How to Remux an OBS Recording to MP4

You finished recording in OBS, but your editor doesn’t like the MKV file. Before you reach for a random video converter, check the tool that’s already sitting in OBS.

Quick answer: In OBS Studio, open File → Remux Recordings, select the recording, check the proposed target filename and location, then click Remux. Open the resulting file in your player and editor before doing anything to the original.

We opened the remux dialog in OBS Studio 33.0.1 on macOS and captured it below. We did not complete a remux or test playback for this guide. The steps are supported by the OBS recording guide; labels may differ by version or platform.

Why remux a recording?

MKV and MP4 are containers: they hold video and audio streams. Some editors handle MP4 more readily, so remuxing can provide a more convenient file for your workflow. It isn’t a guarantee that every app will support the video and audio inside. OBS explains the differences in its formats guide.

OBS also offers hybrid and fragmented MP4/MOV recording formats with their own compatibility and recovery trade-offs. You don’t need to change recording settings to use the remux tool on an existing file. See OBS’s hybrid formats explanation before choosing a format for future recordings.

Remux an existing recording

1. Open OBS Studio. Choose File → Remux Recordings.
2. Select an empty cell under OBS Recording and use the ellipsis button to browse for your recording. The dialog also says files can be dropped into the window.
3. Check the Target File path and extension. Make sure the output location has room and you are not overwriting another file. If the suggested file type isn’t what you need, stop and check the recording’s format and OBS documentation.
4. Click Remux. OBS says it displays a message when the process finishes.
5. Find the output and play it. Check the beginning, middle and end, plus every audio track you need. Then import it into the editor or upload workflow you intend to use. Keep the original until you have verified the copy.

If the output doesn’t work

The Remux button is unavailable: Make sure you selected a source file. In our empty dialog the button was disabled.

The file fails or the target app rejects it: Check the output path and available space, then compare the recording’s video and audio formats with the OBS compatibility table and the target app’s requirements. A different container alone does not guarantee codec compatibility. Keep the source while troubleshooting.

Audio is missing: Check the player or editor’s track selection and test each track you need. A successful remux message alone doesn’t tell you how your particular editor will interpret the file.

OBS documents an automatic remux option under Advanced recording settings if you regularly need it. Check your current version’s options and test with a disposable recording before relying on an automated workflow.

How we checked: We opened and captured the actual OBS dialog, checked the current OBS documentation and verified the empty-state control labels. We did not create or verify an MP4. The featured image is the same genuine OBS interface capture, padded to 16:9; interface credit: OBS Project.