How to Set Up OBS Studio for a First Screen Recording

The short version

OBS Studio records a computer screen by combining a scene with one or more sources. Run the Auto-Configuration Wizard, add a Display Capture or Window Capture source, check the audio meters, set a recording location, and make a short test recording. Review the saved file before recording a long tutorial.

Run the setup wizard

Install OBS Studio from the official OBS Project site and open it. If the Auto-Configuration Wizard appears, choose the option for recording and follow the prompts. You can reopen it from Tools > Auto-Configuration Wizard. The wizard considers the computer's hardware and intended use, so its starting settings are more practical than copying a random preset.

Create a scene and capture the screen

1. In the Scenes dock, keep the default scene or select + to create one, such as “Desktop tutorial.”
2. In Sources, choose + and select Display Capture to record a monitor or Window Capture to record one application window.
3. Give the source a clear name and confirm the target display or window.
4. Check the preview. Resize or reposition the source if it does not fill the canvas as intended.
5. Add another source only if you need it, such as a webcam or image overlay.

A scene is a reusable arrangement; a source is an element placed in it. If the preview is black, reselect the intended display or window, check that the source is visible, and ensure the application is not hidden behind another window.

Check microphone and desktop audio

Look at the Audio Mixer while speaking or playing a test sound. The meters should move for the devices you intend to record. If not, open Settings > Audio and choose the microphone or desktop device explicitly. Speak at a normal volume and avoid keeping the meters pinned at the top, which can cause clipping.

A screen tutorial may need only a microphone, while a software demonstration may also need desktop audio. Disable sources you do not need to reduce clutter and avoid accidentally recording notifications or unrelated system sounds.

Choose where and how recordings are saved

Open Settings > Output and confirm the recording path and quality settings. Make sure the destination drive has enough free space. OBS recommends MKV for many recording workflows because it can remain playable if a recording is interrupted; it can be remuxed to a more widely compatible format from OBS when needed. Check your editor's format support before changing the container.

Open Settings > Video if you need to adjust the canvas or output resolution. Higher resolution and frame rate require more processing and storage, so use settings appropriate to the screen and hardware rather than automatically selecting the maximum.

Make and inspect a test recording

1. Close private windows and silence notifications.
2. Select Start Recording in the Controls dock.
3. Demonstrate a few actions and speak for 20–30 seconds.
4. Select Stop Recording.
5. Open the output folder from the recording path and play the file.
6. Check picture framing, text readability, microphone level, and whether the right window was captured.

If the recording stutters, reduce output resolution or frame rate, close demanding applications, or use a suitable hardware encoder if OBS offers one. Change one setting at a time and repeat the short test before a longer session.