There may be people who are struggling with issues like “OBS recordings are blurry,” “making high quality results in files that are too large,” or “recordings lag during capture.”

To achieve ultra-high quality recordings with OBS Studio (hereafter referred to as OBS), it’s essential to properly adjust the encoder settings, bitrate control, and storage environment. By combining optimizations of the CQ level, utilizing HEVC, and improving storage speeds, you can achieve a balance of high quality and low file size.

This article will explain recommended settings for high-quality recordings with OBS. We have organized information regarding how to choose the encoder, ideas for bitrate control, and specific methods to stabilize high-quality recordings.

By reading to the end, you will grasp the causes of quality degradation and lag during recordings, allowing you to achieve stable high-quality recordings.

Recommended Encoders and Settings for High-Quality Recordings with OBS

One of the critical elements for achieving high-quality recordings with OBS is the encoder. This chapter will explain the encoders available in OBS and recommended settings for high-quality recordings.

There are also articles that provide detailed explanations of the encoder settings in OBS, so be sure to check them out as well.

» OBS Encoder Settings Guide: Optimize Streaming and Recording Quality

Types of Encoders Available in OBS

The main types of encoders available in OBS and their features are summarized in the table below.

Encoder	Features
x264	Utilizes CPU, high compression efficiency, high quality
NVIDIA NVENC H.264	Uses NVIDIA GPU, low latency, high efficiency
NVIDIA NVENC HEVC	Utilizes NVIDIA GPU, suitable for 4K and high resolution
NVIDIA NVENC AV1	Utilizes NVIDIA GPU, supports latest AV1, high compression efficiency
AOM AV1	Free and high-efficiency open source
SVT-AV1	Pursues high compression efficiency and high quality
QuickSync H.264	Utilizes Intel GPU, fast
QuickSync HEVC	Utilizes Intel GPU, supports high resolution
AMD HW H.264	Efficiently utilizes AMD GPU
Apple VT H264 Hardware Encoder	For Mac, high quality, high efficiency

Be aware that the encoders available will vary depending on the GPU installed in your PC.

Recommended Encoders for High-Quality Recordings

If your system has an NVIDIA GPU, we recommend using the hardware encoder “NVIDIA NVENC H.264.” With NVIDIA NVENC H.264, you can leverage the GPU’s processing power, alleviating the load on the CPU while encoding high-quality video.

On the other hand, when NVIDIA NVENC is not available, we recommend using the software encoder “x264.” Although x264 uses the CPU for encoding, with proper settings, it can achieve high-quality recordings. However, it requires tuning in accordance with the performance of your PC since it can put significant load on the CPU.

Recommended Bitrate Control Settings for High-Quality Recordings in OBS

Another crucial element for achieving high-quality recordings with OBS is the bitrate settings. This chapter explains the bitrate control methods available in OBS and recommended settings based on different scenarios.

Bitrate Control Methods Available in OBS

The bitrate control methods that can be set in OBS and their features are summarized in the table below.

Bitrate Control Method	Features
CQP Constant Quantization Parameter	• Setting that maintains constant video quality while encoding • Bitrate varies depending on the content of the scene • Suitable for high-quality recordings
CRF Constant Rate Factor	• Maintains consistent quality while allowing bitrate to vary • Good balance between quality and file size, suitable for local recordings • Allows for efficient compression
CBR Constant Bitrate	• Method that encodes at a fixed bitrate • Can provide stable bitrate that matches network bandwidth • May experience quality degradation in highly dynamic scenes
VBR Variable Bitrate	• Method that dynamically adjusts the bitrate according to scene complexity • Allows for easier balance between quality and file size during recording • Flexible adjustments for quality and file size
ABR Average Bitrate	• Method that encodes based on an average bitrate • Has characteristics that are intermediate between CBR and VBR • File size tends to be relatively predictable while maintaining consistent quality

Be aware that the rate control methods available will vary depending on the GPU installed in your PC.

Recommended Settings and Guidelines Based on Different Scenarios

The bitrate control settings in OBS vary depending on the chosen encoder and recording situation. If the settings are not appropriate, it may result in poor video quality. This chapter will explain recommended rate control methods and bitrate benchmarks based on different situations.

For further details on recommended bitrate benchmarks in OBS, check out the following article.

» Optimal OBS Bitrate Settings for Streaming and Recording Explained

When Choosing the Encoder “NVIDIA NVENC H.264”

If you can select the encoder “NVIDIA NVENC H.264,” we recommend using the “CQP” setting. CQP is a method that maintains constant quality while encoding, with the bitrate varying according to the content of the scene.

When choosing CQP, you can set the quality with the “CQ level.” A lower CQ level results in higher quality, but the file size will increase.

If you want to achieve high-quality recordings with OBS, set the CQ level to around 20 as a baseline. If you want even higher quality, lower the CQ level, and if you want to reduce the file size, increase the CQ level.

Adjust the CQ level while considering the balance between quality and storage capacity.

When Choosing the Encoder “x264”

If you choose the encoder “x264,” we recommend using the “CRF” setting. CRF is a method that maintains constant quality while encoding, with the bitrate varying according to the content of the scene.

When selecting x264, the quality setting is done using the “CRF value.” The recommended CRF value for high-quality recordings in OBS is around 20 to 23.

Lowering the CRF value enhances quality, but it also increases file size, so adjust it with consideration for storage capacity.

When Recording Simultaneously While Streaming

When streaming and recording simultaneously, we recommend using the “CBR” setting. CBR stabilizes the bitrate, helping maintain a smooth experience for viewers during streaming.

If the resolution of the video is 1080p, setting the bitrate to 6,000kbps allows for high-quality streaming and recording. However, it is important to consider the bitrate limits set by streaming platforms and make adjustments as necessary.

Streaming Platform	Bitrate Limit
Twicas	60,000kbps
YouTube Live	51,000kbps
Niconico Live	6,000kbps
Mildom	6,000kbps
Twitch	6,000kbps
OPENREC.tv	5,000kbps
Mirrativ	1,000kbps

Detailed OBS Recording Settings for High Quality

If you’re committed to high-quality recordings in OBS, consider changing detailed recording settings. Below, we will explain the settings that affect quality and recommended configurations.

Key Frame Interval

The key frame interval is a setting that indicates the frequency at which key frames are inserted in video encoding. A key frame serves as a reference frame, allowing subsequent frames to be compressed based on this information.

Setting a shorter key frame interval improves stability in quality, though it results in larger file sizes. Conversely, a longer interval can reduce file size but may also decrease accuracy during seeking.

To aim for high-quality recordings, the recommended setting for the key frame is the automatic 0 seconds. When recording and streaming simultaneously, setting it to around 2 seconds works well.

CPU Usage Preset

The CPU usage preset is a setting that adjusts the balance between CPU load and video quality during encoding in OBS.

Presets range from ultrafast to placebo, and the higher (ultrafast) you go, the faster the encoding speed and lower the CPU load, while the quality decreases. Conversely, the lower (placebo) you go, the slower the encoding speed and higher the CPU load, while the quality improves.

For high-quality recordings, it’s advisable to select medium or slow based on your PC’s performance. However, be mindful that increased CPU load might impact the performance of other applications.

Profile

The profile is an important item that determines the compression efficiency and compatibility during encoding. The main options are baseline, main, and high, with the rightmost options being more advanced and offering improved compression efficiency.

If aiming for high-quality recordings, choosing high is recommended. However, depending on the PC, it may not handle the load well, so select the appropriate profile according to the performance of your PC.

How to Achieve High-Quality, Low File Size Recordings with OBS

To balance high quality and low file size recordings in OBS, it’s essential to adjust the balance of encoding settings, compression methods, and storage environment. This chapter will explain three key points to achieve stable high-quality recordings.

1. Optimize CQ Level
2. Utilize HEVC (H.265)
3. Improve Storage Write Speed

Let’s review each point.

Optimize CQ Level

One of the crucial elements for balancing quality and file size in OBS is adjusting the CQ level. The CQ level is an indicator that determines the quality of the video; a lower number yields higher quality, while also increasing the file size.

For general recording purposes, the following ranges provide practical benchmarks.

CQ Level	Details
15–17	Setting focused on high quality, suitable for editing materials
18–20	Practical setting with a good balance between quality and size
21 and above	Lightweight setting for those wanting to minimize file sizes

If you are only recording, testing with CQ levels of 18 to 20 is practical. If you want even higher quality, lower the value, and to minimize file size, slightly increase it for easier balancing.

Utilize HEVC (H.265)

If you want to maintain high quality while keeping file sizes down, using HEVC (H.265) is effective. HEVC offers better compression efficiency compared to the traditional H.264, allowing for smaller file sizes at the same quality.

When using HEVC, set the encoder in OBS by following these steps.

1. Open OBS
2. Open “Settings” and select “Output”
3. Select “Advanced” under “Output Mode”
4. Select an H.265 (HEVC) compatible encoder from “Video Encoder”

When changing to HEVC, you can reduce the storage required for the same quality. This leads to improved storage efficiency for lengthy game streams or high-quality recordings.

Improve Storage Write Speed

High-quality recordings generate a significant amount of data that must be continuously saved, so insufficient storage write speeds can lead to lagging video or dropped frames. Merely setting high-quality encoding isn’t sufficient if your storage performance is lacking. Confirming the performance of the storage where recordings are saved is essential for stable recording.

There are differences in stability during recording based on the type of storage.

Type of Storage	Stability during Recording
NVMe SSD	Stable even during high-quality recording
SATA SSD	Generally fine for normal recordings
HDD	More likely to experience delays during high bitrate recordings

For high-quality recordings, designating an NVMe SSD as your recording drive ensures stable write processing. To prevent recording lag, reviewing the storage device is crucial.

Poor Quality or Lag? How to Achieve High Quality Recording with OBS on Low-Spec PCs

If you record using OBS on a low-spec PC, you may encounter issues like poor quality, blurry videos, or lagging screens. This chapter explains how to avoid quality troubles and achieve higher quality recordings, even on low-spec PCs.

Ensure Available Memory

When using OBS on a low-spec PC, it’s important to maximize the amount of memory available. Check memory usage in the task manager and terminate unnecessary applications or background processes to increase the memory available for OBS.

This will help prevent lag and quality degradation during recordings, resulting in higher quality recordings.

Run OBS with Administrator Privileges

Running OBS with administrator privileges can increase the processing priority of OBS and improve performance.

To do this, right-click the OBS icon and select “Run as Administrator.” This optimizes the allocation of system resources, reducing lag and quality degradation during recordings.

Lower Resolution and Frame Rate Settings

By lowering resolution and frame rate, you can reduce lag and quality degradation during recordings. High resolutions or frame rates can put heavy loads on the PC, leading to processing delays.

In such cases, simply set the resolution to 1280×720 (720p) and the frame rate to 30fps. This will lighten the load on the PC compared to 1920×1080 (1080p) at 60fps, allowing for stable recordings.

Adjust Bitrate and CQ Levels

Adjusting bitrate and CQ levels is also effective. If the bitrate is too high, it may exceed the PC’s processing capacity and cause lag or quality degradation during recordings. By setting an appropriate bitrate, you reduce the load on the PC and allow for more stable recordings.

Moreover, raising the CQ level reduces the load during encoding and results in smaller file sizes. However, be mindful that raising the CQ level too much may lead to quality degradation, so adjust accordingly considering the balance between quality and load.

Lower the Graphics Settings of the Game or Application

Reducing the graphics settings of the game being recorded is effective when using OBS on a low-spec PC. High-quality graphics settings place significant stress on the PC and can lead to lag or quality degradation during recordings.

By adjusting the resolution and frame rate settings in the game itself, you can lighten the load on the PC and carry out recordings smoothly in OBS.

Additionally, the following article provides detailed explanations on troubleshooting lag during recordings in OBS, so be sure to check it out.

» Fix OBS Lag Now: Comprehensive Guide to Causes and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Quality Recordings with OBS

We will answer three common questions regarding high-quality recordings with OBS. Be sure to clarify any doubts early on.

What Methods Can I Use to Increase Quality When Streaming Videos with OBS?

If you want to stream game commentary or the like in high quality, you can enhance quality by appropriately setting the bitrate and resolution. Refer to the settings mentioned in this article for guidance.

Additionally, even videos recorded in high quality will lose quality during re-encoding when uploaded to platforms like YouTube or X (formerly Twitter), so please be aware that this quality loss is unavoidable.

What Recording Settings Can Make OBS Run Smoothly?

If you want OBS to run more smoothly, lowering the bitrate and resolution can help. Also, using hardware encoders like NVIDIA NVENC H.264 can make OBS operations lighter.

However, be cautious as settings to improve performance may also reduce recording quality.

What’s the Recommended Format for Recording with OBS?

The recommended recording format for high-quality recordings with OBS is MP4 (MPEG-4) due to its compatibility and convenience. MP4 is widely supported by many media players and editing software, making playback and editing easy.

On the other hand, the default setting of MKV has an advantage in that it is less prone to file corruption during crashes while recording, but its limited compatibility with software can complicate playback and editing.

Details on how to record in MP4 can be found in our article, OBS Recording Guide: How to Record in MP4 and Convert from MKV.

Conclusion

To achieve high-quality recordings with OBS, it is important to properly combine several settings such as encoder selection, bitrate control, and CQ level adjustments. Utilizing HEVC and high-speed storage can also allow you to maintain quality while minimizing recording size.

If you apply settings that are not suited to your PC’s performance, you may encounter dropped frames or quality degradation. Adjusting resolution, frame rates, and bitrate according to the situation contributes to stable recordings.

Configure your OBS recording settings suited to your environment to achieve high-quality and stable recordings.