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Where Do OBS Recordings Go

Where Do OBS Recordings Go

It is a good idea to enhance revenue by making videos for vloggers. If you are one of them, you may be familiar with OBS Studio. It is an open-source broadcasting program capable of recording gameplay, video tutorials, and more. A useful function in OBS Studio is to save recordings. However, many users said that they cannot find the recordings. Therefore, this article will tell you where to find OBS recordings on Windows and Mac.

Where Do OBS Recordings Go

Part 1. Three Ways to Instantly Locate Your OBS Videos

Method 1: The Fastest Way (Using the OBS File Menu)

Generally speaking, OBS Studio will save your recordings to where it is installed on your computer.

OBS Show Recording

If you cannot find the OBS location, open the broadcasting software, go to the File menu, and choose the Show Recordings option. Then, a file explorer window will pop up and show you all the recordings produced by OBS. By default, OBS will save recordings as FLV video files.

Method 2: Check the Default Recording Path

The default recording path of OBS Studio is dependent on what operating system you are using. On Windows computers, it will be saved by default in the C:\Users\[Username]\Videos location. In macOS desktops, videos are saved by default in ~/Movies.

Method 3: Locating the Current Path via OBS Settings

You may check the current recording path of your OBS Studio by going to the program’s settings. Inside it, select the Output option, and then you can now see the Recording Path of the videos recorded by the software.

OBS Check Recording Path

Part 2. How to Change the OBS Recording Location

Access the Output Settings (File > Settings > Output)

The easiest option to change the location where OBS will be saved is to just change the Recording Path in the Output settings. Simply select Browse beside the set recording path and then choose the location where your recording will be saved in the File Manager pop-up that will appear.

OBS Browse Change

Set a Custom Recording Path

The OBS recordings can take up a lot of space on your hard drive if your recording lasts for hours. Moreover, the best way to stop asking where OBS recordings go is to set the location yourself. Here are the steps.

Change OBS Recording Saving Location

1. Click the Settings button at the bottom right side of OBS Studio. It will open the Settings dialog.

2. Go to the Output tab from the left-hand column and locate the Recording area.

3. Click the Browse button and then set where OBS saves recordings. Then change other options. Hit OK to confirm it.

However, there are some disadvantages of OBS, like a black screen, audio recording stuck, and more. Considering that, we also gather the top alternatives to OBS so that you can do a smooth recording.

Create a Dedicated Folder

You may also create a dedicated folder as the location where your OBS recordings will be saved. For an easier time creating a folder, you may use the Output tab in OBS settings and create a new folder in the File Manager pop-up.

OBS New Folder

Part 3. How to Fix 'Recording Path Invalid' and Lost Files

Fix 1: Path Permission Issues

If you are having issues with a selected path that cannot be accessed, the first step you should take is to run OBS Studio in Administration mode. This will give the program more access to more complex permissions, such as custom save locations and folders.

Fix 2: Invalid Folder Names or Drive Errors

To avoid invalid folder names, make sure to just name the custom folder you will create with letters or numbers only. Avoid any symbols that might cause the folder name to be invalid. Regarding drive errors, you can fix this issue by checking the health of the drive you will use before setting it as the save location.

Fix 3: Recovering Recordings After a Crash

If you are having issues with frequent crashes in OBS, the program offers built-in protection for this problem. This is in the case of the default video file of OBS recordings being saved in MKV format. MKV files are generally easier to repair if they are corrupted, since they are container files.

Part 4. An Easier OBS Alternative

Obviously, it is hard to find where OBS saves recordings. The best alternative solution is to find an easy-to-use screen recorder, such as AnyMP4 Screen Recorder. It provides pro-level functions in a way that everyone can master easily.

Basic Features of the Best Alternative to OBS

  • • Record screen, gameplay, and more simply.
  • • Let you set the recording location manually.
  • • Show all recording files after saving.

In brief, it is the best alternative to OBS and gets rid of asking where OBS recordings go.

Free Download For Windows

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How to Record Screen Easily

1. Set up the best alternative to OBS

Launch the Screen Recorder after you install it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Pick Video Recorder to open the main interface.

If you wish to set where recordings go manually, click the Settings icon to open the Preferences dialog. Go to the Output tab, and set the Location of temporary files and Location of output files. You can also customize the recording format in the Video format option. After setting, click OK to close the pop-up dialog.

Video Recorder B

2. Record screen

You can get four options in the interface:

Display: Capture everything on your desktop.

Webcam: Add your face to the screen recording.

System Sound: Record audio from your system.

Microphone: Capture your voice through a microphone.

Turn on or disable each option based on your needs. Then click the REC button to start recording your screen.

Start Recorder B

3. Preview and save the screen recording

When recording the screen, the Pen tool on the toolbar allows you to add paintings and text in real time. Moreover, you can make screenshots at an important moment with the Camera icon. Click the Stop button when the screen recording is done.

Then the preview window will pop up. Here you can check the recording video and remove unneeded frames with the Clip tool. Finally, click on the Save button, and you will be reminded to set the save path and get all recordings.

All Recorded Files

Part 5. FAQs About OBS Save Location

Does OBS record audio?

OBS is able to capture audio from your system and through a microphone, along with screen recording, but you need to set it up correctly. If your recording is muted, you need to check your device and settings in OBS.

How do I play OBS recordings?

OBS recordings are saved as Flash video files, and you can play them in any media player, such as VLC.

How to convert OBS recordings to MP4?

By default, OBS saves your recordings in FLV format; however, you can change the output format to MP4 in the Settings dialog in OBS. If you already have the FLV recording files, you will need a video converter to do the job.

How can I quickly find my last OBS recording?

The easiest way is to go to where your OBS recordings are saved. You can do so by clicking on File in OBS and then selecting Show Recordings. This will open your file manager, and then you can locate your video.

My OBS recordings are saved as MKV. How do I change them to MP4?

You need a format converter tool. The easiest to use in the market is AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate. Its free trial version should get the job done.

Why did my recording disappear?

Do not panic since OBS can save recordings during unexpected crashes. If the program crashes unexpectedly, OBS will be able to save your video in its menu. If the recording disappeared, check your save location since the video may have been saved there.

Can I change the file save location while I am recording?

Yes, you can. The OBS save location may be changed during recording. However, do not change the save path while the saving process is active.

Conclusion

This guide has told you where to find OBS recordings on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is annoying if you cannot find the recordings in OBS. The good news is that you can check and set the location manually. Many people complained that OBS is difficult to learn. AnyMP4 Screen Recorder is an easy alternative to record your screen and find the recordings quickly. AnyMP4 Free Online Screen Recorder is the online alternative to OBS. If you have more questions, please leave a message below this post, and we will reply to it as soon as possible.

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author Updated by Alice Thorne to Record Video
March 17, 2026 11:00

As a Senior Technical Correspondent, Alice Thorne is a recognized authority on high-fidelity audio and video converting and recording workflows. She brings deep technical insight into the complexities of format conversion, ensuring that users can navigate codecs and recording software with professional ease. Alice’s work is dedicated to helping creators achieve seamless file compatibility and studio-grade recording quality across all platforms.

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