Introduction
Are you tired of OBSCaptureing unnecessary parts of your screen while streaming your favorite games? Do you want to focus on the gameplay and eliminate distractions for your viewers? If yes, then you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) capture only games, allowing you to create a more engaging and professional streaming experience.
Understanding OBS Capture Modes
Before we dive into the setup process, it’s essential to understand the different capture modes available in OBS. This will help you choose the best method for your streaming needs.
Window Capture
Window Capture is a popular mode that allows OBS to capture a specific window on your screen. This mode is useful when you want to capture a single game window or a particular application. To use Window Capture, you’ll need to select the game window you want to capture and configure the settings accordingly.
Display Capture
Display Capture, on the other hand, captures an entire screen or a specific monitor. This mode is useful when you want to capture multiple windows or your entire desktop. However, it can be resource-intensive and may cause performance issues if not configured correctly.
Game Capture
Game Capture is a specialized mode designed specifically for capturing games. This mode uses DirectX or OpenGL hooks to capture the game graphics, providing a more efficient and high-performance capture experience.
Setting Up OBS for Game Capture
Now that you understand the different capture modes, let’s set up OBS to capture only games.
Step 1: Choose the Right Capture Mode
To start, open OBS and click on the “+” icon in the “Sources” panel. This will open the “Add Source” window. From the list of available sources, select “Game Capture” and click “OK”.
Step 2: Configure Game Capture Settings
In the “Game Capture” settings window, you’ll see several options to customize your capture experience.
- Capture Mode: Select “Capture a specific window” to capture a specific game window. You can also choose “Capture a specific application” to capture a particular game executable.
- Window: Select the game window you want to capture from the dropdown list. If you don’t see your game window, click on the “Refresh” button to update the list.
- Capture Priority: Set the capture priority to “High” to ensure that OBS prioritizes game capture over other sources.
Step 3: Adjust Video Settings
In the “Video” settings, make sure to set the following options:
- Base Resolution: Set the base resolution to match your game’s resolution.
- Output Resolution: Set the output resolution to match your desired stream resolution.
- Frames Per Second (FPS): Set the FPS to match your game’s frame rate or a lower value to reduce resource usage.
Step 4: Configure Audio Settings
In the “Audio” settings, make sure to select the correct audio device and set the audio bitrate to a suitable value.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Game Not Detected
If OBS is not detecting your game, try the following:
- Check if your game is running in administrator mode. OBS may not be able to capture the game if it’s running in administrator mode.
- Try closing and reopening the game or OBS to refresh the capture list.
- Check if any other capture software is interfering with OBS.
Performance Issues
If you’re experiencing performance issues, try the following:
- Reduce the capture resolution or FPS to reduce resource usage.
- Close any unnecessary applications or background processes.
- Check if your system meets the minimum system requirements for OBS and the game.
Advanced Settings for Power Users
Using Multiple Game Capture Sources
If you want to capture multiple games or applications simultaneously, you can add multiple Game Capture sources in OBS. To do this, simply repeat the steps mentioned earlier and add a new Game Capture source for each game or application.
Customizing Game Capture with Scripts
OBS allows power users to customize the Game Capture experience using scripts. You can use scripts to automate tasks, adjust capture settings, or even create custom overlays. To get started with scripting, check out the OBS Scripting API documentation.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to make OBS capture only games, providing a more engaging and professional streaming experience for your viewers. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and explore advanced settings to fine-tune your capture experience. Happy streaming!
What is OBS and why do I need to configure it to capture only games?
OBS, or Open Broadcasting Software, is a popular streaming and recording software used by gamers and content creators. By default, OBS captures everything that appears on your screen, including your desktop, notifications, and other unwanted elements. However, if you’re a gamer, you only want to capture your gameplay and exclude everything else. Configuring OBS to capture only games allows you to produce a professional-looking stream with a clean and focused feed.
By capturing only the game, you can eliminate distractions, reduce the risk of revealing sensitive information, and create a more immersive experience for your audience. Additionally, capturing only the game can help reduce the computational resources required for streaming, resulting in a smoother and more stable stream.
How do I open the OBS settings to configure the capture settings?
To open the OBS settings, click on the “Settings” button located in the lower right corner of the OBS window. This will open the “Settings” panel, where you can access various configuration options, including the capture settings. Alternatively, you can use the hotkey “Ctrl + Shift + S” (Windows) or “Command + Shift + S” (Mac) to open the “Settings” panel.
In the “Settings” panel, navigate to the “Capture” tab, where you can configure the capture settings, including the capture mode, video format, and audio settings. Make sure to select the correct capture card or device, and adjust the settings according to your specific needs.
What is the difference between the “Capture Window” and “Capture Display” modes?
The “Capture Window” mode allows you to capture a specific window or application, such as a game. This mode is ideal for capturing games because it allows you to isolate the game window and exclude everything else. In contrast, the “Capture Display” mode captures the entire screen, including the desktop, notifications, and other elements.
When using the “Capture Window” mode, make sure to select the correct window or application from the dropdown list. You can also use the “Window” dropdown menu to select the window you want to capture. This will ensure that OBS captures only the game and excludes everything else.
How do I select the correct game window in OBS?
To select the correct game window in OBS, go to the “Capture” tab in the “Settings” panel and select the “Capture Window” mode. Then, click on the “Window” dropdown menu and select the game window from the list. If the game window is not listed, you can try clicking on the ” Refresh” button to update the list.
Alternatively, you can use the “Window Match Priority” feature to specify the priority of the window you want to capture. This feature allows you to specify the title or class of the window, making it easier to select the correct window.
What are the benefits of using the “Game Capture” mode in OBS?
The “Game Capture” mode in OBS is a specialized capture mode designed specifically for capturing games. This mode offers several benefits, including faster and more efficient capture, lower latency, and improved performance. The “Game Capture” mode also provides better compatibility with various games and can help reduce the risk of crashes or errors.
Additionally, the “Game Capture” mode allows you to capture games in a more precise and accurate way, resulting in a higher-quality stream. This mode also provides access to advanced features, such as chroma keying and audio syncing, which can enhance the overall quality of your stream.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with capturing games in OBS?
If you’re experiencing issues with capturing games in OBS, try restarting the game or OBS to see if that resolves the issue. You can also try updating your graphics drivers or checking for any conflicts with other applications. If the issue persists, try adjusting the capture settings, such as the capture mode or video format, to see if that resolves the issue.
Additionally, you can try checking the OBS logs for any error messages or warnings that may indicate the cause of the issue. You can also search online for solutions or seek help from the OBS community forums or support resources.
Can I use OBS to capture games on multiple monitors?
Yes, OBS allows you to capture games on multiple monitors. To do this, you’ll need to select the correct monitor or display from the “Display” dropdown menu in the “Capture” tab. You can also use the “Multi-adapter” feature to capture games on multiple GPUs or adapters.
Make sure to adjust the capture settings according to your specific needs, including the resolution, frame rate, and audio settings. You can also use the “Window Match Priority” feature to specify the priority of the window you want to capture on each monitor.