Best OBS Recording Settings (2026) — No BS Guide
No BS summary: Recording is not the same as streaming. For recording, you want consistent quality (CQP/CRF), good encoders, and safe file formats (MKV). Don't record with CBR "stream settings" unless you like big files and mediocre quality.
Most people copy their streaming settings and wonder why recordings look soft or the files are massive. Recording gives you way more control — and you should use it.
This guide explains the settings that actually matter for clean footage, highlights, YouTube uploads, and editing.
MKV vs MP4 (Choose MKV)
Record to:
- MKV
Why:
If OBS crashes, MKV usually saves the file properly.
If you need MP4 later:
- Remux inside OBS (fast, safe).
Encoder Choice for Recording
If you have NVIDIA:
- NVENC (new) is excellent for recording
If you have strong CPU:
- x264 can be good, but NVENC is usually easier
If you have Intel iGPU:
- QSV can be solid
No BS tip:
Use the encoder that keeps your system stable while gaming.
Rate Control for Recording (This Is the Big One)
For NVENC:
- Use CQP (Constant Quality)
For x264:
- Use CRF (Constant Rate Factor)
Why:
Quality-based recording adapts to the scene.
CBR for recording wastes space on easy scenes and still looks rough on complex scenes.
CQP / CRF Values (Practical Defaults)
NVENC CQP:
- 18–22 is a good range
Lower number = higher quality + bigger files.
x264 CRF:
- 16–20 is a common quality range
No BS recommendation:
Start at 20. If it looks too soft, drop to 18.
Resolution + FPS (Record What You Need)
If you edit for YouTube:
- 1080p60 is common
If you want smaller files:
- 1080p30 can be enough for many games
If your PC can handle it and you want maximum detail:
- 1440p recording can look great (but heavier)
Audio Tracks (Streamers Forget This)
If you want flexibility in editing:
- Record multiple audio tracks
Example:
- Track 1: everything (master)
- Track 2: microphone
- Track 3: desktop/game
- Track 4: Discord/voice chat (optional)
This makes editing 10x easier.
Replay Buffer (Clip Machine)
Replay Buffer lets you save the last X seconds as a clip.
It's insanely useful, but it uses disk + memory.
If you use it:
- keep the duration reasonable (30–90 seconds)
- use a fast SSD for recording
"Good Enough" Recording Preset (Copy This)
- Format: MKV
- Encoder: NVENC (new) if available
- Rate Control: CQP 20
- Keyframe: 2
- Preset: Quality
- Profile: High
- Audio: 48kHz, 320 kbps (if available), multi-tracks
Amazon Gear Links (Affiliate)
Recording-friendly gear: