Best Tools for Recording Video Tutorials on Mac
December 12, 2025
Creating professional video tutorials on Mac has never been easier. Whether you're a course creator, software trainer, or content marketer, having the right toolkit makes all the difference between amateur-looking content and polished, engaging videos that keep viewers watching.
In this guide, we'll walk through the best Mac apps for every stage of tutorial creation—from screen recording and teleprompter tools to editing software. Let's build your perfect video tutorial workflow.
Why Mac Is Great for Video Tutorial Creation
Mac has long been a favorite among content creators, and for good reason. The combination of reliable hardware, excellent built-in tools, and a rich ecosystem of professional apps makes it ideal for video production. Plus, features like the notch on newer MacBooks can actually be put to creative use (more on that later).
Screen Recording Tools
1. ScreenFlow
Best for: Professional tutorial creators who need all-in-one recording and editing.
ScreenFlow remains the gold standard for Mac screen recording. It captures your screen, webcam, and microphone simultaneously, then lets you edit everything in one app.
Key features:
- Multi-track editing timeline
- Built-in stock media library
- Callouts and annotations
- Direct upload to YouTube and Vimeo
Price: $169 (one-time purchase)
2. OBS Studio
Best for: Budget-conscious creators who want professional features.
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is completely free and surprisingly powerful. While it has a steeper learning curve, it offers features that rival paid alternatives.
Key features:
- Unlimited scenes and sources
- Real-time video mixing
- Live streaming capability
- Plugin ecosystem
Price: Free and open source
3. Built-in macOS Screen Recording
Best for: Quick recordings without installing additional software.
Don't overlook what's already on your Mac. Press Cmd + Shift + 5 to access the built-in screen recorder. It's perfect for quick captures and basic tutorials.
Key features:
- No installation required
- Records screen or selected portion
- Includes microphone audio
- Saves to standard formats
Price: Free (included with macOS)
4. Loom
Best for: Quick explanations and team communication.
Loom excels at fast, shareable recordings. Record your screen, share a link, and your video is instantly available. Great for quick software walkthroughs.
Key features:
- Instant sharing links
- Viewer analytics
- Comments and reactions
- Chrome extension available
Price: Free tier available, Pro from $12.50/month
Teleprompter and Script Tools
Staying on script while maintaining natural eye contact is one of the biggest challenges in tutorial creation. Here's where the right teleprompter tool becomes essential.
1. Notchie
Best for: Mac users who want to read scripts while maintaining perfect eye contact.
Notchie is a clever teleprompter app designed specifically for Mac. It displays your script right below the notch (or at the top of your screen), so you can read while looking directly at your camera. This is a game-changer for video tutorials where maintaining eye contact builds trust with viewers.
What makes Notchie special:
- Voice-activated scrolling — The script moves as you speak, so you never have to touch anything
- Natural eye contact — Script position near the camera means you're always looking at viewers
- Distraction-free — Minimal interface that stays out of your way
- Built for Mac — Native app that integrates beautifully with macOS
For tutorial creators, Notchie solves the common problem of sounding scripted or constantly looking away from the camera to check notes. Your tutorials feel conversational and professional.
Price: Available on the Mac App Store
2. PromptSmart Pro
Best for: Those who need a mobile teleprompter solution.
PromptSmart offers voice-activated scrolling across multiple devices. It's a solid choice if you need teleprompter functionality on iPad or iPhone.
Price: $19.99
Video Editing Software
1. Final Cut Pro
Best for: Serious tutorial creators who want professional results.
Apple's flagship editor handles everything from basic cuts to complex multi-track projects. The magnetic timeline makes editing intuitive, and it's optimized for Apple Silicon.
Key features:
- Magnetic timeline
- Advanced color grading
- Motion graphics templates
- Optimized for M1/M2/M3 Macs
Price: $299.99 (one-time purchase)
2. DaVinci Resolve
Best for: Creators who want professional features without the price tag.
DaVinci Resolve offers Hollywood-grade editing and color correction for free. The learning curve is steep, but the capabilities are unmatched at this price point.
Key features:
- Professional color grading
- Fairlight audio editing
- Fusion visual effects
- Free version is remarkably complete
Price: Free (Studio version $295)
3. iMovie
Best for: Beginners and simple tutorial edits.
iMovie comes free with your Mac and handles basic editing tasks well. It's perfect for straightforward tutorials that don't need fancy effects.
Price: Free (included with macOS)
Building Your Tutorial Recording Workflow
Here's a recommended setup for creating professional video tutorials on Mac:
Pre-Production
- Write your script — Even rough bullet points help you stay focused
- Set up Notchie — Load your script and adjust the reading speed
- Test your recording setup — Check audio levels and lighting
Recording
- Launch your screen recorder — ScreenFlow or OBS for comprehensive capture
- Position Notchie at the top of your screen — Keep eye contact with your viewers
- Do a quick test recording — Verify everything sounds and looks good
- Record in sections — Break longer tutorials into manageable chunks
Post-Production
- Import into your editor — Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve
- Cut mistakes and pauses — Keep the pace engaging
- Add callouts and annotations — Highlight important UI elements
- Export in appropriate format — Usually 1080p or 4K for YouTube
Tips for Better Video Tutorials
Sound Natural While Using a Script
The biggest challenge with scripted content is sounding robotic. Using a teleprompter like Notchie helps because you can maintain eye contact, but here are additional tips:
- Write like you talk — Use contractions and casual language
- Practice beforehand — Familiarity breeds natural delivery
- Leave room for improvisation — Don't script every single word
- Use the voice-activated scrolling — It follows your natural pace
Optimize for Learning
Remember, tutorials exist to teach. Keep these principles in mind:
- Show, don't just tell — Demonstrate actions on screen
- Go slower than feels natural — Viewers need time to process
- Repeat key points — Reinforce important concepts
- Include chapter markers — Help viewers navigate longer tutorials
Technical Quality Matters
Poor audio or video quality undermines even great content:
- Invest in a good microphone — Audio quality matters more than video
- Use proper lighting — Natural light or a ring light works wonders
- Record in a quiet space — Background noise is distracting
- Check your framing — Keep yourself properly positioned in frame
Conclusion
Creating professional video tutorials on Mac requires the right combination of tools. For screen recording, ScreenFlow or OBS deliver excellent results. For editing, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve offer professional capabilities. And for delivering your content naturally while maintaining eye contact, Notchie is purpose-built for Mac users.
The best toolkit is one that fits your workflow and helps you focus on what matters most—creating valuable content for your audience. Start with the essentials, refine your process, and upgrade tools as your needs evolve.
Ready to create tutorials that look and sound professional? Download Notchie and experience the difference a great teleprompter makes.
Looking for more tips on video creation? Check out our guides on reading scripts naturally on camera and how voice-activated teleprompters work.