How to Change Where Files Go in OBS Studio
OBS Studio, a powerful and versatile open-source streaming and recording software, offers a lot of customization. One common question revolves around changing the default recording and streaming output location. This guide will walk you through how to alter these settings to suit your needs.
Understanding OBS's Default Output Locations
Before we dive into changing the location, it's crucial to understand where OBS defaults to saving your recordings and streaming output. By default, OBS usually saves files to your user profile's "Videos" or "Documents" folder. The exact path depends on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). This can lead to cluttered folders if you frequently record or stream.
Changing Your Recording Output Location
This is where you'll adjust where your recorded videos are stored. Follow these steps:
1. Open OBS Studio: Launch the application.
2. Navigate to Settings: Click on "File" in the top menu bar and select "Settings."
3. Select Output: In the Settings window, click on the "Output" tab.
4. Locate the Recording Tab: Within the "Output" tab, you'll find a section labeled "Recording."
5. Change the Recording Path: You'll see a field labeled "Recording Path." Click on the folder icon next to this field. This will open a file browser.
6. Choose Your New Recording Location: Browse to your desired folder location (e.g., a dedicated folder on your hard drive). Select the folder and click "Select Folder."
7. Apply Changes: Click "OK" to save your changes. OBS will now save all future recordings to your newly selected location.
Modifying the Stream Output Location (Advanced)
While the recording path is straightforward, changing the stream output location requires a slightly more nuanced approach, as it often isn't a direct file path. It's primarily related to configuring your streaming service (Twitch, YouTube, etc.) You'll handle this within the streaming service itself, not directly within OBS.
Understanding the Difference: Your streaming output isn't saved as a local file like recordings are. The stream data is sent directly to the streaming platform. Any changes to where your stream "goes" happen within the platform's settings, such as selecting the correct stream key and server.
However, for local recordings during streaming, the steps outlined in the "Changing Your Recording Output Location" section apply. This ensures local copies of your streams are stored in your preferred location.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Insufficient Disk Space: Ensure you have enough free space on your chosen drive to accommodate your recordings and streams.
- File Permissions: Verify you have the necessary permissions to write files to the selected folder.
- Organizing Your Files: Creating a structured folder system (e.g., year/month/day) helps manage your OBS recordings effectively.
- External Hard Drives: Using an external hard drive for recordings is a great way to free up space on your main drive. Simply select the external drive's folder path in the "Recording Path" setting.
By following these steps, you can easily customize where your OBS Studio recordings are saved, maximizing your workflow efficiency and disk space management. Remember to always back up your important recordings!
