Video

Open Broadcaster Software

Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Overview

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free, open source application for real-time video/audio capturing, mixing, and live streaming. It supports multiple sources, customizable scenes, and integrates with popular streaming platforms.

Updated Oct 16, 2026

8 things

What Open Broadcaster Software has

Apps

Windows
macOS
Linux

For developers

Programmatic access to the product's data and features for developers. One of 38 Video tools with an API.
Source code is publicly available for anyone to inspect, modify, or self-host.

Support

Real people you can contact when you need help with the tool. One of 35 Video tools with human support.

Pricing

A license that allows you to use the tool for commercial or business purposes. One of 41 Video tools with commercial use rights.

Extras

An online space where users can connect, share tips, and help each other. One of 16 Video tools with community.

10 features

Key Features

Video recording and streaming
Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming.
Video and audio mixing
High performance real time video/audio capturing and mixing. Create scenes made up of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards and more.
Unlimited scenes
Set up an unlimited number of scenes you can switch between seamlessly via custom transitions.
Audio mixer
Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters such as noise gate, noise suppression, and gain. Take full control with VST plugin support.
Source management
Powerful and easy to use configuration options. Add new Sources, duplicate existing ones, and adjust their properties effortlessly.
Customizable layout
Modular 'Dock' UI allows you to rearrange the layout exactly as you like. You can even pop out each individual Dock to its own window.
Custom transitions
Choose from a number of different and customizable transitions for when you switch between your scenes or add your own stinger video files.
Hotkeys
Set hotkeys for nearly every sort of action, such as switching between scenes, starting/stopping streams or recordings, muting audio sources, push to talk, and more.
Scene preview
Studio Mode lets you preview your scenes and sources before pushing them live. Adjust your scenes and sources or create new ones and ensure they're perfect before your viewers ever see them.
Multiview
Get a high level view of your production using the Multiview. Monitor 8 different scenes and easily cue or transition to any of them with merely a single or double click.

Pros and cons

Pros

Open source and free with no watermarks or restrictions.
Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Highly customizable scenes and transitions for professional productions.
Robust audio mixing with advanced filters and plugin support.
Extensible via plugins and scripting for tailored functionality.

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features.
No official customer support; relies on community and volunteer contributors.
Interface may feel complex and overwhelming for casual users.
Requires manual configuration for optimal streaming and recording settings.
Dependent on user hardware and streaming platform stability for performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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8 things

What Open Broadcaster Software has

Apps

Windows
macOS
Linux

For developers

Programmatic access to the product's data and features for developers. One of 38 Video tools with an API.
Source code is publicly available for anyone to inspect, modify, or self-host.

Support

Real people you can contact when you need help with the tool. One of 35 Video tools with human support.

Pricing

A license that allows you to use the tool for commercial or business purposes. One of 41 Video tools with commercial use rights.

Extras

An online space where users can connect, share tips, and help each other. One of 16 Video tools with community.

10 features

Key Features

Video recording and streaming
Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming.
Video and audio mixing
High performance real time video/audio capturing and mixing. Create scenes made up of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards and more.
Unlimited scenes
Set up an unlimited number of scenes you can switch between seamlessly via custom transitions.
Audio mixer
Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters such as noise gate, noise suppression, and gain. Take full control with VST plugin support.
Source management
Powerful and easy to use configuration options. Add new Sources, duplicate existing ones, and adjust their properties effortlessly.
Customizable layout
Modular 'Dock' UI allows you to rearrange the layout exactly as you like. You can even pop out each individual Dock to its own window.
Custom transitions
Choose from a number of different and customizable transitions for when you switch between your scenes or add your own stinger video files.
Hotkeys
Set hotkeys for nearly every sort of action, such as switching between scenes, starting/stopping streams or recordings, muting audio sources, push to talk, and more.
Scene preview
Studio Mode lets you preview your scenes and sources before pushing them live. Adjust your scenes and sources or create new ones and ensure they're perfect before your viewers ever see them.
Multiview
Get a high level view of your production using the Multiview. Monitor 8 different scenes and easily cue or transition to any of them with merely a single or double click.

Pros and cons

Pros

Open source and free with no watermarks or restrictions.
Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Highly customizable scenes and transitions for professional productions.
Robust audio mixing with advanced filters and plugin support.
Extensible via plugins and scripting for tailored functionality.

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features.
No official customer support; relies on community and volunteer contributors.
Interface may feel complex and overwhelming for casual users.
Requires manual configuration for optimal streaming and recording settings.
Dependent on user hardware and streaming platform stability for performance.

You?

Be the first to rate Open Broadcaster Software

Your review helps others make better decisions. No account needed. Takes about 10 seconds.

0 questions

Open Broadcaster Software

Overview

What Open Broadcaster Software has

Apps

For developers

Support

Pricing

Extras

Key Features

Video recording and streaming

Video and audio mixing

Unlimited scenes

Audio mixer

Source management

Customizable layout

Custom transitions

Hotkeys

Scene preview

Multiview

Pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Be the first to rate Open Broadcaster Software

Frequently Asked Questions

What Open Broadcaster Software has

Apps

For developers

Support

Pricing

Extras

Key Features

Video recording and streaming

Video and audio mixing

Unlimited scenes

Audio mixer

Source management

Customizable layout

Custom transitions

Hotkeys

Scene preview

Multiview

Pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Be the first to rate Open Broadcaster Software

Frequently Asked Questions

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