OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a free and open-source video recording and live streaming application for Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling creators to capture, mix, and broadcast high-quality audio and video in real-time.
What is OBS Studio?
OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It captures and mixes real-time audio and video from multiple sources—such as window captures, webcams, capture cards, images, text, and browser windows—and outputs to streaming platforms or local files. The software runs on Windows 10/11, macOS 12.0 or newer (with separate Intel and Apple Silicon builds), and Linux. It is developed by the OBS Project community, supported by sponsors including YouTube, Twitch, NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. Download the latest version (32.1.2) for Windows or macOS Intel / Apple Silicon.
Key Features
- High-performance real-time capturing and mixing — Capture and mix audio/video from unlimited sources with low overhead, supporting window captures, webcams, capture cards, images, text, and browser windows.
- Unlimited scenes with custom transitions — Create an unlimited number of scenes and switch between them seamlessly using customizable transitions, including stinger video files.
- Intuitive audio mixer with VST support — Per-source audio filters like noise gate, noise suppression, and gain plus full VST plugin support for advanced control.
- Studio Mode and Multiview — Preview scenes and sources before going live (Studio Mode) or monitor up to eight scenes simultaneously in the Multiview with click-to-transition.
- Modular Dock UI — Rearrange the interface by popping out individual docks into separate windows; customize layout exactly as needed.
- Powerful hotkey system — Set hotkeys for nearly every action including scene switching, start/stop streaming, muting audio, push-to-talk, and more.
- Cross-platform support — Available for Windows (x64), macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and Linux, with identical feature sets.
- Extensible via plugins and scripts — Native plugin API plus Lua and Python scripting support allow custom integrations and automation. Browse shared plugins in the Resources section.
Who is OBS Studio for?
- Live streamers — Stream to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook with custom scenes, transitions, and audio control.
- Content creators — Record high-quality local video for tutorials, gameplay, or presentations, leveraging multi-source compositing and audio filters.
- Professional broadcasters — Use Studio Mode and Multiview for polished multi-camera productions with precise scene cueing.
- Developers and power users — Extend functionality via the API and scripting to integrate OBS into custom workflows.
What can you do with OBS Studio?
- Live streaming to major platforms: Broadcast gameplay, events, or talks directly to Twitch, YouTube, or any RTMP-compatible service with customizable overlays and transitions.
- Local recording for post-production: Capture high-fidelity video with multiple tracks and per-source filters for editing in other software.
- Multi-camera production: Use Studio Mode to preview multiple camera feeds and switch live with stinger transitions for a professional look.
- Audio processing for podcasts: Apply noise suppression and gain filters, and integrate VST plugins for professional-quality voice capture.
Pricing
OBS Studio is completely free and open source, with no paid tiers, watermarks, or feature limitations. All features are available to all users.
FAQ
Is OBS Studio free?
Yes, OBS Studio is free and open source software. There are no paid versions or watermarks.
Does OBS Studio support macOS?
Yes, OBS Studio supports macOS 12.0 or newer, with separate builds for Intel and Apple Silicon processors.
How do I install OBS Studio?
Download the installer for your platform from the official website. For Windows, run the .exe; for macOS, mount the .dmg and drag to Applications; for Linux, use the provided packages.
Can I use OBS Studio for commercial streaming?
Yes, OBS Studio's open source license permits commercial use, including monetized streams and broadcasts.
