How to Use OBS Studio
This content was independently prepared by the Oyuncu Konseyi editorial team. Sponsored and partnership content is always clearly labeled. Details: Editorial Standards
Table of Contents
OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It can capture your screen, games, webcams, microphones, browser sources, capture cards, and other inputs, then combine them into scenes for recording or broadcasting.
Why Use OBS Studio?
OBS is popular because it gives creators a lot of control without charging for the core software. You can build multiple scenes, switch between them with custom transitions, mix audio sources, use filters, assign hotkeys, and extend the program with plugins.
- Free and open source
- Scene and source system for flexible layouts
- Recording and live-streaming workflows in the same app
- Audio mixer with per-source filters
- Custom transitions and hotkeys
- Large plugin ecosystem
- Works with major streaming services through account integration or stream keys
Which Operating Systems Does OBS Support?
OBS Studio is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The exact supported versions change as OBS is updated. The current download page lists Windows 10 and 11, current macOS releases, and official Linux installation options. Check the OBS download page before installing if you are using an older operating system.
How to Use OBS Studio for the First Time
1. Install OBS Studio
Download OBS from obsproject.com and install the version for your operating system.
2. Run the Auto-Configuration Wizard
When OBS opens for the first time, the Auto-Configuration Wizard can optimize basic settings for streaming or recording. This is the easiest starting point if you do not yet know which encoder, resolution, or bitrate to choose.
3. Create a Scene
A scene is the layout viewers will see. You might create separate scenes for gameplay, a starting screen, a webcam-focused layout, or a break screen.
4. Add Sources
Inside the scene, add the sources you need. Common examples include Game Capture, Display Capture, Window Capture, Video Capture Device for a webcam, browser sources, images, text, and audio inputs.
5. Check Your Audio
Use the Audio Mixer to confirm that your microphone and desktop audio are reaching OBS without clipping. You can adjust levels and add filters such as noise suppression, noise gate, and gain.
6. Start Recording or Streaming
For local video, choose Start Recording. For live streaming, connect the service you use or enter the stream settings it provides, then choose Start Streaming.
What Can OBS Studio Do?
- Record gameplay, applications, webcams, or full displays
- Stream to services that support OBS connections or stream keys
- Create multiple scenes and switch between them live
- Mix several audio sources
- Apply filters and transitions
- Use plugins for additional production features
OBS can look complicated at first because nearly every part of the workflow is configurable. Start with one scene and a few sources, test a short recording, and only then begin tuning bitrate, encoders, filters, and more advanced production settings.
Once you are comfortable with the basics, our best OBS plugins guide covers useful ways to extend your setup.
