How to Record 29.97 FPS in OBS Studio

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to configure the “Fractional FPS Value” setting in OBS Studio to record broadcast-compliant 29.97 frames per second (FPS). By using the precise mathematical fraction required for NTSC standards, you will ensure your video recordings are perfectly synchronized and ready for professional editing and broadcasting environments.

Why Use Fractional FPS?

Standard television broadcast rates in NTSC regions run at 29.97 FPS rather than a flat 30 FPS. To achieve this exact frame rate in OBS Studio, you must use a fraction. Setting your FPS to a generic “30” can cause minor sync issues, audio drift, or frame drops when importing your footage into professional video editing software or broadcast systems. The exact mathematical ratio for 29.97 FPS is 30000 / 1001.

Step-by-Step Configuration in OBS Studio

Follow these steps to configure your settings:

  1. Open Settings: Launch OBS Studio, and click on the Settings button in the bottom-right Controls dock (or go to File > Settings in the top menu).
  2. Navigate to Video Settings: In the left-hand sidebar of the Settings window, click on the Video tab.
  3. Change the FPS Type: Locate the dropdown menu next to Common FPS Values (which is the default setting). Click this dropdown and select Fractional FPS Value.
  4. Enter the Fractional Values: Two new input fields will appear labeled Numerator and Denominator. Enter the following numbers:
    • Numerator: 30000
    • Denominator: 1001
  5. Save Changes: Click the Apply button in the bottom right, and then click OK to close the window.

Once these steps are complete, OBS Studio will record your video files at exactly 29.97 FPS. You can verify this by recording a short test clip, right-clicking the resulting video file, viewing its properties, and checking the frame rate under the details tab.