OBS Studio 31.1 brings multitrack video, Windows on ARM support, PipeWire sync, and more

Live-streaming and screen recording software OBS Studio 31.1 expands its feature set by introducing multitrack video support on both macOS and Linux, alongside options for additional canvases in multitrack output. These additions enable new workflows, particularly for advanced users managing multiple video streams. Network optimizations, TCP pacing, and stream delay have also been added to multitrack video, further boosting its versatility.

On the platform front, Windows on ARM (WoA) now receives its first experimental OBS Studio builds, although these are not yet fully featured. Meanwhile, UI enhancements are available across all systems, with users now able to adjust font size, density, and access preview zoom controls for improved usability.

Following these main updates, this release enhances encoding workflows by introducing AV1 B-frame support for Advanced Media Framework, as well as QVBR rate control via the Video Acceleration API. GPU-powered color format, color space, and range conversion have also been enabled for broader compatibility.

For macOS 15 or newer, users can leverage a spatial adaptive quantization option via VideoToolbox encoders. Linux users benefit from hardware accelerated browser source support, except on NVIDIA GPUs, due to varying feature and driver support. PipeWire users gain explicit sync for screen capture, and V4L2 virtual camera becomes available outside Linux, such as on BSD. Lastly, the release incorporates multiple other changes, performance enhancements and bug fixes.