The Tool Desk
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Canvas resolution vs. output resolution
The canvas is OBS’s composition workspace: sources are positioned and sized within it. The output resolution is the size of the video OBS delivers to your stream or recording. If the output is smaller than the canvas, OBS scales the composed scene using the selected downscale filter; that does not mean you must resize each source manually.
For example, OBS documents 1920×1080 and 1280×720 as common 16:9 dimensions. They are examples, not requirements: choose the aspect ratio and dimensions that fit your destination and content.
Changing the canvas can affect the layout: sources may need to be realigned or resized. Changing the output resolution does not have that effect, according to the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
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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
Set the canvas and output in OBS
- Choose the delivery target. Decide the resolution and aspect ratio you need for the stream or recording. Do not assume every project must be 16:9.
- Open Settings → Video. Set Base (Canvas) Resolution to the scene’s composition dimensions. OBS says this usually matches your monitor’s display resolution, or the game resolution when capturing a game.
- Set the delivered size separately. Choose the intended stream or recording dimensions in Output (Scaled) Resolution. When this is smaller than the canvas, OBS scales the scene to the output dimensions.
- Set up the playlist source. Add a VLC Video source for a playlist. Install VLC first if the source is unavailable. Configure the playlist order and, as needed, its loop and shuffle options.
- Compose each clip. Select each source in the preview and use its transform controls to position, size, fit, or crop it. Use the same approach for every clip whose aspect ratio differs from the canvas.
- Check the actual output. Preview the widest and tallest clips in the scene. Make a short local recording before going live, then check that the delivered dimensions are right and that no important content is cut off. OBS recommends testing scenes and settings before a first live stream.
Choose how each aspect ratio fits
A playlist can combine wide, tall, or otherwise differently framed footage. There is no single fit choice that preserves every edge and fills every canvas without changing the image. Make the trade-off deliberately for each clip.
| Approach | Preserves the whole image? | Fills the canvas? | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit or contain | Yes | Not always | May leave bars or unused space around the clip. |
| Crop or pan and scan | No | Yes | Some side or top/bottom content falls outside the frame. |
| Stretch to fill | All source area remains visible | Yes | Distorts proportions; OBS describes this as warping the source. |
| Keep the source ratio and design around it | Yes | The overall scene can be filled | Use elements such as background art or overlays to occupy the remaining space. |
For documentaries, preserving the whole frame is often the safer choice when titles, subtitles, faces, or details near the edges matter. If a full-screen look matters more, crop carefully and inspect the result rather than assuming the center contains everything important. The OBS Aspect Ratio Guide explains these fit, crop, and stretch choices.
Rank #2
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Use transforms and scaling filters carefully
With a source selected, adjust its size and position using the preview handles or the source’s Edit Transform controls. Use cropping when you want to remove a particular edge; use proportional scaling when you want to retain the source’s shape. OBS’s Sources Guide documents source transforms and crop controls.
A source scaling filter affects how OBS scales that source, not the overall output resolution. The appropriate choice depends on the footage: OBS’s aspect-ratio guidance suggests trying bicubic when a source looks soft, and Point or Area when sharp pixel-art edges matter. These are starting points, not universal settings; compare the result with your actual material. See the OBS Scaling/Aspect Ratio Filter documentation.
Rank #3
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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.
On the Windows/Linux-style shortcut list in OBS’s Overview Guide, Ctrl+F fits a source to the screen, Ctrl+S stretches it, Ctrl+D centers it, and Ctrl+R resets its size and position. The Sources Guide lists Cmd+F, Cmd+S, and Cmd+D for the corresponding macOS actions; Edit Transform is Ctrl-E on Windows and Cmd-E on macOS. Shortcuts may vary by platform or version, so use the menus and transform controls if a shortcut differs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Add a playlist: use VLC Video, not Media Source
OBS’s built-in Media Source is intended for an individual media file. The VLC Video source supports a list or playlist and provides loop and shuffle options. It requires VLC to be installed; if playlist controls are missing from Media Source, add VLC Video instead. See OBS Media Sources for the distinction.
Rank #4
- High-Quality Video Capture, 4K HDMI Capture Card Ready: Capture smooth and vibrant video with this 4K HDMI capture card, engineered for gamers and content creators who demand crisp 1080P 60FPS video quality. Whether you're streaming to Twitch or recording gameplay for YouTube, your footage will look professional and detailed
- Plug-and-Play USB Capture Card, No Drivers Needed: Designed as a USB capture card for streaming, this device works instantly out of the box, just plug into your PC or laptop and start capturing. Fully compatible with popular software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit, making setup quick and stress-free for beginners and pros alike
- Universal Compatibility PS5, Xbox, Switch & More: Stream or record gameplay from virtually any HDMI-enabled device including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, DSLR cameras, and PCs. The video capture card for gaming supports seamless passthrough so you can play without lag while your audience watches every frame in real time
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- Compact & Portable Design for Content Creators: Lightweight and portable, this USB 3.0 capture card works well for creators who travel or switch gaming setups often. Throw it in your bag and stream or record wherever you are, at home, events, LAN parties, streaming or studio sessions
OBS documentation lists common Media Source formats including .mp4, .ts, .mov, .flv, .mkv, .avi, .gif, and .webm for video, and .mp3, .aac, .ogg, and .wav for audio. VLC libraries can extend media support, but playback still depends on the installed software and decoding support in your setup; a listed extension does not guarantee every file will play correctly.
Troubleshoot layout and performance problems
- A clip has bars or empty space: It is likely being fit while preserving its aspect ratio. Keep the full picture, crop to fill, or add scene elements around it; do not stretch unless you accept the distortion.
- Important edges are missing: The source is cropped or enlarged beyond the canvas. Select it and adjust its transform, then inspect the frame edges in preview.
- The picture looks distorted: The source was stretched to fill a different aspect ratio. Restore proportional scaling, then choose fit, crop, or a designed background instead.
- You cannot find playlist controls: Check that you added VLC Video rather than the built-in Media Source, and that VLC is installed.
- Encoding or rendering struggles: Try lowering Output (Scaled) Resolution or reducing frame rate first. OBS says lower output resolution can reduce encoder load and fewer frames reduce rendering and encoding work.
- High-resolution clips still use resources when scaled down: Scaling them in the scene does not make the source file itself lower resolution. OBS’s performance guidance recommends using lower-resolution media where appropriate.
- You are considering lowering the canvas: Treat that as a later step, not the first generic performance fix. OBS cautions that reducing canvas resolution complicates capture and asset management, and sources may need repositioning or resizing. Consider it when resources are severely constrained; for a substantial change, a separate scene collection can limit disruption.
For more detail on performance trade-offs, see OBS Encoding Performance Troubleshooting.
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