3 Standard Methods to Screen Record on a MacBook Pro

August 14, 2026Amanda Brown

Nowadays, knowing how to capture your computer screen is an essential skill. Fortunately, macOS provides native recording tools that let you easily capture your Mac screen with no software installation. However, in some cases, for more advanced needs, such as capturing internal system audio, you need to look beyond Apple’s default options.

You can easily screen record on a MacBook Pro using either the native recording tools or third-party recorders. This guide shares three efficient methods to help you do that.

Screen Record On Windows

Part 1. Built-in Ways to Screen Record on Mac (No Software Required)

If your Mac runs macOS Mojave or later, you can start with the built-in tools to screen record. Besides, if you are using an older system, you can rely on the native QuickTime Player to capture videos on your MacBook Pro.

1. Using Screenshot Toolbar (Command + Shift + 5)

The Screenshot Toolbar offers a quick, convenient way to record your Mac screen. It allows you to capture either the entire display or a specific section.

Step 1.
You can press Command + Shift + 5 simultaneously to access it. A floating toolbar will appear on your MacBook Pro’s screen. There are three options in the middle section of the toolbar for screen recording. You can choose to capture the full screen, a specific window, or a selected region.
Step 2.
Click the Options menu in the toolbar if you need to customize more options. After that, click the Record button to screen record on your MacBook Pro.
Customize Save Locations For Mac Recordings

2. Using QuickTime Player for Screen Recording

QuickTime is pre-installed on every Mac for playback needs. It can help you record your Mac screen with your face using the built-in webcam.

Step 1.
Open QuickTime Player from the App or using Spotlight. Go to the top menu bar, click the File menu, and choose New Screen Recording from the drop-down menu.
Quicktime New Recording
Step 2.
You can see a small Screen Recording window. Click the small down-facing arrow next to the red Record button to adjust more settings. You can turn on your MacBook’s microphone for voiceovers.
Quicktime Record Webcam Screen
Step 3.
Click the Record button and select the specific area you want to capture. Then, click Start Recording within that area.

Part 2. Can You Screen Record with Internal Audio on MacBook Pro

If you use the built-in methods above to screen record on a MacBook Pro, you can only capture sound from its microphone. In some cases, when you try recording a YouTube video, a video game, or a Zoom meeting, the captured video may have no audio track.

The native screen recording tools are specially designed to only support microphone recording. That is for copyright protections and privacy concerns. Apple does not allow native apps to directly access and record Mac system audio. In that case, sounds captured from your microphone will be of low quality.

Part 3. How to Record Screen with Internal Audio on MacBook Pro

If you prefer to bypass Apple’s audio restrictions and record audio directly from the system sound, you should turn to dedicated screen recording software. Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is a reputable, all-in-one video and audio recording tool designed to solve the limitations of macOS built-in tools.

Interface

It can capture high-quality videos alongside clear internal system audio. You don’t need to install any audio plugin or driver for the recording. The software is ideal for recording gameplay, streaming audio, video calls, online meetings, and more. One significant advantage is that its screen and sound recording operations won’t be detected by the platform/app and macOS. Your actions won’t trigger a notification message or an alert.

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3. Using Aiseesoft Screen Recorder for Mac to Capture Internal System Sound

Step 1.
Download and open Aiseesoft Mac Screen Recorder on your MacBook Pro. You can start with a desired recording tool, such as the Video Recorder, Audio Recorder, or Webcam Recorder. For the first use, you need to permit this app to screen record on your MacBook Pro with the internal audio.
Mac Screen Recording Permissions
Step 2.
Choose whether you want to record the “Full” screen or “Custom” based on your needs. Turn on the System Sound option to capture your Mac’s system audio. If you don’t want to capture your own voice, turn off the Microphone to avoid background noises. Click Advanced Recorder if you need to capture the screen content around/follow the mouse.
Mac Screen Recorder Advanced Recorder
Step 3.
Click the large REC button to screen record on the MacBook Pro. A floating control panel will appear for you to handily pause or stop the recording. Once recorded, you can watch the recording file in a preview window and edit it. After that, click the Save button to export it in your preferred format. Go to Preferences if you want to adjust more recording options.
Recording Setting

Part 4. FAQs on How to Screen Record on MacBook Pro

Where are screen recordings saved on my MacBook Pro?

If you use the built-in ways to capture your Mac screen, the recorded video will be saved directly to the Desktop as a .MOV file. If you need to change the default screen recording destination, you can press Command + Shift + 5 and go to Options. If you use a third-party app like Aiseesoft to screen record on your MacBook Pro, you can freely select a different location for your recording.

Does the native Screenshot Toolbar support webcam recording?

No, the built-in macOS Screenshot Toolbar (Command + Shift + 5) does not record your face through the webcam. It is mainly designed to capture your screen and your microphone audio.

Does Windows allow system sound recording?

Yes. Unlike macOS, Windows doesn’t have internal audio recording restrictions. You can directly capture internal system sound with native recording tools. For instance, you can use the Snipping Tool or Xbox Game Bar to record system audio.

Conclusion

You can learn three methods to screen record on a MacBook Pro. For quick screen captures and basic tasks, Apple’s built-in Command + Shift + 5 toolbar is often the best choice. However, if you want to capture the internal system sound on your Mac, whether for creating high-quality tutorials, saving gaming moments, or recording live streams, a dedicated application like Aiseesoft Mac Screen Recorder offers the most efficient way.

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