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how to record screen on macbook with internal audio

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Recording your MacBook screen with internal audio (also called system audio, like sounds from videos, games, or apps) isn’t built directly into macOS tools like QuickTime Player or the Screenshot toolbar (Shift + Command + 5). These record your microphone easily, but internal/system audio requires a small extra step—usually a free virtual audio driver.

The most reliable, free, and popular method in 2026 uses BlackHole (a virtual audio driver from Existential Audio). It routes your Mac’s system sound so the recorder can capture it. Many users and tutorials still recommend this because macOS hasn’t added native system audio capture in screen recordings yet (even on the latest macOS versions like Sequoia or later).

Here are the easiest and most common ways to do it.

Method 1: Built-in Tools + BlackHole (Free, No Watermark, Recommended for Most People)

This combines QuickTime Player (or the built-in screenshot toolbar) with BlackHole.

Step 1: Install BlackHole (takes ~2 minutes)

  1. Go to the official site: https://existential.audio/blackhole/
  2. Download the latest version (usually the 2ch or 16ch option—2ch is enough for most people).
  3. Open the .pkg installer and follow the steps (you may need to allow it in System Settings > Privacy & Security).
  4. Restart your Mac if asked (not always required).

Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device (so you can hear sound while recording)

  1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (find it in Applications > Utilities, or Spotlight search).
  2. In the bottom-left corner, click the + button.
  3. Choose Create Multi-Output Device.
  4. In the right panel, check these boxes:
    • Built-in Output (or your speakers/headphones)
    • BlackHole 2ch (or whichever version you installed)
  5. Right-click the new multi-output device at the top of the list and select Use This Device for Sound Output.
  6. Go to System Settings > Sound > Output and select this new multi-output device. → Now your Mac plays sound normally, but it also routes to BlackHole.

Step 3: Start Screen Recording with Internal Audio Option A: Using QuickTime Player (classic method)

  1. Open QuickTime Player (it’s pre-installed).
  2. Go to File > New Screen Recording.
  3. In the small recording bar, click the arrow next to the red Record button.
  4. Under Microphone, select BlackHole 2ch (this captures system audio).
    • If you also want your voice, you’ll need to record mic separately or use another tool (see tips below).
  5. Choose full screen or drag to select a portion.
  6. Click Record.
  7. Do your thing—play videos, narrate, etc.
  8. Click the Stop button in the top menu bar (or press Command + Control + Esc).
  9. QuickTime opens the recording—save it as .mov.

Option B: Using the Built-in Screenshot Toolbar (faster hotkey method — Shift + Command + 5)

  1. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the toolbar.
  2. Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
  3. Click Options > Microphone > select BlackHole 2ch.
  4. Hit Record.
  5. Stop from the menu bar icon.
  6. The video saves to your desktop or chosen folder (you can change this in Options).

Done! Your recording now includes internal audio with no watermark.

Method 2: Third-Party Apps That Handle Internal Audio Natively (Easier Setup)

If you don’t want to set up BlackHole, try these apps (many have free versions or trials):

  • Cap (cap.so) — Very simple: Install, toggle “Record System Audio”, select area, record. Handles both system sound and mic easily.
  • CleanShot X (paid, but powerful) — Great for screenshots + recordings; captures system audio without drivers.
  • Awesome Screenshot & Recorder (free tier available) — Browser extension + app; records internal audio directly.

These are popular in 2025–2026 because they skip the audio routing hassle.

Quick Tips

  • Want both system audio + your voice? BlackHole captures system sound only. To add your mic:
    • Record system audio first, then record voice separately and combine in iMovie or CapCut (free).
    • Or use apps like Cap or CleanShot X that let you pick both sources.
  • No sound after setup? Double-check:
    • Output is set to the multi-output device.
    • Microphone in recorder is BlackHole (not Built-in).
    • Play test audio (YouTube) before recording.
  • Privacy/Security: macOS asks for screen recording permission the first time—allow it for QuickTime or your app.
  • File too big? Recordings are .mov—compress later in QuickTime (File > Export As) or use HandBrake (free).

This method works on current macOS versions (including whatever is current in 2026). If you’re on an older macOS, the steps are almost the same.

Which method are you planning to try first—BlackHole setup or a third-party app? Let me know if you run into any issues!