> ## 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 — 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. **Don't select a screen area.** Simply skip the screen-sharing step and click the **red record button** to start.

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

While recording camera-only, you can use the Mac app's built-in camera effects:

* **Background blur** — keep the focus on you. See [blur your camera background](/docs/help/recording/blur-your-camera-background).
* **Custom backgrounds** — replace your background entirely.

## Edit your talking-head video

When you're done recording, click **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>