# Open Source Alternative to Camtasia

Open source alternatives · Video

Camtasia charges US$179.88 a year for screen recording. OBS Studio records your screen free, in higher quality.

**What the paid app costs:** US$179.88/yr

## Why switch?

Tutorials, demos, and course videos need screen capture plus simple editing. OBS records in crisp quality with zero watermarks; Kdenlive handles the cuts and callouts. The pair replaces Camtasia's entire workflow.

## Compare the alternatives

AlternativeLicensePlatformsBest for[OBS Studio](https://obsproject.com/)GPL-3.0Windows, macOS, LinuxThe standard for screen recording[Kdenlive](https://kdenlive.org/)GPL-3.0Windows, macOS, LinuxPair with OBS for the full Camtasia workflow

### [OBS Studio](https://obsproject.com/)

Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux

- Screen + webcam recording
- Live streaming built in
- Studio-grade scene switching

**The standard for screen recording**

[Official site →](https://obsproject.com/)

### [Kdenlive](https://kdenlive.org/)

Free forever GPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux

- Edit the recorded footage
- Titles and callouts
- Free, no watermark

**Pair with OBS for the full Camtasia workflow**

[Official site →](https://kdenlive.org/)

## Which one should you pick?

- **OBS Studio:** The standard for screen recording
- **Kdenlive:** Pair with OBS for the full Camtasia workflow

## Frequently asked questions

### Is OBS hard to set up?

The auto-configuration wizard sets it up in two minutes. Recording your screen is one button after that.

### Can OBS record my webcam too?

Yes, picture-in-picture webcam overlays are OBS's bread and butter.

### Does OBS add a watermark?

No, never. Output is clean MP4 or MKV.

## More open source alternatives

- [Premiere Pro](/open-source-alternative-to-premiere-pro/)
- [Final Cut Pro](/open-source-alternative-to-final-cut-pro/)
- [Loom](/open-source-alternative-to-loom/)

[← All open source alternatives](/open-source-alternatives/)