With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, Zoom has become an essential tool for communication and collaboration. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or professional, recording Zoom meetings can be incredibly useful for reference, note-taking, or sharing with others. In this article, we’ll show you how to screen record Zoom on Mac with audio, using both built-in and third-party tools.
Why Record Zoom Meetings?
Before we dive into the technical aspects, let’s explore the benefits of recording Zoom meetings:
- Reference and review: Recording meetings allows you to revisit important discussions, decisions, and action items.
- Note-taking: By recording meetings, you can focus on participating in the conversation rather than taking notes.
- Sharing with others: Recordings can be shared with team members who missed the meeting or used for training purposes.
- Content creation: You can repurpose meeting recordings into blog posts, videos, or social media content.
Using QuickTime Player to Record Zoom Meetings
QuickTime Player is a free, built-in screen recording tool on Macs. Here’s how to use it to record Zoom meetings with audio:
Step 1: Open QuickTime Player
- Go to Applications > Utilities > QuickTime Player.
- Alternatively, use Spotlight search to find QuickTime Player.
Step 2: Select the Recording Option
- Click on File > New Screen Recording.
- This will open the Screen Recording window.
Step 3: Choose the Audio Source
- Click on the arrow next to the record button.
- Select your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external microphone if you have one.
Step 4: Select the Screen Recording Area
- Click and drag the crosshair pointer to select the Zoom meeting window.
- Alternatively, you can select the entire screen by clicking on the screen.
Step 5: Start the Recording
- Click on the record button or press Command + Control + R.
- QuickTime Player will start recording your screen and audio.
Step 6: Stop the Recording
- Click on the stop button or press Command + Control + R again.
- QuickTime Player will save the recording as a .mov file.
Using OBS Studio to Record Zoom Meetings
OBS Studio is a free, open-source screen recording software that offers more advanced features than QuickTime Player. Here’s how to use it to record Zoom meetings with audio:
Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio
- Go to the OBS Studio website and download the software.
- Follow the installation instructions to install OBS Studio on your Mac.
Step 2: Set Up OBS Studio
- Launch OBS Studio and select “Optimize for recording” when prompted.
- Choose the “Window Capture” option and select the Zoom meeting window.
Step 3: Configure Audio Settings
- Go to Settings > Audio.
- Select your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external microphone if you have one.
Step 4: Start the Recording
- Click on the “Start Recording” button or press Command + R.
- OBS Studio will start recording your screen and audio.
Step 5: Stop the Recording
- Click on the “Stop Recording” button or press Command + R again.
- OBS Studio will save the recording as a .mp4 file.
Using Zoom’s Built-in Recording Feature
Zoom also offers a built-in recording feature that allows you to record meetings with audio. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Enable Recording in Zoom Settings
- Log in to your Zoom account and go to Settings.
- Click on the “Recording” tab and enable the “Cloud recording” or “Local recording” option.
Step 2: Start the Recording
- During a meeting, click on the “Record” button or press Command + Shift + R.
- Zoom will start recording the meeting with audio.
Step 3: Stop the Recording
- Click on the “Stop Recording” button or press Command + Shift + R again.
- Zoom will save the recording as a .mp4 file.
Tips and Tricks for Recording Zoom Meetings
- Use a high-quality microphone: Invest in a good external microphone to ensure clear audio.
- Choose the right recording software: Select a software that meets your needs, whether it’s QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, or Zoom’s built-in recording feature.
- Test your audio and video: Before recording a meeting, test your audio and video to ensure everything is working properly.
- Save recordings to an external drive: Save your recordings to an external drive to free up space on your Mac.
By following these steps and tips, you can easily screen record Zoom meetings on Mac with audio. Whether you’re using QuickTime Player, OBS Studio, or Zoom’s built-in recording feature, you’ll be able to capture high-quality recordings that meet your needs.
What are the system requirements for screen recording Zoom on Mac with audio?
To screen record Zoom on Mac with audio, you’ll need a Mac computer running macOS 10.10 or later, along with the latest version of Zoom. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that your Mac has a compatible audio interface or built-in audio capabilities. It’s also recommended to have a stable internet connection to avoid any disruptions during the recording process.
It’s worth noting that if you’re using an older version of macOS, you may not be able to access some of the features and settings required for screen recording with audio. Therefore, it’s essential to check your system requirements before attempting to record your Zoom meetings.
Can I record Zoom meetings on Mac without the host’s permission?
No, you cannot record Zoom meetings on Mac without the host’s permission. Zoom has a built-in feature that requires the host’s consent before recording can begin. When you start recording, the host will receive a notification, and all participants will see a recording indicator on their screens. This ensures that everyone is aware that the meeting is being recorded.
However, if you’re the host of the meeting, you can record the session without needing permission from others. You can also assign recording privileges to other participants, allowing them to record the meeting on your behalf.
How do I enable audio recording while screen recording Zoom on Mac?
To enable audio recording while screen recording Zoom on Mac, you’ll need to select the correct audio source in your recording settings. You can do this by opening the QuickTime Player or your preferred screen recording software and selecting the audio input source as your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external audio interface.
Once you’ve selected the correct audio source, you can start recording your Zoom meeting. Make sure to test your audio settings before the meeting to ensure that the sound quality is clear and crisp. You can also adjust the audio levels and settings during the recording process if needed.
Can I record Zoom meetings on Mac using the built-in screen recording feature?
Yes, you can record Zoom meetings on Mac using the built-in screen recording feature. macOS has a built-in screen recording feature that allows you to capture your screen activity, including audio. To access this feature, press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard, and then select the recording area or the entire screen.
Once you’ve started recording, you can switch to the Zoom app and begin your meeting. The built-in screen recording feature will capture both the video and audio of your Zoom meeting. You can also use the built-in editing software, iMovie, to trim and edit your recording.
How do I record a Zoom meeting on Mac with multiple audio sources?
To record a Zoom meeting on Mac with multiple audio sources, you’ll need to use a third-party screen recording software that supports multi-track audio recording. Some popular options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow. These software programs allow you to select multiple audio sources, such as your Mac’s built-in microphone and an external audio interface.
Once you’ve selected your audio sources, you can start recording your Zoom meeting. The software will capture both audio sources and allow you to adjust the levels and settings during the recording process. You can also use the software to edit and mix the audio tracks after the recording is complete.
Can I record a Zoom meeting on Mac with a separate audio file?
Yes, you can record a Zoom meeting on Mac with a separate audio file. Some screen recording software programs, such as OBS Studio and Camtasia, allow you to record the audio and video separately. This means that you can capture the audio from your Zoom meeting as a separate file, which can be useful for editing and mixing purposes.
To record a separate audio file, you’ll need to select the correct audio settings in your screen recording software. You can usually do this by selecting the audio input source and choosing the option to record the audio separately. Once you’ve started recording, the software will capture the audio as a separate file, which you can then edit and mix as needed.
How do I edit and share my recorded Zoom meeting on Mac?
To edit and share your recorded Zoom meeting on Mac, you can use a video editing software program such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere Pro. These programs allow you to trim and edit your recording, add captions and annotations, and export the final video in various formats.
Once you’ve edited your recording, you can share it with others by uploading it to a video sharing platform, such as YouTube or Vimeo, or by sharing the file directly via email or cloud storage. You can also use the Zoom app to share the recording with meeting participants or others within your organization.