# How to record yourself reading a script on a Mac

> Use QuickTime Player's New Movie Recording to film yourself while you read. Choose camera, microphone and quality, then save the file.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/tips/record-yourself-reading-a-script-on-mac/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

Open QuickTime Player and choose File then New Movie Recording. Pick your camera, microphone and quality, press the record button, read your script, and press stop. Choose File then Save to name the recording. This uses only apps that come with your Mac.

## Steps

1. Open **QuickTime Player** and choose **File > New Movie Recording**. A green light next to the built in camera shows it is active.
2. Click the options menu button to choose a **Camera** and a **Microphone** if you have more than one.
3. Choose **Quality**. Apple says **High** records H.264 video with 44100 Hz AAC audio, and **Maximum** records Apple ProRes 422 video with Linear PCM audio.
4. Adjust the volume control so you can hear what you are recording.
5. Click **Start Recording**, read, then click **Stop Recording**. To pause, hold Option and click Start Recording, and click it again to resume.
6. Choose **File > Save** and name the recording.

## Quality and storage

Apple warns that Maximum quality produces uncompressed files that can use a lot of storage space. Choose High if your disk is tight. For a talking head or a short update, High is the sensible choice.

## Prepare before you press record

Read the script once with the camera preview on, so your eyes settle near the lens. [Looking at the camera while reading](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/look-at-the-camera-while-reading-a-script/) has practical positioning steps. A script written for the ear is easier to read aloud, as the [formatting tip](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/format-a-script-for-a-teleprompter/) explains. To check the picture first, see [how to test your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/).

## Use an iPhone if you prefer

Apple adds that you can record from a connected iPhone, iPad or iPod touch by choosing it as the Camera in the same options menu. If your Mac has no built in camera, you can connect an external one.

## Read from the notch while you record

NotchStar's [Teleprompter](https://www.notchstar.com/features/teleprompter/) can stay open next to the camera while QuickTime records, so your script is within a glance of the lens. Pin it open while you read and unpin it afterwards. It does not hide itself from a screen recording, so QuickTime's camera recording, which captures only the camera, is the better pairing than a screen recording. Your script is plain text, one at a time, stored on your Mac in NotchStar's preferences, and never uploaded. The [teleprompter guide](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/teleprompter-on-mac/) covers pacing.

## Quick answers.

### Where does QuickTime save my recording?

Apple's page does not name a default folder. The location is whatever you choose in the Save dialog.

## Keep reading.

- [A teleprompter right under your camera](https://www.notchstar.com/features/teleprompter/): Read a scrolling script right beside your Mac's camera. Adjustable speed and text size, fading edges, and an edit mode for your script.
- [How to look at the camera while reading a script](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/look-at-the-camera-while-reading-a-script/): Keep your eyes near the lens when you read from a script on a Mac: move the text next to the camera, shrink it, and set a steady scroll speed.
- [How to format a script for a teleprompter](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/format-a-script-for-a-teleprompter/): Write a script you can read aloud without stumbling: short lines, plain words, marked pauses and no surprises. Includes a quick checklist.
- [Using a teleprompter on your Mac for calls and video](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/teleprompter-on-mac/): How to read a script on camera without looking like you are reading: placement, pacing, writing for the ear and a notch based setup.
- [How to test your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/): Open Photo Booth or QuickTime Player to see if your Mac camera works. Look for the green light, pick the right camera, and check app permissions.

## More in Scripts and prompters.

- [How to look at the camera while reading a script](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/look-at-the-camera-while-reading-a-script/): Keep your eyes near the lens when you read from a script on a Mac: move the text next to the camera, shrink it, and set a steady scroll speed.
- [How to format a script for a teleprompter](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/format-a-script-for-a-teleprompter/): Write a script you can read aloud without stumbling: short lines, plain words, marked pauses and no surprises. Includes a quick checklist.