Elgato Studio lets you set a maximum framerate from the recording settings panel. The options are 30 fps, 60 fps, 120 fps, and 144 fps. This setting works as an upper limit, not a fixed output. The actual framerate of your recording depends on what your source sends and what your capture device supports.
What max framerate controls
Max framerate tells Elgato Studio the highest number of frames per second you want for your recording. If your source outputs at or above that framerate and your capture device supports it, your recording will match the max framerate you selected.
If either your source or your capture device outputs at a lower framerate than what you set, Elgato Studio records at the lower value automatically. You do not need to adjust the setting every time you change sources. Set it to the highest framerate you want, and the software handles the rest.
Higher framerates capture smoother motion but produce larger files. Doubling the framerate roughly doubles the file size at the same resolution and quality level.
30 fps
30 fps produces the smallest recordings. Motion appears less fluid than at higher framerates, but it is still a standard framerate used across many types of content.
This option works well when smooth motion is not a priority, such as recording tutorials, presentations, or footage from sources that output at 30 fps. It also helps keep file sizes low during longer sessions.
60 fps
60 fps is the most common recording framerate. It captures smooth, natural motion that works well for gameplay, live action, and most video content.
Most streaming and upload platforms support 60 fps playback, and nearly all editing software handles it without issues. It offers a practical balance between smooth motion and manageable file sizes.
If you are not sure which framerate to use, 60 fps is a reliable choice for most workflows.
120 fps
120 fps captures very smooth, detailed motion. Fast movement and quick transitions appear noticeably cleaner compared to 60 fps.
This option is useful for fast-paced gameplay or footage you plan to slow down in post-production. Slow-motion edits look smoother when the source footage has more frames to work with.
Recordings at 120 fps are roughly twice the size of 60 fps recordings at the same resolution and quality. Your source also needs to output at 120 fps or higher, and your capture device needs to support it at the selected resolution.
144 fps
144 fps is the highest framerate available in Elgato Studio. It captures the most frames per second, matching sources that output at 144 Hz.
The benefits and trade-offs are similar to 120 fps, with slightly more frames captured per second. This option is most relevant when your source runs at 144 fps, such as a PC connected to a 144 Hz display.
144 fps is only available with capture devices and sources that support it. If your device does not support 144 fps at the selected resolution, the option will not appear in the dropdown.
How framerate affects file size
Framerate has a direct impact on file size. At the same resolution and quality, doubling the framerate roughly doubles the size of your recording.
For example, a 10-minute 1080p recording at High quality with H.264:
- At 30 fps: approximately 1.3 GB
- At 60 fps: approximately 2.6 GB
- At 120 fps: approximately 5.2 GB
Your actual file sizes will vary depending on your resolution, quality, and format settings. Elgato Studio displays an estimated file size per minute in the recording settings panel, so you can see the storage impact before you start recording.
What determines your actual recording framerate
Three factors determine the framerate of your recording:
- The max framerate you selected in Elgato Studio
- The framerate your source is outputting
- The maximum capture framerate your capture device supports at the selected resolution
For example, if you set max framerate to 120 fps but your source is outputting 60 fps, your recording will be 60 fps.
Not all capture devices support all framerates at every resolution. A device might support 144 fps at 1080p but only 60 fps at 4K. The dropdown in Elgato Studio filters the available options based on your connected device and current resolution, so you will only see framerates your setup supports.
Open Elgato Studio, set the framerate that fits your workflow, and start recording.