How to Record Screen on Mac: Record 4K Video

Screen recording is quite a simple process that doesn’t usually come with many complications. But when it comes to recording in 4K, things get a bit more technical, since you can’t just use any tool for that.

If you want to know how to screen record on Mac in 4K, you’ve come to the right place. So, let’s talk about the macOS built-in tools for screen recording, take a look at some third-party software that can help you with that, and discuss a couple of useful tips.

4K for High-Quality Screen Recording

4K refers to a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, offering four times the detail of Full HD (1080p). This means sharper visuals, crisper text, and better image quality overall. That’s why 4K is the best screen recording option for those who want to capture every detail with maximum clarity.

Although 4K is not always a must (for example, 1080p will be enough for short social media content), it’s particularly useful for software demonstrations, professional presentations, and high-end video content.

Benefits of 4K Screen Recording:

Enhanced Clarity – Captures details that might be lost in lower resolutions.
Future-Proof Content – As 4K becomes the standard, recording in this format will keep your videos relevant.
Better Editing Flexibility – Allows for cropping and zooming without losing quality.
Professional Appeal – Ideal for content creators who want high production value.
Improved Streaming and Playback – 4K recordings look stunning on larger displays, which is perfect for a great viewing experience.

Can I Record 4K Video on Mac Using Built-in Tools?

A popular meme is the best way to answer this question: well yes, but actually no.

There are a couple of ways to record your screen on Mac with such built-in tools as QuickTime Player and Screenshot Toolbar, but neither supports native 4K screen recording at full frame rates. The default resolution for recordings is often lower than 4K, meaning you’ll need adjustments or third-party software to achieve true 4K quality.

Limitations of Built-in Tools:

QuickTime Player – Easy to use, but caps recording resolution based on display settings.
Screenshot Toolbar (Command + Shift + 5) – Offers convenience, but lacks advanced settings for adjusting resolution.
Frame Rate Restrictions – Built-in tools may not support higher frame rates needed for professional 4K recordings.
No Advanced Encoding Options – You might need additional software for better video compression and output quality.

That’s why, for a truly high quality screen recording in 4K, you may need external applications that give you full control over resolution and encoding. But if you still want to try out the built-in tools, here’s a small guide on how to screen record on Mac in QuickTime Player:

Open QuickTime Player.
Click File > New Screen Recording.
Click the drop-down menu next to the Record button.
Select Built-in Microphone if you need audio.
Adjust your Mac’s display resolution to 4K if your monitor supports it.
Click Record and select the area you want to capture.
Stop recording when done and export in the highest quality available.

Pro Tip: To get the best results, use an external 4K display to force macOS to record at a higher resolution.

How to Record Screen on Mac in 4K

Now that we’ve established that native tools have their limitations, let’s go over the best screen recording methods and see how to record screen on Mac in 4K using third-party software.

Method 1: Using OBS Studio for True 4K Capture

If you want full control over resolution, frame rate, and encoding, OBS Studio is one of the best free tools for screen recording on Mac in 4K.

Steps to Record 4K Video with OBS:

Download and install OBS Studio from its official site.
Open the application and go to File > Settings > Video.
Set the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to 3840 x 2160 (4K).
Adjust the Frame Rate (30 or 60 FPS for smooth recording).
Click Start Recording and capture your screen in true 4K.

OBS provides powerful customization options, making it ideal for high quality screen recording, especially for professionals. For example, it allows you to adjust the video bitrate, select various audio devices, add a webcam and stream your recordings to a platform of your choice (Twitch, YouTube, Vimeo, and more).

Method 2: Using Movavi Screen Recorder for Easy 4K Recording

Movavi Screen Recorder is another great option if you need a user-friendly way to record in 4K without technical tweaks.

Steps to Use Movavi Screen Recorder:

Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder.
Open the software and select Record Screen.
Choose the 4K resolution option in settings.
Start recording with one click and save in high quality 4K format.

Movavi Screen Recorder also allows for some basic editing such as cutting and trimming your clips and adding shapes, arrows and pointers to guide viewers’ attention.

Method 3: Using ScreenFlow for Professional 4K Recording

For those who need both screen recording and advanced editing features, ScreenFlow is one of the best paid solutions.

How to Record in 4K with ScreenFlow:

Install ScreenFlow and open the application.
Click New Recording and select the display.
Make sure your Mac’s display resolution is set to 4K.
Adjust recording settings for best quality.
Record your screen and export in 4K resolution.

The good thing about ScreenFlow is that it’s not just screencasting software, but video editing one, too. Which means you can edit the captured footage after recording, add highlights and annotations, and more.

Additional Tips for the Best 4K Recording Experience

Now that we’ve covered the best methods to screen record on Mac, here are a couple of tips that will help you get the best results:

Use an External 4K Display to capture true 4K.
Increase Bitrate Settings – High bitrate improves video clarity.
Use SSD for Storage – 4K recordings are large, so an SSD ensures fast read/write speeds.
Adjust Frame Rate – 60 FPS provides smoother motion, but 30 FPS works well too.
Check CPU & GPU Performance – 4K recording is resource-intensive, so your Mac has to have sufficient power.

The Bottom Line

Even though macOS provides built-in screen recording tools, they aren’t optimized for 4K recording. That’s why if you need true 4K video quality, using third-party software is a much better option.

Choose one that matches your needs and skills. See whether it offers an intuitive interface, editing tools, and advanced features. And start creating professional content in 4K with ease.