Use macOS ScreenCaptureKit in OBS Studio

This guide explains how to utilize Apple’s ScreenCaptureKit API within OBS Studio to achieve high-performance, low-latency screen, window, and application capturing on macOS. By leveraging this modern framework, Mac users can capture high-framerate video with minimal CPU overhead and seamlessly capture independent application audio.

Prerequisites

To use ScreenCaptureKit in OBS Studio, your system must meet the following requirements: * macOS Version: macOS Monterey 12.3 or later (macOS Sonoma or later is recommended for advanced audio features). * OBS Studio Version: OBS Studio 28.0 or later, which natively integrates ScreenCaptureKit.

Step 1: Add a macOS Screen Capture Source

  1. Launch OBS Studio on your Mac.
  2. Navigate to the Sources dock at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Click the + (plus) icon to add a new source.
  4. Select macOS Screen Capture from the dropdown menu.
  5. Name the source (e.g., “Game Capture” or “Display Capture”) and click OK.

Step 2: Configure Capture Settings

Once the source is added, a properties window will appear. Configure the settings to utilize ScreenCaptureKit:

  1. Method: Ensure this is set to ScreenCaptureKit (this is the default on supported macOS versions).
  2. Capture Type: Choose what you want to capture:
    • Display Capture: Captures your entire physical monitor. Ideal for tutorials or showing multiple applications.
    • Window Capture: Captures a single, specific application window.
    • Application Capture: Captures all windows associated with a specific application (e.g., all Google Chrome windows).
  3. Display/Window/Application Selection: Use the corresponding dropdown menu to select the specific screen, window, or app you wish to capture.
  4. Show Cursor: Check or uncheck this box depending on whether you want your mouse pointer to be visible in the capture.

Step 3: Configure Application Audio Capture

One of the primary benefits of ScreenCaptureKit is its ability to capture application-specific audio without requiring third-party virtual audio cables.

  1. In the properties window of your macOS Screen Capture source, locate the audio options.
  2. Check the box labeled Route Application Audio (available in macOS 13 Ventura and later).
  3. This adds a dedicated audio meter for your captured application to the Audio Mixer dock in OBS, allowing you to control the source’s volume independently.

Performance Optimization Tips

While ScreenCaptureKit is highly optimized, you can maximize performance by applying these settings: