RecordMyDesktop as a Linux alternative to OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite)
Updated
Our verdict
RecordMyDesktop is not a good replacement for OBS Studio if you need live streaming, multiple scenes, or complex layouts. It works for basic screen and audio capture with minimal CPU use, suitable for quick local recordings. However, it lacks streaming, scene transitions, and modern formats. Use RecordMyDesktop only if you need a simple, lightweight recorder for occasional use. For streaming or professional recording, stick with OBS Studio or alternatives like SimpleScreenRecorder or Vokoscreen.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.4.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both capture desktop screen and microphone audio simultaneously
- Support full-screen or region selection
- Run on Linux using standard audio/video subsystems (ALSA, PulseAudio, X11)
- Free and open-source under GPL licenses
- Offer GUI frontends for easier control
What is different
- RecordMyDesktop does not support live streaming to YouTube or Twitch
- No scene system or transitions between sources
- No support for overlays, custom layouts, or multiple sources
- Outputs only Ogg Theora (.ogg), not MP4, MKV, or streaming formats
- Lacks active development and modern feature updates
Opening your OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite) files
RecordMyDesktop saves in Ogg Theora (.ogg), which OBS Studio cannot directly import or edit. Converting the file using ffmpeg or VLC is required to use it in OBS or other editors. OBS outputs in formats like MP4 or FLV, which RecordMyDesktop cannot read. There is no direct file compatibility between the two tools.
Switching from OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite) to RecordMyDesktop, step by step
- Install gtk-recordMyDesktop or qt-recordMyDesktop via your package manager
- Launch the GUI and select the recording area and audio source
- Adjust quality settings to balance file size and CPU use
- Start recording and stop when finished
- Find the .ogg output file and convert if needed
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 RecordMyDesktop stream to Twitch or YouTube?
No, RecordMyDesktop only records to local files and does not support live streaming.
Is RecordMyDesktop actively maintained?
It is packaged in major distros but has seen little development in recent years.
What should I use instead for streaming on Linux?
Use OBS Studio for Linux, which supports all OBS Studio (advanced streaming suite) features.
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