How to Record Yourself on a Mac [5 Easy Ways]

For Mac users, whether you want to create a tutorial, document a bug you’re experiencing, or record a video message for someone, it’s easy to do once you find the tools. In this guide, we’ll detail several ways on how to record yourself on a Mac.

Best for: simple camera recording and screen recording

The quickest method to answer “How do I record a video of myself on my Mac?” is with QuickTime Player, the standard multimedia player for Apple devices, including MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Before anything else, make sure your webcam or camera is already set up.

Read the instructions below on how to record yourself on a Mac using QuickTime Player:

1. To launch QuickTime Player, go to your Spotlight Search bar and type in QuickTime Player.

2. Pull up the app and go to the File menu. Then, from the dropdown list, select New Movie Recording.

3. At this point, your webcam will light up and a preview of yourself will show. 

4. Click the small arrow beside the Record button to configure your camera and microphone settings. You can also choose your video quality.

5. When you’re done, hit the Record button to record yourself on a MacBook. To stop the recording, click the Record button again.

6. To save your file, go to the File menu again and click on Save.

Best for: simultaneous camera and screen recording

Key features:

• Record crisp and clear system audio and microphone sound
• Show keystrokes and mouse movement in video guides and instructions
• Draw on screenshots and videos in real time
• Save your screencasts in HD and 4K

Perhaps you want to record a demonstration or a lecture. In this case, you need to record both a video of yourself and your screen. This can be done through our Movavi Screen Recorder. It is a simple and easy-to-use screen-recording software that can record footage of you and your screen. 

Here’s how to take a video of yourself and your screen with Movavi Screen Recorder:

1. First, download Movavi Screen Recorder for a Mac and install the software.
2. Open the app and go to click the cogwheel icon to open the Settings menu. Here, you can configure your Audio, Webcam, and other preferences. 
3. Go back to the recording panel and click the video camera icon. Drag the orange frame around the area of the screen you want to record. 
4. Click on the Webcam and Microphone icons to activate them.
5. When you’re ready, click the REC button to start your recording. Press the Stop button to stop recording.
6. Click Export, specify the settings and hit Save.

Best for: webcam recording with stylized effects

If you want your recorded video to have effects or filters, then the best way is to use Photo Booth. This is a software specifically developed for a Mac’s built-in camera. With it, you can take photos and videos and stylize them with a range of special effects. Here’s how to film yourself on a Mac with Photo Booth:

1. Go to the Spotlight Search bar and type in Photo Booth to quickly find the app.

2. Open the app. You’ll find three buttons on the bottom left. Click the third button with the video camera icon. 

3. Click on the Effects button on the right if you want to add certain filters to your video.

4. Hit the red Record button in the middle to start your recording. When you’re done, simply click on the same button to stop recording.

Best for: recording and editing camera footage

If you want to make some edits to your video right after recording, you can use iMovie. It is primarily a video-editing program for Mac, but it can also be used to record videos. You can cut the video, make transitions, alter it with special effects and add music. 

Read on to discover how to record a video of yourself on a Mac with iMovie:

1. Go to your Spotlight Search bar and type in iMovie to quickly open the app.

2. Bring up the File menu and select Import Media.

3. A new window will be brought up. On the left sidebar, choose the camera you want. If you will simply use your Mac’s built-in camera, pick FaceTime HD Camera.

4. A live preview of yourself will show. When you’re ready, hit the Record button. To stop, click the same button.

5. The recorded video will automatically be added to your iMovie timeline. From there, you can start editing it and adding effects.

6. To save the video, go to the File menu and hover over Share. Choose whether you want to save it to your Mac, through email, or social media.

Best for: online camera and screen recording

If you don’t want to use any software or do not have space on your Mac to download, you can still film a video of yourself on a Mac through online means with Screen Capture. It is a free online screen recorder by Movavi that allows you to record both screen footage and webcam footage. 

Wondering “How do I take a video of myself on my Mac online?” Just follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Screen Capture website.

2. Make sure to check the Microphone option.

3. To begin, press Start Recording. To end, click Stop Recording.

4. If you’re happy with your video, choose Download. If not, you can record again by clicking New Record.

If you don’t know how to make a MacBook webcam recording, here are some advice you can use to achieve a better result:

1. Find a good spot.

2. Set your camera at the eye level.

3. Frame yourself well.

4. Put the light source in front of your face.

Finding a good spot

The location you’re recording in makes a huge difference in how you’ll sound and look on video. Minimal background noise and absence of echoes will make sure your voice sounds clear. Finally, find a spot with no distracting background: do a couple of test shots to find the best one.

Setting your camera

When recording a webcam, it’s crucial to set the camera at the eye level. This way, viewers will have a natural feeling while watching the video, as if you’re talking to them in person.

Framing

Good framing is essential to properly present yourself to the audience. Make sure you are in the center of the frame. Generally, it’s good to have the top of your head and mid-chest visible while leaving some space above the head, so that the frame doesn’t feel cluttered.

Lighting

There are a couple of simple rules for lighting that work in almost any situation. First, if recording indoors, find a room with plenty of natural light. When recording outdoors, try to avoid direct sunlight. Secondly, if you’re using additional light sources, put them in front of you, so that your face is evenly lit.

1. Movavi Screen Recorder – best for video and audio capture
2. QuickTime Player – best for users who want an all-in-one recorder and player
3. Photo Booth – webcam recording with stylized effects
4. iMovie – best for making conventional video tutorials on Apple devices
5. Screen Capture – best for recording your slides online

Hopefully, this article answers, “How do I record myself on a Mac?” It’s easy to record yourself on a Mac since it has several built-in tools available. It is also compatible with recording software like Movavi, which can record both yourself and your screen at the same time. Depending on what you need to record, each tool has its features that you can benefit from.