How to Change the Kind of Files OBS Records
Whether you’re a content creator looking to enhance your video production or a casual user curious about the capabilities of OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), understanding how to change the kind of files OBS records can significantly impact your workflow. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to make the most of OBS’s recording features.
Understanding OBS Recording Formats
Before diving into the specifics of changing recording formats in OBS, it’s essential to understand the different types of files OBS can record. The most common formats include:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| MP4 | Widely supported, compressed format that balances quality and file size. |
| FLV | Flash Video format, now less common due to the decline of Flash. |
| WebM | Open-source format, often used for streaming and web videos. |
| AVI | Uncompressed format, which can result in very large file sizes. |
Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice often depends on your specific needs and the platforms where you plan to distribute your content.
Accessing the Recording Settings
Now that you have a basic understanding of the available formats, let’s move on to how to change them in OBS. Here’s how you can access the recording settings:
- Open OBS and go to the “File” menu at the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the “Settings” window, navigate to the “Output” tab on the left-hand side.
- Under the “Recording” section, you’ll find the “Recording Format” dropdown menu.
Click on the dropdown menu, and you’ll see a list of available formats. Select the one that best suits your needs.
Adjusting Recording Settings
Changing the recording format is just the beginning. You may also want to adjust other settings to optimize your recording. Here are some key settings to consider:
- Recording Quality: This setting determines the bitrate of your recording. A higher bitrate will result in better quality but larger file sizes. You can choose from options like 720p, 1080p, and 4K.
- Recording FPS: Frames per second (FPS) affects the smoothness of your video. A higher FPS will result in a smoother video but may require more processing power. Common options include 30 FPS and 60 FPS.
- Recording Codec: The codec determines how the video is compressed. Common codecs include H.264 and H.265. H.265 offers better compression but requires more processing power.
Make sure to experiment with these settings to find the right balance between quality and performance for your specific needs.
Recording and Saving Your Video
Once you’ve adjusted your settings, you’re ready to start recording. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the “Start Recording” button in the OBS interface.
- Perform your content or presentation as usual.
- When you’re done, go back to the OBS interface and click the “Stop Recording” button.
- A dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose the location and filename for your recorded video.
- Select the desired location and filename, then click “Save” to save your recording.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully changed the kind of files OBS records and saved your video.
Conclusion
Changing the kind of files OBS records is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your video production. By understanding the different formats and adjusting the recording settings to your needs, you can create high-quality videos that are optimized for your intended use. Whether you’re a professional content creator or a hobbyist, mastering OBS’s recording features can help
