How to Record Your Screen and Voice for Free With OBS Studio
Set up OBS Studio to capture a screen, microphone and optional webcam, then save and check recordings without paid software.
Before you begin
Screen recordings are valuable for teaching software, demonstrating a bug, making an online lesson or documenting a complicated workflow. OBS Studio is free, open-source recording and live-streaming software with flexible scene, audio and output controls. It does not require a paid recording subscription or watermark purchase. However, a successful video depends on choosing the correct source, capturing the intended microphone and testing the output before spending an hour recording something important.
1Install OBS Studio from the official website
Visit obsproject.com and download a version compatible with your operating system. Use the official site rather than a software-download advertisement that bundles unrelated installers. OBS's Quick Start Guide recommends the Auto-Configuration Wizard, which also appears under the Tools menu. Choose settings appropriate to recording rather than streaming if you do not intend to broadcast live. Remember that capturing work applications or meetings may require employer approval or consent from other participants.
2Create a scene and choose the correct capture source
Open OBS and create a scene for the specific task. Add a Display Capture source to record a whole monitor or a Window Capture source for one application, when supported by your operating system. Add a webcam source only if needed. OBS supports many source types, but permissions and capture behavior vary across Windows, macOS and Linux. Check the preview carefully for empty or black capture areas before assuming the software is broken. Verify you are not accidentally displaying passwords, browser notifications or private messages.
3Configure microphone and desktop audio
Speak into your microphone and watch the audio meters in OBS's Audio Mixer. Choose the intended microphone through Settings, Audio or the relevant source properties. Decide whether the recording should include system sound, narration or both. Headphones can help avoid feedback if desktop audio and microphone are active together. OBS's guidance emphasizes checking audio levels to avoid distortion. Keep the narration audible without driving the meter into repeated clipping, and test how the final file actually sounds.
4Choose sensible recording settings and location
Open Settings, Output and Recording to review the save folder, recording quality and available container options. High resolution and high frame rate increase processing requirements and file size, so choose what your screen content needs rather than automatically selecting the largest numbers. OBS documentation recommends understanding recording formats and remuxing options, especially if interrupted sessions might make a file difficult to recover. Save to a disk with enough free space and use a descriptive folder name.
5Record a short test and review it outside OBS
Press Start Recording, demonstrate a few clicks while speaking for about thirty seconds, then press Stop Recording. Open the completed file in an ordinary media player and check the image, voice, system audio and synchronization. Some apps may block protected video capture, and certain operating systems require screen-recording permissions. If the test fails, adjust one setting at a time and repeat. This prevents losing an entire lecture to a muted microphone or an empty display source.
6Capture the real tutorial and edit only what is necessary
Before the final recording, close private tabs, disable distracting notifications and move unrelated windows out of view. Consider a simple script with an introduction, three clear steps and a short conclusion. OBS records and switches scenes; if you need more elaborate cuts, captions or transitions after recording, use a separate editor such as Kdenlive. Preserve the master recording until you verify the exported result, and secure any files containing student, employee or client information.
Frequently asked questions
Is OBS Studio free without a watermark?
Yes. OBS Studio is free, open-source software and does not require buying a watermark-removal license.
Why did OBS capture video but no microphone sound?
The wrong audio input may be selected, the microphone permission may be missing or audio may be muted. Inspect the mixer and test a short file.
Official sources and further reading
Interface labels, availability and policies may change. Confirm current details with the relevant service before taking action.