RecordMyDesktop as a Linux alternative to OBS MultiPlatform
Updated
Our verdict
RecordMyDesktop is not a good replacement for OBS MultiPlatform for users who need live streaming, multi-source composition, or webcam integration. It’s suited only for users who need basic, local screen recordings with minimal setup. It lacks scene management, streaming, hardware encoding, and modern audio mixing. While lightweight and simple, it doesn’t support today’s typical streaming workflows. If your goal is straightforward desktop capture without extras, it works—but most OBS users will find it too limited.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.4.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both capture desktop screen and audio simultaneously
- Support basic region selection for recording
- Run natively on Linux with open-source licenses
- Use standard Linux audio systems like ALSA or PulseAudio
- Offer GUI frontends for easier control
What is different
- RecordMyDesktop does not support live streaming to YouTube or Twitch
- No webcam or multiple video source layering
- Lacks scene composition and source customization
- No hardware encoding or low-latency streaming optimizations
- No hotkey or timer support in the core tool
Opening your OBS MultiPlatform files
RecordMyDesktop outputs only in Ogg Theora (.ogg), which is not commonly used in OBS workflows. OBS typically uses MP4, FLV, or MOV formats. While Ogg files can be converted using tools like ffmpeg, they cannot be directly imported into OBS as sources or edited in most non-Linux video editors without conversion. There is no native compatibility between RecordMyDesktop output and OBS project files.
Switching from OBS MultiPlatform to RecordMyDesktop, step by step
- Install RecordMyDesktop via your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install recordmydesktop)
- Use gtk-recordMyDesktop or qt-recordMyDesktop for a GUI
- Select recording area and adjust mic/sound settings before starting
- Start and stop recording manually—no hotkeys or timers
- Convert .ogg output to MP4 or other formats using ffmpeg if needed
- Use separate tools for webcam recording and combine later if required
Key features of RecordMyDesktop
- Records desktop screen and audio simultaneously
- Simple GUI frontends available (gtk-recordMyDesktop, qt-recordMyDesktop)
- Outputs to Ogg Theora (.ogg) video format
- Select specific screen regions or full display
- Adjust audio and video quality settings
- Low CPU overhead for basic recordings
- Built on standard Linux audio/video frameworks
How to install RecordMyDesktop on Linux
sudo apt install recordmydesktopsudo apt install recordmydesktopsudo pacman -S recordmydesktopsudo zypper install recordmydesktopFrequently asked questions
Can I stream live to Twitch with RecordMyDesktop?
No, RecordMyDesktop does not support live streaming. It only saves recordings locally in .ogg format. For streaming, use OBS Studio or another dedicated tool.
Does RecordMyDesktop capture webcam video?
No, it only records the desktop screen and system audio. Webcam integration is not supported, unlike OBS which allows multiple video sources.
Is there a way to use hotkeys with RecordMyDesktop?
No, the core tool does not support hotkeys. You’d need to script external key bindings or use a frontend with limited controls—functionality is minimal compared to OBS.
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