To record with Streamlabs Desktop, set your recording options in Settings > Output, add the screen or application and audio sources you need, then click Record in the editor. Click Record again to stop; Streamlabs displays a notification when the file is saved.
Set up a recording
- Choose recording during setup. In Streamlabs Desktop’s first-time setup, select the option for recording videos if recording is your goal. You do not have to start a live broadcast to record.
- Add the picture source. In the editor, add Display Capture to record the whole monitor or Window Capture to record a particular application. For Window Capture, open the target application and keep its window unminimized so it can appear in the selection list. Some applications restrict capture or need permissions, so make a short test first.
- Choose audio and optional camera sources. Select a microphone for narration and, where supported, an audio-output source for computer sound. A built-in microphone may be enough; an external or USB microphone is optional. Add a webcam only if you want camera footage. Avoid adding the same audio source twice, which can cause echo. Record a test clip and listen back to check that the intended sound is present.
- Set the recording options. Open Settings > Output and choose the recording destination, filename options, format, and quality settings you need.
- Record and verify. Click Record in the editor to begin, then click it again to stop. Use the completion notification to inspect or open the saved file, and play it back to confirm the picture and audio.
Choose picture quality without overloading your computer
Streamlabs’ recording tutorial offers starting points, not settings guaranteed to suit every computer. Match the base canvas to your monitor resolution for gameplay, then choose an output resolution that fits the quality you want and the performance your system can sustain. For fast action, consider 60 FPS; for more static material, 30 FPS may be sufficient. If you downscale, Lanczos is a quality-oriented filter, but it uses additional CPU resources.
For encoding, x264 uses the CPU, while NVENC is a hardware encoding option for NVIDIA graphics cards. The tutorial suggests CQP as a starting rate-control method, CRF when using x264, a CQ level starting point of 17, and the Max Quality preset when performance allows. These are experiments to validate on your own hardware, not universal recommendations. Make a test recording and check for dropped or choppy frames and whether other applications remain responsive. If performance suffers, lower output resolution or adjust quality and test again.
Record separate microphone and desktop audio tracks
If you plan to mix or edit narration and computer audio separately, use the documented multitrack workflow:
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Open Settings > Output and change Output Mode to Advanced.
- Open the Recording section and select the audio tracks to include.
- In the advanced audio mixer, assign each input to the track or tracks you want.
- Choose MP4 or MKV as the recording format for multitrack audio. Streamlabs’ guide says the default FLV format does not support multiple audio tracks.
- Make a test recording and confirm each track contains the intended source in your editing software.
Streamlabs documents up to six separate recording tracks. If you record and stream at the same time, check the selected streaming audio track too: the live broadcast sends one selected track, so it may not include the mix you expect if sources were routed only to other tracks.
Mac: capture system audio with a routing workaround
In the setup described by Streamlabs’ Mac guide, macOS does not let Streamlabs Desktop capture audio directly from other applications. The guide’s workaround routes system sound through a virtual audio device such as BlackHole, then selects that device as a Mic/Auxiliary input. Consult the current guide for the routing steps, and verify compatibility with your macOS version and audio-routing software; the exact setup can vary.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Fix common recording problems
- The target app does not appear in Window Capture: Open it and make sure it is not minimized, then reopen the source selection. If capture is still blank, check the application’s capture restrictions and any permission prompts.
- The recording has no computer sound: Confirm that an audio-output source is selected and showing activity. On Mac, account for the system-audio routing limitation and virtual-device workaround described above.
- The recording has echo or duplicated sound: Check the source list and mixer for duplicate microphone or desktop-audio inputs, then record a test clip.
- The picture stutters or the computer struggles: Reduce output resolution or recording quality and try again. A less demanding frame rate may help for material that does not need fast motion; Lanczos downscaling also adds CPU cost.
- No file appears after stopping: Check that the selected destination has free disk space and that your account can write to that directory. Confirm the destination in Settings > Output and try a short recording to another writable location.
- A Windows error prevents recording: Streamlabs’ troubleshooting guide lists updating graphics drivers, installing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2017, or running Streamlabs Desktop as administrator for certain errors. These suggestions do not apply to every failure; use them when the error matches and check the current troubleshooting guide.
Or let it run in the cloud
Recording with Streamlabs saves a file on your computer. If instead you want uploaded videos to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock, StreamNeo loops them from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It is YouTube-only and plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a live camera.
Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; automatic recovery can restart the stream if YouTube drops it. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources and version notes
Streamlabs’ official getting-started guide is dated July 22, 2026. Its recording tutorial and PC screen guide were last updated October 2, 2025; its multitrack article April 25, 2025; its Mac audio guide November 10, 2025; and its troubleshooting guide is dated April 25, 2025. Menu labels and feature support may change between versions, so check the documentation for your installed release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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