A lot of times, I want to show my friends something particular on my Macbook, whether that's how I use a program or even just the way I have things set up. To best do this, I want to record a video on my computer. But I also don't want to do it while holding my iPhone. 

That meant I had to learn how to screen record on a Mac. 

Apple makes this easy, by offering a way to record my screen. But there are a ton of third-party options that might function better depending on what you need it to do. 

Today, we're going to spend some time learning about Mac screen recording. We'll go over the way to do it using only a few keystrokes on your Macbook, and we'll also talk about the 15 best screen recording programs available for you. 

Sound good? Let's hit "record."

How to Screen Record on a Mac 

There are lots of reasons to screen record, and also lots of ways to do it. First, I want to start with the Mac-sanctioned ways to do it. These are the ways that Apple Support says you should do it. Later, we'll dig into the other programs that might meet your fancy. 

Before we get into recording, let's begin with screenshotting on your Mac. 

How to Screenshot on MacBook Pro

I'll take you through the steps of how to do this procedure. Let's jump in. 

1. On your Mac, press Shift-Command-5 to open Screenshot and display the tools. It will offer you several different options
2. Click a tool to use to select what you want to capture or record (we'll get to that later).

Credit: Apple

• You'll be given these options: 
  1. Capture the entire screen
  2. Capture a window
  3. Capture a portion of the screen
  4. Record the entire screen
  5. Record a portion of the screen
• For a portion of the screen, drag the frame to reposition it or drag its edges to adjust the size of the area you want to capture or record.
• If you want to skip right to picking what you want to screen grab, you can click Shift-Command-4
  • This will allow you to select what you want on the screen, and send a screenshot to a folder for you. 

But what about if you want to record a video of the screen? It's very similar. 

Use the Screenshot toolbar to screen record on a Mac

To record a video, you're going to repeat the same process as above. To view the Screenshot toolbar, press these three keys together: Shift, Command, and 5. You will see onscreen controls for recording the entire screen, recording a selected portion of the screen, or capturing a still image of your screen. 

We've already gone over the still image part, so instead, you want to pick the last two options: 

1. Record the entire screen
2. Record a portion of the screen

Once you have the toolbar up, you make a choice. 

Credit: Apple

• To screen record the entire screen or a portion of it: Click Capture.
• For a window: Move the pointer to the window, then click the window.
• For recording the whole screen: Click Record. To stop recording, click the Stop Recording button in the menu bar.

These recordings will open Finder, where you will be able to name them and save them where you please. 

Credit: Apple

15 Screen Record Programs for Mac 

Now that we're through with what Mac wants you to use, we can check out other programs that might work a little better, depending on the scenario. We'll list the program, and then some pros and cons (if applicable) for each. Sound good? 

1. Movavi Screen Recorder

Perfect to use for capturing streaming videos, webinars, and Zoom calls. There's even a free version. 

2. Screen Capture

You can use it quickly and don't have to install a program. Simple to use. 

3. Loom

If you're sending videos to friends and coworkers, this is effective. There are even ways you can do a team-record with other people. Outside of business, it's not the best. 

4. Movavi Screen Recorder for Chrome

This is perfected for Chrome use, while many others are not for Macs. They also have great storage options.