How to convert OBS: MKV to MP4 file

OBS is a powerful screen recording and broadcasting tool. You’ll be hard pressed to find paid apps that offer the same features. OBS lets users add overlays, create scenes, switch between scenes, record desktop audio, and more. By default, the app saves videos to the MKV format which, in many video editors, is not supported.

OBS: MKV to MP4

OBS outputs files in the MKV format and like any other video file format, an MKV file can be converted to an MP4. You can also change the format that OBS saves to by default i.e., you can have it output an MP4 file and skip the conversion step.

Convert MKV to MP4

There are hundreds of online tools that you can use to convert an MKV file to MP4. We recommend using CloudConvert.

1. Visit CloudConvert.
2. Click the Select Files button.
3. Select the MKV file you want to convert.
4. Click the wrench icon and change the quality of the output file if you want.
5. Click Convert.
6. Download the converted MP4 file.

Change output to MP4

Uploading a screen recording, and then downloading it can take time. You’re dependent on a web service which may go down, or restrict you from converting one too many files. It’s always better to use an offline conversion tool. In OBS’ case though, you can change the output format and skip the conversion step.

1. Open OBS.
2. Click Settings in the column on the right.
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Enable the Automatically remux to MP4 option.
5. Click Apply.
6. All recordings will now output at MP4 files.

Other video formats

OBS does not support other output formats natively. If you’d rather work with, for example, an MOV file, you’ll have to find a conversion tool for the job. You can use CloudConvert or find an offline/desktop tool to do the job. 

Conclusion

The MKV format gives you an HD file, to the extent of your screen’s resolution. You won’t get a 4K resolution video if your monitor/system do not support it. MP4 will be a smaller file, and the quality may be lower. To get a good quality MP4 file, you should have OBS output the file as an MP4 file instead of using a conversion tool for the job. Online conversion tools may not always keep the quality of the video in mind when they convert a file. Some also compress files during conversion and that may ultimately give you a lower quality file that you cannot work with when it comes down to editing it.

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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