Guide
The screen recording shortcut on Mac: Shift-Command-5
One shortcut opens recording, one stops it. Here are both, and the related screenshot shortcuts.
In short
Shift-Command-5 opens the Screenshot toolbar, where you can record the whole screen or a selected part. Command-Control-Esc stops a recording.
The shortcuts
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Shift-Command-5 | Opens the Screenshot toolbar: record the screen or a selection, or take screenshots |
| Command-Control-Esc | Stops a screen recording |
| Control-Command-N | In QuickTime Player: New Screen Recording |
| Shift-Command-3 | Screenshot of the whole screen |
| Shift-Command-4 | Screenshot of an area you drag |
There’s no built-in single shortcut that starts recording straight away; Shift-Command-5 opens the toolbar, then you click Record. ScreenRecordii lets you set your own shortcuts to start, stop and pause.
Questions
What is Command-Shift-5 on a Mac?
It opens the Screenshot toolbar, for screenshots and screen recordings, on macOS Mojave and later.
Can I change the screen recording shortcut?
Yes, in System Settings › Keyboard › Keyboard Shortcuts › Screenshots.
Keep reading
- How to screen record on MacThree ways to record your screen on a Mac, and which to use when.
- Stop a screen recordingThe menu bar button, the keyboard shortcut, and what to do if it won’t stop.
- Where recordings are savedWhere Mac screen recordings are saved by default, how to change it, and how to find a lost one.
- Mac screen recorderRecord a display, window or area with camera and sound, already zoomed, smoothed and framed.
- QuickTime screen recordingHow QuickTime screen recording works today, and what it can’t do.
Hit record.
ScreenRecordii is in early access for macOS 14 and later.