Recording Lectures on a Mac: QuickTime Player and OBS Studio

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Overview

Description: Faculty and staff can use either QuickTime Player or OBS Studio to record lecture videos on a Mac. Both options support recording video and audio for upload to Canvas or OneDrive.

Environment: QuickTime, OBS Studio

Note:Once you've recorded your video, see our recommendation on Uploading and Sharing Course Materials with SharePoint/OneDrive.

QuickTime player

When to use QuickTime

QuickTime Player is ideal when you need a simple recording solution with minimal setup.

Benefits

  • Already installed on macOS
  • Easy to use
  • No additional software required
  • Produces high-quality video recordings

Recording a Lecture

Step 1: Open QuickTime Player

  1. Open QuickTime Player from the Applications folder or Spotlight Search.
  2. Select File > New Movie Recording.

Step 2: Select Your Camera and Microphone

  1. Click the Options button or the dropdown menu next to the Record button.
  2. Choose:
  • Your preferred camera
  • Your preferred microphone
  • Recording quality (High is recommended)

Step 3: Start Recording

  1. Position yourself within the camera frame.
  2. Verify that your microphone level is responding as you speak.
  3. Click the Record button.

Step 4: Stop and Save

  1. Click Stop Recording when finished.
  2. Select File > Save.
  3. Choose a location and filename.
  4. Upload the video to your LMS.

Best Practices

  • Record in a quiet environment.
  • Face a window or other light source.
  • Keep the camera at eye level.
  • Record a short test video before creating a full lecture.

OBS Studio

When to Use OBS Studio

OBS Studio is recommended for instructors who regularly record lectures or need to display slides, demonstrations, or applications alongside their webcam.

Benefits

  • Free and open source
  • Records webcam and microphone simultaneously
  • Supports screen and slide presentation capture
  • Provides additional audio and video controls
  • Creates professional-looking recordings

Initial Setup

Step 1: Install OBS Studio

Download and install OBS Studio from the Self Service application or the official OBS website.

Step 2: Create a Scene

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. In the Scenes panel, click +.
  3. Create a scene named Lecture Recording.

Add Your Webcam

  1. In the Sources panel, click +.
  2. Select Video Capture Device.
  3. Choose your webcam.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Resize and position the camera window as needed.

Add Your Microphone

  1. Verify activity in the Audio Mixer while speaking.
  2. If your microphone is not detected:
    • Open Settings > Audio
    • Select the desired microphone
    • Save your changes

Record a Webcam Lecture

  1. Click Start Recording.
  2. Deliver your lecture.
  3. Click Stop Recording when finished.

OBS will save the recording automatically to your configured recording location.

OBS Studio: Recording Slides and Webcam Together

This configuration is recommended for most instructional content.

Step 1: Open Your Presentation

Open your PowerPoint, Keynote, PDF, or browser window.

Step 2: Capture the Presentation

  1. In OBS, click + under Sources.
  2. Select Window Capture.
  3. Choose the presentation window.

Step 3: Add Your Webcam

  1. Add a Video Capture Device source.
  2. Move and resize the webcam feed.
  3. Position it in a corner of the presentation.

Result

Your recording will include:

  • Presentation slides
  • Webcam video
  • Instructor audio

Recommended OBS Settings

For most lecture recordings, the following settings provide excellent quality while maintaining manageable file sizes.

Output Settings

Settings > Output

  • Recording Format: MP4
  • Encoder: Hardware Encoder (if available)

Video Settings

Settings > Video

  • Base Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Output Resolution: 1920×1080
  • FPS: 30

Troubleshooting

No Audio Recorded

  • Verify the correct microphone is selected.
  • Confirm audio levels move while speaking.
  • Perform a short test recording.

Video Appears Dark

  • Increase room lighting.
  • Position a light source in front of you rather than behind you.

File Size Is Too Large

  • Use 1080p at 30 FPS.
  • Compress the video before uploading if necessary.

Recommendation

Scenario Recommended Tool
Quick webcam lecture QuickTime Player
Faculty announcements QuickTime Player
Recorded presentations with slides OBS Studio
Regular online course recording OBS Studio
Professional lecture production OBS Studio

For most instructors, QuickTime Player is the fastest way to create a lecture recording. For courses that rely heavily on presentations, demonstrations, or screen sharing, OBS Studio provides significantly more flexibility and a more polished final product.

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