The Best OBS Settings for Recording in 2024

Part 1. Best OBS Settings for Recording

As mentioned above, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) offers extensive customization options to customize. As a new OBS user, you may feel complex and have no clue how to get the best recording quality. This part dives into the three key settings for OBS recording: Audio, Video, and Output.

OBS Studio collects various recording settings in three main categories. The Output category allows you to select the output mode, recording quality, recording path, recording format, video encoder, and more. The Video section lets you customize the base and output resolutions, downscale filter, and common FPS values. The Audio category enables you to control the audio sample rate, channels, audio devices, and other options.

By default, the Output Mode is set as Simple or Standard. You can access various settings for recording and streaming. Scroll down to the Recording part and customize associated options.

The video and audio encoders significantly impact the whole OBS recording performance and the final file size. For the Video Encoder, you can choose either Software (x264) or Hardware. The software solution gives good recording quality but requires more processing power. For most modern computers, you can choose a Hardware Encoder to get a smoother recording. It relies on your (Apple, NVIDIA, or AMD) graphics card's encoding capabilities. The audio encoder is set as AAC by default.

Click Browse to select a folder to save your OBS recordings. OBS Studio allows you to record lossless quality. However, that will lead to a large recording file and may affect the whole performance. You will get a related information prompt before you make the decision. MP4 is the recommended recording format. If you want to capture multiple audio tracks, you should select the MKV format. Then, select Video Encoder and Audio Encoder based on your needs.

OBS allows you to set Base Resolution and Output Resolution based on your device and recording purposes. Generally, the popular options are 1080p (1920×1080) and 720p (1280×720). They can offer good video quality with a relatively small file size. The Canvas Resolution refers to the captured resolution of your gameplay or webcam source. You can match it to your monitor resolution for the best quality.

Common FPS (Frames per second) Values determine the OBS recording smoothness. If you are recording your gameplay, you can select 60 FPS to ensure a smooth recording. While for some slower content, you can choose 30 FPS. The Downscale Filter option affects the resolution shrinking result. Bicubic (Sharpened scaling, 16 Samples) is generally recommended for most devices. If you prefer the best recording quality, select the Lanczos option.

You should try using different recording settings to balance the OBS recording performance and quality. In most cases, you can start with the best recording quality. You won’t change them if these OBS settings don’t give a bad recording experience and affect other operations on your computer.

Part 2. How to Set the Best OBS Settings for Recording

You can download the latest OBS Studio version from the official website. Ensure you install the correct OBS software and launch it. You can customize OBS recording settings during and after the setup process.

Before using OBS Studio, you will be prompted to review and allow app permissions. After that, you can select the specific purpose why you use OBS, for recording, streaming, or the virtual camera. You can select the second option if you mainly use OBS to record videos.

During the OBS setup process, you can also specific the video recording settings like Base Resolution, Recording Encoder, Recording Quality, FPS, and others. Then, confirm your settings and start using OBS.

During the daily usage of OBS Studio, you can choose Preferences and go to the Settings window to adjust recording settings. Click Output, Audio, or Video on the left panel to customize associated options.

Part 3. Best OBS Alternative for Various Recording Purposes

OBS Studio provides you with a convenient way to record gameplay, webcam, and various activities on your computer. However, it may offer you a bad recording experience, either for the recording quality, performance, or other aspects. In that case, you can turn to the best OBS alternative, Aiseesoft Screen Recorder. Compared with OBS, it offers a more straightforward and easier recording experience. Moreover, it carries basic editing and customization options to optimize the recording results.

As an all-featured recorder software, Aiseesoft allows you to record your computer’s screen with the desired region and capture system audio and microphone. In addition, it offers individual recorders for gameplay, webcam, and phone recordings.

While using this OBS alternative to capture the screen, you can add text, watermarks, annotations, shapes, and more. As mentioned earlier, you are allowed to directly edit your captured video and audio files. All the necessary recording and editing functions are offered. You can download it and have a try.

Part 4. FAQs of the Best OBS Settings for Recording