It’s very simple and basic but perfect if you simply want to leave a voice message for yourself.

Here’s how to use it.

Open Voice Memos via the Launchpad, Finder, or Spotlight.

Voice Memos app on Mac with the record button highlighted

grab the red circle to start recording your voice.

ClickDonewhen you’ve finished recording your voice memo.

Alternatively, opt for pause icon to the left to pause the recording temporarily.

Voice Memos app on Mac with Done button highlighted

Double grab the name of the file to rename it to something memorable.

The file is automatically shared via iCloud to your other Apple devices.

To share it elsewhere, press the icon at the top right of the screen to share it.

Voice Memos app with the name of the memo highlighted

Here’s how to use it.

Open QuickTime via the Launchpad, Finder or Spotlight.

ClickFile>New Audio Recording.

QuickTime Player on Mac with New Audio Recording highlighted

go for the red circle in the middle.

hit the gray square to stop recording.

ClickFile>Saveto choose a name for the recording and where you want to save it.

QuickTime Player with the record button highlighted

The file is now saved to your chosen folder and can be shared via conventional methods.

How to Record Sound With GarageBand

One final option for recording audio on Mac is with GarageBand.

It offers far more advanced features as it’s a music recording app.

QuickTime Player with the stop recording button highlighted

Here’s how to use it to record audio.

Open GarageBand via the Launchpad, Finder or Spotlight.

ClickChooseto open a new project.

QuickTime Player on Mac with Save dialog highlighted

ClickAudio>Recordusing a microphone.

ClickFile>Saveto save the audio file or clickShareto share it directly.

GarageBand with Choose Project highlighted

GarageBand with Create highlighted

GarageBand with record button highlighted

GarageBand with Stop Recording button highlighted