🎥 Record and live stream with professional results — completely free
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software Studio) is one of the most powerful and flexible tools for video recording and live streaming — and it’s completely free. Whether you’re a YouTuber, gamer, educator, or hosting a video conference, OBS Studio is a rock-solid choice.
The software is open source and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it widely compatible. It supports high-resolution capture, advanced scene setup, and direct streaming to services such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live.
🎮 Features and capabilities in OBS Studio
Flexible scene and source setup
Create multiple scenes and switch between them easily during your stream. Each scene can include several sources: display capture, webcam, images, text, audio, animations — or live feeds from your browser.
Advanced audio mixer
The built-in audio mixer gives you precise control over each audio source. Add filters like Noise Gate, Compressor, and Gain so your audio sounds crisp and professional — even without external processing.
High-quality streaming
OBS Studio supports streaming up to 1080p and 60 FPS, and with the right encoder settings you can stream without lag and with low CPU load — ideal for gamers or webinars.
Local video recording
Save recordings locally in MP4, MKV, and FLV with adjustable bitrate and quality settings. This makes OBS Studio ideal for both live and pre-produced content.
Overlays and graphics
Add static or animated overlays with everything from your logo to chat boxes and donation trackers. A must for serious streamers and content creators.
Browser sources
Insert HTML- and CSS-based overlays directly via browser sources — for example, StreamElements, Streamlabs, or live comments from a website.
🧭 Ease of use and customization
OBS Studio can feel overwhelming for beginners, but thanks to its large community and the many tutorials on YouTube, you’ll get up to speed quickly. The software offers unlimited profiles and scenes, and you can import/export your setups, making it easy to switch between different productions.
There are also plenty of plugins and themes, so you can tailor the interface to your needs — both visually and functionally.
⚙️ Performance and technical stability
OBS Studio is known for efficient code and modest system requirements. Even older computers can often handle high-quality streaming. On modern systems, it’s possible to stream in high resolution without CPU spikes — especially when using hardware encoders like NVENC or Apple VT.
It’s important to test your settings, as incorrect configuration can result in dropped frames or poor audio synchronization.
🧠 Top 5 tips for OBS Studio users — gain more control and better performance
1. Install the OBS Websocket plugin — control everything from your phone or Stream Deck
OBS Websocket lets you remotely control OBS Studio via apps or hardware. For example, you can:
- Switch scenes from your phone or tablet
- Start/stop the stream and recording
- Trigger overlays or mute the microphone — with one click
🔌 Tip: Use apps such as Touch Portal, Deckboard, or Elgato Stream Deck to get an intuitive control surface with buttons and icons.
2. Use “Studio Mode” to test the next scene before going live
Enable “Studio Mode” in OBS to split the screen into Preview and Live. This lets you:
- Check that the next scene looks right
- Adjust overlays, audio, and camera before you go live
- Avoid mistakes like switching to a scene with the camera off
🎯 Tip: Use transition effects like “Fade” or “Slide” to give your scene changes a professional look.
3. Enable hardware encoding (NVENC/AMD/VT) for better performance
OBS supports hardware-accelerated encoding, which means your GPU offloads your CPU when you stream or record. That gives you:
- Lower CPU usage
- Fewer dropped frames
- The ability to run games or other apps at the same time
🛠️ How to do it: Go to Settings → Output → Encoder and select NVENC (NVIDIA) or AMF (AMD) instead of x264 (CPU-based).
4. Save your recordings in MKV to avoid data loss
The MKV format is more robust than MP4. If OBS crashes during a recording:
- MP4 becomes corrupt and unusable
- MKV preserves everything up to the crash
📂 Tip: OBS can automatically convert MKV to MP4 afterward via File → Remux Recording if you need MP4 for editing or uploading.
5. Use hotkeys for quick scene changes and audio control
Hotkeys save clicks and create a smoother flow in live productions. For example, set shortcuts to:
- Switch scenes
- Mute/unmute microphone and desktop audio
- Start/stop stream and recording
- Activate camera zoom or overlays
🎹 Tip: Go to Settings → Hotkeys and set, for example, F1 to “Intro”, F2 to “Main scene”, F10 to “Mute microphone”.
Download OBS Studio for Windows, Mac, or Linux here
OBS Studio FAQ
How do I record my screen with OBS Studio?
Open OBS Studio, add a new source (click + under “Sources”), and choose “Display Capture” or “Window Capture” depending on whether you want to record the entire screen or a specific window. Then click “Start Recording”.
Can I stream directly to YouTube and Twitch with OBS?
Yes. Go to “Settings” → “Stream”, choose your platform (YouTube, Twitch, etc.), and paste your stream key. You’ll typically find it in your streaming dashboard.
Is OBS Studio free?
Yes, OBS Studio is 100% free and open source. There are no paid versions, ads, or features locked behind paywalls.
Is OBS Studio safe to use?
OBS Studio is safe to use when downloaded from the official site. It’s open source, which means the code is public and constantly reviewed by developers and users.
How can I improve audio quality in OBS?
Use audio filters like “Noise Suppression” and “Compressor” under the audio source in the mixer. Prefer an external microphone over your computer’s built-in mic.
Where are my recordings saved?
By default, your recordings are saved in your “Videos” folder. You can change this under “Settings” → “Output” → “Recording Path”.
Does OBS Studio work on Mac and Linux?
Yes. OBS Studio supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and works almost the same across all platforms.
My video stutters — what should I do?
Check your encoder settings. If your CPU is overloaded, switch to hardware encoding (NVENC or AMD). You can also lower resolution and bitrate under “Output”.
Can I use OBS Studio with Zoom or Teams?
Yes, with the OBS Virtual Camera feature you can send your OBS output to Zoom, Teams, and other apps as if it were a webcam.
What does bitrate mean in OBS?
Bitrate indicates how much data is sent per second. Higher bitrate = better quality but requires better internet. For example, 4500 kbps is often suitable for 1080p/30fps streaming.
Is OBS available in Danish?
Yes, you can change the language to Danish under “Settings” → “General” → “Language”.
