Complete OBS Setup Guide
Master OBS Studio with our comprehensive tutorial covering everything from installation to advanced features
In This Guide
- ✓Installing and configuring OBS Studio
- ✓Understanding scenes and sources
- ✓Optimal encoding settings
- ✓Audio setup and mixing
- ✓Advanced features and plugins
What is OBS Studio?
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is the most popular free streaming and recording software. It's open-source, highly customizable, and supports all major streaming platforms including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Gaming, and more.
Installation and Initial Setup
Download OBS Studio
Visit obsproject.com and download the latest version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.
Auto-Configuration Wizard
When you first launch OBS, you'll see the Auto-Configuration Wizard. This tool analyzes your system and recommends optimal settings:
- 1.Select "Optimize for streaming" or "Optimize for recording"
- 2.Choose your streaming platform and enter your stream key
- 3.Let OBS run a bandwidth test
- 4.Review and apply the recommended settings
Understanding Scenes and Sources
What Are Scenes?
Scenes are containers that hold multiple sources. Think of them as different "layouts" for your stream. You might have:
- •Starting Soon - Pre-stream scene with countdown
- •Gameplay - Main gaming scene with camera and overlays
- •Just Chatting - Full-screen camera for talking to viewers
- •BRB - Break screen with music
- •Ending - Thank you screen with social media links
Common Source Types
- •Display Capture - Captures your entire screen
- •Game Capture - Captures specific games (best performance)
- •Window Capture - Captures specific application windows
- •Video Capture Device - Your webcam or capture card
- •Image - Static images for overlays and backgrounds
- •Browser Source - Web-based content like alerts and widgets
- •Audio Input/Output Capture - Microphone and desktop audio
Optimal Encoding Settings
Video Settings
Navigate to Settings → Video:
- •Base Resolution - Your monitor's native resolution (e.g., 1920x1080)
- •Output Resolution - What viewers see (1920x1080 or 1280x720)
- •FPS - 30fps for most content, 60fps for fast-paced games
Output Settings
Settings → Output → Streaming:
- •Encoder - Use NVENC (NVIDIA), AMD, or x264 (CPU)
- •Bitrate - 2500-6000 kbps depending on your upload speed and platform
- •Keyframe Interval - Set to 2 seconds
- •Preset - Quality for x264, or Max Quality for hardware encoders
Recommended Bitrates by Resolution
- •1920x1080 @ 60fps - 4500-6000 kbps
- •1920x1080 @ 30fps - 3000-4500 kbps
- •1280x720 @ 60fps - 3000-4500 kbps
- •1280x720 @ 30fps - 2000-3000 kbps
Audio Setup and Mixing
Audio Sources
Settings → Audio:
- •Desktop Audio - Game sounds, music, and system audio
- •Mic/Auxiliary Audio - Your microphone
Essential Audio Filters
Right-click your microphone in the Audio Mixer → Filters:
- •Noise Suppression - Removes background noise (use RNNoise for best results)
- •Noise Gate - Cuts audio below a threshold to eliminate ambient sound
- •Compressor - Balances loud and quiet sounds
- •Gain - Boosts microphone volume if needed
Advanced Features
Studio Mode
Enable Studio Mode to preview scenes before transitioning. This prevents viewers from seeing you set up scenes mid-stream.
Hotkeys
Settings → Hotkeys lets you assign keyboard shortcuts for:
- •Starting/stopping stream
- •Switching scenes
- •Muting audio sources
- •Showing/hiding sources
Stream Deck Integration
If you have an Elgato Stream Deck, install the OBS plugin for seamless control of scenes, sources, and audio without keyboard shortcuts.
Essential Plugins
- •StreamFX
- •Move Transition
- •Source Record
- •Advanced Scene Switcher
Troubleshooting Common Issues
High CPU Usage
- •Switch from x264 to hardware encoding (NVENC/AMD)
- •Lower your output resolution or framerate
- •Use Game Capture instead of Display Capture
- •Close unnecessary background applications
Dropped Frames
- •Lower your bitrate
- •Check your internet connection stability
- •Try a different streaming server
- •Disable Windows Game Mode
Audio Desync
- •Right-click audio source → Advanced Audio Properties
- •Adjust Sync Offset (positive or negative milliseconds)
- •Test different values until audio matches video
Best Practices
- ✓Always test your stream before going live
- ✓Create scene collections for different types of content
- ✓Regularly update OBS to the latest version
- ✓Back up your scenes and settings
- ✓Monitor your stream health in OBS stats
- ✓Keep your audio levels in the yellow zone (never red)
Next Steps
Now that you understand OBS basics, experiment with different scenes, sources, and transitions. Watch your own VODs to identify areas for improvement. Join the OBS community forums for help with specific issues and to discover advanced techniques.