Those impressive livestreams with seamless camera switches, crystal-clear video sources, and professional graphics aren't powered by expensive broadcasting equipment. The secret behind most professional-looking streams is actually a free tool that anyone can download—no credit card required, no premium tier upsells hiding in the fine print.

That tool is Open Broadcaster Software (aka OBS Studio). This free, open-source software gives anyone with a computer the ability to create broadcast-quality livestreams and recordings without spending a penny.

The interface isn't exactly welcoming for newcomers, though—there's a bit of a learning curve when you're faced with all those buttons and settings. This guide walks you through everything from basic setup to advanced techniques, helping you harness OBS's full potential without the trial-and-error frustration.

How to install OBS Studio for recording

OBS Studio stands out as solid recording software because it's free and open-source. This has opened up streaming and screen recording to a much wider audience, making it one of the most popular tools to record with OBS.

There's still a learning curve when you first learn how to record with OBS Studio, but it's designed to be accessible for beginners. As soon as you install OBS Studio, you'll get preconfigured settings for streaming and recording that can be used as-is or as a starting point for further customization.

It also lets users customize almost every aspect of their recording and streaming setup, from audio input sources to video resolution and beyond. Here's how to install OBS:

1. Visit the OBS website: The OBS Studio website is at obsproject.com..
2. Choose your operating system: OBS Studio can be used on Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. Select the version that corresponds to your device's operating system to ensure compatibility.
3. Download and install: After selecting your operating system, download the installer. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
4. Customize your settings: Once you launch it, OBS Studio prompts you to configure its basic settings. This step is important because it's where you tailor OBS to your specific recording needs, like resolution and bitrate. You can always adjust these settings later as needed.

OBS recording features and interface explained

As noted, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is versatile and powerful for live streaming and screen recording. It combines an excellent feature set with a user-friendly interface, making it a popular OBS screen recorder among content creators.

Here's a breakdown of its key features.

Scenes and sources management: You can create and customize multiple 'scenes', each with its own media sources like game capture, webcam feeds, images, and browser windows.

Audio mixer: Includes a multi-track audio mixer with per-source filters like noise gate, noise suppression, and gain, which gives you more control over audio inputs and outputs.

Video mixing and transitions: Makes real-time video mixing and transitioning between different scenes easy with customizable transitions like fade, cut, and stinger transitions.

Streaming and recording: Offers simultaneous streaming and recording capabilities with adjustable quality settings, supporting popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live.

Customizable hotkeys: Lets you set up hotkeys for almost any action, including starting/stopping streams or recordings, muting audio sources, and switching scenes.

Advanced audio properties: Offers advanced options like audio delay and syncing audio with video.

Real-time audio/video capturing: Captures and mixes high-quality audio and video in real-time, a key requirement for live streaming and professional recordings.

Encoder options: Supports various encoders, including x264 and hardware encoders, so you can optimize your stream or recording based on hardware capabilities.

Customizable user interface: Features a flexible UI you can arrange and customize to suit your workflows and preferences.

Filters and effects: Offers a variety of filters and effects for sources, such as chroma key (green screen), image masking, color correction, and more for enhanced production quality.

Multi-view: Easily monitor and switch between multiple scenes, which is helpful for complex live productions.

Replay buffer: Save short segments of live video to create instant replays or highlights during live broadcasts.

Advanced configuration options: Includes a range of advanced settings for video bitrate, frame rate, resolution, and stream delay to tailor your streaming and recording setups.

OBS also includes easy access to plugins and FAQs, which is great for beginners trying to learn how to record on OBS. An OBS Discord community is yet another perk of using this free screen recording software. It's filled with thousands of users and you can join for free.

How to set up OBS for recording

The best way to record with OBS Studio is to adjust a few key settings for optimal quality. Here's how to screen record with OBS effectively:

Video settings: Go to the 'Settings' menu and click on 'Video'. Set the base (canvas) resolution to the resolution of your monitor if you're doing full-screen recording. For the output (scaled) resolution, you might choose a lower resolution for a smaller file size. Set the downscale filter to 'Lanczos' for high-quality scaling and choose an FPS value (commonly 30 or 60 fps) based on the smoothness you want in your video. Higher FPS values create smoother motion but require more processing power.

Output settings: In the 'Output' tab, you'll find options for streaming and recording. Focus on the 'Recording' section. Choose an output mode: 'Simple' for beginners or 'Advanced' for more control. Select your recording path and the folder where your recordings will be saved. Adjust the recording format (MP4 is more compatible but can corrupt if recording crashes, while MKV is more resilient but less compatible) and choose an encoder. If your GPU can handle it, opt for a hardware encoder like NVENC (for Nvidia GPUs) or AMF/VCE (for AMD GPUs) to reduce CPU load.

Camera and audio settings: Add your webcam as a 'Video Capture Device' source. Adjust the camera's resolution and FPS in its properties window. For audio, add sources like 'Audio Input Capture' for microphones. In the 'Audio Mixer' section, you can balance and adjust the levels of your audio sources.

Plugins: OBS supports plugins for added functionality. You can access plugins from the OBS website and install them via the drop-down menu in OBS. Choose ones that enhance your recording needs, like audio processors, scene transitions, or automatic recording features that let OBS automatically record when streaming.

OBS maintains a handy list of 202 plugins in their community forum you can filter through and download for your projects.

For the best possible OBS recording settings:

Best settings to record with OBS

For the best possible OBS settings:

• Video Settings:
• Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080) or higher is recommended for quality performance balance.
• Frames Per Second (FPS): 60 FPS is ideal for smooth motion, especially in content involving fast-paced action, while 30 FPS may suffice for standard videos but can result in choppier playback for dynamic content.
• Output Settings:
• Bitrate: A higher bitrate, such as 10,000 kbps, leads to higher quality video, but also larger file sizes. The balance between quality and file size is important, especially considering bandwidth and storage capacity.
• Encoder:
• Software encoders like x264 offer a good balance between quality and compression and are suitable for various scenarios. Hardware encoders like NVIDIA NVENC and AMD VCE use the graphics card for faster, more efficient encoding.
• Audio Settings:
• Adjust parameters such as sample rate (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz), audio channels (stereo or mono), and audio bitrate (e.g., 128 kbps) for clear and professional audio. Audio noise suppression can also be enabled to improve audio quality, especially in noisy environments.
• Recording Format:
• MP4 is widely used due to excellent compatibility and compression, while formats like FLV might be better for specific platforms or older systems. The choice of video format affects the ease of sharing, editing, and playing across various devices and software.

As a starting point, these settings might need to be tweaked based on your specific recording situation and hardware capabilities. If you experience stuttering or poor quality recordings, try lowering your resolution or bitrate. The goal is to balance quality with performance for smooth recordings that sound and look great.

How to record with OBS on Windows and Mac

Screen recording with OBS Studio on both Windows and Mac is straightforward once you understand the basics. Here are the key steps to get you started with the OBS screen recorder:

Step 1: Install OBS. Ensure you've installed OBS Studio by following the step-by-step guide for your operating system, whether it's Windows or MacOS.

Step 2: Set up a scene. Open OBS and click the '+' button under 'Scenes' to create a new scene. Name it something relevant, like 'Screen Recording'.

Step 3: Add your sources. Click the '+' button under the 'Sources' window. To capture your entire screen, select 'Display Capture', then choose the display you want to record.

If you want to include webcam footage, add a 'Video Capture Device.' Sources can include multiple elements like images, text, videos, webcam footage, gameplay, and even desktop. Additionally:

• Display capture: Use 'Display Capture Source' and 'Window Capture Source' for Windows and Linux, or 'macOS Screen Capture Source' for macOS. This is ideal for capturing your entire desktop or a specific window.
• Game capture: For Windows users, 'Game Capture' is optimized to capture 3D games with high performance.
• Video capture: To record from your webcam or capture cards, utilize the 'Video Capture Source'.

Step 4: Set up your recording settings. Navigate to 'Settings' and then 'Output'. Here, set your recording path, select the video file type (such as MP4 or MKV), and choose your encoder settings to balance video quality with file size.

Step 5: Start and stop recordings. Back in the main window, click the 'Start Recording' button when you're ready. To stop recording, click 'Stop Recording'. Your video file will be saved to the recording path you set earlier.

Each step in OBS is designed to be intuitive, from installation to managing your recording settings. With practice, you'll be able to record videos swiftly. If you encounter a black screen when recording, make sure you've selected the correct display source and that your graphics drivers are up to date.

How to record with OBS on iPhone and Android

To use OBS Studio for screen recording on mobile devices, you'll need to use your smartphone as a webcam since OBS doesn't have native mobile apps. Here's a revised and accurate approach:

Step 1: Install a compatible app. For both iPhone and Android, install an app that supports streaming your phone's camera to a PC. Options include:

• Camo: Supports iOS and Android; connects over USB or Wi-Fi.
• DroidCam: For iOS and Android; connects via Wi-Fi or USB; supports Windows and Linux.
• EpocCam: Specifically for iOS; connects to Windows and macOS via USB, Wi-Fi, or NDI.
• HX Camera by NDI: Works with iOS and Android; streams your device as an NDI source, captured in OBS using the NDI plugin.

Step 2: Connect OBS on your desktop. Open OBS Studio and create a new scene for mobile recording. In the 'Sources' window, add your phone as a 'Video Capture Device', depending on the app you're using.

Step 3: Start mirroring on mobile. Activate the mirroring or camera streaming feature on your mobile app. Ensure your PC and mobile device are on the same network for a smooth connection.

Step 4: Record the Screen with OBS. Once your mobile camera feed appears in OBS, you can position and resize it as needed. Then, click 'Start Recording' in OBS to capture your mobile screen. Click 'Stop Recording' to end the session.

This approach captures your phone's camera feed, which is ideal for vlogs, tutorials, or demonstrating apps. Remember, this is a workaround for using OBS with mobile devices, not true mobile screen recording. Make sure your setup focuses on the content you want to capture.

How encoders and bitrates affect recording quality

The choice of encoder in OBS plays a major role in both performance and output clarity [Research]. Hardware encoders like NVENC or QuickSync can offload processing to your GPU, making them ideal for users with capable graphics cards [Research]. If you prefer finer control over compression and don't mind higher CPU usage, software encoding through x264 often produces more detailed results at lower bitrates [Research]. Keeping your bitrate balanced is essential because a higher setting can produce sharper video but may also lead to dropped frames if your system or internet connection can’t handle the load [Research]. By testing different encoders and bitrate levels, you can find the sweet spot between reliability and top-notch production values [Research].

How to record audio with OBS

Capturing clear audio is crucial for creating impactful recordings with OBS. If your recordings have audio desync issues or poor microphone quality, the following steps will help you set up your audio correctly:

Step 1: Configure your audio sources. Open OBS and click on 'Settings', then 'Audio'. Add your devices under 'Desktop Audio' for system sounds and 'Mic/Auxiliary Audio' for microphones.

Step 2: Next adjust audio levels. Use the 'Audio Mixer' window to manage the volume of your audio sources. Ensure your levels aren't peaking to avoid distortion.

Step 3: Choose your recording format. In 'Settings' under the 'Output' tab, pick an audio format. AAC is common for its balance of size and quality.

Step 4: Start recording. With your audio levels set, click 'Start Recording'. Your audio will be captured along with your video.

For recording multiple tracks, you can adjust advanced settings:

1. Right-click in the 'Audio Mixer' section and select 'Advanced Audio Properties'.
2. Here, you can assign different audio inputs to separate tracks for more post-production control.
3. When recording a podcast with OBS, consider using multiple audio tracks to record each speaker separately. This allows for individual volume and noise reduction control during the editing process.

Keep in mind that good audio recording starts with quality hardware and a quiet environment. OBS Studio provides the tools to capture audio effectively, but it's up to you to ensure the source audio is as clean as possible.

Advanced troubleshooting tips for OBS

Some advanced issues, like audio desync and black screens, can hinder an otherwise smooth recording workflow [Research]. Start by configuring the delay settings in the advanced audio properties to align your mic and desktop audio sources [Research]. If you encounter persistent black screens, update your graphics drivers and disable hardware acceleration in any conflicting programs [Research]. The official OBS Discord community offers real-time help and troubleshooting steps to tackle stubborn issues. Finally, consider experimenting with alternate encoders or re-encoding solutions to ensure your final production meets your reliability and quality needs [Research].

Where to find your OBS recordings

Once you click 'stop recording' in OBS Studio, the video file is automatically saved to your computer. The default recording path depends on your operating system.

However, you can find or change where OBS saves your recordings by opening the software, clicking on 'Settings', and navigating to the 'Output' tab. There, in the 'Recording' section, you'll see a field labeled 'Recording Path'. This is where OBS stores your recordings. You can click 'Browse' to change this location or simply note it to find your files.

Suppose you're having trouble locating your recordings. In that case, you can always right-click the 'Start Recording' button in the main OBS window and select 'Open Recordings Folder, ' and a window will pop up showing all your saved video files. OBS typically saves files in MKV or MP4 format by default, depending on your specified settings.

OBS vs alternatives for screen recording

All in all, OBS is a hefty recording solution that requires you know at least some technical know-how around audio and video. In other words, while it's free and powerful, it isn't the easiest recording solution out there for beginners.

If you're looking for an alternative to OBS Studio that excels in both screen and audio recording, Descript is an easy solution. But easy doesn't mean basic. Descript's recording features help you create high-quality screen captures without the need to set scenes or configure a bunch of audio and video settings.

Descript combines screen recording and advanced audio features in one package, streamlining the post-recording process. It's particularly handy for creating tutorials or recording high-quality video content without a need for a separate video editing solution.

Thousands of video creators already rely on Descript for high quality screen capture and video editing. If you're ready to join them, take a tour of Descript today.

FAQs

What is the best encoder for recording with OBS?

Choosing the best encoder depends on your hardware and goals [Research]. If you have a capable GPU, a hardware encoder like NVENC or QuickSync is efficient. For higher fidelity at the expense of more CPU usage, x264 is often a solid choice. Testing each encoder under various conditions helps you balance performance and clarity.

How do I prevent dropped frames in OBS?

Dropped frames often occur when your system or internet connection can’t keep up with the chosen bitrate [Research]. Lowering the bitrate or upgrading your connection can reduce these interruptions. Updating GPU drivers and closing resource-heavy apps helps preserve performance [Research]. If problems persist, limiting your frame rate or using a hardware encoder may offer a smoother result [Research].

Can I record in 4K with OBS?

OBS can record in 4K if your system supports it [Research]. You’ll need a powerful GPU, ample CPU resources, and high storage bandwidth to handle the larger data streams. Setting your canvas resolution to 3840x2160 and choosing a suitably high bitrate improves clarity [Research]. Be prepared for large file sizes due to the high-quality output.