To record your screen with OBS Studio, create a scene, add the right screen-capture source, confirm your audio and preview, then choose a recording folder and format in Settings → Output. Record a short test before the full session. OBS recommends MKV for safer recording if the program or computer stops unexpectedly; you can convert the finished file to MP4 with OBS’s remux tool.
Set up OBS and choose what to capture
- Open OBS Studio and select Tools → Auto-Configuration Wizard. Choose recording as your goal when prompted. The wizard considers your hardware and helps configure an initial setup.
- Create or select a scene in the Scenes dock. A scene is the layout OBS records; you can add more sources later, such as a webcam if your project needs one.
- In the Sources dock, select the plus button and add the capture source that matches your computer and goal:
- Windows or Linux: choose Display Capture for the whole display or Window Capture to limit capture to one application. OBS also lists Game Capture for Windows games.
- macOS: add macOS Screen Capture.
- Check the preview. Confirm that it shows the intended screen or window, with no unwanted desktop area or missing content. Source options vary by platform and OBS version.
If you want narration or a face-camera shot, add a microphone or webcam source only if the recording calls for it. Neither is required for a basic screen recording.
Check audio before recording
OBS Quick Start documentation says desktop audio and a microphone are captured by default. Speak into the microphone and play any system sound you need, then watch the Audio Mixer meters. If a meter does not move or the wrong device is active, open Settings → Audio and select the intended devices manually.
Do not assume audio is working because a device appears in settings: verify it in the test recording. A separate USB microphone is an optional narration upgrade, not a requirement.
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#1 Best Overall
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- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
Choose a recording folder, format, and quality
- Open Settings → Output and locate the recording controls. Set the Recording Path to a folder with enough free space and that you can find easily afterward.
- Choose a recording format. OBS’s Standard Recording Output Guide recommends MKV: if OBS or the computer stops recording ungracefully, the interruption will not corrupt the entire recording file.
- Choose a quality preset based on the project and the computer’s capacity. The options described in OBS’s Recording Encoder Presets Guide are:
- Same as stream: uses the stream encoder settings; recording cannot be paused with this preset.
- High Quality: high-quality output with a medium file size.
- Indistinguishable: higher quality, but larger files and potentially more performance impact on older or weaker hardware, depending on the encoder.
- Lossless: lossless output using the CPU encoder, with very large files. OBS estimated around 7 GB per minute for Lossless in its guide published September 14, 2023; this is not a general estimate for other presets or codecs.
- Leave advanced encoder controls at an appropriate default unless you know what your workflow requires. Available encoders and their performance depend on your operating system, graphics hardware, and drivers.
There is no preset or encoder that is best for every computer. OBS notes that modern hardware encoders can move encoding work off the CPU and deliver good quality with minimal performance impact, while older generations can produce lower image quality. Options include NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel Quick Sync, and Apple VideoToolbox, with compatibility varying by platform.
Set resolution and frame rate for the recording
In Settings → Video, distinguish Base (Canvas) Resolution from Output (Scaled) Resolution. The canvas is the working area where sources are arranged; the output resolution determines the size of the recorded video. Choose an output that preserves the detail your project needs without asking more of the computer than it can sustain.
Rank #2
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Frame rate affects motion smoothness and workload: 60 fps can be more demanding than 30 fps. Higher resolution, frame rate, encoder settings, and scene complexity can all affect performance and file size. Record a test using the actual scene and settings rather than relying on a setting that worked for a different task.
Make a test recording, then capture the full session
- In the Controls dock, click Start Recording.
- Capture a short sample that includes the actions, narration, and system audio you expect in the real recording.
- Click Stop Recording, then play the file. Check that the picture is framed correctly, the cursor or application content is visible as intended, audio is present and balanced, and playback is smooth.
- If anything is wrong, adjust the source, audio device, output settings, or workload and record another sample. Once it checks out, start the full recording and stop it from the Controls dock when finished.
Make an MP4 from an MKV recording
If an editor or upload workflow requires MP4, you can record safely to MKV first and then remux the completed file without re-encoding it. In OBS, choose File → Remux Recordings, select the recording, and remux it. OBS also offers automatic remuxing in Advanced settings. Remuxing changes the container; it is not the same as re-encoding the video.
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- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
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- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
Check whether your computer can handle the job
OBS’s System Requirements page, dated August 25, 2021, lists these baseline requirements: Windows 10 or 11 with a DirectX 10.1-compatible GPU; macOS 11 (“Big Sur”) or later with Intel or Apple Silicon and an OpenGL 3.3-compatible GPU; and Linux/Unix with OpenGL 3.3 and an X window system or Wayland. These are the page’s stated baselines, not a guarantee of smooth recording. Check current OBS documentation for compatibility with your installed version, and validate your specific resolution, frame rate, encoder, and scene in a test.
Troubleshoot common recording problems
- The preview is black or shows the wrong content: verify the scene and source, choose the platform-appropriate capture source, and check the selected display or application in that source’s properties.
- The recording has no microphone or system sound: watch the Audio Mixer while the device is active; if its meter is still, select the correct input or output under Settings → Audio and test again.
- The video stutters or OBS struggles during capture: test a lower output resolution or frame rate, reduce unnecessary scene complexity, or try a compatible hardware encoder. No single adjustment works for every system, so retest the intended setup.
- The recording is much larger than expected: check the selected quality preset and available disk space. Lossless is especially storage-intensive; OBS’s guide-specific estimate is around 7 GB per minute.
- The file is not MP4: if it was recorded as MKV, use File → Remux Recordings to create an MP4 copy.
- The file is incomplete after an unexpected stop: MKV is OBS’s recommended recording container for reducing the risk that an ungraceful stop corrupts the whole recording. Check the saved file and use a short test to confirm your folder and settings before an important session.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS records locally on your computer. If instead you want pre-recorded videos to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Each slot streams uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery restarts the stream if YouTube drops it. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. This is for uploaded videos on YouTube, not live camera capture. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AV TO USB Converter: Capture videos and audios from VHS, VCR, Hi8, DV tapes to a PC, with the help of our USB Video Converter. Save room while digitizing your favorite old memories
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- Note: The Video Converter is used with acquisition software. We recommend OBS Studio or PotPlayer for Windows, and QuickTime Player for Mac. They can be downloaded for free online. Please operate according to the steps in User Manual or contact us if you have any questions
Rank #4
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
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