MotionShineShort answer: yes, but only the sources you choose. In the Screenshot app (Shift-Command-5), open Options and pick a Microphone. That records your voice. Apple's Support page lists Include System Audio, which records the sound your Mac plays, only for macOS 27 Golden Gate or later. If you pick no microphone, the recording has no voice. Checked on 24 October 2026 on Apple Support's pages "Take screenshots or screen recordings on Mac" and "How to record the screen on Mac".
What gets recorded, and what does not
| Sound | Recorded? | What Apple's page says |
|---|---|---|
| Your voice | Yes, if a microphone is selected | Options, then Microphone. Choose None to turn it off |
| Sound your Mac plays (system audio) | Only on macOS 27 Golden Gate or later | Options, then Include System Audio |
| System audio on an older macOS | Not documented | The page does not give a setting |
The same Options menu works for the whole screen, one window or a selected portion.
How to turn the microphone on
- Press Shift-Command-5.
- Choose a recording tool: the entire screen, or a selected portion.
- Click Options.
- Under Microphone, pick your mic. A checkmark appears next to it.
- Click Record. Stop from the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc.
In QuickTime Player the steps differ a little. QuickTime screen recording with audio walks through them and shows what Apple does and does not say about QuickTime.
Why my recording has no sound
- Microphone set to None. Open Options again and pick a mic.
- Wrong microphone. Pick the one you are speaking into.
- You wanted the sound of a video or call. That is system audio. On an older macOS you need another way. Read how to screen record on Mac with audio.
- No permission. Open System Settings, Privacy & Security, then Screen & System Audio Recording. Apple's page says you can turn recording on for each listed app, and grant screen and audio together or audio only.
- Feedback. Apple suggests lowering the volume or using headphones with a microphone if you hear feedback.
Test your mic first with the free webcam and mic test, which runs in your browser.
When a built-in recorder is not enough
If you want to record yourself and edit afterwards, MotionShine, by the maker of this site, is a free Mac screen recorder with a full editor that has a voice over lane. Free export goes up to 720p with no watermark. It is not for you if you only need a quick clip, because the Screenshot app already does that.
FAQ
Does Shift-Command-5 record audio?
It records your voice when you choose a microphone in Options. Apple lists system audio there only for macOS 27 Golden Gate or later.
Does QuickTime Player record audio?
It records a microphone you choose. Apple's QuickTime section does not mention system audio.
Can I record sound from a video I am watching?
That is system audio. Apple lists it for macOS 27 Golden Gate or later. Otherwise see the guide linked above.
Why is my voice quiet?
Check the microphone choice and watch the volume slider in QuickTime while you speak.
Does a screen recording save as a video file?
Apple's page says recordings are .mov files, named "Screen Recording" with the date and time.
