Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo record your screen in OBS Studio, run the Auto-Configuration Wizard, add the right screen or window source, check your audio meters, choose a recording folder and format, then make and review a short test recording. OBS recommends recording to MKV to protect the file if recording stops unexpectedly; if you need MP4, you can remux the finished recording inside OBS.
Set up OBS and choose what to capture
- Run the setup wizard. In OBS Studio, open Tools → Auto-Configuration Wizard. Choose recording as your goal when prompted. The wizard considers your hardware and intended use; its choices are a starting point, not a guarantee that every game or scene will record smoothly. OBS’s Quick Start Guide explains this initial setup.
- Create or select a scene. Scenes hold the sources that make up a recording. Use an existing scene or create one in the Scenes panel.
- Add a capture source. In the Sources panel, select the plus button and choose the source appropriate to your system and goal. On Windows and Linux, use Display Capture to record the whole display or Window Capture to limit capture to an application. For a Windows game, OBS also lists Game Capture. On macOS, use macOS Screen Capture. Source availability and labels can vary by operating system and OBS version.
- Check the preview. Make sure the intended display, window, or game appears in the OBS preview and is framed as you want. If it is blank or showing the wrong content, fix the source before recording.
Display Capture can include everything visible on a monitor, including notifications and other open windows. Window Capture is more focused when you only want one application. If you plan to show a webcam or use a capture card, add a Video Capture Source only if it serves your recording; neither is needed for basic screen capture.
Check microphone and desktop audio
OBS Quick Start says desktop audio and a microphone are captured by default. Before recording, watch the Audio Mixer while speaking and playing any system sound you want in the recording. The relevant meters should move.
- If a meter stays still, or the wrong device is active, open Settings → Audio and select the intended desktop audio and microphone devices manually.
- Use a brief playback test to check that narration is clear and that game or desktop audio is audible at a usable level.
- A separate USB microphone is optional for narration; it is not required to record the screen.
Choose recording location, format, and quality
Open Settings → Output and configure the recording options. OBS’s Standard Recording Output Guide recommends MKV because an unexpected interruption will not corrupt the entire recording. Choose a Recording Path on a drive with enough free space, and select a quality setting suited to the task.
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- 【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
Pick a recording format
- MKV: A safer recording container if OBS or the computer stops unexpectedly. It may not be accepted directly by every editor or upload workflow.
- MP4: Often convenient for editing and sharing, but OBS’s guidance favors MKV for recording resilience. A practical workflow is to record to MKV and remux to MP4 afterward if needed.
To convert a completed MKV without re-encoding, use File → Remux Recordings, select the recording, and start the remux. OBS also provides automatic remuxing in its Advanced settings. The menus may differ slightly across versions; consult the documentation that matches your installed release.
Balance quality, file size, and performance
OBS offers recording quality choices with different trade-offs. The names and exact controls may vary with output mode and version.
Rank #2
- [Enhanced 4K-1080P Video Capture Experience] Capture the Magic: Elevate your video recordings to new heights with our upgraded anti-static 1080P Video Capture Card. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, supporting HDMI input at 4K 60FPS and USB output for capturing in 1080P, complete with rich stereo sound. Enjoy crystal-clear video recordings, dynamic gaming live streams, and professional conference broadcasts. Note: HDMI resolution: Max input can be 3840×2160@30Hz / Video output resolution: Max output can be 1920×1080@30Hz
- [Seamless Real-Time Preview] Stay in the Moment: Our advanced ultra-low latency technology ensures seamless real-time transmission of video streams. Experience instant, lag-free previews, allowing you to capture every detail precisely. Effortlessly record video directly to your hard disk, all without compromising on quality or introducing any delays.
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| Preset | What it means | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Same as stream | Uses the stream encoder settings. | Recording cannot be paused with this preset. |
| High Quality | High-quality output with a medium file size. | A practical starting point when you want good quality without selecting the largest-file option. |
| Indistinguishable | Higher-quality output. | Creates larger files and can affect performance on older or weaker hardware, depending on the encoder. |
| Lossless | Lossless output using the CPU encoder. | Very large files. OBS’s Recording Encoder Presets Guide, published 2023-09-14, estimates around 7 GB per minute; that is a guide-specific estimate, not a universal file-size guarantee. |
For most screen recordings, begin with a non-lossless quality option, then review a short sample at the settings you intend to use. File size and performance vary with content, encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity. OBS’s Recording Encoder Presets Guide describes the preset trade-offs.
Choose an encoder your system supports
OBS can use software encoding or a compatible hardware encoder. Hardware encoding can move work off the CPU and provide good quality with limited performance impact on modern hardware, while earlier encoder generations may produce lower image quality. Available options depend on your GPU, operating system, and drivers; OBS documents NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel Quick Sync, and Apple VideoToolbox in its Hardware Encoding guide. There is no single best encoder for every computer, so test the encoder you select during the actual workload.
Rank #3
- 【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.
Set resolution and frame rate for the recording
In Settings → Video, OBS distinguishes Base (Canvas) Resolution from Output (Scaled) Resolution. The canvas is the workspace where sources are arranged; the output resolution determines the size of the recorded video. If you scale the output below the canvas, the recording is smaller than the source layout.
Choose resolution and frame rate based on the detail and motion you need. A higher output resolution preserves more detail but increases processing and storage demands. OBS notes that 60 fps can be more demanding than 30 fps. If a game is already taxing the computer, a lower frame rate or resolution may result in a smoother recording. Check the result in a test clip rather than assuming the preview alone reflects final playback performance. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide for these recording controls.
Rank #4
- 【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.
Make a short test, then record
- Confirm the preview shows the right content and framing.
- Check the Audio Mixer meters with any microphone and system sound you need.
- Click Start Recording in the Controls dock and capture a short sample that includes typical gameplay or screen activity.
- Click Stop Recording, then open the file from your Recording Path and play it back.
- Check picture, audio, framing, and performance. If anything is wrong, adjust the source, audio devices, output settings, or resolution and make another short test.
- When the settings work, start the full recording and click Stop Recording when finished. Remux the file to MP4 if your editor or destination requires it.
Check whether your computer can handle the workload
OBS’s System Requirements page, dated 2021-08-25, lists these baseline platform requirements: Windows 10 or 11 with a DirectX 10.1-compatible GPU; macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later with Intel or Apple Silicon and an OpenGL 3.3-compatible GPU; and Linux/Unix with OpenGL 3.3 and an X window system or Wayland. Those are the page’s stated baselines, not a promise of smooth recording. The game or application, encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity all affect performance. Check current OBS documentation for compatibility details for your installed version and test your intended setup. The requirements page is at OBS System Requirements.
Troubleshoot common recording problems
- The preview is blank or captures the wrong thing: Check that you added a source supported by your operating system, selected the intended display or window, and arranged it in the active scene.
- There is no microphone or desktop sound: Watch the Audio Mixer meters, then open Settings → Audio and choose the correct devices manually.
- The recording is choppy or the computer struggles: Test with a lower output resolution or frame rate, a less demanding scene, or a compatible hardware encoder. Change one setting at a time and review a sample; no encoder setting suits every machine.
- The recording file is too large: Avoid Lossless unless you specifically need lossless output and have ample storage. Use a less demanding quality preset and test the resulting image and file size.
- An editor or upload workflow will not accept the MKV: Use File → Remux Recordings to create an MP4 copy after recording.
- The file is incomplete after a crash or power interruption: MKV is OBS’s recommended recording format for reducing the risk that an ungraceful stop corrupts the whole recording. It cannot prevent interruptions, so keep enough disk space and stop recordings normally when possible.
Copyright and publishing gameplay recordings
Recording a game does not grant permission to publish every element captured in it. Game footage, in-game music, licensed tracks, voice chat, and other third-party material can be subject to copyright or platform rules. Check the rights and policies that apply to the game and any music or other content you include before uploading. OBS is a recording tool; it does not clear rights or guarantee that a platform will accept a video.
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