01STEP
GET THE LOG
After the problem happens, stop the stream or recording. In OBS choose Help → Log Files → View Current Log and copy everything.
OBS DROPPING FRAMES, LAGGING OR STUTTERING?
Free OBS tools for
dropped frames and lag.
Paste your OBS log to spot dropped frames, encoding lag and rendering lag. Get the numbers and one change to test first. Free, no account, and your log is not uploaded.
01 Runs in your browser02 Your log is not uploaded03 No account
Already changed a setting? Compare the log from before with the log from your retest to see whether the numbers went down.
EXAMPLE LOG RESULT4.7%Dropped frames
Your connection dropped 4.7% of frames.
- What the log says
- Frames did not reach the streaming server in time.
- One change to test
- Lower video bitrate by about 20%.
- Then
- Run the same test and compare the new log with this one.
Start with the log from a stopped stream or recording. A log can't tell how it looked or sounded, so watch a recording too.
START FROM WHAT YOU SEE
What's going wrong?
Pick the problem you're seeing. Each page lists what to check first and how to put your settings back if the change doesn't help.
FIX GUIDE
Mic meter moves, but no voice in the stream
Check whether your mic is on the audio track OBS sends out.
See what to check →FIX GUIDE“Encoding overloaded” warning
Tell an overloaded encoder apart from a GPU or connection problem.
See what to check →FIX GUIDEStream stutters, but no dropped frames
Check rendering lag, encoding lag and how the stream plays back on the platform.
See what to check →FIX GUIDEBlack screen in the recording or stream
Test the capture method, the scene and the GPU setting one at a time.
See what to check →FIX GUIDEBlurry whenever anything moves
Find out whether bitrate, the encoder or the platform's re-encode is the limit.
See what to check →FIX GUIDESpeed test is fine, OBS still drops frames
Test the connection to the streaming server, not just a nearby speed-test server.
See what to check →FREE TOOLIs my upload fast enough?
Speed Test measures upload, ping and jitter, and shows how much bitrate that leaves you.
Open the tool →FREE TOOLWhat should I upgrade first?
Gear Finder helps you keep what works and spend where viewers will notice.
Open the tool →NOT SURE WHICH ONE? Start with the OBS log from the session where it happened.
See every OBS fix guide →FOUR STEPS
How to check whether a change helped.
02STEP
PASTE AND ANALYZE
Paste it into the OBS Log Analyzer. You'll see the dropped-frame, encoding-lag and rendering-lag percentages and one change to test first. Free.
03STEP
TRY ONE CHANGE
Write down the old value so you can put it back. Change that one setting and nothing else.
04STEP
REPEAT THE TEST
Run the same scene for about 10 minutes, then put both logs into OBS Log Compare to see whether each percentage went down. Free. Watch the recording too.
FREE TOOLS · OPTIONAL $9.99 REPAIR REPORTChanged a setting?
Changed a setting?
See if the numbers moved.
OBS Log Compare is free. Paste the log from before your change and the log from your retest. It shows whether dropped frames, encoding lag and rendering lag went down, stayed the same or went up. Both logs stay in your browser. Lower numbers don't prove your change was the reason, so keep the scene, game and test length the same.
Compare my two logs →See what is free and what the $9.99 Repair Report includes →
AUTOMATED REPAIR REPORT
$9.99
USD, paid once. No subscription.
- Your before and after percentages
- The next single change to test, if a number is still high
- How to restore your old settings
- A retest checklist
A text file made from your two logs by fixed rules. Nobody reviews your logs, and it can't promise a fix. The comparison on screen stays free.
Try the free comparison first →Interested in Output Check? Join the private alpha list.
MORE FREE TOOLSSet your bitrate.
Set your bitrate.
Check your audio and gear.
Plan OBS settings or a streaming setup with the tools below. Each one explains what to check yourself. No account needed.
FREE TOOL
Bitrate Calculator
Choose a starting OBS video bitrate from your upload speed, streaming platform and target resolution.
Open the tool →FREE TOOLOBS Audio Routing
Plan separate mic, game and voice-chat tracks for your stream, recording and Twitch VOD. Apply the plan in OBS.
Open the tool →FREE TOOLMicrophone Comparison
Compare USB and XLR connections and complete setup costs using the prices you enter.
Open the tool →FREE TOOLCapture Card Check
Check selected capture and passthrough modes against your USB connection and computer requirements.
Open the tool →ALL FREE. Pick the one that matches what you're working on.
See every free tool →COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you start.
01Is this for me?+
Yes, if you stream or record with OBS Studio on your own PC and you are seeing dropped frames, stutter, lag or an “Encoding overloaded” warning. You need the OBS log from a session where the problem happened.
02What is free and what costs money?+
The OBS Log Analyzer, OBS Log Compare, Speed Test, Bitrate Calculator, Gear Finder, Pre-Stream Checklist and Show Planner are free and need no account. The Repair Report costs $9.99 USD, paid once. There is no subscription.
03What do I get for $9.99?+
A text file made from your before and after logs. It has both sets of percentages, the next single change to test if a number is still high enough to suggest one, how to restore your old settings, and a retest checklist. It is written automatically by fixed rules. Nobody reviews your logs, and it can't promise a fix.
04Is my OBS log uploaded?+
No. The OBS Log Analyzer and OBS Log Compare read the log in your browser. The log text is not sent to StreamerToolkits and is not included in analytics. Don't paste stream keys or passwords.
05What can't a log tell me?+
A log records dropped frames, encoding lag and rendering lag. It can't hear your audio, see your video or know what viewers saw. Watch and listen to a short recording as well, and change one setting at a time.
06Can I download Output Check?+
Not yet. Output Check is a Windows app in private alpha. You can join the alpha list, but there is no public download and joining doesn't guarantee an invitation.
07Can I get a refund on the Repair Report?+
Digital purchases are final. We may issue a refund at our discretion. This does not limit rights the law gives you. See the Repair Report terms for details, including earlier purchases.