Windows 11 · Windows
Change OBS Canvas and Output Resolution Correctly
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Set OBS Base Canvas to the working layout and Output Scaled Resolution to the delivered size, then test aspect ratio and encoder load.
Check prerequisites and the intended result
Before changing OBS canvas and output resolution, record the source resolution, aspect ratio, platform limit, encoder load, and desired recording or stream output before resizing. Write down the current value before changing it so you can restore only that setting if the intended result does not appear. Keep the relevant account, app, or system version available if official support is needed. Confirm the saved choice after closing and reopening the relevant settings panel.
Use the supported method
Base Canvas controls scene layout while Output Scaled Resolution controls delivered pixels; changing one may require refitting sources.
Choose the canvas
Open Settings > Video and set Base Canvas Resolution to the layout or primary source dimensions.
Choose delivered resolution
Set Output Scaled Resolution to the size required by the streaming platform or recording workflow.
Set frame rate and scaling
Choose FPS and a downscale filter appropriate to hardware and quality; avoid scaling in multiple places without a reason.
Refit and test scenes
Transform sources to the new canvas, inspect text and overlays, then record motion to check sharpness, encoder load, and aspect ratio.
Check that the change worked
A short recording has the intended dimensions, correct aspect ratio, sharp text, filled canvas, and no added rendering lag.
Troubleshoot OBS canvas and output resolution
If sources crop or letterbox, the output is soft, a platform rejects the dimensions, or scaling increases rendering lag, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, account or device scope, and the failed step before using the official support channel.
Video walkthrough
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.