Record Mac Screen with Internal Audio in QuickTime

QuickTime Player on macOS 13 Ventura cannot natively record internal system audio on its own due to Apple's built-in audio security limitations. However, you can easily bypass this restriction and capture crisp system sound alongside your screen by routing your audio through a free virtual audio driver. This guide walks you through setting up the necessary virtual device and configuring QuickTime to capture both video and system audio simultaneously.

Why QuickTime Requires an Audio Driver

By default, QuickTime only permits screen recordings to capture external audio via physical inputs, such as the built-in microphone. It blocks direct internal audio capture to prevent unauthorized digital duplication. To capture application sounds, music, or gameplay, you must install an open-source virtual audio loopback driver, such as BlackHole (or alternatives like Soundflower or Existential Audio).

Step 1: Install a Virtual Audio Driver

  1. Download and install a virtual audio driver, such as the free utility BlackHole (2ch).
  2. Complete the installation package and restart your Mac if prompted, ensuring macOS has registered the new virtual audio route.

Step 2: Create a Multi-Output Device

A Multi-Output Device allows you to hear system audio through your speakers or headphones while simultaneously sending the exact same audio stream to QuickTime.

  1. Open Finder, go to Applications > Utilities, and launch Audio MIDI Setup.
  2. Click the + (plus) icon in the lower-left corner and select Create Multi-Output Device.
  3. In the right panel, check the box for your standard output device (such as Built-in Output, MacBook Speakers, or Headphones).
  4. Check the box for BlackHole 2ch.
  5. Ensure your primary listening device is set as the Master Device and that Drift Correction is enabled for the secondary device.

Step 3: Route Your Mac’s System Sound

  1. Open macOS System Settings and select Sound.
  2. Under the Output tab, select the Multi-Output Device you created.
  3. Your computer audio will now play through your speakers and simultaneously route to the virtual driver. Note that volume cannot be adjusted via the keyboard while a Multi-Output Device is active, so adjust your application volumes beforehand.

Step 4: Record the Screen with QuickTime

  1. Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
  2. Select File > New Screen Recording from the menu bar (or press Command + Shift + 5).
  3. On the recording toolbar, click Options.
  4. Under the Microphone section, select BlackHole 2ch (instead of Built-in Microphone or None).
  5. Choose whether to record the entire screen or a selected portion, then click Record.

When finished, click the Stop button in the top menu bar. Your saved video will feature high-quality screen capture with full internal system audio. Once you are done recording, return to System Settings > Sound and switch your output back to your default speakers or headphones.