Virtual Reality (VR) has become an exciting new frontier for content creation, offering immersive experiences that are perfect for streaming, tutorials, and creative videos. If you're a VR content creator looking to share your gameplay, tutorials, or experiences, screen recording in VR is a must-have skill. Whether you're using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or Nvidia's built-in tools, this guide will walk you through the best methods to capture high-quality VR footage.

Why Screen Recording in VR Matters

Recording VR gameplay is essential for content creators who want to share their immersive experiences with their audience. Whether you're showing off VR gaming, creating educational content, or even offering virtual tours, high-quality screen recordings will help engage viewers. Proper recording tools and techniques ensure that your footage is smooth, clear, and professional, which is vital for standing out in the crowded world of VR content.

How to Screen Record in VR Using OBS

OBS is one of the most popular free and open-source screen recording and streaming tools used by content creators worldwide. It’s versatile and supports VR recording when set up correctly.

Step 1: Install OBS

If you don’t have OBS installed, download and install the software from the official OBS website.

Step 2: Set Up Your VR Headset

Before you start recording, make sure your VR headset is properly set up and configured. For most VR systems (such as Oculus, HTC Vive, or Valve Index), this will involve ensuring the hardware is connected and calibrated.

Step 3: Set Up OBS for VR Recording

1. Launch OBS: Open OBS on your computer.
2. Create a New Scene: In the "Scenes" panel at the bottom left, click the "+" button to create a new scene for your VR recording.
   
3. Add Display Capture: Click the "+" button in the "Sources" panel and select "Display Capture" or "Game Capture". This will capture everything that happens on your computer screen, including VR content.
4. Choose the Display: If you're using a dual-monitor setup, ensure you select the correct monitor that displays your VR view.
5. Adjust Capture Area: Resize and adjust the capture area to make sure you're only recording the VR display or window, leaving out other unnecessary elements.
6. Configure Settings: Under the "Settings" menu, choose your desired recording quality (e.g., resolution, frame rate). For high-quality VR, set your output resolution to 3840x2160 and a frame rate of 60fps for smooth footage.
7. Start Recording: When you're ready, hit "Start Recording" in OBS. You can also use hotkeys to start and stop recording if you prefer to control the process from within VR.

Alternate way using OpenVR Capture

1. Launch OBS: Open OBS Studio on your computer.
2. Create a New Scene: In the "Scenes" panel (bottom-left), click the "+" button to add a new scene for VR recording.
3. Add OpenVR Capture: In the "Sources" panel, click the "+" button and select "OpenVR". This will capture VR content directly from your headset view.
4. Verify Monitor Selection: If you're using multiple monitors, ensure the correct monitor showing your VR content is selected.
5. Adjust the Capture Area: Resize or crop the capture window as needed to focus solely on the VR view, excluding any unnecessary on-screen elements.
6. Configure Recording Settings:

   • Go to the Settings menu in OBS.
   • Under Video, set the resolution (e.g., 1920x1080) and frame rate (e.g., 60fps) for high-quality recording.
   • Adjust output settings under the Output tab if needed (e.g., file format and encoder).
7. Test the Setup: Do a short test recording to ensure everything is working as expected.
8. Start Recording: When ready, click "Start Recording" in OBS. For convenience, you can set up hotkeys in the Settings > Hotkeys menu to control recording without leaving VR.

Step 4: Post-Recording Edits

How to Screen Record in VR Using Nvidia GeForce Experience

If you're using an Nvidia graphics card, Nvidia’s GeForce Experience software provides an easy way to record VR gameplay with minimal setup.

Step 1: Install GeForce Experience

First, ensure that you have Nvidia GeForce Experience installed. If not, you can download it from Nvidia’s website.

Step 2: Enable "In-Game Overlay"

• Open GeForce Experience: Launch the software and log in to your Nvidia account.
• Enable the Overlay: Go to the settings (gear icon in the top right corner) and enable the “In-Game Overlay.” This feature allows you to capture VR gameplay without leaving the game or VR environment.

Step 3: Set Up VR Recording

• Start Your VR Application: Launch your VR game or application.
• Open Overlay: Press "Alt + Z" on your keyboard to open the Nvidia Overlay. If you’re in VR, you may need to configure a controller shortcut to access this menu.
• Video Quality: Navigate to the "Share" section, and then adjust the "Video quality" slider to a higher setting, typically aiming for "High" or "Custom" with a high bitrate to achieve the best visual quality for your recordings; remember to monitor your system performance as higher settings may impact frame rate.
• Start Recording: From the overlay menu, click the "Record" button to start capturing your VR gameplay. You can also use the hotkey “Alt + F9” to start and stop recording without interrupting your session.

Step 4: Review and Edit Your Recording

Tips for High-Quality VR Screen Recording

• Adjust VR Settings: To ensure smooth recordings, make sure your VR system is running at a high refresh rate. A consistent frame rate of at least 90Hz will result in smoother video.
• Use a Powerful PC: VR recording is resource-intensive. Ensure your computer meets the recommended system requirements for both VR and screen recording software. A powerful GPU, such as the Nvidia RTX series, will provide better performance.
• Optimize Video Quality: For high-quality content, consider recording in 1080p or 1440p resolution. You can go higher, but be mindful of file sizes and your PC's processing power.
• Consider Multiple Cameras: Some VR platforms (like Oculus Quest 2) support the use of external cameras for added video angles or facial capture. This can help personalize your VR content and create more engaging videos.

Conclusion

Screen recording in VR can seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and setup, it’s relatively simple to get started. OBS is a great option for those who want total control over their recording and streaming, while Nvidia’s GeForce Experience offers a quick and easy way to capture VR gameplay without complicated configuration. Whichever method you choose, the key to great VR content lies in preparation, quality settings, and smooth recording practices.

By mastering VR recording techniques, you’ll be able to create immersive, high-quality content that stands out to your audience. Happy recording, and don’t forget to share your creations with the world!

Tips for specific games

MSFS shows the desktop mirror with two eyes. This isn't ideal but we recommend recording half of it using OBS, and then in a video editor expand the recording to full screen. You lose some detail but the quality should still be high enough.

Or, you can choose to still show two frames side by side. Screengrab from Voodoo:

In DCS, you can enable Full Screen for the VR mirror in the options. This makes it easier to screen record VR:

Screengrab from Laubox is on the top of this article.

Lastly, one tip. Don't forget to look around! You're in VR!