Open Broadcasting Software (OBS) is a popular, free, and open-source screen recording and live streaming software. It’s widely used by gamers, educators, and professionals to capture and share their screen with others. One of the key features of OBS is its ability to record both screen and audio simultaneously, making it an ideal tool for creating tutorials, walkthroughs, and presentations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to record screen and audio on OBS, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Setting Up OBS for Screen and Audio Recording
Before you start recording, you need to set up OBS to capture both your screen and audio. Here’s how:
Downloading and Installing OBS
If you haven’t already, download and install OBS from the official website. OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so make sure to download the correct version for your operating system.
Configuring OBS Settings
Once you’ve installed OBS, launch the software and navigate to the “Settings” panel. You can do this by clicking on the “Settings” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS window.
In the “Settings” panel, you’ll see a range of options that allow you to customize your OBS experience. For screen and audio recording, you’ll want to focus on the following settings:
- Video Settings: In the “Video” tab, select your desired video format, resolution, and frame rate. You can also choose to record your screen in a specific aspect ratio, such as 16:9 or 4:3.
- Audio Settings: In the “Audio” tab, select your desired audio format and bitrate. You can also choose to record audio from a specific device, such as your computer’s built-in microphone or an external audio interface.
Selecting Your Audio Input
To record audio on OBS, you need to select your audio input device. You can do this by navigating to the “Mixer” panel and clicking on the “Settings” button next to your audio input device.
In the “Audio Input Settings” panel, you can select your desired audio input device from a range of options, including:
- Built-in Microphone: This is the default audio input device on most computers.
- External Audio Interface: If you’re using an external audio interface, such as a USB microphone or a digital audio workstation, select this option.
- Virtual Audio Cable: This option allows you to record audio from a virtual audio cable, which can be useful for recording audio from a software synthesizer or a digital audio workstation.
Adding Sources to OBS
To record your screen and audio on OBS, you need to add sources to your scene. A source is an element that you want to capture and record, such as your screen, a webcam, or an audio input device.
Adding a Screen Capture Source
To add a screen capture source, follow these steps:
- Click on the “+” button in the “Sources” panel.
- Select “Screen Capture” from the list of available sources.
- Choose your desired screen capture settings, such as the screen resolution and frame rate.
- Click “OK” to add the screen capture source to your scene.
Adding an Audio Input Source
To add an audio input source, follow these steps:
- Click on the “+” button in the “Sources” panel.
- Select “Audio Input Capture” from the list of available sources.
- Choose your desired audio input device and settings, such as the audio format and bitrate.
- Click “OK” to add the audio input source to your scene.
Recording Your Screen and Audio on OBS
Now that you’ve set up OBS and added your sources, you’re ready to start recording your screen and audio.
Starting the Recording
To start the recording, click on the “Start Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS window. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + R” (Windows) or “Cmd + R” (macOS) to start the recording.
Stopping the Recording
To stop the recording, click on the “Stop Recording” button in the bottom right corner of the OBS window. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + R” (Windows) or “Cmd + R” (macOS) to stop the recording.
Editing and Exporting Your Recording
Once you’ve finished recording your screen and audio on OBS, you can edit and export your recording using a range of video editing software.
Editing Your Recording
OBS allows you to edit your recording using a range of built-in editing tools, including:
- Trimming: You can trim your recording to remove unwanted sections.
- Cutting: You can cut your recording into separate sections.
- Merging: You can merge multiple recordings into a single file.
Exporting Your Recording
To export your recording, navigate to the “File” menu and select “Export.” You can export your recording in a range of formats, including:
- MP4: This is a popular video format that can be played on most devices.
- FLV: This is a flash video format that can be played on most websites.
- MOV: This is a QuickTime video format that can be played on most Apple devices.
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| MP4 | A popular video format that can be played on most devices. |
| FLV | A flash video format that can be played on most websites. |
| MOV | A QuickTime video format that can be played on most Apple devices. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while recording your screen and audio on OBS, here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Audio Not Recording
If your audio is not recording, check the following:
- Audio Input Device: Make sure you’ve selected the correct audio input device in the “Mixer” panel.
- Audio Settings: Make sure your audio settings are correct, including the audio format and bitrate.
Screen Not Recording
If your screen is not recording, check the following:
- Screen Capture Source: Make sure you’ve added a screen capture source to your scene.
- Screen Capture Settings: Make sure your screen capture settings are correct, including the screen resolution and frame rate.
Conclusion
Recording your screen and audio on OBS is a straightforward process that can be achieved with a few simple steps. By following this guide, you can create high-quality recordings of your screen and audio, and share them with others. Whether you’re a gamer, educator, or professional, OBS is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals.
What is OBS and why do I need it?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It’s a popular choice among gamers, YouTubers, and other content creators due to its flexibility, customization options, and high-quality output. With OBS, you can record your screen, capture gameplay, and stream live video to various platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced content creator, OBS is an essential tool for producing high-quality video content. Its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set make it easy to use, even for those without prior experience in video production. By mastering OBS, you can take your content creation to the next level and produce professional-looking videos that engage and entertain your audience.
What are the system requirements for running OBS?
To run OBS smoothly, you’ll need a computer with a relatively modern processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Additionally, you’ll need a stable internet connection if you plan to stream live video. It’s also recommended to have a separate audio interface or a high-quality webcam for optimal audio and video quality.
If you’re planning to record or stream high-resolution video, you may need more powerful hardware to avoid lag, dropped frames, or other performance issues. In general, it’s a good idea to check the OBS system requirements and ensure your computer meets or exceeds them before installing the software. This will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience when using OBS.
How do I set up OBS for screen recording?
To set up OBS for screen recording, start by downloading and installing the software from the official OBS website. Once installed, launch OBS and select the “Settings” option from the menu. In the Settings window, choose the “Video” tab and select your desired video format, resolution, and frame rate. You can also choose to record your entire screen or a specific window or region.
Next, select the “Audio” tab and choose your desired audio input device, such as your computer’s built-in microphone or an external audio interface. You can also adjust the audio settings to optimize the quality and reduce background noise. Finally, click “OK” to save your settings and start recording your screen by clicking the “Start Recording” button in the main OBS window.
Can I record audio from multiple sources in OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously. This is useful if you want to capture audio from your computer’s built-in microphone, an external audio interface, and a separate audio source, such as a musical instrument or a voiceover. To set up multiple audio sources in OBS, go to the “Settings” window and select the “Audio” tab.
In the Audio tab, you can add multiple audio devices and adjust their settings individually. You can also use the “Advanced Audio Settings” option to customize the audio routing and mixing. This allows you to create complex audio setups and achieve professional-sounding results. By recording audio from multiple sources, you can add depth and variety to your videos and create a more engaging listening experience for your audience.
How do I add overlays and graphics to my OBS recordings?
To add overlays and graphics to your OBS recordings, you can use the software’s built-in “Sources” feature. This allows you to add various elements, such as text, images, and videos, to your recordings. To add a source, click the “+” button in the “Sources” panel and select the desired type of source. You can then customize the source’s settings, such as its position, size, and opacity.
OBS also supports third-party plugins and scripts, which can be used to add advanced features and effects to your recordings. For example, you can use a plugin to add a webcam overlay, display your computer’s CPU usage, or create a custom animated logo. By adding overlays and graphics to your recordings, you can enhance their visual appeal and create a more engaging viewing experience for your audience.
Can I stream live video with OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to stream live video to various platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. To set up live streaming in OBS, go to the “Settings” window and select the “Stream” tab. In this tab, you can choose your desired streaming platform, set up your stream key, and adjust the stream settings, such as the bitrate and resolution.
Once you’ve set up your stream settings, you can start streaming live video by clicking the “Start Streaming” button in the main OBS window. OBS will then connect to your chosen streaming platform and begin broadcasting your live video feed. You can also use OBS to manage your stream’s audio and video settings in real-time, allowing you to adjust the quality and optimize the performance of your stream.
How do I troubleshoot common issues in OBS?
If you encounter issues with OBS, such as dropped frames, audio delays, or crashes, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, check the OBS logs for error messages, which can help you identify the cause of the issue. You can also try updating your graphics drivers, adjusting your stream settings, or disabling any unnecessary plugins or scripts.
Additionally, you can seek help from the OBS community forums or online support resources. The OBS community is active and knowledgeable, and you can often find solutions to common issues by searching the forums or asking for help. By troubleshooting common issues in OBS, you can resolve problems quickly and get back to recording and streaming high-quality video content.