Reflector 3
With this application, available for both Mac and Windows, you can wirelessly mirror one or more devices to your computer. When doing so, you can also record what’s happening on your mobile device screen, add voice-over audio, and customize the recording to suit your needs, and more.
Screen-Mirroring Features
Reflector 3 is an enjoyable-to-use app that uses AirPlay mirroring to get the job done without wires or additional software. It works with iOS 8 and later, and iPadOS 13 and later. One Reflector 3 license lets you mirror non-Apple devices to Mac and Windows, including Android and Chromebook mirroring with Google Cast and Windows Mirroring with Miracast. When it comes to recording, you can connect and record one or multiple devices simultaneously. Ideally suited for creating demo videos, walkthroughs, and tutorials, Reflector 3’s recordings capabilities will connect to any device up to 60 fps. Besides recording a voice-over, you can add frames to your finished product, stream your devices to YouTube, and much more.
Let’s Do This
After installing Reflector 3, you can mirror your mobile device as follows:
Recording
To record what’s happening on the mobile device using Reflector 3:
Other Controls
You can customize your Reflector 3 experience by clicking on the gears at the top left of the app. Available settings include:
Frame: Change the frame to match your mobile device model, including its color!Scale: Decide how the Reflector window will show on your computer.Force Rotation: By default, it will show your current mobile device orientation on the Mac.Always on Top toggle: Turn this off, so the window isn’t always in front of everything else on your machine.Fullscreen toggle: Turn this on as needed.
YouTube Live Streaming
To begin live streaming through YouTube, be sure your devices are already connected to your computer. From there:
Cost
Reflector 3 is $14.99 and comes with a free seven-day trial. You’ll see a watermark on any creations developed using an unlicensed copy. Beyond this, however, it’s the full version. There’s also Reflector 3 Teacher that includes education-based features not found on the regular version. You can make your purchase on the Squirrels Store website.
QuickTime
If you don’t need to mirror your mobile device through a wireless connection, consider Apple’s built-in QuickTime app on Mac. The process involved here isn’t nearly as slick as Reflector 3, but it’s free.
Record the Screen
If you wish to record the action on your mobile device screen, tap the red record button mentioned above. When finished, click it again, then save it as you would do with any file. To stop mirroring or recording, choose QuickTime Player from the Mac toolbar, then select Quit QuickTime Player. Beyond this, QuickTime Player has limitations. For example, it doesn’t offer direct YouTube Live Streaming like Reflector 3. Plus, if you can’t get past the wired vs. wireless discussion, it probably won’t be the solution for you. With that being said, in a pinch, it works well, and once again, it’s free.
Wrapping Up
Mirroring what’s happening on your iPhone or iPad is a great way to present, teach, or entertain. If you’re looking for a solution with many bells and whistles, you should strongly consider Reflector 3. Developed for professionals across various industries and organizations, the relatively inexpensive solution offers easy setup and a long list of basic and advanced features. If you’re new to mirroring, have a one-and-done situation only, or rather not spend any money, use QuickTime Player on your Mac. A difficult choice? Try them both for free and decide which one is best for your situation.
