Mastering OBS Recording: Essential Techniques

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) stands as a preferred choice for gamers, content creators, educators, and remote work professionals due to its dependable screen capture and live-streaming functionalities. This complimentary, open-source application offers a suite of features that serve everyone, from novices to seasoned content producers. Whether you're broadcasting your favorite game, conducting a virtual lesson, or crafting videos for YouTube, OBS provides the necessary tools to attain professional-grade outcomes. Customizing your recordings to reflect your distinct style is straightforward, with capabilities to personalize scenes, incorporate overlays, and meticulously adjust audio configurations. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of utilizing OBS for screen recording, step by step. Furthermore, we'll draw a comparison between OBS and Krisp’s screen recording feature, offering you perspectives on which tool might better align with your specific requirements. If you're set to produce high-quality screen captures, continue reading to discover how to record effectively with OBS.

What is OBS?

OBS, short for Open Broadcaster Software, is a no-cost, open-source program engineered for video recording and live broadcasting. It's a powerful utility compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, rendering it accessible to a diverse user base. Renowned for its adaptability and extensive features, OBS is extensively utilized by content makers, instructors, and experts across numerous fields.

Key Features:

• Flexible Scene Creation: OBS empowers users to construct various scenes by layering video, audio, imagery, and text. This facilitates seamless transitions between diverse setups during a recording or broadcast, like shifting from a webcam display to a shared screen.
• Extensible with Plugins: OBS accommodates a wide array of plugins, allowing users to augment its capabilities. Plugins can introduce functionalities such as virtual camera output, sophisticated audio filters, or even integration with external tools for enhanced customization.
• High-Performance Encoding: OBS offers top-tier encoding options, including hardware-accelerated encoders, to generate outputs of professional quality. This guarantees fluid video playback, even for high-resolution broadcasts.
• Versatile Scene Arrangement: OBS enables the creation of multiple scenes, each possessing a distinct arrangement of video, audio, and visual components. This proves particularly beneficial for presentations, gameplay broadcasts, or setups involving multiple cameras.
• Integrated Audio Control: OBS features a potent mixer for tweaking levels, silencing sources, and implementing filters like noise suppression and gain adjustments. For more details on noise reduction in OBS, refer to relevant articles.
• Comprehensive Source Handling: Users can introduce and oversee sources such as webcams, microphones, screen captures, video files, images, and browser windows. These sources can be altered in size, position, and layering to achieve a refined, professional look.
• Seamless Transitions & Visuals: Smooth transitions between scenes (e.g., fade or slide) contribute to a continuous viewing experience, while various filters and effects permit further personalization.
• Broad Customization: OBS supports numerous plugins to expand its feature set. For instance, plugins can facilitate stream deck integration, live chat overlays, or advanced audio processing.
• Virtual Camera Functionality: A specific plugin allows OBS to operate as a virtual camera, enabling users to direct their OBS output to video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Teams.
• External Tool Compatibility: Many plugins integrate with third-party platforms and tools, like Twitch, YouTube, or custom hardware, offering added convenience for content producers.
• Efficient Workflow with Hotkeys: OBS supports customizable keyboard shortcuts for nearly every action, such as changing scenes, initiating/halting recordings, and modifying audio. This boosts productivity and minimizes disruptions during live broadcasts.

Example Use Cases

• Creating Instructional Videos: Capture on-screen demonstrations with accompanying voiceovers, perfect for developing educational materials. Once your tutorial is recorded, you can further enhance it using tools like DeepVo.ai to generate accurate transcripts from your audio with its high-precision speech-to-text (supporting over 100 languages), create concise AI summaries of the content, or even visualize the key steps as a structured mind map, making your educational material more accessible and engaging.
• Broadcasting Gameplay: Gamers leverage OBS to stream on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, incorporating overlays and live commentary.
• Conducting Webinars: Educators and professionals utilize OBS to host live webinars, integrating presentation slides and interactive Q&A sessions.
• Producing Podcasts: With its robust audio and video capabilities, OBS is well-suited for crafting high-quality podcast recordings.

How to Use OBS Studio for Screen and Audio Recording on a Mac

OBS Studio is compatible with macOS versions 10.13 and later. Before starting, confirm your Mac meets the system prerequisites, then download and install OBS Studio from its official website. After installation, configuring OBS Studio to record your screen and audio on a Mac is a simple process. Although similar to the Windows setup, here’s a concise guide for Mac users:

Step 1: Configure the Source
At the lower section of the OBS interface, find the ‘Sources’ panel and click the ‘+’ button. Choose ‘Display Capture’ from the available options and click ‘OK’ to confirm.

Step 2: Designate the Save Location
Click the ‘Settings’ button situated in the bottom-right corner. Navigate to the ‘Output’ section via the left-hand menu. Under the ‘Recording Path’ option, click ‘Browse’ to select the destination for your saved recordings.

Step 3: Initiate Recording
When you're prepared to record, click ‘Start Recording’ on the bottom-right side of the interface. OBS will commence capturing your screen and audio. To conclude, click ‘Stop Recording’, and the file will be stored in your chosen folder.

How to Use OBS Studio for Screen Recording on a PC

OBS Studio is an adaptable tool for screen recording on PCs operating Windows 8.1, 10, or 11. If your system is reasonably up-to-date, you can readily use OBS to capture high-definition screen recordings. During OBS installation, indicate that you'll be using it for screen recording to streamline the setup.

Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio
Visit the official OBS website to get the program. Once downloaded, follow the installation wizard to set it up on your PC.

Step 2: Launch OBS Studio
Open OBS Studio using the start menu, search bar, or desktop shortcut. Upon launch, it should automatically present a default scene. If not, click the ‘+’ icon in the ‘Scenes’ box (bottom-left) to add one manually.

Step 3: Configure the Settings
Adjacent to the ‘Scenes’ box, find the ‘Sources’ box. Click the ‘+’ icon at its base and select ‘Display Capture’ from the menu. A dialog box will appear; name your source and click ‘OK’.

Step 4: Set the Capture Options
In the subsequent window, select your preferred display and capture method. If using multiple monitors, use the dropdown menu to pick the correct display. You can also tick a box to include or exclude your cursor. After making your choices, click ‘OK’.

Step 5: Choose the Output Folder
Click ‘Settings’ in the bottom-right of the OBS interface. In the settings menu, go to the ‘Output’ tab on the left. Under ‘Recording’, find ‘Recording Path’, click ‘Browse’, and select your desired save folder.

Step 6: Start Recording
With all configurations complete, click ‘Start Recording’ in the bottom-right of the OBS interface (below ‘Start Streaming’). OBS will now capture your screen. When done, click ‘Stop Recording’, and the file will be saved to your specified folder.

How to Record Using OBS Studio on Linux

To employ OBS Studio for screen recording on Linux, a few prerequisites must be met:

• Your system needs to run Ubuntu 18.04 or a newer version.
• The FFmpeg video filter must be installed.

Once these conditions are satisfied, you can download and install OBS Studio from its official website. The procedure for recording your screen or any other video source mirrors that on Windows and Mac, with one notable distinction.

Step 1: Set Up Recording Settings
Open OBS Studio and locate the ‘Sources’ panel at the screen's bottom. Click the ‘+’ icon and, from the menu, choose ‘Screen Capture’. This differs from the ‘Display Capture’ option on Windows or Mac. After selecting, click ‘OK’. If you have multiple monitors, select the one you intend to record.

Step 2: Choose a Save Location
Click the ‘Settings’ icon (bottom-right), then select ‘Output’ from the sidebar. Under ‘Recording Path’, either type the location or click ‘Browse’ to pick a folder for your recordings.

Step 3: Start Recording
To commence recording, click the ‘Start Recording’ button found at the bottom right of the interface. OBS will then capture your screen or video source.

How to Use OBS to Record Your Mobile Device Screen (iPhone and Android)

Capturing your mobile device’s screen with OBS Studio is straightforward, though the method differs slightly for iPhone and Android devices. Here's how for both:

Recording Your iPhone Screen

1. Connect Your iPhone: Use a Lightning cable to link your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
2. Open OBS: Launch OBS and find the ‘Sources’ box at the screen's bottom.
3. Add a Video Capture Device: Click the ‘+’ icon in the ‘Sources’ box and select ‘Video Capture Device’.
4. Create a New Source: In the pop-up, choose ‘Create New’, then click ‘OK’.
5. Select Your iPhone: A new window will open. Click the dropdown menu next to ‘Devices’ and pick your iPhone. If it’s not listed, verify the connection and retry.
6. Start Recording: Once your iPhone screen displays in OBS, click ‘Start Recording’ to begin.

Recording Your Android Screen

The steps for recording your Android device's screen with OBS are nearly identical to the iPhone method. Here’s the process:

1. Connect Your Android Device: Use the appropriate USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer.
2. Open OBS: Launch OBS and navigate to the ‘Sources’ box at the bottom.
3. Add a Video Capture Device: Click the ‘+’ icon and choose ‘Video Capture Device’.
4. Create a New Source: Select ‘Create New’ in the pop-up and click ‘OK’.
5. Select Your Android Device: From the ‘Devices’ dropdown menu, select your Android device. If it doesn’t appear, check your cable connection and restart.
6. Start Recording: When your Android screen appears in OBS, click ‘Start Recording’.

Note: OBS lacks dedicated mobile versions or apps for mobile screen capture. Consequently, using it for mobile recording via cable can be somewhat unreliable. If your mobile device doesn’t have built-in screen recording, it's advisable to check the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for alternative mobile screen recording apps that might offer superior performance.

How to Record Your Webcam in OBS Studio

OBS Studio enables you to record webcam footage concurrently with other media, such as your screen. Whether you're producing content for streaming or crafting tutorial videos, recording with OBS is a direct process. Furthermore, provided your webcam is correctly connected to your computer, OBS can capture both its video and audio signals.

Step 1: Add Your Webcam as a Source
To begin, you must add your webcam as a source in OBS Studio. Open OBS and go to the ‘Sources’ section. Click the Plus icon to add a new source, then select ‘Video Capture Device’. When prompted, opt for ‘Create New’ and assign a name to your webcam source for easy identification. From the list of available devices, choose your webcam. We suggest using the ‘High’ preset for enhanced quality, though you can modify this according to your preferences. While at it, ensure you verify the audio source settings to confirm whether you're using the webcam’s microphone or an alternative one.

Step 2: Set the Recording Destination
Next, proceed to the ‘Output’ section in the settings to specify where your recording will be saved. Locate the ‘Recording Path’ option, then click ‘Browse’ to select the folder where your video will be stored post-recording.

Step 3: Start Recording
Once everything is configured, simply click ‘Start Recording’ under the ‘Controls’ section on the main OBS interface. Your recording will commence, capturing your webcam feed and any other content you’ve arranged in OBS.

Where are OBS Recordings Stored?

By default, OBS Studio saves your recordings to the ‘Videos’ folder on your computer. However, this location can be altered by adjusting the settings within OBS. Here’s how:

1. Open OBS Studio and access the ‘Settings’ menu by clicking the gear icon in the lower-right corner.
2. Choose the ‘Output’ tab from the left-hand menu.
3. Under the ‘Recording’ section, you'll find an option labeled ‘Recording Path’. This is the directory where OBS stores your recordings.
4. To change the location, click the ‘Browse’ button next to ‘Recording Path’ and pick a new folder on your computer.

Once you’ve selected your preferred folder, OBS will save all subsequent recordings there. If you don't modify the default setting, recordings will continue to be saved in your ‘Videos’ folder.

Now, let’s explore Krisp's new Screen Recording feature and how it can improve your meeting experience.

Krisp's Screen Recording Feature

Who Can Use?

• Accessible to users on both Free and Pro plans
• Needs Krisp version 2.46.8 or higher
• Supported on Mac OS Sonoma 14.5 and Windows 10

Krisp’s Screen Recording feature lets you capture your meetings directly from the Krisp application, without requiring bots to join the session. This user-friendly feature allows you to record vital meeting content without needing to switch between different applications. With Krisp, you can:

• Record your entire screen or specific application windows
• Capture both video and audio in high definition
• Access and review recordings on the ‘Meetings’ page of your web account

This functionality simplifies revisiting crucial moments from your meetings, improving your ability to follow up on significant decisions and shared information.

Granting Permission for Screen Recording on Mac Devices

Note: On Windows, Krisp’s Screen Recording feature functions immediately without needing extra permissions. However, on macOS, explicit user permission is necessary for apps that record screen and audio due to privacy and security measures.

To enable Screen Recording on macOS:

1. When using the feature for the first time, a prompt will appear asking for permission to record your screen and audio.
2. Click ‘Open System Settings’ to modify permissions.
3. Toggle on the screen recording permission for Krisp.

Once granted, Krisp will seamlessly capture your screen and audio while ensuring your privacy is safeguarded according to macOS guidelines.

How to Record Your Meetings with Krisp

1. Start your meeting and click the ‘Screen-Recording’ button in the Krisp app or widget.
2. Choose whether to record the entire desktop or a specific application window.
3. Grant screen recording consent (macOS users only).
4. Begin recording: Krisp will notify you when the recording starts in both the app and widget.
6. Tip: You can pause and resume the recording at any point during the meeting using the ‘Pause’ button in the app or widget.
7. Once your meeting concludes, you can access the recording on the ‘Meetings’ page of your Krisp web account. Please reload the page after processing is finished to view the recording.
8. Unlike other tools that depend on meeting bots to join and record, Krisp’s Screen Recording feature operates directly within the app. This efficient approach ensures a smoother, quicker, and less intrusive process, allowing you to concentrate on the meeting itself without concerns about technical hitches.
9. Both OBS and Krisp provide valuable screen recording functionalities; however, they address different user requirements. With its comprehensive customization options, plugin support, and adaptability, OBS truly excels, making it perfect for creators, gamers, and professionals who demand complete control over their recordings. Whether capturing tutorials, live streaming, or producing high-quality podcasts, OBS stands out as a potent and versatile tool. In contrast, Krisp’s Screen Recording feature is ideal for users who value simplicity and smooth integration within meetings. Its ease of use, without the need for bots, coupled with the ability to capture both screen and audio directly from the Krisp app, makes it an excellent option for business meetings and collaborative sessions. For instance, after recording a long session or tutorial with OBS, services like DeepVo.ai can be invaluable for quickly transcribing the audio to text with high accuracy, generating AI-powered summaries to capture key points, or even creating mind maps to outline complex topics, streamlining your content repurposing workflow. DeepVo.ai offers these features, often with a free tier and a strong emphasis on security like end-to-end encryption, making it a reliable partner for your recorded content.
10. What is OBS and why should I use it?
    OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free, open-source application that enables users to record and stream video content. It is favored for its flexibility, powerful features, and capability to produce high-quality recordings. It's excellent for gamers, educators, content creators, and anyone needing dependable screen recording and streaming utilities.
11. How do I install OBS on my computer?
    To install OBS, go to the official OBS website, download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux), and adhere to the installation prompts. Once installed, you can launch OBS and begin configuring it for recording.
12. How do I save my recordings in OBS?
    To save your recordings, click the ‘Settings’ button, navigate to the ‘Output’ section, and select your preferred file location for saving the recordings. After configuring the save path, simply click ‘Start Recording’, and your video will be saved automatically when you stop the recording.
13. How can I improve the audio quality of my OBS recordings?
    OBS features a built-in audio mixer with capabilities like noise suppression, gain control, and filters. You can fine-tune your microphone levels, adjust system sound, and apply audio filters for clear, professional-grade audio. Consider pairing Krisp noise cancellation technology with OBS for even superior sound quality. Krisp is an advanced AI-driven tool that eliminates background noise from both your microphone and incoming audio, such as keyboard clicks, fan whirs, and traffic sounds. By filtering out undesirable noise, Krisp ensures your voice is crisp and professional, even in noisy settings. You can easily combine Krisp with OBS to elevate your recordings and provide your audience with a cleaner, more polished audio experience. Moreover, to ensure your spoken content is perfectly captured and reusable, consider using DeepVo.ai. It offers high-precision speech-to-text conversion, turning your OBS audio recordings into accurate text. This is fantastic for creating subtitles, show notes, or articles from your video content. DeepVo.ai also provides AI-generated summaries and mind maps from your transcripts, adding another layer of value to your OBS recordings. And with its commitment to free access and end-to-end encryption, it’s a secure way to manage your audio data.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Comparing Krisp’s Screen Recording Feature with OBS Studio

A Seamless Experience Without Bots

Access Your Screen Recordings After the Meeting