How to fix pixelated OBS recordings (and record better next time)

OBS Studio is flexible, which means it can easily record at a quality far below what your computer can handle. Most pixelated OBS recordings come down to bitrate, rescaling or the encoder choice.

  • Free preview, no signup
  • Files auto-deleted after 24 hours
  • Corrupted files are repaired automatically

Settings that matter

  • Output mode Advanced, Recording tab. Use the same encoder as streaming only if quality is not important. For recordings use x264 with CRF 18 to 20, or your GPU encoder (NVENC, AMF, QuickSync) at a high bitrate.
  • Base (Canvas) resolution should match your monitor. Output (Scaled) resolution should be equal or you will rescale.
  • Rescale filter: Lanczos is the best if you do rescale.
  • Format: record to MKV so crashes do not destroy the file, then remux to MP4 afterwards.
  • For fast games use 60 fps and at least 20 to 40 Mbps for 1080p when using a hardware encoder.

Fix OBS recording quality

  1. Open Settings, Output, AdvancedChoose the Recording tab.
  2. Pick a quality-focused encoderx264 with CRF 18 to 20 or NVENC with a high bitrate and the quality preset.
  3. Match canvas and output sizeSet Video settings so you are not rescaling.
  4. Record to MKVThen use File, Remux Recordings to get MP4.
  5. Clean up an old recordingUpload short clips from the old recording to the fixer for deblocking and upscale.

Try it on your own video

Free watermarked preview, no signup. Files are deleted after 24 hours.

Upload a video

Frequently asked questions

Why is my OBS recording pixelated?

Low bitrate or CBR with too small a value, or a fast preset on a weak CPU. Use CRF or a higher bitrate.

Does the Simple output mode hurt quality?

It uses presets that can be fine, but Advanced mode gives you control over CRF and rate control.

Is MKV better than MP4?

MKV is safer because it survives crashes. Remux to MP4 for editing.

Can I fix a game recording where text is blocky?

Cleaning and sharpening helps, but re-recording at a higher bitrate is best for important content.

Related guides

Fix pixelated Zoom recordings

Meeting recordings look blocky because of bandwidth, webcam quality and recording mode. Settings to improve the next one and a way to clean the last one.

Pixelated after export

A video that looked sharp in your editor but exports blocky usually has a bitrate, resolution or proxy problem. Here are the export settings that fix it.

Fix pixelated video with FFmpeg

A practical FFmpeg recipe to deblock, denoise, upscale and sharpen low-quality video, with copy-paste commands and an explanation of every filter.

Upscale video to 1080p

Upscale video to 1080p properly: choose a resampling filter, clean artifacts first, keep the aspect ratio and sharpen lightly. Online and FFmpeg methods.

More tips on the blog → · All guides · Fix a pixelated video now