TCG Machine

OBS recording format: MKV or MP4?

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Use the format OBS gives you by default. In OBS 32 that's Hybrid MP4 for new profiles, which is built to survive a crash and opens like a normal MP4. If you're on an older version, record in MKV and remux to MP4 when an editor needs it. Either one works with TCG Machine.

Here's why it matters. You play a three hour session, your PC crashes at hour two, and you find out what your recording format was doing the whole time. A good format gives you the file up to the crash. A bad one gives you a file that won't open.

OBS has been moving on this for a while. Hybrid MP4 arrived as a beta in OBS 30.2, and OBS 32.0 took it out of beta and made it the default for new profiles. If you've used OBS for years, your profile may still be set to something older, so it's worth a look.

What survives a crash at hour two Three recording formats across a three hour session with a crash at hour two. Hybrid MP4 and MKV keep the file up to the crash. Plain MP4 writes its index when recording stops, so a crash usually leaves it unplayable. PC CRASHES AT HOUR 2 OF 3 Hybrid MP4 File up to the crash, opens like normal MP4 MKV File up to the crash, remux for some editors Plain MP4 Usually unplayable, the index is written at stop crash
A three hour session with a crash at hour two: what each format gives you back. Illustration, not a benchmark.

Check and switch it in five steps

  1. Check your OBS version. Open Help, then About OBS Studio. If it says 30.2 or newer, Hybrid MP4 is available to you.
  2. Open the recording settings. Go to Settings, then Output, and find the Recording section. You'll see a Recording Format box.
  3. Pick your format. On 30.2 or newer, choose Hybrid MP4. On an older version, choose MKV. Skip plain MP4, because one OBS guide explains it only writes its index when recording stops, so a crash usually leaves it unplayable.
  4. If you record in MKV, turn on auto remux. Open Settings, then Advanced, and tick "Automatically remux to mp4". OBS then converts each recording to MP4 when you stop.
  5. Record 30 seconds and open the file. Stop the recording, find the file, and play it. If it plays, you're set.

What each format actually is

  • Hybrid MP4. It combines the fault tolerance of fragmented MP4 with the wide compatibility and faster access times of regular MP4. That's OBS's own description from the 30.2 release notes.
  • MKV. It was OBS's recommendation for a long time, and the OBS recording guide still says "MKV is recommended in case of unforeseen issues arising." If recording doesn't stop cleanly, the file is still usable. Some editors want it converted to MP4 first.
  • Plain MP4. Fine for a short clip, risky for a long session, for the reason in step 3.

How to remux by hand

Remuxing copies your video into a new container. It doesn't re-encode it, so there's no quality loss from the conversion.

  1. In OBS, open File, then Remux Recordings.
  2. Click the "..." button and pick one or more recordings.
  3. Click Remux. OBS shows a prompt when it's done.

Renaming .mkv to .mp4 does not convert anything. Use remux.

Still having trouble? Try these

  • Editor won't open your MKV? Remux it to MP4 and try again.
  • Format box is missing Hybrid MP4? Your OBS is older than 30.2. Update OBS, or stay on MKV.
  • Recording is choppy? In the OBS recording guide, the "Same as stream" quality option avoids the extra resource use that the other options need.
  • Can't find your files? The save folder is the Recording Path in Settings, then Output.

What's in it for your clips

Picking a format gets you a safe file. Then you've got hours of it, and the ten seconds worth posting are buried somewhere in the middle.

TCG Machine works from any MKV or MP4 recording, so there's nothing to convert first. Drop in the file, and it finds your highlights and turns them into vertical Shorts with titles, descriptions, and thumbnails. You review, change what you want, and approve before anything goes out. 1920×1080, 16:9 recordings work best, and other 16:9 sizes are supported.

You focus on the creative part, we bring it to life. It's in free beta now, so see how it works, check what it costs, or join the beta to get a key and the download.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best recording format in OBS?

On OBS 30.2 or newer, Hybrid MP4, which is the default for new profiles from OBS 32.0. On an older version, MKV.

Is MKV or MP4 better for OBS recording?

MKV is safer than plain MP4, because a crash doesn't wreck the file. Hybrid MP4 gives you that safety and the wide compatibility of MP4, so it's the one to pick if you have it.

What is Hybrid MP4 in OBS?

It's a recording format that combines the fault tolerance of fragmented MP4 with the wide compatibility and faster access times of regular MP4. It launched as a beta in OBS 30.2.

Which OBS version added Hybrid MP4?

OBS 30.2 added it as a beta. OBS 32.0 took it out of beta and made it the default output format for new profiles.

Should I record in plain MP4?

Probably not for long sessions. One OBS guide says regular MP4 writes its index only when recording stops, so a crash usually leaves it unplayable.

Why does OBS recommend MKV?

Because MKV keeps the file usable if recording doesn't stop cleanly. The OBS recording guide says "MKV is recommended in case of unforeseen issues arising."

How do I change the recording format in OBS?

Open Settings, then Output, find the Recording section, and change the Recording Format box.

How do I remux an MKV to MP4 in OBS?

Open File, then Remux Recordings, click the "..." button to pick your recordings, and click Remux. OBS shows a prompt when it's finished.

Can OBS remux automatically?

Yes. Open Settings, then Advanced, and tick "Automatically remux to mp4". OBS converts each recording when you stop.

Does remuxing lose quality?

No. Remuxing copies the video into a new container without re-encoding it.

Can I just rename an MKV file to MP4?

No. Renaming only changes the file name. Use File, then Remux Recordings to convert it properly.

Why won't my video editor open my MKV?

Some editors need MKV files remuxed to MP4 first. Remux the file in OBS and try again.

What recording quality should I choose in OBS?

The OBS recording guide points out that "Same as stream" avoids the extra resource use that other options need. The right choice also depends on your PC, so test a short recording first.

Where does OBS save my recordings?

In the folder set as the Recording Path in Settings, then Output.

Does TCG Machine work with MKV and MP4?

Yes. TCG Machine works from any raw MKV or MP4 recording, so there's nothing to convert before you use it.

Does TCG Machine work with Streamlabs recordings?

Yes. It works from the recording files, so it doesn't matter which software made them, as long as they're MKV or MP4.

What size should I record at for TCG Machine?

1920×1080, 16:9 works best. Other 16:9 sizes are supported, and the app warns you if on-screen detection may be less reliable.

Is TCG Machine out yet?

Yes, as a free beta, and it's open now: join the beta, confirm your email, and you'll get a key and the download link while places last.

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