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OBS Studio

OBS Studio

Open Source & Free Software AlternativesCreative Tools
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Open-source desktop software for recording and live streaming productions.

OBS Studio is a free, open-source application for capturing, mixing, recording, and broadcasting video and audio. It lets users build productions from scenes containing webcams, windows, browser sources, images, text, capture cards, and other inputs, then stream to services such as Twitch and YouTube or save recordings locally.

Why it stands out

  • Fully free and open source, with official builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Handles complex live productions with scenes, sources, transitions, previewing, and multiview in one desktop app.
  • Broad source support covers windows, browser content, webcams, images, text, and capture cards.
  • Plugin and scripting architecture gives advanced users room to customize beyond the default interface.
  • Designed for both streaming to major platforms and high-quality local recording.

Good to know

  • Requires a desktop installation; the page does not present a mobile or browser-based version.
  • Current Windows support is listed for Windows 10 and 11, and macOS support requires macOS 12.0 or newer.
  • The depth of scene, audio, encoding, and plugin options can require setup time for new users.

Under the radar: For larger setups, undock OBS panels and use Multiview on a second display so you can monitor scenes, audio, and transitions without crowding the main canvas.

Photos

Illustration for OBS Studio