5+ Best Recording Settings for OBS: Capture Stunning Videos


5+ Best Recording Settings for OBS: Capture Stunning Videos

Relating to recording gameplay, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software program) is without doubt one of the hottest and versatile choices obtainable. It is free, open-source, and cross-platform, making it accessible to a variety of customers. Nevertheless, getting the absolute best recording high quality from OBS generally is a little bit of a problem, as there are a selection of settings that may have an effect on the output. By understanding the completely different settings and the way they work together, you possibly can optimize your OBS recordings for the absolute best high quality.

One of the necessary settings to contemplate is the recording decision. This setting determines the dimensions of the recorded video, and it has a direct influence on the standard. The upper the decision, the higher the standard, however it additionally signifies that the file measurement will probably be bigger. For many functions, a decision of 1920×1080 (1080p) is an efficient compromise between high quality and file measurement. Nevertheless, in case you’re planning on importing your recordings to a video sharing web site like YouTube, it’s possible you’ll need to think about using a better decision, reminiscent of 2560×1440 (1440p) or 3840×2160 (4K).

One other necessary setting is the bitrate. The bitrate determines the quantity of information that’s recorded per second, and it has a direct influence on the standard of the video. The upper the bitrate, the higher the standard, however it additionally signifies that the file measurement will probably be bigger. For many functions, a bitrate of 6000 kbps is an efficient start line. Nevertheless, in case you’re planning on recording fast-paced motion scenes, it’s possible you’ll need to think about using a better bitrate, reminiscent of 8000 kbps or 10000 kbps.

1. Decision

Decision performs a vital function in figuring out the standard of your OBS recordings. It refers back to the variety of pixels that make up the video body, with greater resolutions leading to sharper and extra detailed photographs. The commonest resolutions used for OBS recordings are:

  • 1920×1080 (1080p): That is the usual decision for Full HD video and is appropriate for many functions. It affords an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement.
  • 2560×1440 (1440p): This decision supplies a big enhance in sharpness and element in comparison with 1080p, making it supreme for high-quality recordings. Nevertheless, it additionally ends in bigger file sizes.
  • 3840×2160 (4K): That is the very best decision obtainable for OBS recordings and affords beautiful picture high quality. Nevertheless, it additionally ends in very massive file sizes and requires a robust laptop to file and edit.

Finally, the perfect decision to your OBS recordings depends upon your particular wants and the capabilities of your laptop. In the event you’re planning on importing your recordings to YouTube or different video sharing websites, 1080p is an efficient selection as it’s extensively supported and supplies an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement. In the event you want the very best potential high quality for skilled use or archival functions, 4K could also be a greater possibility.

2. Bitrate

Bitrate performs a vital function in figuring out the standard of your OBS recordings. It refers back to the quantity of information that’s recorded per second, measured in kilobits per second (kbps). The upper the bitrate, the extra information is recorded, leading to higher video high quality. Nevertheless, greater bitrates additionally end in bigger file sizes.

  • Affect on Video High quality: Bitrate straight impacts the visible high quality of your recordings. The next bitrate permits for extra detailed and sharp photographs, whereas a decrease bitrate may end up in pixelation and lack of element, particularly in fast-paced or complicated scenes.
  • File Measurement Concerns: Bitrate additionally has a big influence on the file measurement of your recordings. Greater bitrates end in bigger file sizes, which generally is a concern in case you’re recording lengthy movies or have restricted cupboard space.
  • Beneficial Bitrates: For many OBS recordings, a bitrate between 6000 kbps and 10000 kbps is beneficial. This vary supplies an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement. For fast-paced or action-packed content material, a better bitrate could also be mandatory to keep up visible constancy.
  • {Hardware} Concerns: The bitrate you should utilize can be restricted by the capabilities of your laptop. A extra highly effective laptop with a devoted graphics card will be capable to deal with greater bitrates with out dropping frames or compromising high quality.

Optimizing the bitrate to your OBS recordings requires discovering the best stability between high quality and file measurement. Contemplate the meant use of your recordings, the capabilities of your laptop, and the cupboard space obtainable when selecting a bitrate.

3. Format

The format of your OBS recordings refers back to the container format used to retailer the video and audio information. The selection of format can influence the compatibility, file measurement, and extra options obtainable to your recordings.

  • MP4: MP4 is a extensively supported container format that’s appropriate with most video gamers and gadgets. It affords an excellent stability between file measurement and high quality, making it appropriate for quite a lot of makes use of, together with on-line sharing, playback on cellular gadgets, and archiving.
  • MKV: MKV is a flexible container format that helps a variety of video and audio codecs, together with high-quality codecs like VP9 and Opus. It additionally permits for the inclusion of extra options, reminiscent of chapters, subtitles, and metadata. Nevertheless, MKV recordsdata may be bigger in measurement in comparison with different codecs.
  • FLV: FLV is a container format generally used for streaming video over the web, notably on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. It affords environment friendly streaming and playback, however it has restricted help for modifying and superior options.

When selecting a format to your OBS recordings, contemplate components reminiscent of compatibility, file measurement, and the necessity for extra options. MP4 is an efficient all-around selection for many customers, whereas MKV is a greater possibility in case you want extra flexibility and help for superior options. FLV is primarily appropriate for streaming functions.

4. Encoder

The encoder performs a vital function in figuring out the effectivity and high quality of your OBS recordings. It’s chargeable for compressing the video information in real-time, balancing file measurement and visible constancy. Two main kinds of encoders are generally utilized in OBS: software program encoders and {hardware} encoders.

  • Software program Encoders (x264):
    Software program encoders, reminiscent of x264, make the most of the CPU to compress video information. They provide excessive flexibility and customization choices, permitting you to fine-tune the encoding course of for particular wants. Nevertheless, software program encoders may be extra demanding in your CPU, probably impacting the efficiency of your system throughout recording.
  • {Hardware} Encoders (NVENC):
    {Hardware} encoders, reminiscent of NVENC (NVIDIA) and AMD VCE (AMD), make the most of devoted {hardware} in your graphics card to compress video information. They provide considerably higher efficiency in comparison with software program encoders, permitting for high-quality recordings with minimal influence in your system’s efficiency. Nevertheless, {hardware} encoders might have fewer customization choices and is probably not obtainable on all graphics playing cards.

Selecting the best encoder to your OBS recordings depends upon your particular wants and system capabilities. In the event you prioritize flexibility and customization, a software program encoder like x264 could also be a good selection. In the event you prioritize efficiency and effectivity, a {hardware} encoder like NVENC or AMD VCE is beneficial.

5. Audio Settings

Optimizing audio settings is essential for attaining the perfect recording high quality in OBS. Audio settings embody three key components: pattern price, bit depth, and channels, every enjoying a significant function in figuring out the constancy and readability of your audio recordings.


Pattern price refers back to the variety of occasions per second that an audio sign is sampled and transformed into digital information. The next pattern price ends in extra correct replica of the unique sound, capturing finer particulars and nuances. For OBS recordings, a pattern price of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz is mostly beneficial, because it supplies an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement.


Bit depth determines the variety of bits used to characterize every audio pattern. The next bit depth permits for a wider dynamic vary and extra exact illustration of the audio sign. For OBS recordings, a bit depth of 16 bits or 24 bits is often used. 16 bits is appropriate for many functions, whereas 24 bits is beneficial for skilled recordings or when working with high-quality audio sources.


Channels seek advice from the variety of separate audio channels used within the recording. Stereo recordings make the most of two channels (left and proper), whereas multi-channel recordings can have extra channels (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1 encompass sound). The variety of channels depends upon the enter supply and the specified audio expertise. For OBS recordings, stereo is often adequate for many setups.

Understanding and optimizing these audio settings is crucial for attaining high-quality OBS recordings. Correct audio settings make sure that your recordings precisely seize the meant audio, enhancing the general viewer expertise and professionalism of your content material.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Greatest Recording Settings for OBS

This part addresses some widespread questions and misconceptions surrounding the optimum recording settings for OBS, offering concise and informative solutions to information customers in attaining high-quality recordings.

Query 1: What’s the finest decision for OBS recordings?

The best decision for OBS recordings depends upon the meant use and platform. For common functions, 1920×1080 (1080p) affords an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement. For higher-quality recordings, 2560×1440 (1440p) or 3840×2160 (4K) may be thought of, however these require extra highly effective {hardware} and end in bigger file sizes.

Query 2: How does bitrate have an effect on OBS recordings?

Bitrate straight influences the visible high quality of OBS recordings. The next bitrate permits for extra information to be captured, leading to sharper and extra detailed photographs. Nevertheless, greater bitrates additionally result in bigger file sizes. For many situations, a bitrate between 6000 kbps and 10000 kbps is beneficial, offering an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement.

Query 3: Which container format is finest for OBS recordings?

The selection of container format depends upon compatibility, file measurement, and extra options. MP4 is extensively supported and affords an excellent stability between high quality and file measurement. MKV supplies extra flexibility and help for superior options however may end up in bigger file sizes. FLV is appropriate for streaming functions however has restricted modifying capabilities.

Query 4: What’s the distinction between software program and {hardware} encoders for OBS?

Software program encoders, reminiscent of x264, use the CPU to compress video information, providing flexibility and customization choices. {Hardware} encoders, reminiscent of NVENC and AMD VCE, make the most of devoted {hardware} on graphics playing cards, offering higher efficiency and diminished system influence. The selection depends upon the specified stability between flexibility and efficiency.

Query 5: How do audio settings have an effect on OBS recordings?

Audio settings play a significant function in making certain high-quality audio in OBS recordings. Pattern price determines the accuracy of audio replica, with greater charges capturing extra element. Bit depth impacts the dynamic vary and precision of the audio sign. Channels seek advice from the variety of separate audio channels used, with stereo being widespread for many setups. Optimizing these settings is essential for clear and immersive audio.

Query 6: Can I modify the recording settings whereas OBS is operating?

Sure, OBS lets you modify recording settings whereas a recording is in progress. Nevertheless, it is usually beneficial to pause the recording earlier than making any modifications to keep away from potential points or interruptions.

Abstract: Understanding and optimizing OBS recording settings is essential for attaining the absolute best high quality to your recordings. Contemplate components reminiscent of decision, bitrate, format, encoder, and audio settings to tailor your setup to your particular wants and create high-quality content material that meets your necessities.

Transition: With a strong understanding of the perfect recording settings for OBS, let’s discover extra suggestions and methods to additional improve the standard of your OBS recordings.

Tricks to Improve OBS Recording High quality

To additional elevate the standard of your OBS recordings, contemplate implementing these extra suggestions:

Tip 1: Make the most of Scene Collections and Transitions: Manage your scenes into collections and use easy transitions between them to create a cultured {and professional} presentation.

Tip 2: Optimize Audio Sources: Use separate audio sources for various components (e.g., sport audio, microphone, music) and alter their ranges to make sure a balanced and clear audio expertise.

Tip 3: Leverage Plugins and Filters: Improve your recordings with OBS plugins and filters so as to add results, enhance visible high quality, and develop performance.

Tip 4: Monitor System Efficiency: Control your system’s efficiency whereas recording to make sure easy operation. Regulate settings or shut pointless packages if experiencing efficiency points.

Tip 5: Make the most of Customized Hotkeys: Assign customized hotkeys for ceaselessly used actions to streamline your recording workflow and enhance effectivity.

Tip 6: Document in a Managed Surroundings: Reduce background noise and guarantee correct lighting to create a distraction-free and visually interesting recording surroundings.

Tip 7: Experiment with Totally different Settings: Do not be afraid to experiment with completely different recording settings to search out the optimum mixture that fits your content material and {hardware} capabilities.

Tip 8: Search Group Assist: Be a part of OBS boards and communities to attach with different customers, share data, and troubleshoot any points it’s possible you’ll encounter.

Conclusion:

By implementing the following tips and methods, you possibly can elevate your OBS recordings to new heights, creating high-quality content material that engages your viewers and meets skilled requirements.

Conclusion

Optimizing the recording settings in OBS is paramount for producing high-quality movies that meet your particular necessities. By understanding the interaction between decision, bitrate, format, encoder, and audio settings, you possibly can tailor your OBS setup to realize the absolute best outcomes.

Bear in mind to leverage extra suggestions and methods to additional improve your recordings, reminiscent of using scene collections, optimizing audio sources, and experimenting with completely different settings. By constantly refining your recording course of, you possibly can create participating and visually beautiful content material that captivates your viewers.