will be the ones that mark what we are recording. You can resize or even move the window .
When we are ready, click on Record . Of course, in case we are recording the entire screen, it is even possible to click on practically any part of the screen; the system will start recording quickly.
To end the recording , you need to press the Stop button, which you will find located in the right corner of the menu bar, or press Command + Shift (Shift) + 5 .
Recording Mac screen with Quicktime Player
In case we have macOS Mojave or an earlier version, it is possible to use Quicktime Player to record the screen , since although it is possible to capture the screen as an image using Command + Shift + 4, the complete application is not activated.
To do this, we must open Quicktime Player , click on File , and select the New screen recording option. A pop-up window will appear with the Screen Recording button.
Now, we simply have to click on the arrow next to the record button to see the different recording options available, such as choosing to record audio from the external microphone of the Mac.
We click on the red record button, and to record the full screen we just have to click anywhere on the screen. If we want to only record a section, we must click and drag the cursor to create a window, and then click on the button labeled Start recording in the middle of the window.
When you stop recording, you just have to press Command + Control + Esc or click the stop button on the menu bar.
