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Set up the recording
- Choose recording during setup if prompted. Streamlabs Desktop offers recording alongside live streaming as a setup use. You can record locally without going live.
- Add the picture source. In the editor, add Display Capture for the whole monitor or Window Capture for one application. For Window Capture, open the target application and keep it unminimized so it appears in the selection list. Some apps may require permissions or restrict capture, so make a short test recording and check the result.
- Set up audio. Select a microphone if you want narration, and add or select a computer-audio source where supported. An existing built-in mic may be sufficient; an external or USB microphone is optional. Avoid adding the same audio source twice, which can cause echo. A webcam is optional. Record a brief test and listen back to confirm the microphone and other intended audio are present.
- Choose the output settings. Open Settings > Output to set the recording destination and adjust available filename, quality and format options.
- Record and verify. Click Record in the editor to start, then click it again to stop. When Streamlabs reports that the file has been saved, use the notification to inspect or open the recording. Play the file and check both picture and sound before relying on it.
Choose picture quality without overloading your computer
Streamlabs’ recording tutorial recommends matching the base canvas to your monitor resolution for gameplay, then choosing an output resolution that suits the intended result. If you reduce the output resolution, the picture is scaled down. The tutorial recommends the Lanczos downscale filter for quality-oriented scaling, but notes that it uses additional CPU resources.
Resolution and frame rate
For fast action, 60 FPS is a starting point to consider; for more static material, 30 FPS may be enough. These are vendor suggestions, not guarantees for every computer or recording. If the preview or recording stutters, try reducing the output resolution or quality, or lowering the frame rate, and make another test clip.
Encoder and quality controls
The Streamlabs tutorial describes x264 as CPU-based software encoding and NVENC as a hardware option for NVIDIA graphics cards. It suggests CQP as a starting rate-control method, CRF when using x264, a CQ level starting point of 17, and the Max Quality preset where performance allows. Treat these as settings to test, not universal optimal values: higher quality settings can increase system load. Check performance during a short recording and adjust if the computer struggles.
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Record separate microphone and desktop-audio tracks
Separate tracks can make it easier to adjust narration and computer sound independently in an editor. Streamlabs’ multitrack guide documents up to six separate audio tracks.
- Open the output settings and change Output Mode to Advanced.
- Choose the Recording section and select the audio tracks you want recorded.
- In the advanced audio mixer, assign each input—such as the microphone and desktop sound—to the appropriate track.
- Choose MP4 or MKV for the recording. In Streamlabs’ documented workflow, the default FLV format does not support multiple audio tracks.
- Make a test recording and confirm that each track contains the intended sound. If you are recording and streaming at the same time, check that the track selected for the live stream still contains the intended mix; streaming sends one selected audio track.
Mac: capturing sound from other apps
Streamlabs’ Mac-specific guide says macOS does not allow Streamlabs Desktop to capture audio directly from other applications in the setup it describes. Its documented workaround routes system sound through a virtual audio device, such as BlackHole, and selects that device as a Mic/Auxiliary source. The exact setup can depend on your macOS version and audio-routing software, so follow the current guide and verify compatibility before recording an important session.
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Fix common recording problems
- The target window is missing: Open the application and make sure it is not minimized, then reopen the Window Capture selection. If it still does not appear, test Display Capture or check whether the application requires permissions or restricts capture.
- The recording has no picture or sound: Check that the intended capture and audio sources are selected and active. Make a short test recording and play it back; do not assume that a source visible in the editor is being recorded correctly.
- Audio is doubled or echoes: Check for duplicate microphone or desktop-audio sources and remove the extra input.
- Computer audio is missing on Mac: Use a compatible virtual audio device routed as a Mic/Auxiliary source, following the current Mac guide.
- The recording stutters or the computer struggles: Reduce output resolution or quality and test again. A less demanding frame rate may also help; the right balance depends on the computer and content.
- No file appears after stopping: Check free disk space, confirm that Streamlabs can write to the selected destination, and verify the chosen folder in Settings > Output. Streamlabs’ troubleshooting guide also lists updating graphics drivers, installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2017, or running the application as administrator for certain Windows errors. Those suggestions apply to some failures, not necessarily every missing-file problem.
Or let it run in the cloud
Local Streamlabs recording saves a file to your computer. If instead you want uploaded videos to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock, StreamNeo runs the loop from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Official guides
- Streamlabs Desktop getting-started guide (dated July 22, 2026).
- Streamlabs recording tutorial (last updated October 2, 2025).
- Multitrack audio guide (last updated April 25, 2025).
- PC screen-recording guide (last updated October 2, 2025).
- Mac audio guide (last updated November 10, 2025).
- Streamlabs Desktop troubleshooting guide (dated April 25, 2025).
Menu names and feature support can change between Streamlabs Desktop versions; if a label differs in your installation, check the current official guide for your version.
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