How to Make OBS Record Less Large Files
Recording gameplay or streaming sessions can be a fun and rewarding experience, but the resulting files can quickly become quite large. This can be problematic, especially if you have limited storage space or need to share the files with others. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to help you reduce the file size of your OBS recordings without compromising on quality.
Adjusting Recording Settings
One of the most straightforward ways to reduce the file size of your OBS recordings is by adjusting the recording settings. Here are some key settings you can tweak:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280×720 | Lowering the resolution will significantly reduce the file size. However, ensure it’s still high enough for your needs. |
| Frame Rate | 30 FPS | 30 FPS is typically sufficient for most applications. Lowering the frame rate can further reduce file size. |
| Bitrate | 1500-2000 kbps | A higher bitrate will result in better quality but larger file sizes. Adjust this setting based on your needs and storage constraints. |
| Audio Bitrate | 128 kbps | Lowering the audio bitrate can significantly reduce file size without a noticeable impact on quality. |
By adjusting these settings, you can achieve a balance between quality and file size that suits your needs.
Using a Lossless Compression Format
Choosing the right compression format can also help reduce the file size of your OBS recordings. Instead of using a lossy compression format like MP4, consider using a lossless format like MKV. MKV is a container format that can store video, audio, and subtitle streams without any loss of quality. Here’s how to set it up:
- Open OBS and go to the “Settings” menu.
- Select the “Output” tab.
- Under the “Recording” section, choose “MKV” as the format.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Using MKV will result in slightly larger file sizes compared to MP4, but the quality will remain intact. This is a good option if you want to maintain the highest possible quality while still reducing file size.
Optimizing Audio Settings
Audio can account for a significant portion of your recording’s file size. Here are some tips to optimize your audio settings:
- Use a good quality microphone to ensure the audio is clear and crisp.
- Adjust the audio levels to avoid distortion or clipping.
- Consider using a noise gate to remove background noise.
- Lower the audio bitrate to reduce file size, but ensure it’s still high enough for good quality.
By optimizing your audio settings, you can achieve a balance between quality and file size that suits your needs.
Using a Video Editing Software
After recording your gameplay or streaming session, you can use a video editing software to further reduce the file size. Here are some popular video editing tools that offer file size reduction features:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Offers advanced features for video editing, including file size reduction options.
- DaVinci Resolve: A free video editing software that provides powerful tools for color correction, audio post-production, and file size reduction.
- HandBrake: A free and open-source video transcoder that can reduce file size while maintaining quality.
These tools allow you to adjust various settings, such as resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, to achieve the desired file size. Additionally, you can use them to compress the audio and apply other optimizations to further reduce the file size.
Conclusion
Reducing the file size of your OBS recordings is essential for managing storage space and sharing your content with others. By adjusting recording settings
