Linux · Sound & Video
OBS Studio
Free, open-source software for capturing, recording, and live streaming video from various sources.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Latest version
- 32.2.2 (August 14, 2026)
- Developer
- OBS Project
- Installs
- 87,902 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is OBS Studio?
OBS Studio is a mature, community-driven project that has become the standard for video capturing and live streaming. It handles real-time video and audio mixing with high performance, allowing you to build scenes from multiple sources like webcams, windows, and capture cards. The project is stable, actively maintained, and widely supported across major Linux distributions.
It is designed for streamers, content creators, and anyone needing to record their screen or broadcast live. Whether you are a beginner setting up a simple webcam stream or a professional managing complex multi-source productions, OBS provides the necessary tools. Its modular interface lets you customize the layout to fit your specific workflow preferences.
Compared to Camtasia, OBS is not an editor; it is a capture and streaming tool. While Camtasia combines recording with a full-featured video editor, OBS focuses entirely on the input and output side. You will need to pair OBS with a separate editor like Kdenlive or Shotcut if you require post-production capabilities, but for live streaming and raw recording, OBS is more powerful and flexible.
Best for: Streamers and content creators who need reliable, high-quality live streaming and screen recording without paying for proprietary software.
Key features of OBS Studio
- Scene-based workflow with unlimited sources and transitions
- Real-time audio mixer with noise gate and suppression filters
- Support for VST plugins for advanced audio processing
- Studio Mode for previewing scenes before going live
- Multiview to monitor and switch between up to 8 scenes
- Customizable transitions including stinger video files
- Hotkeys for nearly all actions including scene switching
- Modular dock UI that can be rearranged or popped out
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no watermarks or limits
- High performance with low CPU overhead for real-time tasks
- Extensive source support including webcams, capture cards, and browsers
- Active community and frequent updates ensure compatibility with new hardware
Cons
- No built-in video editing capabilities, requiring a separate tool
- Initial setup can be complex for users unfamiliar with scene graphs
- Learning curve for advanced audio filtering and VST integration
Windows programs OBS Studio replaces
How to install OBS Studio on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.obsproject.Studiosudo apt install obs-studiosudo apt install obs-studiosudo dnf install obs-studiosudo pacman -S obs-studiosudo zypper install obs-studioTips for Windows users
Coming from Camtasia, you must separate your workflow. Use OBS to record your raw footage or stream live, then import the resulting files into a Linux editor like Kdenlive or Shotcut for editing. OBS does not have a timeline editor. Note that OBS uses a scene-based system rather than a linear timeline; you will need to map your Camtasia tracks to OBS scenes and sources. Ensure your output settings in OBS (codec, bitrate) match your intended quality, as these are manual configurations rather than automatic presets.
Recent releases
- 32.2.2 —
OBS Studio: frequently asked questions
Can OBS edit video like Camtasia?
No, OBS is strictly for capturing and streaming. You need to use a separate video editor for post-production tasks like trimming, adding text, or effects.
Does OBS support hardware encoding on Linux?
Yes, it supports NVENC for NVIDIA GPUs and AMD AMF for AMD GPUs, which reduces CPU load during recording and streaming.
How do I record my screen on Linux with OBS?
Add a 'Screen Capture' source to your scene. On Wayland, you may need to use the 'Window Capture' source or enable specific permissions for screen recording.
Is OBS stable on Arch and Fedora?
Yes, it is packaged in official repositories for both distributions and is regularly updated to the latest stable releases.
Updated