How to Crop Video in OBS Studio
Cropping video in OBS Studio removes unwanted edges from a source to focus on key content, adjust composition, or fit specific display areas. This guide explains how to apply and manage cropping safely so you keep full-resolution originals and non-destructive edits. Follow these steps to control crop regions on images, browser sources, and video captures while preserving source integrity.
Understanding Source Cropping in OBS
OBS lets you set crop regions in the source properties without altering the original media file. Cropping affects only the visible frame in Preview and Output, while filters and transitions remain available. It works on most sources that support scaling and transformation. Knowing how OBS handles anchor points, scaling modes, and source dimensions helps you avoid unexpected shifts or cutoffs.
How Crop Works in OBS
- Crop values are offsets from the source rectangle, expressed in pixels.
- Top, Bottom, Left, and Right offsets remove pixels before scaling and rendering.
- OBS does not automatically re-center after changing crop; anchors matter.
Key Display and Output Effects
| Display in Preview | Output (Encoded) | Source File |
|---|---|---|
| Cropped region visible | Cropped region encoded | Untouched on disk |
Step-by-Step: Crop a Video or Image Source
Begin with the source selected in the Preview panel. Open source properties and locate the Crop section. Adjust Top, Bottom, Left, and Right offsets incrementally. Use Preview bounds and comparison capture to verify edges. Save changes and test in Output mode to confirm composition aligns with your scene and transition needs.
Practical Workflow
- Add or select the source (Media, Image, Browser, Window, Game Capture).
- Open Properties and find Crop under Transform or in a dedicated Crop section.
- Enter pixel values for Top, Bottom, Left, Right.
- Validate in Preview and test during a short Recording or Stream output.
Using Crop with Scaling and Filters
Cropping changes the portion of the source sent to the scaler, so final output size depends on both crop and scale settings. When combined with scaling, ensure anchor point and alignment match your composition goals. Common filters such as Crop, LUT, and sharpen can be stacked; order affects results. Apply crop before color or detail filters to work on the intended area.
Interaction with Other Transform Options
- Rotation occurs around the anchor point, which can shift after cropping.
- Position (X/Y) values refer to the post-crop rectangle.
- Scaling modes (Boxed, Stretch, Downscale Only) apply after cropping.
Common Pitfalls and Best Practices
Unexpected cropping results often stem from confusion between Preview and Output, misaligned anchors, or inconsistent source resolutions. Always check Output recording during a short test. Use integer pixel offsets, avoid oversized crops, and keep original media at full resolution when possible. Name and document crop presets for reuse across similar sources.
Avoiding Typical Issues
- Ensure the source is not already cropped upstream (e.g., in the capture app).
- Verify canvas and source dimensions to prevent invisible output.
- Reset crop by returning offsets to zero or using source defaults.
Use Cases and Examples
Cropping is useful for removing letterbox bars, focusing on subjects, removing on-screen artifacts, and fitting safe areas for streams overlays. For example, trimming top and bottom bars from a 21:9 video to fit 16:9 canvas, or cutting off distracting edges in webcam feeds. Combine crop with padding or background sources to maintain consistent stream layouts.