First Launch and Auto-Configuration Wizard

After completing the free software download and installation, OBS Studio prompts you with the Auto-Configuration Wizard. It calculates the ideal resolution, frame rate, and bitrate tailored to your computer hardware and internet connection speed.

Auto-Configuration Wizard

Select your primary objective—"Optimize for streaming, recording is secondary" or "Optimize just for recording, I will not be streaming". The program wizard runs hardware encoder tests and applies an optimal performance profile.

  • Base canvas resolution usually defaults to your primary monitor resolution
  • FPS: 60 FPS for gaming content, 30 FPS for tutorials and webinars
  • You can restart the wizard anytime via "Tools" → "Auto-Configuration Wizard"

Exploring the Interface

At the bottom of the main application window, you will find modular docks: "Scenes", "Sources", "Audio Mixer", "Scene Transitions", and "Controls". Every dock can be detached, moved, or resized. Save custom dock layouts via "View" → "Docks".

Profiles and Scene Collections

Profiles store output, video, and stream credentials, whereas Scene Collections hold your visual layouts and input sources. Create dedicated profiles for live streaming and screen recording so you don't have to reconfigure settings each time.

  • "Profile" → "New" to create a distinct configuration set
  • "Scene Collection" → "Export" to transfer scene layouts to another PC