Does macOS have ShadowPlay / instant replay built in?

macOS includes basic screen recording tools, but it does not include a dedicated ShadowPlay-style instant replay feature for games. For that workflow, you’ll want a dedicated Mac clipper.

🎮 GAMEPLAY CLIPPING GUIDE

How to Clip Gameplay on MacSave the last 30–120 seconds

Q: How do I clip on Mac?

You can clip on Mac by recording your screen and trimming afterward (QuickTime or Cmd+Shift+5). For gameplay moments, the easiest approach is an instant replay workflow that saves the last 30–120 seconds with a hotkey.

Q: How do I clip the last 30 seconds on Mac?

Use an instant replay clipper that runs in the background with a rolling buffer. When the moment happens, press a hotkey to save the last 30 seconds (or longer).

Q: How do I clip on Mac with audio?

Built-in tools can record microphone audio easily, but capturing system/game audio can be tricky. For a Mac-first clipping workflow with reliable audio capture, use a dedicated clipper designed for macOS.

There are two ways to clip on macOS: manual recording (start/stop) and instant replay (save the last moments with a hotkey). This guide shows both.

Jump to instant replay Try ClipMac Free

ClipMac demo (instant replay workflow)Tip: save the last moments with one hotkey

Manual clip (QuickTime)

Best for tutorials. Start recording before the moment, then trim after.

Manual clip (Cmd+Shift+5)

Fastest built-in option. Great for short clips you plan ahead.

Instant replay (recommended for gaming)

Always recording in the background. Save the last 30–120 seconds instantly.

Method 1: Clip on Mac with QuickTime (manual)

1. Open QuickTime Player.
2. File → New Screen Recording.
3. Record your gameplay, then stop.
4. Trim the clip and export.

Great for planned recordings. Not ideal when you only realize “I should have clipped that” after the fact.

Method 2: Clip on Mac with Cmd+Shift+5 (manual)

1. Press Cmd + Shift + 5.
2. Choose record entire screen or a portion.
3. Click Record; stop via the menu bar.
4. Trim the clip and share.

Fast and built-in, but still manual (you must start recording before the moment happens).

Method 3: Instant replay (clip the last 30–120 seconds)

This is the “ShadowPlay / Medal style” workflow: a rolling buffer runs in the background, and you press a hotkey to save the last moments. It’s the best fit for gaming because you don’t have to predict the moment in advance.

✓Save the last moments with one hotkey

✓Better workflow for unexpected highlights

✓Designed for game clipping on macOS

Try ClipMac Free See comparisons

ClipMac (Mac-first instant replay)

Built for macOS 15+

If you found this page from “clip on mac”, ClipMac is the tool built for this exact workflow: clip the last moments with a hotkey, without manual start/stop.

Also relevant: ClipMac vs Medal (Mac) · ShadowPlay alternatives on Mac

FAQ: clipping on Mac

How do I clip on Mac?

Use QuickTime or Cmd+Shift+5 to record and trim afterward. For gameplay moments, an instant replay workflow is the easiest way to save the last moments after they happen.

How do I clip the last 30 seconds on Mac?

Use an instant replay clipper that keeps a rolling buffer in the background, then press a hotkey to save the last 30 seconds (or longer).

How do I clip on Mac with audio?

Capturing system/game audio is often the tricky part on macOS. If you want reliable game + mic audio for clips, a dedicated Mac clipper is usually the simplest approach.