where to find obs recordings

2025

3 min read 29-03-2025

Meta Description: Lost your OBS recordings? Don't panic! This guide reveals all the potential locations for your OBS Studio recordings, from the obvious to the hidden spots. Learn how to find your OBS recordings on Windows, Mac, and Linux, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize your recording settings for future success. We cover everything from default locations to customized paths, plus tips for managing your ever-growing library of recordings.

Understanding OBS Recording Locations

Finding your OBS recordings depends on a few factors: your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux), your OBS Studio settings, and whether you've customized the recording location. Let's break down the most common scenarios.

Default Recording Locations

OBS Studio, by default, saves recordings to a specific folder based on your operating system. Knowing these defaults is the first step in your search.

Windows: The default location is typically %USERPROFILE%\Videos\OBS. This path translates to your user profile's "Videos" folder, then a subfolder named "OBS". You can find your user profile by typing %USERPROFILE% into the File Explorer address bar.
macOS: macOS users will find their recordings in the Movies folder within their user directory. You can access this quickly by opening Finder and clicking "Movies" in the sidebar. Look for files ending in .mkv, .mp4, or other formats, depending on your settings.
Linux: The default location varies significantly depending on your Linux distribution. Often, it mirrors the Windows structure, with a folder named "OBS" within your "Videos" directory. Check your user directory under "Videos". If you can't find it there, consult your distribution's documentation.

Finding Your Recordings When the Default Location Doesn't Work

If you've changed the recording path in OBS Studio's settings, the default locations won't help. Follow these steps:

1. Check OBS Studio's Settings:

Open OBS Studio.
Go to File > Settings.
Navigate to the Output tab.
Under "Recording", look for the "Recording Path" setting. This indicates where OBS is currently saving recordings.

2. Search Your Computer:

If you still can't locate your recordings, try a broader search:

Windows: Use the Windows search bar (type "obs recording" or the file name).
macOS: Use Spotlight search (press Command + Space).
Linux: Use your file manager's search function (e.g., Nautilus, Dolphin).

3. Check for Customized Folders:

If you are meticulous and have created specific folders for OBS recordings, be sure to look through those designated places as well.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Recordings Found: Double-check that you actually started a recording within OBS Studio. Ensure your recording settings (Output tab) are correctly configured, including the recording path and the chosen file format.
Corrupted Recordings: If your recordings are corrupted, you might see error messages or a broken video file. Try re-recording and ensure sufficient storage space. Consider upgrading your hardware if you frequently face this issue.
Missing Files: Check your recycle bin or trash can (Windows/macOS). Your recordings might have been accidentally deleted.

Optimizing Your OBS Recording Settings

To prevent future recording headaches, consider these tips:

Choose a Consistent Recording Path: Designate a specific folder for your OBS recordings and stick with it. This will streamline your workflow.
Regularly Backup Recordings: Important recordings should be backed up to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This safeguards your work against data loss.
Use Descriptive File Names: Instead of generic file names, use clear, descriptive names (e.g., "Livestream_2024-03-08").

Where Else Might OBS Recordings Be?

Beyond the typical locations, consider these less likely, yet possible, spots:

External Hard Drives: If you record to an external drive, check its contents.
Network Drives: If OBS was configured to record to a network location, verify that location.
Cloud Storage: Some users might have set up cloud storage integration for OBS recordings.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find your OBS recordings and avoid future frustrations. Remember to always back up your important work!