OBS Studio
An open-source cross-platform tool for screen recording, live streaming, video capture and multi-scene composition with windows, cameras, microphones and media sources.
What OBS Studio is for
OBS Studio combines windows, displays, cameras, microphones, capture devices and media into scenes. It can record locally or stream to a service, but the two workflows place different demands on the encoder, disk, network and privacy review.
A dependable recording workflow
Start with the automatic configuration wizard and a small test scene. Use MKV for recordings that should survive an interrupted session more gracefully, then remux a finished copy to MP4 when another editor or player requires it. Remuxing changes the container without re-encoding the video.
Sources and privacy
Display capture can record notifications, password fields, chat messages and browser tabs. Keep stream keys separate from scenes, logs and screenshots. Check the audio mixer for duplicate devices and leave headroom so speech and desktop audio do not clip.
Maintenance note
This page reviews the 32.2.1 recording and streaming workflow, scene sources, MKV remuxing, hardware encoding and privacy checks. Content review date: 2026-08-06.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
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Baidu Netdisk
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OBS Studio scenes, audio and safe recording
Run the setup wizard, build one small scene and record a short test. Check picture, audio, performance and storage before starting a real stream or recording.
Before you start
- Confirm that the camera, microphone, capture device and graphics driver work in the operating system.
- Prepare a recording directory with enough free space and hide windows that may show private information.
- Store a stream key separately and never place it in an overlay, screenshot or public log.
Installation steps
- 01
Run the setup wizard
Install the package for the operating system, start OBS and let the wizard create baseline recording or streaming settings from the available hardware and network.
- 02
Build a minimal scene
Add only the required display, window, camera and audio sources. Hide unrelated windows and avoid adding the same audio device twice.
- 03
Choose a safe recording format
Select a local directory with sufficient space, use MKV for the test recording and confirm encoder, resolution and frame rate before saving.
Quick start
- 01
Calibrate picture and audio
Check canvas ratio, source crop and layer order. Leave headroom in the microphone and desktop meters and use headphones to avoid feedback.
- 02
Record a short test
Simulate the real workflow for a few minutes, then play the file completely and check sync, dropped frames, text clarity, notifications and size.
- 03
Remux the delivery copy
Keep the original MKV and use the built-in remux operation to create an MP4 for editing or upload. Play the result after remuxing.
Usage tips
- Clear notifications, password dialogs, chats and private browser tabs before display capture.
- Hardware encoders can reduce load, but their quality and settings differ from software encoders; compare a short sample first.
- Record locally before relying on a live-stream service as the only copy.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why is the recording stuttering?
Separate render delay, encoder overload and disk-write problems by checking the status indicators. Then reduce resolution, frame rate or quality, or test a supported hardware encoder.
Why is there an echo?
Look for the same microphone or desktop device added in more than one source, and monitor through only one intended path.
- Preserve scenes and recordingsExport scenes and profiles that you need, then verify recordings and stream settings are stored separately.
- Remove OBS StudioUninstall the application through the operating system and decide separately whether to keep profiles, plugins and recordings.
Frequently asked questions
Can OBS Studio record and stream at the same time?
Yes, but combined encoding can increase CPU, GPU, disk and network load. Test the two workflows separately before sharing one encoder configuration.
Why is MKV recommended for recording?
An interrupted MP4 may become unusable as a whole, while MKV is more tolerant of an unfinished recording. OBS can remux a completed MKV to MP4 without re-encoding.
What should be checked before display capture?
Hide notifications, password fields, chats, private tabs and account identifiers. Display capture records whatever is visible.