OBS Setup Guide

Master OBS Studio with our comprehensive setup guide. From installation to advanced features.

Download & Installation

Get started with OBS Studio by following these simple installation steps.

Download OBS

Visit OBSProject.com and download OBS Studio for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Run Auto-Configuration

Let OBS optimize settings for your system:

  • Open Tools > Auto-Configuration Wizard
  • Select 'Optimize for Streaming'
  • Choose your streaming platform
  • Complete the optimization test
  • Apply recommended settings

Stream Configuration

Configure your stream settings for optimal quality and performance.

Platform Setup

Access Stream Settings

Navigate to Settings > Stream

Select Platform

Choose Twitch, YouTube, Kick, etc.

Connect Account

Enter your Stream Key from your platform's dashboard

Video Settings

Base Resolution

1920x1080

Match your monitor's resolution

Output Resolution

1280x720

For better performance

FPS

60 or 30

Based on PC capabilities

Bitrate Guide

1080p60

6000 Kbps

Twitch maximum

1080p30

4500 Kbps

Recommended

720p60

4500 Kbps

Balanced

720p30

2500 Kbps

Low-end

Scene & Source Configuration

Create professional stream layouts with these essential scenes and sources.

Starting Soon

  • Countdown Timer
  • Social Media Display
  • Recent Events
  • Music Visualizer
  • Chat Box

Main Gaming

  • Game Capture
  • Webcam Overlay
  • Chat Display
  • Alert Box
  • Subscriber Goal

Just Chatting

  • Full Webcam Feed
  • Chat Overlay
  • Social Media
  • Channel Points
  • Music Widget

BRB/Intermission

  • Timer Display
  • Social Feeds
  • Events Recap
  • Music Credits
  • Return Countdown

Game Capture

  • Add Game Capture source
  • Select capture mode
  • Choose specific window
  • Configure anti-cheat hook

Webcam Setup

  • Add Video Capture Device
  • Select your webcam
  • Set resolution to 1080p
  • Configure filters if needed

Audio Configuration

Optimize your stream's audio quality with professional settings.

Noise Suppression

Method

RNNoise

Best overall quality

Threshold

-30dB

Adjust based on room noise

Noise Gate

Close Threshold

-32dB

When to cut audio

Open Threshold

-26dB

When to allow audio

Attack Time

25ms

Fade-in speed

Hold Time

200ms

Minimum open time

Compressor

Ratio

3:1

Compression strength

Threshold

-18dB

When to compress

Attack

6ms

Compression speed

Release

60ms

Recovery time

Desktop Audio

85%

Microphone

100%

Music

40-50%

Alerts

80%

Advanced Features & Optimization

Take your stream to the next level with professional features and optimizations.

Stream Transitions

  • Stinger transitions
  • Fade transitions
  • Move transitions
  • Custom animations

Performance

  • Performance Mode
  • Browser source limits
  • Windows Game Mode
  • Background app optimization

Recording

  • MKV format recording
  • Separate encoder settings
  • Multiple audio tracks
  • Replay buffer setup

Recommended Settings

Streaming Settings

Output Mode Advanced
Encoder NVIDIA NVENC H.264 (if available)
Rate Control CBR
Bitrate 6000 Kbps (1080p60)
Keyframe Interval 2
Preset Quality
Profile high

Recording Settings

Format mkv
Quality Same as stream
Encoder NVIDIA NVENC H.264
Rate Control CQP
CQ Level 18
Preset Quality
Profile high

Common Issues & Solutions

High CPU Usage

  • Lower video quality
  • Use hardware encoding
  • Reduce browser sources
  • Close background applications

Dropped Frames

  • Lower bitrate
  • Check internet connection
  • Change server location
  • Use ethernet connection

Audio Sync Issues

  • Add audio delay filter
  • Check buffer settings
  • Update audio drivers
  • Monitor audio preview