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For a dependable OBS recording, choose a save location with enough space, record to MKV, select a quality preset your computer can handle, and make a short test before a long session. You can remux an MKV to MP4 after recording if your editor needs it. The main controls are under Settings → Output.
How do I record my stream in OBS?
These settings record the sources in your OBS scene to a local file. The labels and available encoders can vary by OBS release and computer, so use the controls your installation provides.
- Set the recording location. Open Settings → Output and choose a Recording Path with enough free space. Use a separate drive only if your current storage is limited; OBS does not require a particular drive or capacity.
- Choose a recording format. Select MKV for the resilient default. If your editing workflow requires MP4, record in MKV and use File → Remux Recordings afterward, or enable automatic remuxing in Advanced settings.
- Choose an encoder and quality. In Output, start with Simple mode and a quality preset suited to your computer. For separate recording controls, tracks, or rescaling, switch to Advanced mode.
- Check the audio and video sources. Confirm the intended scene is active and that the audio sources you want are included. If you need separate tracks for editing, configure them before recording.
- Make a short test recording. Stop it, locate the file in the chosen folder, and play it back. Check the picture, sound, and—if applicable—separate tracks before relying on the setup for a long session.
- Start the full recording. Use Start Recording in the OBS controls. Monitor available disk space during lengthy sessions.
Should I use MKV or MP4 for OBS recordings?
For most recordings, use MKV and convert the container afterward if necessary. The OBS Project’s Standard Recording Output Guide, published 2023-05-26, explains: “MKV is recommended in case of unforeseen issues arising, since MKV will not corrupt the whole file if there is no graceful stoppage of recording.”
| Format | Useful when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| MKV | You want a recording less vulnerable to an interrupted write. | Some editors have weaker MKV support; remux to a supported format if needed. |
| Regular MP4 or MOV | Your editor or upload workflow expects these widely compatible formats. | They require finalization. An interrupted write can leave a regular file unrecoverable, so OBS does not recommend recording directly to regular MP4 or MOV. |
| Fragmented or hybrid MP4/MOV | Your workflow supports these formats and you need a more resilient alternative to regular MP4/MOV. | Compatibility depends on the editor and codec combination; some editing suites may require remuxing. |
OBS’s audio and video formats guide describes format and codec compatibility. To remux an MKV, use File → Remux Recordings; this changes the container rather than requiring you to make a new recording.
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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.
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Which OBS recording quality setting should I choose?
There is no single best choice for every computer or project. Balance visual quality, file size, encoding load, and the compatibility your editor needs. OBS notes that recording with a setting other than Same as stream can use additional system resources.
| Simple output option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| High Quality | Targets high quality with a medium file size; a sensible starting point for many local recordings. |
| Indistinguishable | Prioritizes quality over a smaller file and may affect older or weaker hardware. |
| Lossless | Creates very large files and uses the CPU encoder. OBS estimates around 7 GB per minute for this preset in its recording encoder presets guide; that figure applies to Lossless, not to recordings generally. |
| Same as stream | Uses the streaming encoder settings. OBS says recording cannot be paused with this option. |
If you are unsure, begin with High Quality, record a short sample, and inspect both its appearance and file size. Move to Indistinguishable only if the improvement is worth the extra storage and system load. Lossless is an unusual choice for a long session unless you have planned for its substantial storage use.
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When should I use Advanced Output?
Use Settings → Output → Output Mode → Advanced when you need recording-specific encoder controls, multiple audio tracks, or rescaling. OBS’s Advanced Recording Settings Guide, published 2023-11-30, gives the following baselines. Treat them as starting examples for the named encoders—not guaranteed settings for every OBS version, GPU, or system.
| Encoder | OBS baseline examples |
|---|---|
| NVENC | Constant QP 16–23; keyframe interval 2; preset P5; High Quality tuning; two-pass quarter-resolution; High profile; look-ahead off; adaptive quantization on; 2 B-frames. |
| x264 | CRF 16–23; keyframe interval 2; veryfast CPU preset; High profile; no tune. |
| AMD | CQP 16–23; keyframe interval 2; Quality preset; High profile; maximum 0 B-frames. |
| Quick Sync | ICQ 16–23; TU4; High profile; keyframe interval 2; normal latency; 3 B-frames. |
For the quality-number controls above, lower values generally mean higher quality and larger files. Encoder names and available options depend on your hardware. If a setting listed in the OBS guide is not available in your interface, do not try to force it through another encoder’s controls.
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Which encoder and codec should I use?
For high-quality local recording, OBS’s formats guide recommends the best-quality hardware encoder available and gives the codec order AV1, then HEVC, then H.264 for that use case. This is not a universal rule: support varies, and AV1 may have weaker editing support, while H.264 is broadly compatible. Choose a codec your playback and editing tools can handle.
How do I record separate audio tracks?
Separate tracks are useful when you want to mix or edit sources independently later. Configure both the source assignments and the recording output:
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- Open Edit → Advanced Audio Properties and assign each audio source to the track or tracks you want it recorded on.
- Open Settings → Output, switch to Advanced mode if necessary, and enable the corresponding recording tracks.
- Make a short recording and check it in your editing application. Do not assume a normal video player will combine every track: OBS cautions that standard players play only one track at a time.
If the file must play with a complete mix in a standard player without editing, assign all required sources to track 1 as well. OBS explains the track workflow in its multiple audio track recording guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much storage do OBS recordings use?
File size depends on the quality setting and encoder; the OBS Lossless estimate of around 7 GB per minute is specific to that preset. For your own setup, a short test recording is the most useful way to estimate ordinary session storage: note the file size and duration, then use that sample to plan how much space a longer recording will need. Keep enough free space at the chosen Recording Path. An external drive is an option if local capacity is limited, but it does not fix encoder or performance problems.
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What should I check if a recording fails?
- The file is missing: Check the Recording Path in Settings → Output and look in that folder.
- An interrupted recording will not open: Regular MP4/MOV files can be left unrecoverable if they are not finalized. Prefer MKV for future sessions, then remux if your workflow needs MP4.
- The recording looks worse than expected: Review the quality preset and encoder settings. Make a brief sample and compare it before changing settings for a long session.
- The computer struggles while recording: A recording setting other than Same as stream can consume additional resources; Indistinguishable may affect weaker hardware. Try a less demanding preset and test again.
- The file is unexpectedly huge: Check whether Lossless is selected. OBS estimates around 7 GB per minute for that preset.
- Only some audio plays: Check which tracks were enabled and assigned. Standard video players may play only one track; keep the complete mix on track 1 if you need straightforward playback.
- Your editor rejects the file: Confirm its supported container and codec. Remux MKV to MP4 when appropriate, or choose a compatible fragmented or hybrid format if your editor supports it.
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