Dec 21, 2018  Screen recording has become one of the best methods to create a footage of your desktop activity with ease. There might be several occasions when you want to capture your gameplay, record streaming videos, or either make some video tutorials or software reviews on your Mac. Free or Open Source Screen Recording Software for Macs. If your project is on a tight budget, you may not be able to spend much on Mac recording software. But don't give up. There are plenty of free and open source screen capture and screen recording software options for the Mac. Here's a great list of options to try: 1.

Recording a screen used to be a real challenge.

You had to either use complicated tools or pay a software expert to get it done, which wasn’t always feasible.

Fortunately, the user-friendliness of screen recording software has significantly improved over the years. Nowadays, you can create professional-looking tutorials with minimal effort.

Besides tutorials, there are several other reasons why you might want to record your screen.

If you do any kind of product demonstrations, need or offer tech support, or use video calling, using the default screen capture of your computer won’t be good enough to capture high-quality footage.

Whether you want a more precise way to record the entire screen or if you want to capture a specific portion, a high-quality screen recorder will serve the purpose.

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• What screen recording software is
• The features you should look for in screen recording software
• The difference between desktop and online screen recorder
• The 10 best screen recording tools in existence

Let’s go.

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Post Contents

• Top 10 Screen Recorder Tools for 2020

What Is Screen Recording Software?

Screen recording software can record the entirety (or portions) of your computer or mobile screen.

The recording can include everything from your taps and cursor movements to typing a URL into your browser to help people learn what to do and how to do it.

Audio narration is available, and sometimes annotation is also offered as part of a tool’s package.

However, no two screen recording tools are alike. Some screen recording tools can’t save the recorded footage for various formats or export it to popular video platforms like YouTube directly.

Others may have the capability to do all of that, but might be missing a feature or two. For example, not every screen recording application comes with an HD screen recorder.

As such, you should pay attention to its capabilities before downloading or installing screen recording software on your device.

It’s also crucial to evaluate your own recording needs. Perhaps you don’t need to record in HD. Maybe you’ve recently purchased video hosting and can do without a YouTube export option. The best screen recorder for you will be the one that meets your specific needs.

What Is a Good Screen Recorder?

Our compilation of screen recording tools ranges from browser-based software to minimalistic desktop apps. Each of the picks meets the following basic criteria:

• Is easy-to-use
• Records the entire screen, a particular area, or one window
• Lets users annotate the recorded footage
• Includes system and microphone audio
• Captures footage from external sources
• Has built-in export options

It’s also worth mentioning that many of the software options come with HD recording capabilities. However, it’s important to know that HD files take a lot of time to upload. If you’re looking to quickly uploaded standard-quality videos on the web, HD is not a must-have.

Desktop Screen Recorder vs. Online Screen Recorder

Offline functionality is the key difference between the two types.

While desktop screen recorders can work without an active connection, online screen recorders require you to have stable internet.

This is why an online screen recorder isn’t the best of options when it comes to capturing gameplay. However, if you’re only looking to make a tutorial, they should work just fine.

Top 10 Screen Recorder Tools for 2020

Here’s our list of the best screen recorder tools on the market.

Because it has options for all of the major operating systems, you can be sure to find the best screen recorder for Android, iOS, Mac, Linux and Windows operating systems.

Quick note: The list includes both paid and free options, so make sure to evaluate your needs before downloading any software.

1. OBS Studio

OBS or Open Broadcaster Software is a free screen video recorder that offers both recording and streaming in high definition, with no limits on the length of your videos.

The desktop software allows you to choose the part of the screen you want to capture, but it also gives an option to record the entire screen.

Customizable hotkeys help control the recording, and an audio mixer allows you to produce videos with smoothly recorded sound.

Apart from the intuitive screencasting features, OBS is equipped with live-streaming capabilities that you won’t find in the default screen recorders of major operating systems.

You can stream live on YouTube Gaming and Twitch, save projects, and convert your footage in FLV format.

All of this makes OBS one of the best free screen recording software options to try in 2020.

Price: Free

Supported OS: Linux, Mac, Windows

Best for: Professional live streaming to Mixer, YouTube or Twitch

2. Apowersoft Unlimited

This is a suite of software applications that includes screen recorders for Android, iOS, Mac and Windows.

It allows you to wirelessly cast an Android device or iPhone to your PC’s screen and use the desktop recorder to capture your PC audio, mobile device, microphone, and computer’s webcam simultaneously.

The desktop screen recorder offers multiple recording modes, including full screen, custom area, and more, and it also lets users annotate on the recording in real-time. You can apply callouts, lines, text, and more without needing to pause.

With the help of its intuitive, mobile-specific apps, you just have to set your computer and smartphone under the same WiFi network and begin casting.

Mac and Windows users can directly use the desktop screen recorder to record all kinds of on-screen activities.

Price: $59.95 per year

Supported OS: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

Best for: Demonstrating how to use software that has both a desktop and a mobile version

3. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is an online screen recorder and video editor that supports both webcam and screen recordings.

While the application doesn’t let you record in HD, it does have options to record in 800×600, 640×480 and other standard definitions, which makes it ideal for recording and uploading quick videos.

It also assists users in zooming, drawing, and adding overlays on the video files.

Plus, you can share the recording to YouTube without having to download any desktop app.

Screencast-O-Matic also has additional features including options for editing computer audio and synchronization of recording with video footage.

Keep in mind that most of the editing features are offered in the paid version of the app. However, you can use the free version to upload content to YouTube.

Price: Free or $1.50 per month

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS

Best for: Making quick tutorials to share with friends, customers or online communities

4. AceThinker

Screen Audio Recording Software Mac Computer

AceThinker is a web-based laptop screen recorder that is easy to set up and use.

You can use it to record a specific screen portion or the whole screen, create real-time edits for an attention-worthy recording, and capture audio from your mic and computer simultaneously.

The software lets you convert and save your recordings in all renowned video formats, including MP4, MOV and API.

And you can also use AceThinker to directly upload your recordings to Dropbox, Google Drive, or YouTube.

All of these features are available in the free version of the app, but you can also install the PRO version to gain access to additional capabilities.

A standout feature of the PRO version is that it lets you create scheduled tasks for screen recordings.

If you want to record an ongoing live stream in the afternoon, but you don’t have the internet at work, you can install this screen capture tool on your home computer, create a schedule and let it record the screen automatically.

Price: Free or $39.95

Supported OS: Mac, Windows

Best for: Recording soccer matches, stock trends, etc.

5. ScreenFlow

If you’ve been searching for a Mac screen recorder with audio capabilities, then you’d love ScreenFlow.

Its range of features includes the options to record your Mac at retina resolution, group video components and settings, and add background audio to the recorded footage.

You’d also love the “Styles” and “Templates” tools that come as part of the software.

Styles lets you save visual/audio settings for certain elements like drop shadows or color filters for a recorded segment.

Templates, on the other hand, lets users arrange, insert and configure groups of annotations in advance, such as text placeholders and outro segments.

Those who subscribe to the Super Pak version of ScreenFlow (a more expensive plan) also get access to over 500,000 pieces of unique images and audio clips to use in all of their videos.

So if you’re looking to make the most of your screen recordings, ScreenFlow is unlikely to disappoint.

Price: $129

Supported OS: Mac, iOS

Best for: Making high-quality retina videos

6. Screencastify

Screencastify is another screen recording application that works via Google Chrome.

Whether you’re a seasoned or a novice video creator, you’ll find that Screencastify offers all of the important options.

You can use it to capture your webcam, entire screen or tab only, as well as narrate to your microphone.

It also presents you with annotation tools that help keep your viewers focus on what’s critical. Click highlighting, drawing pen tool, and mouse spotlight are all included.

And once you’re recorded the screen, Screencastify will do the heavy lifting for you by autosaving the video to your Google Drive.

Like many of the best screen recording software options, Screencastify gives you the option to upload to YouTube, as well as export the recording as an animated GIF, MP3, or MP4.

Price: Free

Supported OS: Mac, Windows, Linux

Best for: Recording software demos and creating solution videos

7. Bandicam

Bandicam is a robust screen recording application that supports screen and gameplay capturing.

It utilizes a high compression ratio without compromising video quality. Bandicam makes it possible to capture 4K ultra-high-definition videos at 120 frames per second.

Another noteworthy feature is Bandicam’s device recording capability. By getting a separate capture card, you can record videos from IPTV, HDTV, APPLE TV, smartphone, PlayStation and Xbox.

In addition, Bandicam lets users capture screenshots in JPEG, PNG and BMP formats.

Essentially, you can use Bandicam to record just about anything, including your entire computer screen, Excel spreadsheets, web browser, Powerpoint presentations, and more.

Its free version places a watermark on the videos, so you need to become a paid user to utilize its full potential.

Price: Free or $39.99

Supported OS: Windows

Best for: Balancing the depth of video recordings

8. Filmora Scrn

Filmora Scrn lets you capture gameplay, webcam, computer screen and audio simultaneously without placing any limits on the duration of the video.

It gives you the option to record in 15-120 frames per second. Higher FPS is ideal for recording gameplay with loads of action.

The software also lets you add annotations like text to improve the viewing experience for your audience. Also, you can modify the size, color and shape of your cursor to make it look unique.

With Filmora Scrn, you don’t need a separate video editing tool because the screen recording software itself boasts a wide range of editing tools to help refine your video recordings.

It can import from over 50 file formats, and you also get the option to export your recordings in multiple formats as per your requirement.

Price: Free or $29.99

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Best for: Recording screen from two devices simultaneously

9. Camtasia

TechSmith’s Camtasia makes it simple to capture and make professional-looking videos on your PC.

You can record both audio and video from a desktop or iOS device, and also capture your webcam to infuse a personal element to your recording.

Its built-in video editing tool is where Camtasia shines. A good selection of stock images along with click-and-drag effects is offered in the sidebar of the tool. Users can create outro and intro segments by dropping them into their recordings in a matter of seconds.

You can also insert zoom out, zoom in, and pan animations into your footage, and use transitions between slides and scenes to enhance the flow of your videos.

The screen recording software also lets you import or record PowerPoint pages directly into its environment. Grab attention in your presentations by adding eye-catching recordings, titles, and more.

Price: Free or $249

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, iOS

Best for: Adding a professional touch to captured videos

10. ShareX

This open-source screen recording software is ideal for capturing videos.

It doesn’t place watermarks or duration limits on your recordings, and you also get the option to save your file as a GIF instead of a video.

The video file sharing features are ShareX’s biggest advantage, because it’s easy to upload recordings directly to YouTube and other platforms.

Enhancing screenshots you capture with this tool doesn’t require much effort either. A built-in photo editor lets you freely customize still photos in any way you want.

Not only is it a brilliant screenshot and screen capture tool, but it can also capture and reveal text via OCR, record a whole scrolling webpage, and even record your screen according to a schedule.

Price: Free

Supported OS: Linux, Windows

Best for: Recording screens of Linux devices

Conclusion

Screen recording software can serve a variety of purposes, and the best ones don’t necessarily need to come at a price.

Based on your individual needs and the operating system you’re using, you may be able to achieve your objectives with a free screen recorder.

And if you’re looking to add additional power or use professional editing tools, you can always sign up to a paid option.

Hopefully, one of these screen recording programs will fulfill your requirements, whether you’re creating a tutorial for YouTube or just sharing a gaming achievement with your peers.

Do you use any awesome screen recording software that we missed? Let us know by dropping a comment below.

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Want to Learn More?

If you’re creating an instructional video, then using a screen recording software will definitely make things easier. Moreover, recording and sharing of videos have become more common and popular than you think. You must have seen hundreds of videos with step by step guides on YouTube for troubleshooting a device. Surprisingly, most Youtubers use screen recorder apps to accomplish the task.

Here we have discussed much best screen recorder for Mac. So, let’s check out them.

Best Mac Screen Recorder 2020

1. Capto

Apple Audio Recording Software

Capto is another one of the best screen recording software for Mac that is developed by Global Delight Technologies Pvt. Ltd. It is all-in-one software that not only allows you to capture your computer screen but also allows to record your screen, edit it and share at the press of a button.

The app provides a broad range of pictures and video editing tools as well as an easily navigable folder-based organizer for your screen captures. Moreover, you can also share your videos and screenshots on popular platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Evernote and Dropbox.

2. Monosnap

Monosnap is the easiest way to capture screenshots, share files, record video and gifs. The app allows you to capture your screen in any direction whether it is a circle, rectangle, square or full screen during the recording. You can highlight vital details with pen, text, arrows, and different shapes and crop the area for a pixel perfect image with 8x magnifier. The best part about this software is, it allows you to hide your private and personal information with the blur tool.

You can use Facebook, Twitter, Evernote, Dropbox, and Monosnap’s web sharing space to share your screen recording with your friends and family in one click.

Also Read: 5 Best Duplicate Photo Cleaner Tools for Mac

3. ScreenFlow

ScreenFlow is one of the best screen recorder software for Mac. It has a user-friendly easy to edit interface that allows you to creatively edit your video, text, music, animations, and transitions for a professional-looking screencast. The app allows you to record your computer screen while capturing a video camera, iOS device, microphone, multi-channel audio device and computer audio.

ScreenFlow is a professional level screen recording software that not only helps you to combine your screen recorded content, keynote & PowerPoint presentations but also helps you to add in animations, images, text, a soundtrack in the video. You can also create picture-in-picture video with your screen recording and a video camera in no time.

4. Camtasia 3

Camtasia 3 is the best all-in-one video editor and screen recorder software which makes amazing videos and screen recordings in no time. The app allows you to record a video of your screen or bring in your own video footage. It helps you to build your videos quickly with multiple tracks for image, video, text, and audio. Best part of this software is, you don’t need a separate audio program when recording a narration for your video.

Also Read: 10 Best Backup Software For Mac In 2017

You can not only record a video on your computer screen but also bring the video in your own footage. You can also design and edit animated text, images and icons to give a crisp, polished look to your video without being a professional video editor. Camtasia 3 software allows you to share your videos to YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Apple devices, your website, blog, and many more.

5. Snagit

Snagit is one of the best screen recording software for Mac and is used for screen capture and recording. It allows you to take a screenshot or capture a video of what you see on your computer screen and resize the captured area right down to the pixel. Snagit provides annotation varieties like arrows, speech bubbles, so that you can to easily customize your capture.

It is an excellent tool for business that helps to capture a website, record an online meeting, or send someone feedback in an email. In other words, it simply brings clarity to the information. Snagit is a professional and time-saving tool at many levels.

The app allows to take a full-page screenshot in different ways such as horizontal, vertical, or entire scrolling area with just a click. It helps you to quickly get rid of any unwanted sections from your screen recordings.

6. Jing

Jing is a screen capture software that allows you to capture any parts of your screen and save that area as a static image or even a video. In fact, it allows you to add text and draw further attention to the area you want to highlight. Like other programs, this program also allows you to share the image or video with friends and family. However, you’ll have to be logged in to screencast.com to make it work.

Thanks to its mind-blowing interface, that makes you feel like you’re working on a web application instead of a real program. The built-in feature allows you to edit the captured images and videos in your style. In short, Jing is really easy to use a program and just as good as Snagit but it is free.

7. Screen Record Studio

Screen Record Studio is a professional screen record software for Mac. Like other software, this software also allows you to easily record your computer audio, video and game. You can record single window or customize your screen for recording. The app allows you to use system build-in microphone or audio input device.

Also Read: How to Manage Your Music Library: Pro Tips

The app has an amazing feature that allows you to add text and logos on the recording. You can compress and trim recorded video on this software. Screen Record Studio allows you to share your screen recording with your friends, family, and colleagues.

8. Snapz Pro X

Recording Software For Mac

Snapz Pro X is a simple and easy software that allows you record anything on the computer screen. This tool is designed in such a way that you can capture your whole screen or any part of your screen. The app shows you exactly how your captured image will look like before you save it. This app has “Live Preview” features that allow you to change drop shadow, scaling, cropping and many other things.

9. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is one of the best screen recording software for Mac which is also an open source software for video recording and lives streaming. It captures real time video/audio capturing and mixing, with unlimited scenes you can switch between seamlessly via custom transitions. OBS Studio provides hundreds of filters to give a professional look to your recording.

The software provides powerful and easy to use configuration option that helps to find add new videos, duplicate existing ones, and adjust their properties effortlessly. You can also use light or dark themes as per your preferences.

Screen Audio Recording Software Mac Free

10. LightShot

LightShot software is available for both Windows and Mac. The app helps you to select the area on your desktop to take a screenshot. The software also helps you to search for similar images and edit your captured images anytime. LightShot also allows you to share your screen captures and recording via Facebook and Twitter with your Macintosh. You can add effects in recording with the software before uploading it the Facebook or Twitter.

Also Read: 10 Best Video Converter Software for Mac

These are 10 best screen recording software for Mac to record your favorite videos and games in no time. Do not forget to let us know which one is your favorite in the comment section below.