How to Crop in OBS (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026)

How to Crop in OBS is an essential technique for streamers, remote workers, instructors, and other content creators seeking clean and professional-looking video productions. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to crop in OBS. using several built-in methods.

Part 1. What Does Crop in OBS Mean？

In OBS, "crop" means trimming away unwanted edges or sections from a source (like your webcam, screen capture, or game) to focus on a specific part, making it smaller or isolating elements.

Part 2. How to Crop in OBS

OBS Studio offers three primary methods for cropping video sources. Each method serves a distinct purpose, tailored to the need for speed, precision, or long-term consistency. Knowing each technique ensures effective cropping for webcams, screen captures, and window sources.

Method 1: Quickly Crop Video in OBS Using Keyboard Shortcut

This is the fastest way to crop video, ideal for live streaming or quick recordings.

Step 1: Open OBS Studio and select the correct scene.

Step 2: In the Sources panel, select the desired video source (webcam, display capture, etc.).

Step 3: Ensure the source has a red box outline in the preview window.

Step 4: Hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (macOS).

Step 5: Click and drag the edges or corners of the red box inward to crop unwanted parts.

Step 6: Adjust until the size is as desired.

Step 7: Release the key to apply the crop.

This method is good for instant changes but may lack precision or consistency.

Method 2: Crop Video Precisely with “Edit Transform”

Best for precise measurements and professional layouts.

Step 1: Right-click the video source in the sources panel.

Step 2: Select Transform → Edit Transform.

Step 3: Locate the Crop section.

Step 4: Enter pixel values for Top, Bottom, Left, or Right.

Step 5: The crop updates in real time in the preview.

Step 6: Adjust values until the frame is balanced.

Step 7: Close the Transform window to save settings automatically.

Method 3: Apply Crop Video Filters for Advanced and Persistent Editing

Best for complex workflows where cropping needs to remain consistent across scene changes.

Step 1: Right-click the video source.

Step 2: Select Filters.

Step 3: Click the + button under Effect Filters.

Step 4: Select Crop/Pad from the filter list.

Step 5: Enter crop values for each side as required.

Step 6: Adjust padding if necessary.

Step 7: Close the filter window when finished.

Common Use Cases for Cropping in OBS

Part 3. Bonus Tip: Reduce Cropping in OBS with OBSBOT Tiny 3

Manual cropping in OBS can be tedious, especially with frequent movement. AI-enhanced webcams like the OBSBOT Tiny 3 4k PTZ Webcam can greatly reduce the need for manual cropping by handling the framing automatically.

As the smallest PTZ webcam, the Tiny 3 fits perfectly into any workspace, ensuring your setup remains clean while delivering professional-grade results.

Key Features That Help Reduce Manual Video Cropping

• Smart Tracking & Perfect Framing: Powered by AI Tracking 2.0, the Tiny 3 combines Human Tracking and Voice Tracking via the Voice Locater to keep you centered, even if you move around your room.
• Elite 4K with 1/1.28'' CMOS: The massive sensor provides stunning 4K 30fps clarity, offering high-resolution headroom for digital cropping in OBS without quality loss.
• Immersive Stereo Mic System: Captures crystal-clear audio, complementing the visual tracking for a more professional and engaging stream.
• Advanced AI Modes: Includes Desk Mode and Whiteboard Mode, which automatically adjust the frame to focus on what matters, significantly reducing the frequency of manual adjustments in OBS.
• Extensive Compatibility: Works seamlessly with streaming platforms and controllers like Stream Deck, ensuring a smooth integration into your existing production workflow.

When used with OBS, these features allow the webcam to handle framing internally, reducing manual cropping in OBS and post-production adjustments.

Part 4. FAQs about How to Crop in OBS

Q1: Can I Crop a Webcam in OBS without Losing Quality?

Yes, OBS will not decrease video quality if you do not resize or stretch the cropped image beyond its original size. High-resolution sources like the Tiny 3 provide more pixel density for sharper results.

Q2: Does OBS Have a Clipping Feature?

OBS does not label it as “ clipping,” but cropping and masking achieve a similar visual result.

Q3: How Do I Crop in OBS for Streaming?

Use the Alt-drag shortcut, Edit Transform, or Crop/Pad filters depending on the level of framing accuracy needed.

Q4: Does OBSBOT Help with Cropping?

Yes, OBSBOT Tiny 3 4k PTZ Webcam features AI auto-framing and voice tracking to keep the subject centered, minimizing the need for constant manual cropping.

Q5: Can I Save My Crop Settings?

Yes, OBS saves crop settings for each source within a scene. This means the crop remains applied as long as you use the same source.

Q6: Can I Crop a Display Capture and a Window Capture Differently in OBS?

Yes, each source can have independent crop settings within the same scene.

Conclusion

How to crop in OBS is simple and can be achieved using keyboard shortcuts, Edit Transform, or Crop/Pad filters. For professional results, using the OBSBOT Tiny 3 4k PTZ Webcam—the smallest PTZ webcam on the market—minimizes manual cropping and creates a more polished, automated video structure.