OBS Studio Help & Tutorials - Free Streaming Guide

Getting Started

Quick Start Guide

Get up and running with OBS Studio in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Download OBS

Download OBS Studio for your operating system from our download page. The installer includes everything you need to start streaming and recording.

Step 2: Run Auto-Configuration

When you first launch OBS, the auto-configuration wizard will help you set up optimal settings based on your hardware and internet connection.

Step 3: Start Creating

Add your sources (camera, screen, game capture), configure your scenes, and you're ready to stream or record your first video!

Learn

Essential Tutorials

Master the key features of OBS Studio with our comprehensive guides.

Setting Up Scenes & Sources

Learn how to create professional-looking scenes with multiple sources. Combine webcams, screen captures, images, and more to create engaging content.

Add and organize sources
Create multiple scenes
Use scene collections

Audio Configuration

Set up perfect audio for your streams and recordings. Learn to use filters, manage multiple audio sources, and achieve professional sound quality.

Configure audio devices
Apply noise filters
Use VST plugins

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about OBS Studio.

Windows: Windows 10 or Windows 11, DirectX 10.1 compatible GPU, 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended).

macOS: macOS 12.0 (Monterey) or newer, Intel or Apple Silicon processor, 4GB RAM minimum.

For streaming at higher resolutions or frame rates, we recommend a modern multi-core CPU and a dedicated graphics card.

Yes! OBS Studio is completely free and open source software. There are no paid features, watermarks, or time limits. It's licensed under the GPL, meaning anyone can use, modify, and distribute it freely.

OBS Studio supports streaming to virtually any platform that accepts RTMP or SRT streams, including:

• Twitch
• YouTube Live
• Facebook Live
• TikTok Live
• Custom RTMP servers

To capture games in OBS Studio:

1. Add a new source by clicking the "+" button in the Sources panel
2. Select "Game Capture" (Windows) or "Display Capture" (macOS)
3. Choose your game from the dropdown or select "Capture any fullscreen application"
4. Click OK and your game should now be visible in the preview

Frame drops can be caused by several factors:

• Encoding lag: Lower your output resolution or use hardware encoding (NVENC/QuickSync)
• Network issues: Reduce your bitrate or use a wired connection instead of WiFi
• Rendering lag: Close unnecessary applications or lower game graphics settings

Check View → Stats in OBS to diagnose which type of frame drops you're experiencing.

Absolutely! OBS Studio allows you to stream and record simultaneously. You can even configure different settings for each:

• Use different encoders for streaming vs recording
• Record at higher quality than your stream
• Save recordings in different formats (MKV, MP4, FLV)

Adding a webcam with an overlay is easy:

1. Add a "Video Capture Device" source and select your webcam
2. Resize and position your webcam in the preview
3. Add an "Image" source with your overlay frame
4. Position the overlay on top of your webcam
5. Use filters to crop or add effects if needed

Troubleshooting

Common Issues & Solutions

Quick fixes for the most common problems users encounter.

Black Screen in Game Capture

If you see a black screen when trying to capture a game:

Run OBS as Administrator
Disable game mode and overlays
Try Window Capture instead

Audio Not Working

If your audio isn't being captured or played back:

Check Settings → Audio for correct devices
Ensure audio sources aren't muted
Check Advanced Audio Properties

High CPU Usage

If OBS is using too much CPU:

Switch to hardware encoding (NVENC)
Lower output resolution or FPS
Use faster encoding preset

Stream Keeps Disconnecting

If your stream frequently disconnects:

Lower your bitrate
Use a wired internet connection
Try a different streaming server

Help Center