For most OBS recordings, set a destination in Settings → Output, record to MKV so an interrupted session is less likely to cost you the whole file, and choose a quality preset your computer can handle. Make a short test recording before a long stream. If your editing workflow needs MP4, remux the MKV after recording rather than recording directly to regular MP4.
How do I record my stream in OBS?
OBS puts its main recording controls under Settings → Output. The exact encoder options available depend on your OBS version and hardware. These steps establish a practical baseline; verify the file and audio with a brief test before relying on a long recording.
- Set the recording destination. Open Settings → Output and set Recording Path to a folder with enough free space. The selected path is where OBS saves recordings. If your usual drive is short on space, an external drive is an option, but OBS does not require a particular drive or capacity.
- Choose a container. Select MKV for a resilient recording. If you need MP4 for editing or uploading, use File → Remux Recordings after the session, or enable automatic remuxing in Advanced settings.
- Choose a quality preset. In Simple output mode, start with High Quality for high quality at a medium file size. Use Indistinguishable if you need higher visual quality and your system can handle the extra file size and load. Avoid Lossless unless you specifically need it and have planned for exceptionally large files.
- Make a short test recording. Check that the intended game, desktop, camera, and other sources appear; audio is present; playback works; and the file landed in the chosen folder.
OBS notes that choosing a recording setting other than Same as stream can use additional system resources. Same as stream uses the streaming encoder settings and does not let you pause the recording, so it is not always the best fit for a separate local capture.
Should I use MKV or MP4 for OBS recordings?
For most sessions, choose MKV and convert it afterward only if your editing or upload workflow requires another container. OBS’s Standard Recording Output Guide says: “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.” The guide was published May 26, 2023; compatibility can vary with editors and codec combinations.
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| Container | Strength | Trade-off and when to use it |
|---|---|---|
| MKV | OBS recommends it for most cases; an interrupted recording does not corrupt the whole file. | Some editors handle MKV less well, so remuxing may be necessary. |
| Regular MP4 or MOV | Broad editing and internet-video compatibility. | These files need finalization. An interrupted write can leave them unrecoverable, so OBS does not recommend recording directly to regular MP4 or MOV. |
| Fragmented or hybrid MP4/MOV | Can combine improved resilience with broader compatibility than MKV in supported workflows. | Compatibility depends on the editor and codec combination; some editing suites may require remuxing. |
To convert a finished MKV using OBS, open File → Remux Recordings, select the recording, and remux it to MP4. Automatic remuxing is also available in Advanced settings. Remuxing changes the container; it is not a quality-enhancement step.
What are the best OBS recording quality and encoder settings?
There is no single best setting for every gaming PC or editing workflow. Balance visual quality, file size, encoding load, and compatibility with the software you will use afterward. Simple output is the easiest starting point. Switch to Advanced output when you need independent recording controls, recording-track selection, or rescaling.
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Simple output presets
- High Quality: OBS describes this as targeting high quality with a medium file size. It is a sensible first choice for a local stream recording.
- Indistinguishable: Raises quality and file size, and can affect older or weaker hardware. Use it if the difference matters for your footage and a test runs smoothly.
- Lossless: Creates very large files and uses the CPU encoder. OBS estimates around 7 GB per minute for this preset; that is a Lossless-specific estimate from OBS Project’s recording encoder presets guide, not a general estimate for all OBS recordings.
- Same as stream: Reuses streaming encoder settings, but recording cannot be paused. A different recording setting can add system load.
Advanced output: OBS baseline examples
OBS’s Advanced Recording Settings Guide, published November 30, 2023, gives the following starting points for named encoders. They are examples, not universal prescriptions; some controls may not exist for your hardware or OBS release. For the listed quality controls, a lower number means higher quality and larger files.
| Encoder | OBS baseline example |
|---|---|
| NVENC | Constant QP 16–23; keyframe interval 2; P5 preset; 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. |
OBS’s formats guide recommends using the best-quality hardware encoder available for high-quality local recording, giving the order AV1 > HEVC > H.264 for that use case. Codec support differs: the guide notes that AV1 can improve quality relative to file size over HEVC but has weaker editing support, while H.264 remains broadly compatible. Check your editor’s supported codecs before committing to a format.
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How do I record separate audio tracks in OBS?
Use separate tracks when you expect to edit or mix audio sources after the stream. A normal video player typically plays only one audio track at a time, so a recording that needs to sound complete without editing should keep the full mix on track 1.
- Open Advanced Audio Properties and assign each source—such as game audio, microphone, or music—to the tracks you need.
- Open Settings → Output and enable those tracks for recording.
- Record a short test and check both the intended individual tracks and the complete mix in your editing software or player.
OBS’s multiple audio track guide explains that track assignment is configured per source and that standard players play only one track at once. Include every source needed for an immediately playable mix on track 1.
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How much storage does OBS recording use?
File size depends on the quality setting and encoder, so a short test is the most useful estimate for your own setup. The specific figure OBS publishes is for Lossless: around 7 GB per minute, according to its recording encoder presets guide. Do not apply that figure to High Quality, Indistinguishable, or Same as stream; their file sizes depend on the chosen settings and content.
Set the Recording Path to a drive with suitable available space before starting. An external SSD can help if local storage is limited, but additional storage does not fix encoder overload, dropped frames, or image-quality problems.
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How to troubleshoot common OBS recording problems
- The recording is missing or saved somewhere unexpected: Check Settings → Output → Recording Path, then look in that folder. Confirm the drive is mounted and has free space.
- The file will not open after OBS or the PC stopped unexpectedly: This is a key reason to record in MKV. Regular MP4/MOV relies on finalization and may be unrecoverable after an interrupted write. For future sessions, use MKV and remux after recording if needed.
- Your editor does not accept the MKV: Remux it through File → Remux Recordings, or enable automatic remuxing in Advanced settings. If choosing another format directly, confirm your editor supports that container and codec combination.
- The game runs worse while recording: A separate recording configuration can consume additional resources. Test a less demanding preset or use Same as stream if its limitations suit your workflow; check that recording cannot be paused in that mode.
- The file is much larger than expected: Check whether Lossless is selected. OBS’s roughly 7 GB-per-minute estimate applies to that preset specifically. Choose a less storage-intensive preset and test its image quality.
- The recording has no microphone, game sound, or complete audio: Review source assignments in Advanced Audio Properties and enabled recording tracks in Settings → Output. Make sure all sources required for a complete mix are on track 1 if you need ordinary playback without editing.
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