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How to Record a Specific Window on Mac

Updated November 13, 2026 ยท By KIM YOOGEON, maker of Quibble

To record one window on a Mac, press Shift-Command-5, choose Record Selected Window, click Record, then click the window. Apple says this option needs macOS Tahoe 26 or later. On older versions, you can record a selected portion of the screen instead.

This guide shows both, then how to do it in Quibble. We make Quibble, so check the macOS steps against Apple's support page, linked at the end.

Why record one window

Recording the whole screen also records your menu bar, your Dock, your other apps and anything that pops up. A single window keeps the video focused on the one app you are showing. It is useful for a tutorial on one app, a bug report, or a demo where a notification should not appear.

Method 1: Record Selected Window (macOS Tahoe 26 or later)

  1. Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.
  2. Click Record Selected Window.
  3. Click Options if you want to set a microphone, a timer or a save location.
  4. Click Record.
  5. Click the window you want to capture.
  6. Stop with the Stop button in the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc.

The recording is a .mov file, saved to your Desktop by default. A thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen. Click it to edit the recording.

Apple also notes that some apps, such as the Apple TV app, may not allow window recording.

Check your macOS version

Open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. If you do not see Record Selected Window in the toolbar, your version is probably earlier than Tahoe 26.

Method 2: Older macOS, record a selected area

Apple lists Record Selected Window as needing macOS Tahoe 26 or later, so on older versions the closest built-in option is Record Selected Portion.

  1. Open the app and put the window where you want it.
  2. Press Shift-Command-5.
  3. Click Record Selected Portion.
  4. Drag the borders of the box so they sit around the window.
  5. Click Record.
  6. Stop with the menu bar Stop button or Command-Control-Esc.

This records everything inside the box, not only the window. If another window or a notification moves into that area, it will be in the video. Close other apps and turn on Do Not Disturb first. Do a short test and play it back.

Method 3: Quibble

In Quibble, choose Window when you start, and Quibble records the area where that window sits.

  1. Open Quibble and press Option-Command-R.
  2. The screen dims so you can choose a display, a window or an area. Click the window.
  3. Record and talk as you work.
  4. Stop. The editor opens.

Like a selected portion, this records that area of the screen. It does not follow the window if you move it, and anything that moves over it will be in the video, so keep the window in place and turn on Do Not Disturb. Quibble runs on Macs with Apple silicon and macOS 15 or later.

A recording that zooms into the part of the screen you click

Recording, editing and previewing are free. Saving the finished video and exporting need a license ($7.99 per month, $79 per year or $129 once, with a 14-day refund).

After you record, Quibble can do more with the clip:

Which method fits

SituationTry
You are on macOS Tahoe 26 or later and want a quick clipRecord Selected Window
You are on an older macOS and want freeRecord Selected Portion, with a short test first
You want captions, click zooms and cuts afterQuibble

Record one app with sound

Choose a microphone in Options for your voice. The Mac's own sound (Include System Audio) needs macOS 27 or later. For all the audio choices, see how to record your Mac screen with internal audio.

For the full set of basics, including QuickTime, see how to record screen on Mac. The keys are on one page in screen recording Mac shortcuts.

Frequently asked questions

Can you record only one window on a Mac?

Yes, on macOS Tahoe 26 or later. Press Shift-Command-5, choose Record Selected Window and click the window. On older versions, record a selected portion around the window.

How do I screen record one app on Mac?

Open the app, press Shift-Command-5 and choose Record Selected Window, then click the app's window. Some apps, such as the Apple TV app, may not allow window recording.

Why is Record Selected Window missing?

Apple says it needs macOS Tahoe 26 or later. Check your version under About This Mac.

Does a window recording include sound?

Only if you set it. Pick a microphone in Options for your voice. Include System Audio needs macOS 27 or later.

Can Quibble record a single window?

Yes. Press Option-Command-R and choose Window. Quibble records the area the window covers, so keep the window in place while you record.

Sources

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