Where Do OBS Recordings Go? Learn How to Locate and Manage Your Files Easily

Introduction

You’ve hit the record button, wrapped up your session in OBS, and now you’re left wondering: Where did my recording go? It’s a common question among both new and seasoned OBS users. OBS Studio is a fantastic, free screen recorder used by a diverse range of people, from gamers to teachers. However, the file-saving process can be confusing if you’re not familiar with it. This guide will help you locate your OBS recordings easily and manage them effectively.

Finding Your OBS Recordings

By default, OBS saves recordings in a designated folder on your system, which varies by operating system.

On Windows

If you haven’t altered the settings, your recordings are typically saved in:

C:\Users\[Your Username]\Videos

Open File Explorer, navigate to your “Videos” folder, and you should find your OBS recordings labeled with dates and times, like 2024-11-15 17-26-30.mkv. The default format is usually MKV or MP4, depending on your settings.

On Mac

Image description: Screenshot of Finder window on Mac showing the path to OBS recordings.

OBS recordings generally go to:

/Users/[Your Username]/Movies

Use Finder to access the “Movies” directory and locate your files.

On Linux

The default save path is typically:

/home/[username]/Videos

If you’re uncertain, open OBS and verify the settings directly.

Double-Checking in OBS

To confirm your recording path in OBS:

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to File > Settings > Output.
3. In the Recording section, check the “Recording Path”.
4. Alternatively, right-click your recent recording in the “Recording” tab and select “Show Recordings” to open the folder directly.

Changing the OBS Recording Save Location

Changing the save location in OBS is simple and beneficial, especially if you prefer storing large video files on an external drive or a custom folder.

Steps to Change the Recording Path in OBS

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Click on File > Settings.
3. In the left menu, select Output.
4. Scroll to the Recording section.
5. Click Browse next to the “Recording Path”.
6. Choose a new folder for saving your recordings.
7. Click OK to save your settings.

This change applies to all future recordings. For previously recorded videos, you’ll need to move them manually.

Tip: Create a dedicated folder like “OBS Recordings 2025” on a fast SSD or external drive to stay organized and conserve main system drive space.

Best OBS Alternatives for Screen Recording

While OBS is an excellent tool, it can be complex for basic screen recording needs. Here are five straightforward OBS alternatives:

ScreenRec

ScreenRec is lightweight, free, and perfect for quick screen capture. It automatically saves recordings, offers private sharing links, and requires minimal configuration. Its user-friendly interface is ideal for those wanting simple, fast screen recordings.

ShareX

Image description: ShareX application interface demonstrating its screen capture capabilities.

ShareX is open-source and geared toward task automation and productivity. It’s great for capturing snippets, demos, or tutorials. With support for numerous export formats and cloud integrations, it’s a powerful tool for seamless screen recording.

Camtasia

Camtasia is a premium, user-friendly tool with a built-in editor. It’s popular for creating polished tutorials and training content, offering a drag-and-drop interface with annotations and effects.

Bandicam

Bandicam is favored by gamers and educators for its clean design and advanced compression engine, allowing high-quality recordings without excessive storage use. Features like real-time drawing and webcam overlay provide control without complexity.

Snagit

Snagit focuses on workplace users, enabling screen captures with annotations and easy conversion into videos or GIFs. It’s excellent for team instructions, bug reports, or visual communication.

Recording with ScreenRec

ScreenRec is hassle-free, without the complexity of OBS’s livestream features or scene setups. Simply open it, hit record, and it captures your screen. It saves videos automatically and provides a shareable link if you’re online.

Steps to Record with ScreenRec

1. Download and install ScreenRec from its official website.
2. Launch the app and access the control panel.
3. Click the camera icon to start recording.
4. Drag to select the screen area to record.
5. Press the record button and stop when finished.
6. The recording is saved in your ScreenRec library with a direct link to the video file.

Conclusion

So, where do OBS recordings go? By default, they’re in your Videos or Movies folder, depending on your OS. But if you want more control or organization, setting a custom path is wise. While OBS is robust, alternatives like ScreenRec offer simpler, faster solutions for screen recording. Whether you’re capturing gameplay, tutorials, or presentations, knowing where your files are and managing them effectively makes the process much smoother.