“Many people may feel, ‘I want to record with OBS, but I don’t understand the settings…'”

OBS Studio is a highly functional recording and streaming software that is completely free and features no restrictions on recording time. It is used widely from beginners to professionals.

Recording with OBS can be completed in the following three steps.

1. Add scenes and sources
2. Audio settings
3. Output settings

This article comprehensively explains how to record with OBS, covering basic settings for beginners, high-quality settings for specific uses, and solutions for common issues.

If you are just starting to create gameplay commentary or tutorial videos, please use this as a reference.

OBS Studio – A Free Screen Recording Software

OBS is a completely free open-source software that supports recording and live streaming. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Generally, free screen recording software often has restrictions on recording time and quality, but OBS has no such limitations. Its rich set of features necessary for video creation despite being free is a major attraction.

Item	Content
Recording Time	Unlimited
Video Quality	High-quality support also available
Recording File Format	Supports various formats
Supported OS	Windows, Mac, Linux
Audio Recording	Flexible settings such as mic audio and PC audio
Other Features	Advanced features like scene switching and hotkey settings

Additionally, the audio settings are also rich, allowing you to record mic audio and PC audio separately, or mix multiple audio sources. It has features that are highly convenient for streaming, such as scene switching and hotkey settings, boasting a level of functionality that belies its free nature.

There are no restrictions on recording time or watermarks. The fact that OBS has recording and streaming capabilities comparable to paid software is its strength.

For basic usage of OBS, please refer to the following article.

>>OBS Studio Guide: Basics to Streaming & Recording for Beginner

How to Set Up OBS for Recording

The recording settings for OBS can be completed in the following three steps.

1. Add scenes and sources
2. Audio settings
3. Output settings

Using the default settings can lead to issues with video quality and audio, so be sure to check everything before recording. Even if you are using OBS for the first time, it will only take about 10 minutes. Please proceed in the order of STEP 1 to STEP 3 below.

STEP 1. Add Scenes and Sources

To start screen recording with OBS, first create a “Scene”. Click the “+” button and give it an easily understandable name. It is recommended to name it according to its use, such as “Game Commentary” or “Chat Stream”.

Next, choose the source to record. Below is a table summarizing the characteristics of four representative types of capture sources.

Source Name	Use	Notes
Window Capture	Records only the selected window	Ideal for recording browsers or specific applications
Game Capture	Records PC game screens	Can capture DirectX/OpenGL games at high performance (Windows only)
Video Capture Device	Captures the screen of gaming consoles via a capture board	For external devices like Switch or PS5
Screen Capture	Records the entire desktop screen	Convenient when you want to show multiple applications simultaneously

Please select your source according to the purpose of your recording.

STEP 2. Audio Settings for Recording Mic and PC Audio

It is crucial that audio is recorded with OBS; if it’s not, this can be a critical issue. This section explains how to record mic audio and PC audio, or just one of them, as well as how to choose specific audio to record.

To record desktop audio (PC audio), follow these steps:

1. Select “File” > “Settings” > “Audio” from the OBS menu bar
2. In the “Desktop Audio” section, select the audio output device you want to use
3. Click “OK” to save the settings

To record mic audio, follow these steps:

1. Select “File” > “Settings” > “Audio” from the OBS menu bar
2. In the “Mic Audio” section, select the mic you want to use
3. Click “OK” to save the settings

Since version 28 of OBS, “Application Audio Capture (Beta)” has been incorporated. By adding it from the “+” in sources, you can capture only the audio of the application you want to record.

Check the volume balance by seeing if the audio mixer bar is moving. If there is no sound in your OBS recording, first check if the desktop audio is set to “disabled”.

STEP 3. Setting the Output Destination, Recording Format, and Quality

Setting the output destination in OBS is done through the “Recording File Path”. By default, it is set to “C:\Users\（User Name）\Videos,” but you can change it to any folder you choose.

If your default setting is “mkv,” you will need to change the settings to save in the more widely used mp4 format. Select your desired file format from the “Recording Format” section in the “Output” tab of the settings screen.

For output quality settings, set the output mode to “Advanced” and adjust the encoder and rate control.

Encoder	Description	Load	Quality
x264	Software encoder using CPU	High	High
NVENC	Hardware encoder using NVIDIA GPU	Low	Medium
Quick Sync Video	Hardware encoder using Intel GPU	Low	Medium

Currently, you can also choose NVENC HEVC or NVENC AV1 (from RTX 40 series onwards), and for recording purposes, NVENC HEVC, which excels in quality, compatibility, and load balance, is recommended. A constant QP (CQP) rate control is recommended, and a lower value results in higher quality, with around 20 being a guideline.

Rate Control	Description	File Size	Quality
CBR	Constant bitrate	Large	Stable
VBR	Variable bitrate	Small	Variable
CQP	Constant quality	Medium	Stable

For the audio encoder, AAC is recommended. AAC pairs well with mp4 format and provides a good balance between audio quality and file size.

How to Start, Stop, and Verify the Save Location for OBS Recording

You can start recording simply by clicking the “Start Recording” button located at the bottom right of the OBS screen.

To stop recording, click the “Stop Recording” button that appears in the same location. There is no time limit on recording, but be sure to press the button for the required length.

You should also verify where the recorded files are saved. To check, select “File” from the menu bar at the top of OBS Studio and click “Show Recordings.” This will open the folder where the recorded files are saved automatically.

Even if the output mode is “Advanced,” you can also change it from the “Recording” tab under “Recording File Path.”

When recording for the first time, be especially careful to test the following points:

• Audio: Check if the mic or PC audio is being recorded correctly
• Screen: Ensure the recording area is appropriate and not showing unwanted elements
• Quality: Verify that the recording is done at the specified quality

If there are no issues with your test recording, move on to the official recording. If there are problems, review the settings and run another test recording.

For detailed management of the save location, check the following article.

>> How to Save OBS Recording Files: Full Guide on Setup and Changes

Once you get used to the recording, why not pay attention to the visual impression? With the streaming screen design service “Alive Studio“, you can easily create a streaming layout that reflects your style.

Recommended OBS Recording Settings for Different Purposes

The optimal encoder and bitrate (amount of data transmitted per second) vary depending on the purpose of the recording. Since gameplay commentary and tutorial videos require different quality and frame rates, you should adjust the recording settings accordingly.

Below are the recommended settings summarized.

Gameplay Commentary

Gameplay commentary usually involves high-intensity scenes, requiring high quality and high frame rate settings. The recommended settings for recording with OBS are as follows:

Setting Item	Recommended Value
Video Encoder	NVIDIA NVENC H.264 (NVENC HEVC recommended)
Rate Control	CQP
CQ Level	18–20
Output Resolution	1,920×1,080
FPS	60fps
Recording Format	Hybrid MP4
Audio Bitrate	192kbps

If your PC does not have an NVIDIA GPU (RTX/GTX series), please select x264 for the encoder.

In the case of x264, set the rate control to CRF, using a CRF value between 16–23 as a substitute. However, since this will put a heavy load on the CPU, please check that the frame rate in your games does not drop.

Tutorial and Explanatory Videos

Tutorial and explanatory videos typically have less screen movement, meaning you can lean towards lighter OBS recording settings and the block noise (visual distortion) will be less noticeable.

Setting Item	Recommended Value
Video Encoder	x264
Rate Control	CRF
CRF Value	22–25
Output Resolution	1,920×1,080
FPS	30fps
Recording Format	Hybrid MP4
Audio Bitrate	128kbps

If you want to reduce the file size, raising the CRF value to about 23 will minimize quality deterioration. However, be cautious as raising the CRF value above 25 may noticeably lower image detail.

Additionally, for quality-based rate control like CRF, reducing FPS from 60 to 30 does not simply halve the file size. For tutorial videos with less movement, 30fps can still provide smoothness while lowering file size.

Tips for Setting Up High-Quality OBS Recordings

To achieve high-quality recordings, you need to focus on three elements: “encoder,” “bitrate,” and “resolution.” By correctly setting these three, you can record clear videos without block noise.

Below, we explain the quality enhancement points for each element.

Encoder | Choosing Between NVENC or x264

The basic guideline for choosing a video encoder in OBS recording is: “Use NVENC if you have an NVIDIA GPU, or use x264 if you do not.”

Hardware encoders (NVENC, QuickSync, AMD HW) process using the GPU, which reduces CPU load. Software encoders (x264) process using the CPU, providing superior quality at the same bitrate but with a higher CPU load.

Encoder	Features	Selection Conditions
NVENC H.264	Utilizes GPU, low load, ideal for recording	NVIDIA RTX/GTX series PCs
NVENC HEVC	Successor to H.264, smaller file sizes for the same quality	Same as above
x264	Utilizes CPU, high quality but high load	Available on all PCs
AMD HW H.264	Utilizes AMD GPU, efficient	AMD Radeon equipped PCs

If you choose HEVC for recording, you can reduce file sizes more easily, but if you prioritize compatibility with video editing software, H.264 is recommended.

Source: OBS Studio’s “Advanced Recording Settings Guide”

Bitrate | Recommended Values for 1080p and 1440p

The bitrate for recording with OBS should be set according to the resolution and frame rate. Below are the recommended values to serve as a guideline.

Resolution	FPS	Recommended Bitrate for CBR/VBR	Recommended Value for CQP/CRF
1080p	30fps	4,000–6,000kbps	16–23
1080p	60fps	6,000–12,000kbps	16–23
1440p	60fps	12,000–20,000kbps	16–23

CBR (Constant Bitrate) is suitable for streaming, while VBR (Variable Bitrate) changes based on the scene. CQP (Constant QP) maintains the specified quality level and is deemed to be ideal for recording, making it a recommended setting for beginners, as there’s no need to decide the bitrate value by yourself.

For detailed settings on bitrate, check the following article.

>> Optimal OBS Bitrate Settings for Streaming and Recording Explained

Resolution and FPS | Adjust Based on 1080p/60fps

The base (canvas) resolution should match your monitor’s resolution, while the output (scaling) resolution is standardized at 1,920×1,080.

The base resolution refers to the canvas size in OBS, while the output resolution refers to the actual size of the recorded video. Setting both to the same value prevents quality degradation due to scaling.

The guideline for FPS is 60fps for gameplay commentary and 30fps for tutorial videos. If your PC is lagging while recording with OBS, try lowering the output resolution to 1,280×720 and changing the FPS to 30fps. Simply making this adjustment can significantly reduce the CPU and GPU load.

Recording Formats | Differences Between mp4, mkv, and Hybrid MP4

The main formats available for recording with OBS are the following three. Each has different characteristics, so make sure to understand their differences when choosing.

Format	Features
MPEG-4 (.mp4)	Standard mp4
Matroska Video (.mkv)	Default format in older versions
Hybrid MP4 (.mp4)	Added as a beta version in OBS 30.2. The beta was terminated in OBS 32.0 and became the default format for new profiles.

It’s common to be uncertain whether to use the traditional mp4 or mkv, but it is now recommended to choose Hybrid MP4. While mkv excels in crash resistance, there can be compatibility issues when posting on editing software or social media.

Hybrid MP4 also supports chapter marker functionality, making it easier to find editing points after long recordings, which is another advantage.

For further details on recording settings in general, please refer to the following article.

>>Optimize OBS Recording Settings for High-Quality Videos: Solutions to Prevent Lag

Three Features to Enhance Your OBS Recording Experience

When recording screens with OBS, utilizing several features can make your operations even more efficient. Here, we explain hotkey settings for one-touch recording, pause and resume recording functions, and smooth transitions using multiple scenes.

One-Touch Recording with Hotkeys

With OBS, by setting hotkeys, you can conduct operations such as starting or stopping recordings with just a specific key on your keyboard. This eliminates the need for mouse operations, allowing you to operate smoothly without missing the timing to start recording.

To set it up, open the “Hotkeys” tab in the settings screen and assign any key to it. For example, by assigning “Ctrl + Shift + R” to “Start/Stop Recording,” you can start or stop recording just by pressing this key.

Operation	Hotkey Example
Start/Stop Recording	Ctrl + Shift + R
Pause/Resume Recording	Ctrl + Shift + P
Scene Switch	Ctrl + Number Key

Pause and Resume to Cut Unnecessary Scenes

OBS is equipped with a function to pause and resume recording. By using this feature, you can cut out unnecessary parts during recording or pause and continue recording later. This will save you time on video editing, allowing you to proceed with recording efficiently.

Pause and resume can also have hotkeys assigned. For instance, by setting “Pause/Resume Recording” to “Ctrl + Shift + P,” you can operate it with one touch.

Seamless Scene Switching

By utilizing OBS’s “Scene” feature, you can pre-set multiple scene configurations and switch them smoothly during recording. For example, if you set the game screen and web camera video as separate scenes, you can switch them with the click of a button.

You can also set hotkeys for scene switching. For example, if you assign “Scene 1” to “Ctrl + 1” and “Scene 2” to “Ctrl + 2,” you can switch between them instantly.

Moreover, while recording, you can use multi-track recording to separate game sound and mic sound onto different audio tracks. The steps for track separation are as follows:

1. Settings
2. Output
3. Advanced
4. Recording
5. Check “1” and “2” in Audio Tracks
6. Select the audio you want to assign to each track in Audio Properties

Once you have set the audio separation, you can individually adjust the volume of the game sound and mic sound during editing.

Common Troubles with OBS Recordings and How to Resolve Them

The three most common troubles when OBS recording doesn’t work properly are: “No audio,” “Laggy recording,” and “Black screen.” Below, we explain the causes and solutions for each of these.

No Audio is Recorded

If audio is not being recorded, check the following items:

Check Item	Details
Mute Status	Ensure that OBS, the OS, the mic, and speakers are not muted.
Device Selection	Make sure the correct audio input and output devices are selected. Check the “Audio” section in OBS settings to see if the mic and speakers are recognized correctly and that the proper devices are selected.
Volume Level	Check that the appropriate volume levels are set in OBS and the OS audio mixer.
Driver Updates	Ensure that your audio drivers are up to date. Using old drivers might result in audio not being recorded properly.
Application Audio	If audio from specific applications isn’t recorded, confirm that your OBS version is 28.0 or later and check if application audio capture is set correctly.

Recording is Laggy or Frame Drops Occur

If the recording is laggy or frame drops occur, check and adjust the following items:

Check/Adjustment Item	Details
Review Encoder Settings	If you are using the x264 encoder, change the preset to a faster setting. Trying settings like “veryfast” or “ultrafast” can reduce CPU load. If hardware encoders like NVIDIA NVENC or AMD AMF are available, using them can also be effective.
Adjust Resolution and Frame Rate	Lowering the output resolution and frame rate can reduce the load on your PC. If you are recording in Full HD (1,920×1,080) at 60fps, change it to 720p (1,280×720) at 30fps when necessary.
Reduce PC Load	Closing other applications while recording or stopping unnecessary processes running in the background can lighten the PC’s load, leading to smoother recordings.

If you feel that OBS recordings are heavy, try the following three lightweight settings:

1. Lower the output resolution to 1,280×720
2. Change FPS to 30
3. Switch the encoder to a hardware encoder like NVENC

If the above does not improve the situation, ending unnecessary applications and running OBS with administrator rights may also be effective.

If the lag does not improve or if laggy scenes are limited to specific moments, consider re-evaluating the graphics settings on the game side too.

For detailed resolutions, please check the following article.

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

Black Screen Appears

If a black screen appears, check the following items:

Check Item	Details
Check Sources	Ensure that the sources such as screen capture or window capture are set correctly.
Game Capture Settings	If you are using game capture, make sure the game is recognized correctly and the appropriate capture mode is chosen.
Run with Administrator Rights	Running OBS Studio with administrator rights may allow capturing from certain games or applications.
Graphic Settings	The graphic settings of the game or application may conflict with OBS Studio. Consider changing the graphic settings in the game or application, or adjust the compatibility settings of OBS Studio.

Cannot Play Recorded Files

If you cannot open files saved in mkv format, you can convert them to mp4 by going to “File→Remux Recording” in OBS. To do this, click “…” in the Remux window, select the mkv file you want to convert, and just click “Remux” to complete.

If it’s too tedious to convert manually every time, you can automate it. By checking the box for “Automatically remux to mp4” under “Settings→Advanced Settings→Recording”, an mp4 file will be generated automatically after recording ends.

Recording in Hybrid MP4 or MKV means that they are less prone to corruption in case of crashes, so you can feel secure.

On the other hand, if OBS crashes while recording in MPEG-4 (traditional MP4), it is highly likely that the file will be corrupted and recording data will be lost. To prevent issues with recording files not being playable, it is wise to choose Hybrid MP4 as the recording format.

Poor Quality or Grainy Recording

If the recording quality in OBS feels poor, the two main causes can be “insufficient bitrate (CQ level)” and “output resolution being lower than the base resolution, causing degradation due to scaling.” To enhance quality, you will need to address each cause accordingly.

If you’re facing insufficient bitrate, set the CQ level for CQP (or CRF) between 16–23 (the lower the value, the higher the quality and larger the file). Using CQP (CRF) for recording is recommended over CBR/VBR, but if you’re using CBR/VBR for recording, aim for 12,000kbps or higher at 1080p/60fps.

If resolution scaling is causing issues, match the base resolution and output resolution to the same value (1,920×1,080), and uncheck the box that says “Rescale output.”

To improve quality, also check the settings for scaling filters. If your PC has spare capacity, “Lanczos” is recommended, while “Bicubic” is a good choice if you want to reduce the load.

Conclusion

This article explained how to use OBS Studio for screen recording. OBS Studio is a powerful software, but you can easily record by just learning the basic operations. Use the recorded videos for editing and sharing for various purposes such as presentation materials, tutorial videos, and gameplay commentary.

The basic recording setup steps for OBS Studio are as follows:

1. Add Scenes and Sources
2. Audio Settings
3. Output Settings

For gameplay commentary, the recommended settings are NVENC+CQP 18–20/60fps, while for tutorial videos it is x264+CRF 22–25/30fps.

If you appropriately set the encoder, bitrate (CQ level), and resolution, you can record clear videos without block noise. If issues arise, refer to the countermeasures in this article and review your settings one by one.