Complete Guide to Recording the Screen with OBS Studio

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a powerful free tool that allows you to record videos of your PC screen on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This software is particularly useful for creating tutorials, demonstrations, or any other type of video content that requires screen recording. OBS also allows you to stream on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

This guide is aimed at those who want to record screen videos for the first time and want to learn how to use OBS effectively. By following the detailed steps, you will be able to record clear and defined videos, ready to be shared with whoever you want.

• Beginner users: Those who have never used OBS and want to learn how to record their PC screen.
• Content creators: Those who want to create tutorials, demonstrations, or other videos that require screen recording.
• Advanced users: Those who want to customize OBS settings to achieve the best recording quality.

Prerequisites

Here is the hardware and software needed to record videos with OBS:

• A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux operating system
• OBS Studio, downloadable from the official website
• A stable Internet connection (optional, only if you intend to stream)
• Any audio peripherals (microphone, headphones) for audio recording

PROCEDURE: How to record videos with OBS

By following this step-by-step guide, you will get a clear and defined video of your PC screen recording using OBS.

Step 1: Download and install OBS

• Go to the official OBS website.
• Select the operating system of your interest to start downloading the installation files.

Step 2: Initial setup

• On the first launch of OBS, you will see the Automatic Configuration window.
• Select the option Optimize only for recordings, I don't stream.
• Press the buttons Next (two consecutive times) and Apply settings.

Step 3: Set up a source

• Press the + button in the Sources box.
• In the Add source screen, select the option Screen capture.
• Press Create a new source.
• Select the screen you intend to capture in the Screen dropdown menu.
• Enable/disable additional options such as Capture the cursor and Force SDR.

Step 4: Record the screen

• Press the Start recording button in the Controls box, at the bottom right.
• To end the recording and save the video, click on Stop recording.

Step 5: Access recordings

• Press the Archive and Show recordings options in the top menu to access the recordings folder.

Step 6: Change recording path (optional)

• Access OBS Settings.
• Select the Output option.
• Press the Browse button related to the Recording path option.

Step 7: Record Zoom with OBS

• Inform all participants in advance of your intention to make the recording.
• Follow the previous instructions to add a new source and select the option Capture the window choosing the window related to Zoom.

Step 8: Record Teams with OBS

VERIFICATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING: How to test if it works and what to do if it fails

After configuring OBS and setting up the recording sources, it is important to verify that everything works correctly before starting the final recording. Here's how to proceed:

• Recording test:
  • Check that the recording starts correctly and that the captured image corresponds to what you want to record.
  • Check that the audio is recorded correctly, if you have set up audio sources.
• Recording file verification:
  • Access the recordings folder through the Archive or Show recordings menu.
• Solving common problems:
  • Audio problems:
    • Make sure the volume is not disabled or set to zero.
  • Video problems:
  • Performance problems:
    • Close other applications that may consume system resources.

Educational summary and invitation to practice

You have discovered how to download and install the software, configure the basic settings, and set up the video and audio sources. Additionally, you have learned how to record full screen, specific windows, or applications, and how to manage recordings on Windows and macOS.

Now that you know the fundamental steps, it's time to put yourself to the test. Follow the instructions carefully, experiment with the different options, and customize the settings according to your needs. Remember to always respect privacy regulations when recording meetings or content involving other people.

• Configure the basic settings following the guided procedure.
• Set up the desired video and audio sources.
• Start the recording and save the video in the specified folder.
• Explore the advanced options to further customize your recordings.

With practice, you will become increasingly skilled in using OBS and will be able to create high-quality content. Happy recording!