RetroMac BlogHow to add a VHS filter to your screen recording (Mac)
A VHS-filtered screen recording instantly looks like it's from 1996. Here's the cleanest setup on macOS - what shader to use, how to record it, and how to push it into Zoom or OBS live.
The look you want
A convincing VHS filter is more than a scanline. You want chroma bleed (red smearing sideways), subtle tracking wobble, tape grain, and a hint of dropout. RetroMac's presets bundle those together so you don't have to stack five shaders.
Setting up the VHS preset (step-by-step)
- Open RetroMac from the menu bar and go to Effects.
- Pick "VHS 1996" (cleaner) or "Camcorder" (grungier).
- Scope the shader to one display or app so the rest of your screen stays crisp.
- Dial in tracking errors and tape wear to taste.
- Save it as a preset so it comes back next time.
Recording with the filter on
Use QuickTime (Cmd+Shift+5) or any capture tool. Because the shader runs on the compositor, whatever you record is exactly what you see - no post-processing needed.
Streaming live in Zoom / Meet / OBS
For live calls, enable RetroMac's webcam shader. It exposes a virtual camera named "RetroMac" that any app can pick up. In OBS, add it as a Video Capture Device - no plugin required.
Try RetroMac yourself
Free · macOS 14+ · No account, no telemetry
FAQ
Does the recording capture the VHS filter?
Yes - macOS records what's on screen, so the shader is baked into the output file.
Can I use the VHS look as a webcam filter on calls?
Yes, RetroMac's optional webcam shader exposes a virtual camera you can pick in Zoom, Meet, Teams or OBS.
Does it work with OBS?
Yes - either capture the shaded display, or use the RetroMac virtual camera as a source.
Can I control tape wear and tracking?
Yes, per-preset sliders for tracking errors, chroma bleed and tape age.
Permalink: /blog/vhs-filter-for-screen-recording