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To crop a pre-recorded video in OBS while keeping your YouTube stream resolution unchanged, add the clip as a Media Source, select it, then hold Alt (Windows/Linux) or Option (macOS) and drag an edge inward. For exact crop amounts, use Edit Transform. Leave Settings > Video > Output (Scaled) Resolution at your intended stream size: cropping a source changes its framing in the scene, not the stream’s configured output dimensions.
Crop the video source in OBS
- Add the clip: In the scene’s Sources panel, select the add button and choose Media Source. Select the video file in the source properties. OBS uses Media Sources to add audio and video files to a scene; see the OBS Sources Guide.
- Select the source: Click the Media Source in the Sources list or in the preview. Make sure the video itself is selected, rather than another source or the scene.
- Crop an edge: Hold Alt on Windows or Linux, or Option on macOS, and drag a bounding-box edge inward. The crop edges appear green while you adjust them. This hides the selected source’s edges; it does not resize the output canvas. OBS documents the gesture in its Overview Guide and Sources Guide.
- Reposition or resize if needed: After cropping, move or resize the source to compose the remaining image on the canvas. Cropping and placement are separate source-transform adjustments.
- Check the output size: Open Settings > Video and confirm Output (Scaled) Resolution remains set to the dimensions you want OBS to send to the stream or recording. Do not change it just to reframe this clip.
Use numeric crop values for a repeatable result
For a measured crop, or one you want to inspect and adjust later, right-click the selected source and open Transform > Edit Transform. Enter the crop amounts in the crop fields, then adjust the source’s position and size if the remaining image needs to sit differently on the canvas. The Sources Guide describes Edit Transform as a way to set source dimensions and crop precisely. On Windows, Ctrl-E opens Edit Transform; the corresponding macOS shortcut is Cmd-E.
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Keep the canvas and stream resolution straight
- Base (Canvas) Resolution is the workspace size where you arrange sources.
- Output (Scaled) Resolution is the resolution OBS sends to the stream or recording, using the selected downscale filter.
- Source crop hides part of a selected source in the scene. It does not change the canvas dimensions or, by itself, the configured output resolution.
OBS notes that changing Output (Scaled) Resolution does not require sources to be realigned or resized, while changing Base (Canvas) Resolution can require that adjustment. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide for the distinction.
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Choose the crop method that fits the job
- Alt/Option-drag: Best for a quick visual crop when you can judge the framing in the preview.
- Edit Transform: Best when you need numeric crop values or want to review the settings precisely.
- Crop/Pad effect filter: An optional filter-based way to crop a source. It is not required for the basic workflow; OBS lists it among its effect filters in the Overview Guide.
- Scaling/Aspect Ratio filter: An optional source-level filter for resolution or aspect-ratio handling, not a replacement for setting the stream’s output resolution. See OBS’s Scaling/Aspect Ratio Filter guide.
Troubleshoot framing without changing output resolution
- Unexpected empty space or poor framing: Select the source and inspect its crop, position, and size in Edit Transform. Adjust the source’s placement on the canvas.
- The entire stream output changed size: Check Settings > Video > Output (Scaled) Resolution. That setting controls stream and recording dimensions; it is not the control for cropping one clip.
- You need a newly cropped video file: OBS scene cropping changes how a source is composed in the scene. It does not promise to export a standalone video file with new frame dimensions. Cropping within a fixed OBS canvas and exporting a newly framed file are different tasks.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream after preparing them, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the Monthly plan is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and plays uploaded videos rather than going live from a camera. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free day.
Quick Recap
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Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P60FPS HDMI Capture Card for Streaming, Gaming, Video Recording Compatible with Switch, Xbox, PS4/5, OBS,iPad Mac OS Windows,Camera, Zoom(Silver)
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Capture Card, 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Game Capture Card, 1080P 60FPS Video Capture Device, HDMI to USB 3.0 Capture Card for Streaming, Work with Camera/Xbox/PS4/PS5/PC/OBS
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS | Capture Card for Streaming, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)
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- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
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