GlisioGuide
Screen record shortcut on Mac (Command-Shift-5)
Command-Shift-5 opens the Screenshot toolbar. Here is every useful shortcut, what Options actually changes, and when you still need an app.
On this page
The screen record shortcut on a Mac is Command-Shift-5. That opens the Screenshot toolbar. Pick Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion, click Record, then stop from the menu bar. Command-Shift-4 is stills only. Full click-by-click for the toolbar: How to screen record on Mac.
Mac screen recording shortcuts
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Command-Shift-5 | Opens the Screenshot toolbar (record or capture) |
| Command-Shift-4 | Still screenshot of a selection |
| Command-Shift-3 | Still screenshot of the whole screen |
| Command-Shift-4, then Space | Still screenshot of one window |
| Command-Control-Shift-3 / 4 | Copy a still to the clipboard instead of saving a file |
There is no separate “secret” record hotkey beyond Command-Shift-5 on current macOS. QuickTime → File → New Screen Recording opens the same toolbar.
What to set in Options before you hit Record
- Microphone: your voice, or None for a silent picture
- Save to: Desktop by default; change if you want Downloads or a folder
- Timer: none, 5, or 10 seconds
- Show Floating Thumbnail: the corner preview after you stop
- Include System Audio: only on macOS 27 or later (Apple Support); through macOS 26 the toolbar does not capture computer sound
How to stop a Mac screen recording
Click the stop button in the menu bar (right side), or press Command-Control-Esc on some setups. The file lands where Options pointed. If the video has no sound from the Mac itself, that is normal on older macOS. See Mac screen recording has no sound.
When the shortcut is not enough
Command-Shift-5 will not auto-zoom on clicks, and through macOS 26 it will not record browser or app audio without extra routing. For system audio without BlackHole, or cinematic zoom demos, use a Mac app. Start with How to screen record on Mac with audio or the best screen recorder for Mac picks.
FAQ
What is the screen record shortcut on Mac?
Command-Shift-5. It opens the Screenshot toolbar where you choose full-screen or selection recording.
Is Command-Shift-4 screen recording?
No. Command-Shift-4 captures a still image of a selection. Use Command-Shift-5 to record video.
Where is the Command-Shift-5 shortcut on a MacBook?
Hold Command (⌘), Shift, and the 5 key together. Same shortcut on MacBook and desktop Macs.
Does Command-Shift-5 record system audio?
On macOS 27 or later, Options can include system audio. Through macOS 26 it records the microphone only unless you use another app or a virtual audio driver.