OBS Studio Keyboard Shortcuts
45+ OBS Studio hotkeys for streaming, recording, scenes, and sources. Essential for content creators.
Streaming
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start/Stop streaming | |
| Start/Stop recording | |
| Pause recording | |
| Start virtual camera | |
| Start Replay Buffer | |
| Save replay buffer |
Scenes
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Switch to scene 1-9 | |
| Move scene up | |
| Move scene down | |
| Transition to scene |
Sources
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Edit/Transform source | |
| Reset source transform | |
| Stretch to screen | |
| Center to screen | |
| Fit to screen | |
| Move source to top | |
| Move source to bottom | |
| Remove source | |
| Copy source | |
| Paste source |
Audio
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Mute/Unmute mic | |
| Mute/Unmute desktop audio | |
| Push to mute (Mic) | |
| Push to talk (Mic) |
Studio Mode
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle Studio Mode | |
| Transition (in Studio Mode) | |
| Quick transition |
General
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Settings | |
| Dock/undock UI panels | |
| Fullscreen mode | |
| Interact mode | |
| Exit OBS | |
| Quit OBS |
Preview
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle preview | |
| Screenshot preview |
Pro tips
Use Scene Collections
Create separate scene collections for different streaming scenarios - gaming, webcam-only, IRL streaming. Switch between them without reconfiguring sources each time.
Replay Buffer
Enable Replay Buffer to constantly record the last X seconds. Press a hotkey to save highlights without recording the entire session. Perfect for capturing unexpected moments.
Nested Scenes
Add a scene as a source in another scene. Use this for reusable overlays, webcam frames, or chat widgets. Edit the nested scene once and it updates everywhere.
Browser Sources for Alerts
Use Browser Source to add StreamElements, Streamlabs, or custom HTML overlays. They update in real-time and support CSS customization for unique stream looks.
Studio Mode for Smooth Transitions
Enable Studio Mode (Ctrl+Shift+T) to preview the next scene before transitioning. This prevents showing incomplete scenes to viewers during live broadcasts.
Custom Hotkeys
Set up global hotkeys in Settings → Hotkeys for every action - muting, scene switching, starting recording. They work even when OBS isn't focused, perfect during gameplay.
Frequently asked questions
Is OBS Studio free?
Yes, OBS Studio is completely free and open-source. There are no paid tiers, watermarks, or feature restrictions. It's maintained by volunteers and funded by sponsors and donations.
What's the difference between OBS and Streamlabs?
OBS Studio is the original open-source software. Streamlabs OBS (now Streamlabs Desktop) is a fork with built-in alerts, overlays, and monetization tools. OBS is lighter on resources; Streamlabs is more beginner-friendly but heavier.
What are the best OBS settings for streaming?
For 1080p60: Use x264 or NVENC encoder, 6000 Kbps bitrate, Very Fast preset. For 720p60: 4500 Kbps. Use CBR rate control. Key frame interval: 2 seconds. Output resolution should match your streaming platform's requirements.
Can OBS record and stream simultaneously?
Yes. Go to Settings → Output → Recording and configure a separate recording output. You can record at higher quality than your stream. Use different encoders for each if your hardware supports it.
Why is my stream laggy or dropping frames?
Check: CPU usage (lower encoder preset), network stability (use wired connection), bitrate (don't exceed upload speed × 0.7), encoding overload (switch to GPU encoder NVENC/AMF). OBS Stats window shows dropped frames in real-time.
Does OBS support multiple cameras?
Yes. Add multiple Video Capture Devices as sources. Each camera appears as a separate source you can resize, crop, and position. Use Scene transitions to switch between camera angles smoothly.
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