> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.tella.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Record camera only on Mac

> Record a talking-head video using just your webcam in the Tella Mac app, with no screen recording.

Sometimes you just want to record yourself talking: an intro, a quick update, or a personal message. The Mac app makes this easy: skip screen sharing and record with your camera only.

## Start a camera-only recording

1. Click the Tella app in your dock or menu bar.

2. Make sure your **camera is on**: you should see a preview of yourself.

3. **Turn the screen off.** Click the screen button until it reads **Screen off**. The app remembers whatever you used last, so it may still be on.

4. Make sure a **microphone** is selected. With the camera on, the record button stays disabled until you pick a mic.

5. Click the **red record button**. Tella warns you that you're **not recording screen**. Click **Record anyway** to continue (tick the checkbox if you don't want to see it again).

Tella will only record your camera and microphone, giving you a clean talking-head video.

## Choose your camera and microphone

Click the **dropdown arrows** next to the camera and microphone buttons to switch between available devices. This is useful if you have an external webcam or a dedicated microphone connected.

## Apply camera effects

The Mac app supports the video effects available for your macOS version and selected camera. Hover the camera button and click the **chevron** next to it. Under **Apple Effects**, **Center Stage** toggles directly; **Portrait** and **More effects…** open the macOS **Video Effects** panel, where you switch Portrait blur on and (on macOS 15 or later, if your camera supports it) pick a **Background**. See [change your camera background](/docs/help/recording/blur-your-camera-background) for details.

## Edit your talking-head video

When you're done recording, click the **red stop button**, then **Preview** to open the video in the web editor. From there you can:

* [Trim and split clips](/docs/help/editing/trim-and-split-clips) to cut out mistakes.
* [Pick a background](/docs/help/editing/pick-a-background) to place your camera on a styled canvas.
* [Use layouts](/docs/help/editing/use-layouts) to resize and position your camera.
* [Mirror or flip your camera](/docs/help/editing/mirror-or-flip-your-camera) if needed.

<Tip>
  Want to mix camera-only clips with screen recordings? Use [clips](/docs/help/recording/use-clips) to record multiple segments. Start with a camera-only intro, then add a screen recording clip.
</Tip>


## Related topics

- [Can't record on Mac? Check screen, camera, and mic permissions.](/docs/help/mac-app/cant-record-on-mac-check-screen-camera-and-mic-permissions.md)
- [Record a video using the Mac app](/docs/help/recording/record-a-video-using-the-mac-app.md)
- [Record with the Tella Windows app](/docs/help/recording/record-a-video-using-the-windows-app.md)
- [Can I record with multiple cameras?](/docs/help/faq/multiple-cameras.md)
- [Record faster with quick mode](/docs/help/recording/record-faster-with-quick-mode.md)