As one of the most popular screen recording programs, OBS is a professional tool that provides high-quality results for no cost to you. Also known as Open Broadcaster Software, OBS can be used for streaming and recording. It is not a stand-alone streaming device, but paired with streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, OBS will improve your overall stream quality.
- How to Set Up and Record with OBS
- Recording Made Easy
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How to Set Up and Record with OBS
Getting started with OBS is simple. You can use it with Mac, Windows, and even Linux. Just make sure you have your operating system updated. Each part of this setup walkthrough will explain how to record once you have OBS installed.
Step 1: Installation
To install your copy of OBS, click on this link here where you will find the downloads for every operating system. Click on the operating system of your computer to automatically start the download. After the installer is downloaded, open it up to complete the installation process.
Step 2: Setup
Once the installation process is complete, you can run OBS. The first few windows will request access to your computer mic and other features, so make sure to approve those. Then, go to the Auto-Configuration Wizard and select “Optimize for Recording” so that the system understands where your focus lies.
In the next setup window, you will set your desired resolution for video as well as the FPS. The resolution size that you input should match the monitor that you will use when recording your screen.
Currently, the most common resolution size is 1920x1080. If you are interested in having the best video quality for your screen, you’ll want to select the highest FPS option which is “60 or 30, but prefer 60.” This will provide you with the smoothest video possible while recording.
The next step in the setup process will test your system and help you choose the best options for screen recording. OBS will search for the most optimal choices for your monitor by running a mock recording and then providing you with insight regarding the test run.
Step 3: Video sources
After all of the installations and the Auto-Configuration Wizard setup are complete, you will be able to see the OBS home window. Along the bottom of the screen, you will see the Sources tab. This is where you can set up both the video and audio inputs to your liking. For the sake of this walk-through, we are going to focus on setting up a basic screen capture and mic recording.
To start capturing your screen, click on the plus (+) button in the Sources tab, and then select Display Capture, which will open a new tab. From there, you can go through the different source options until you find the dimensions of your screen and select the dimensions. OBS will display the dimensions that are selected, making it easier to find the dimensions of your screen.
Step 4: Audio sources
There are two different types of audio capturing for OBS—There is Audio Input Capture and Audio Output Capture. The first type of audio capturing—Audio Input Capture—refers to any sound that enters the computer through a microphone that is either connected to the computer itself or through an exterior interface.
Audio Output Capture is used to capture any sounds that are being sent out of the computer. You can set up OBS to capture the audio signal being sent to your speakers so that any videos that are being played can be heard in the recording.
To add either of these sources, click on the plus (+) button in the Sources tab. Click on the Add Audio Input Capture option, and then select the source you want to record from. A great feature of OBS is that you can record multiple signals at once. You do have to mix their sound in the app itself, but OBS allows you to receive the best audio possible.
To remove any sources from OBS, select the source option that you no longer want and then press the minus (-) button, which is next to the plus (+) button. A window should pop up on your screen asking you to confirm that you want to remove the selected source. This is a helpful failsafe that makes sure you only get rid of the channels you want to erase.
Step 5: Save location
An important factor when you are recording is to know where the OBS files are stored on your computer. To check the video destination, click on File. In the window that pops up, select Output, which will then show you two categories labeled Streaming and Recording.
The first option in Recording is the Recording Path, which will show you where your files are being saved. To change the file destination, all you have to do is select Browse.
If you are looking to change the format of your recordings, open the drop-down menu for Recording Format in the Recording section of the Output menu. You should see six different format options.
If you are not sure which one to choose, mp4 is always a great choice when it comes to video. It is especially good if you are using a different program to edit the videos since you will not need to convert the file.
Step 6: Testing
Once you have selected your sources, you should always test the levels and qualities of your recordings. With OBS open and visible on your screen, test all of your audio sources to make sure none of them are clipping in the red.
You can do this by watching the levels in the Audio Mixer tab, which is right next to the Sources tab. After checking the levels, do a test recording to check the video quality. All you have to do to start your recording is click the Start Recording button on the bottom right of the OBS window.
Recording Made Easy
With this simple setup for screen recordings, you can produce high-quality videos just like your favorite content creators! If you decide to go more in-depth with your screen recordings, OBS has the tools for you, which will allow you to soar to great heights that you might have otherwise viewed as impossible. Implementing with these simple steps will set you up for excellence!
