OBS StudioOBS in one page: the name, the words and the settings that matter
Short on time? This is the compact version. Learn what the letters stand for, understand the handful of terms every OBS tutorial uses, and keep a cheat sheet of hotkeys and numbers within reach.
What does OBS stand for?
In streaming and screen recording, OBS means Open Broadcaster Software. “Open” points to the public source code, and “Broadcaster” to the original goal: sending live video to an audience.
The three letters are also used as an abbreviation in unrelated fields, so a general web search can mix topics. On this site, OBS always refers to the video capture and streaming program.
OBS versus OBS Studio
In everyday talk the two names are interchangeable. Strictly speaking, OBS Studio is the modern application that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, while the older Windows-only generation is no longer what people install today.
The OBS glossary
Learn these ten words and most tutorials will make sense.
- Scene
- A saved layout of sources. Think of it as one “screen” of your show.
- Source
- A single ingredient inside a scene: a display, camera, image, text or audio input.
- Canvas
- The base resolution of your picture, for example 1920×1080.
- Output
- The resolution actually sent or recorded, which can be scaled down from the canvas.
- Bitrate
- How much data per second the video uses. Higher looks better but needs more upload speed.
- Encoder
- The part that compresses video. It can run on the processor or on dedicated graphics hardware.
- Stream key
- A private code that tells a platform which channel your video belongs to. Never share it.
- Filter
- An effect attached to a source, such as colour correction or noise suppression.
- Transition
- The animation used when switching scenes, like a fade or a stinger.
- Dropped frames
- Frames that never made it out, usually due to a weak connection or an overloaded computer.
OBS cheat sheet: starting numbers
Treat these as sensible starting points and adjust to your hardware and platform rules.
| Goal | Resolution / FPS | Typical bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| Simple tutorial recording | 1080p / 30 | 4000–6000 kbps |
| Fast gameplay stream | 1080p / 60 | 6000–8000 kbps |
| Low upload connection | 720p / 30 | 2500–3500 kbps |
| High quality local file | Native / 60 | Quality-based, not fixed |
Hotkeys worth setting up in OBS
OBS has no required default shortcuts, so assign your own in Settings, then press them even when another window has focus.
Start / stop recording
Try Ctrl + Shift + R so a stray key never ends a take.
Mute microphone
A push-to-mute key such as F8 saves you from sharing a cough with the audience.
Switch scene
Map your three main scenes to F1, F2 and F3 for instant cuts.
Save replay
Bind the replay buffer to a key you can reach in one move during action.
Start / stop stream
Give it an awkward combination so it is hard to press by accident.
Show / hide source
Toggle a camera or an overlay without opening the Sources list.
Common OBS mistakes beginners make
OBS quick FAQ
What does OBS stand for?
In the streaming world OBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software.
What is the difference between OBS and OBS Studio?
OBS is the short name people use. OBS Studio is the current cross-platform application that replaced the older Windows-only version.
What bitrate should I use in OBS?
For 1080p at 60 frames per second many streamers start around 6000 kbps, but each platform publishes its own recommended limits.
Is OBS a video editor?
No. OBS captures and mixes live sources. For cutting and polishing a finished recording you need a separate video editor.
Know the basics? Now get the program
Move on to the full overview or go straight to the installer for your system.