Screen Record Mac Catalina: How To

Screen recording on macOS Catalina (10.15) is built into the operating system, so you don’t need to install any extra software. You can capture your entire screen, a selected window, or a custom region as a video file, complete with optional audio from your microphone. The built-in tool is called Screenshot (launched with Shift-Command-5) and it replaced the older Grab utility, offering a simple, reliable way to make recordings.

Why Catalina Changed Screen Recording

Before Catalina, Mac users had to rely on QuickTime Player’s hidden screen recording feature or third-party apps. With macOS Catalina, Apple introduced a unified Screenshot toolbar that merges still captures and video recording into one interface. This was also the version that introduced the new privacy permissions for screen recording: the first time you try to record, the system asks for permission, and you must grant it in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording. This permission is separate from microphone access, so you may need to enable both if you want audio.

How to Record Your Screen on Catalina

Here are the exact steps to make a screen recording on a Mac running Catalina:

1. Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot toolbar. It appears at the bottom of the screen with several options.
2. Choose one of the two recording buttons on the right side: Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion.
3. If you selected a portion, drag the crosshair to define the recording area. You can also drag the corners of the selection rectangle to adjust it.
4. Click the Record button in the toolbar (or click anywhere on the screen if you’re recording the full screen).
5. To stop recording, click the Stop button in the menu bar (the small square icon) or press Command-Control-Esc.
6. A thumbnail appears in the bottom-right corner for a few seconds. You can click it to trim the video, or wait for it to save automatically to your Desktop (or to the location you set).

If you don’t see the toolbar, go to Applications > Utilities and open Screenshot. The same toolbar will appear.

How to Record With Audio (Microphone)

By default, Catalina’s screen recorder captures no audio. To include your voice or other sounds, you need to enable the microphone before you start recording. In the Screenshot toolbar, look for the Options button (it says “Options” on the right side of the toolbar). Click it, and under the Microphone section, choose your built-in microphone or an external one. Then start recording as usual. Note that the system will ask for microphone permission the first time; go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Microphone and check the box for the app you’re using (usually the Screenshot app or your terminal).

One limitation: you cannot record the sound coming from your Mac’s speakers (internal audio) with the built-in tool. If you need to capture system audio (like a video playing in Safari), you’ll need a third-party app like OBS, Screenflow, or a virtual audio driver. The built-in recorder only captures microphone input, not the computer’s output.

How to Change Recording Settings

The Screenshot toolbar has an Options menu that lets you customize how recordings are saved. Here’s what you can adjust:

• Save to: Choose a default location for your files (Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, etc.).
• Timer: Set a delay of 5 or 10 seconds before recording starts.
• Microphone: Select the audio input device (built-in mic, external mic, or none).
• Show Floating Thumbnail: Toggle the thumbnail that appears after recording; you can turn it off if you don’t want it.
• Remember Last Selection: Keep the same screen region for multiple recordings.

You can also change the default save location by pressing and holding the Control key while clicking the Save option in the Options menu—this lets you choose a new folder for that session only.

Common Problems and Fixes

Many users run into issues when first using screen recording on Catalina. Here are the most frequent ones and how to solve them:

• No recording appears after clicking Record: Check that you’ve granted Screen Recording permission. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording, and make sure the app you’re using (like the Screenshot app or your terminal) is checked. If it’s already checked, uncheck and recheck it, then restart the app.
• Recorded video has no audio: Ensure the microphone is selected in the Options menu, and that microphone permission is granted. Also check that your Mac’s volume isn’t muted.
• The toolbar disappears: Press Shift-Command-5 again to bring it back. If it still doesn’t appear, try quitting the Screenshot app (right-click its icon in the Dock and choose Quit) and reopening it.
• Recording is choppy or laggy: Close other apps that use heavy CPU or graphics, and try recording a smaller region. Also, make sure you have enough free disk space.
• Can’t record the entire screen because of the toolbar: The toolbar is part of the recording UI, so it won’t appear in the final video. If you see it in the recording, it’s because you started the recording and then opened the toolbar again—just use the keyboard shortcut to stop.

What File Format Does Catalina Use?

Screen recordings on Catalina are saved as .mov files, which use the H.264 video codec and AAC audio (if you recorded audio). This format is widely compatible: you can play it in QuickTime Player, upload it to YouTube, or edit it in iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or most other video editors. If you need a different format (like MP4), you can export the video in QuickTime Player (File > Export As) or use a free converter. The .mov container is essentially the same as .mp4 in many cases, so most players handle it without issues.

Comparing Built-in vs. Third-Party Tools

For most casual needs, the built-in recorder is enough. But if you need advanced features, you might consider a third-party app. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Built-in (Screenshot): Free, no installation, records screen and mic, basic editing (trim). No system audio capture, no webcam overlay, no annotations, no scheduled recording.
• QuickTime Player: Also has a screen recording option (File > New Screen Recording), but it’s essentially the same as the Screenshot tool and offers no extra features.
• OBS Studio: Free, open-source, captures system audio, supports webcam, multiple scenes, streaming. Steeper learning curve.
• Screenflow or Camtasia: Paid, professional editing, annotations, transitions, and system audio capture. Overkill for simple recordings.

If you only need to record a quick tutorial or a video call, the built-in tool is the fastest and most reliable. If you’re creating professional content, you’ll likely want a dedicated app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record only a portion of the screen?

Yes, choose the “Record Selected Portion” option in the Screenshot toolbar, then drag to select the area you want to capture. The recording will only include that region, which is useful for focusing on a specific window or app.

How do I stop a screen recording without the toolbar?

If the toolbar is hidden, you can press Command-Control-Esc to stop recording. Alternatively, click the stop button in the menu bar (the small square icon) if it’s visible. The recording will save automatically when you stop.

Why is my screen recording black or showing a blank screen?

This usually happens when you haven’t granted Screen Recording permission to the app you’re using. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording, and enable the checkbox for the app (like Terminal or the Screenshot app itself). If it’s already enabled, try toggling it off and on, then restart the app.

Can I record my screen with sound from the Mac?

The built-in tool only records microphone audio, not internal system sound. To capture audio playing on your Mac (like a video or music), you’ll need a third-party app like OBS, or use a virtual audio driver that routes system audio to the microphone input.

Where do screen recordings get saved by default?

By default, recordings are saved to the Desktop with a name like “Screen Recording 2024-01-15 at 10.30.00 AM.mov”. You can change the default location in the Options menu of the Screenshot toolbar, choosing any folder you like.

Does screen recording work on all Macs with Catalina?

Yes, screen recording is available on all Macs that run macOS Catalina, including older models. However, performance may vary—recording 4K or full-screen video on an older Mac might be choppy. Reducing the recording area or lowering the display resolution can help.

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