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To crop a prerecorded video in OBS without changing your YouTube stream resolution, add it as a Media Source, crop that source with Alt-drag on Windows or Linux or Option-drag on macOS, and leave Settings > Video > Output (Scaled) Resolution set to your intended stream size. Cropping changes what appears in the scene; it does not resize the stream canvas.
Crop the video source in OBS
- Add the clip: In the scene’s Sources panel, click the add button and choose Media Source. Select the prerecorded video file and confirm. OBS uses Media Sources to add audio and video files to a scene. See the OBS Sources Guide.
- Select the source: Click the Media Source in the Sources list or select it in the preview. Make sure its bounding box is visible.
- Crop an edge: On Windows or Linux, hold Alt and drag a bounding-box edge inward. On macOS, hold Option and drag. The crop edges turn green while you crop. This hides part of the selected source; it does not change the scene’s output dimensions. The gesture is documented in the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
- Reposition or resize the remaining image: Move or resize the source as needed to frame it on the canvas. Cropping determines which part of the source is visible; positioning and sizing determine where and how large that visible part appears in the scene.
- Confirm the stream resolution: Open Settings > Video and check Output (Scaled) Resolution. Leave it at the dimensions you want OBS to send to the stream. OBS defines this as the resolution of the stream or recording output.
Choose the crop method that suits the job
Preview handles for a quick crop
Alt- or Option-drag is the quickest way to trim an edge visually. Use it when you can judge the framing in the preview and do not need to record exact crop amounts.
Edit Transform for numeric control
For measured or repeatable crop values, open the source’s Transform menu and choose Edit Transform, then enter the crop values. The Windows shortcut is Ctrl-E; on macOS, use the corresponding Cmd shortcut listed by OBS. The same menu includes transform commands such as reset, fit, stretch, and center; use them only if you intend to change the source’s placement or sizing. See the Sources Guide for the platform-specific shortcuts.
Crop/Pad filter for a filter-based workflow
OBS also provides a Crop/Pad effect filter. It is an optional source-level alternative, not a requirement for an ordinary crop. OBS’s Scaling/Aspect Ratio filter can set a source-level resolution or aspect ratio, but it is also separate from the stream’s Output (Scaled) Resolution. Details are in OBS’s Scaling/Aspect Ratio Filter documentation.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS
- 【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
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【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
Understand which resolution setting you are changing
- Base (Canvas) Resolution is the workspace where OBS sources are arranged.
- Output (Scaled) Resolution is the size OBS sends to the stream or recording, using the selected downscale filter.
- Source crop hides edges of one source in the composition. It does not resize the canvas or set the stream resolution.
Changing Output (Scaled) Resolution does not require sources to be realigned or resized. Changing Base (Canvas) Resolution can require layout adjustments. For a crop on one clip, adjust that source rather than changing the output setting. OBS explains these distinctions in its Overview Guide.
Fix framing problems without changing output size
- Unexpected empty space: Select the source and inspect its crop, position, and size in Edit Transform. Correct the source framing and placement on the canvas.
- The subject is cut off or framed poorly: Revisit the crop amounts, then reposition or resize the remaining image. Do not change Output (Scaled) Resolution just to alter the framing of one clip.
- The stream dimensions changed: Check Settings > Video > Output (Scaled) Resolution. That setting, not the source crop, determines the dimensions sent to the stream or recording.
- You need a newly cropped video file: Cropping a source in an OBS scene changes its appearance in that scene; it does not export a standalone file with a newly cropped frame size. Exporting a separate cropped video is a different task.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded video playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload your video or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded file as made, at any quality up to 4K 60fps for 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. See StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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SaleBestseller No. 2
Rank #4
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Capture Card 4K HDMI Video Streaming to USB 3.0 1080P 60FPS Capture Device
- 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
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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】Built with a premium aluminum alloy shell and advanced chipset for stable heat dissipation, ensuring ultra-low latency transmission. Capture high-quality video and dual-channel audio in real time—no lag, no frame drop—ideal for Twitch, YouTube, or OBS streaming.
- 【Easy Plug and Play, Compact & Portable】No driver or external power required—just plug and play via USB 3.0 or Type-C connection to your Windows or macOS computer. Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry for outdoor streaming, live shows, or mobile recording setups.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【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.
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
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