feat: record at the source's size, only once capture works

Encoders and the segment output are created when the capture source first
has a picture, at its own size (portrait monitors record portrait) unless a
resolution is configured, so nothing is written while waiting for a source.
SPEC.md records both decisions; validation docs cover how sessions should end
when the game closes.

SPEC.md

@@ -35,8 +35,9 @@ Build an open-source desktop game recorder inspired by Plays.tv, using Rust, GPU
 
 ## Recording defaults and audio
 
-- Default video: 1080p at 60 FPS.
+- Default video: the captured window's or monitor's own size (following its orientation) at 60 FPS. Decided 2026-10-08, replacing the original 1080p default.
-- Resolution and frame rate are configurable, including the user's intended 1440p60 configuration.
+- A fixed resolution and the frame rate are configurable, including the user's intended 1440p60 configuration.
+- Recording writes footage only once capture provides a picture. Time spent waiting for a source (such as the screen-share picker) produces no footage. Decided 2026-10-08.
 - Hardware video codec choices: H.264, HEVC, and AV1. H.264 is the default.
 - Offer a codec as usable only when the runtime/device supports its hardware encoder. Failure to obtain a working encoder follows the honest-status and failure-alert rules.
 - Keep system audio enabled by default.

crates/clipbin-core/src/settings.rs

@@ -21,8 +21,9 @@ impl fmt::Display for VideoCodec {
 /// In-memory defaults from SPEC.md. Persistence and editing come with the recorder.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct Settings {
-    pub width: u32,
+    /// A fixed recording size. `None` records at the captured window's or
-    pub height: u32,
+    /// monitor's own size, following its orientation.
+    pub resolution: Option<(u32, u32)>,
     pub frames_per_second: u32,
     pub codec: VideoCodec,
     pub system_audio_enabled: bool,
@@ -38,8 +39,7 @@ pub struct Settings {
 impl Default for Settings {
     fn default() -> Self {
         Self {
-            width: 1920,
+            resolution: None,
-            height: 1080,
             frames_per_second: 60,
             codec: VideoCodec::H264,
             system_audio_enabled: true,

crates/clipbin-desktop/src/view.rs

@@ -78,8 +78,13 @@ impl Render for ClipbinView {
                     .text_sm()
                     .text_color(rgb(0xa9b2c2))
                     .child(format!(
-                        "Recording defaults: {} × {} · {} FPS · Hardware {}",
+                        "Recording defaults: {} · {} FPS · Hardware {}",
-                        settings.width, settings.height, settings.frames_per_second, settings.codec,
+                        match settings.resolution {
+                            Some((width, height)) => format!("{width} × {height}"),
+                            None => "Captured window size".into(),
+                        },
+                        settings.frames_per_second,
+                        settings.codec,
                     ))
                     .child(format!(
                         "Session budget: {} GB of unprotected footage · Clip: {} seconds",

crates/clipbin-obs/src/ffi.rs

@@ -224,28 +224,9 @@ pub(crate) fn startup(spec: &StartupSpec) -> Result<Session, String> {
             return Err("libobs could not set up audio".into());
         }
 
-        let graphics_module = cstring(if cfg!(windows) {
+        if let Err(error) = reset_video((spec.width, spec.height), spec.frames_per_second) {
-            "libobs-d3d11"
-        } else {
-            "libobs-opengl"
-        });
-        let mut video: sys::obs_video_info = std::mem::zeroed();
-        video.graphics_module = graphics_module.as_ptr();
-        video.fps_num = spec.frames_per_second;
-        video.fps_den = 1;
-        video.base_width = spec.width;
-        video.base_height = spec.height;
-        video.output_width = spec.width;
-        video.output_height = spec.height;
-        video.output_format = sys::video_format_VIDEO_FORMAT_NV12;
-        video.gpu_conversion = true;
-        video.colorspace = sys::video_colorspace_VIDEO_CS_709;
-        video.range = sys::video_range_type_VIDEO_RANGE_DEFAULT;
-        video.scale_type = sys::obs_scale_type_OBS_SCALE_BICUBIC;
-        let code = sys::obs_reset_video(&mut video);
-        if code != sys::OBS_VIDEO_SUCCESS as i32 {
             sys::obs_shutdown();
-            return Err(format!("libobs could not start video (code {code})"));
+            return Err(error);
         }
 
         // Open exactly the bundled plugins. obs_load_all_modules would also
@@ -280,6 +261,39 @@ pub(crate) fn startup(spec: &StartupSpec) -> Result<Session, String> {
     }
 }
 
+/// Sets the canvas and output size. Fails while an output is active.
+fn reset_video((width, height): (u32, u32), frames_per_second: u32) -> Result<(), String> {
+    let graphics_module = cstring(if cfg!(windows) {
+        "libobs-d3d11"
+    } else {
+        "libobs-opengl"
+    });
+    // SAFETY: runs on the OBS thread; obs_video_info is plain data.
+    unsafe {
+        let mut video: sys::obs_video_info = std::mem::zeroed();
+        video.graphics_module = graphics_module.as_ptr();
+        video.fps_num = frames_per_second;
+        video.fps_den = 1;
+        video.base_width = width;
+        video.base_height = height;
+        video.output_width = width;
+        video.output_height = height;
+        video.output_format = sys::video_format_VIDEO_FORMAT_NV12;
+        video.gpu_conversion = true;
+        video.colorspace = sys::video_colorspace_VIDEO_CS_709;
+        video.range = sys::video_range_type_VIDEO_RANGE_DEFAULT;
+        video.scale_type = sys::obs_scale_type_OBS_SCALE_BICUBIC;
+        let code = sys::obs_reset_video(&mut video);
+        if code == sys::OBS_VIDEO_SUCCESS as i32 {
+            Ok(())
+        } else {
+            Err(format!(
+                "libobs could not set up {width}x{height} video (code {code})"
+            ))
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 pub(crate) fn shutdown(session: Session) {
     // SAFETY: runs on the OBS thread after every OBS object was released.
     // Released sources are destroyed on a libobs task thread, and destroying
@@ -445,17 +459,24 @@ pub(crate) fn registered_video_encoders() -> Vec<(String, String)> {
     encoders
 }
 
-pub(crate) struct PipelineSpec {
+pub(crate) struct CaptureSpec {
-    pub canvas: (u32, u32),
     pub video_source: Option<SourceSpec>,
     pub system_audio: Option<SourceSpec>,
     pub microphone: Option<SourceSpec>,
+}
+
+pub(crate) struct OutputSpec {
+    pub frames_per_second: u32,
+    /// The recording size; `None` follows the captured source.
+    pub resolution: Option<(u32, u32)>,
     pub video_encoder: String,
     pub video_encoder_settings: Vec<(&'static str, SettingValue)>,
     pub audio_bitrate_kbps: i64,
     pub segment_dir: String,
     pub segment_extension: &'static str,
     pub segment_seconds: i64,
+    pub events: Sender<RecorderEvent>,
+    pub current_segment: Arc<Mutex<Option<String>>>,
 }
 
 /// OBS output channels, following the OBS front end's convention.
@@ -468,6 +489,25 @@ pub(crate) const SYSTEM_TRACK: usize = 0;
 pub(crate) const MICROPHONE_TRACK: usize = 1;
 pub(crate) const COMBINED_TRACK: usize = 2;
 
+/// With the microphone on, system and microphone audio get their own tracks
+/// for editing plus a combined track for playback. With only system audio,
+/// its single track is already the combined mix. The FFmpeg muxer needs at
+/// least one audio track, so recording without audio writes a silent one.
+fn audio_tracks(microphone: bool) -> &'static [usize] {
+    if microphone {
+        &[SYSTEM_TRACK, MICROPHONE_TRACK, COMBINED_TRACK]
+    } else {
+        &[SYSTEM_TRACK]
+    }
+}
+
+/// The recording size for a captured picture: the configured resolution, or
+/// the source's own size. NV12 encoding needs even dimensions.
+pub(crate) fn canvas_size(resolution: Option<(u32, u32)>, source: (u32, u32)) -> (u32, u32) {
+    let (width, height) = resolution.unwrap_or(source);
+    ((width & !1).max(2), (height & !1).max(2))
+}
+
 pub(crate) fn segment_stem(index: u64) -> String {
     format!("segment-{index:06}")
 }
@@ -505,7 +545,7 @@ const SIGNALS: [(
 ];
 
 unsafe extern "C" fn on_start(data: *mut c_void, _: *mut sys::calldata_t) {
-    // SAFETY: data is the SignalContext registered in Pipeline::build, which
+    // SAFETY: data is the SignalContext registered in Output::build, which
     // outlives the connection.
     let context = unsafe { &*(data as *const SignalContext) };
     context.send(RecorderEvent::OutputStarted);
@@ -557,16 +597,19 @@ pub(crate) fn segment_index(path: &str) -> Option<u64> {
     stem.strip_prefix("segment-")?.parse().ok()
 }
 
-/// The live OBS objects for one recording.
+/// The live OBS objects for one recording. Capture starts at once; encoders
+/// and the segment output are created only when the source has a picture,
+/// so nothing is written while the user picks a source or capture is down.
 pub(crate) struct Pipeline {
+    name_prefix: String,
     scene: *mut sys::obs_scene_t,
+    scene_item: *mut sys::obs_sceneitem_t,
     /// Each source with the output channel it is bound to, if any.
     sources: Vec<(Option<u32>, *mut sys::obs_source_t)>,
     video_source: *mut sys::obs_source_t,
-    video_encoder: *mut sys::obs_encoder_t,
+    microphone: bool,
-    audio_encoders: Vec<*mut sys::obs_encoder_t>,
+    pending: Mutex<Option<OutputSpec>>,
-    output: *mut sys::obs_output_t,
+    output: Mutex<Option<Output>>,
-    signals: Option<Box<SignalContext>>,
 }
 
 // SAFETY: the pointers are only dereferenced on the OBS thread (see module docs).
@@ -574,16 +617,12 @@ unsafe impl Send for Pipeline {}
 unsafe impl Sync for Pipeline {}
 
 impl Pipeline {
-    pub(crate) fn build(
+    pub(crate) fn build(capture: &CaptureSpec, output: OutputSpec) -> Result<Self, String> {
-        spec: &PipelineSpec,
-        events: Sender<RecorderEvent>,
-        current_segment: Arc<Mutex<Option<String>>>,
-    ) -> Result<Self, String> {
         PIPEWIRE_STATE.store(0, Ordering::Relaxed);
         // OBS releases objects asynchronously, so names must not be reused.
         static RECORDINGS: AtomicU64 = AtomicU64::new(0);
-        let id = RECORDINGS.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
+        let name_prefix = format!("clipbin-{}", RECORDINGS.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed));
-        let name = |what: &str| cstring(&format!("clipbin-{id}-{what}"));
+        let name = |what: &str| cstring(&format!("{name_prefix}-{what}"));
 
         // SAFETY: runs on the OBS thread. Each object is stored in `pipeline`
         // as soon as it exists, so Drop releases it if a later step fails.
@@ -591,41 +630,30 @@ impl Pipeline {
             let mut pipeline = Self {
                 // Private: internal to Clipbin, not registered with the main canvas.
                 scene: sys::obs_scene_create_private(name("scene").as_ptr()),
+                scene_item: ptr::null_mut(),
                 sources: Vec::new(),
                 video_source: ptr::null_mut(),
-                video_encoder: ptr::null_mut(),
+                microphone: capture.microphone.is_some(),
-                audio_encoders: Vec::new(),
+                pending: Mutex::new(None),
-                output: ptr::null_mut(),
+                output: Mutex::new(None),
-                signals: None,
+                name_prefix: name_prefix.clone(),
             };
 
-            if let Some(source) = &spec.video_source {
+            if let Some(source) = &capture.video_source {
                 pipeline.video_source = create_source(source, &name("video"))?;
                 pipeline.sources.push((None, pipeline.video_source));
-                let item = sys::obs_scene_add(pipeline.scene, pipeline.video_source);
+                pipeline.scene_item = sys::obs_scene_add(pipeline.scene, pipeline.video_source);
                 sys::obs_sceneitem_set_bounds_type(
-                    item,
+                    pipeline.scene_item,
                     sys::obs_bounds_type_OBS_BOUNDS_SCALE_INNER,
                 );
-                let mut bounds: sys::vec2 = std::mem::zeroed();
-                bounds.__bindgen_anon_1.__bindgen_anon_1.x = spec.canvas.0 as f32;
-                bounds.__bindgen_anon_1.__bindgen_anon_1.y = spec.canvas.1 as f32;
-                sys::obs_sceneitem_set_bounds(item, &bounds);
             }
             sys::obs_set_output_source(VIDEO_CHANNEL, sys::obs_scene_get_source(pipeline.scene));
 
-            // With the microphone on, system and microphone audio get their
+            let tracks = audio_tracks(pipeline.microphone);
-            // own tracks for editing plus a combined track for playback. With
-            // only system audio, its single track is already the combined mix.
-            // The FFmpeg muxer needs at least one audio track, so recording
-            // without audio sources still writes a silent one.
-            let tracks: &[usize] = match &spec.microphone {
-                Some(_) => &[SYSTEM_TRACK, MICROPHONE_TRACK, COMBINED_TRACK],
-                None => &[SYSTEM_TRACK],
-            };
             for (source_spec, channel, track) in [
-                (&spec.system_audio, SYSTEM_AUDIO_CHANNEL, SYSTEM_TRACK),
+                (&capture.system_audio, SYSTEM_AUDIO_CHANNEL, SYSTEM_TRACK),
-                (&spec.microphone, MICROPHONE_CHANNEL, MICROPHONE_TRACK),
+                (&capture.microphone, MICROPHONE_CHANNEL, MICROPHONE_TRACK),
             ] {
                 if let Some(source_spec) = source_spec {
                     let source = create_source(source_spec, &name(&format!("audio-{channel}")))?;
@@ -639,137 +667,96 @@ impl Pipeline {
                 }
             }
 
-            let encoder_settings = Data::new(&spec.video_encoder_settings);
+            *pipeline.pending.get_mut().expect("not shared yet") = Some(output);
-            pipeline.video_encoder = sys::obs_video_encoder_create(
-                cstring(&spec.video_encoder).as_ptr(),
-                name("video-encoder").as_ptr(),
-                encoder_settings.0,
-                ptr::null_mut(),
-            );
-            if pipeline.video_encoder.is_null() {
-                return Err(format!(
-                    "could not create video encoder {}",
-                    spec.video_encoder
-                ));
-            }
-            sys::obs_encoder_set_video(pipeline.video_encoder, sys::obs_get_video());
-
-            for &track in tracks {
-                let settings =
-                    Data::new(&[("bitrate", SettingValue::Int(spec.audio_bitrate_kbps))]);
-                let encoder = sys::obs_audio_encoder_create(
-                    cstring("ffmpeg_aac").as_ptr(),
-                    name(&format!("audio-encoder-{track}")).as_ptr(),
-                    settings.0,
-                    track,
-                    ptr::null_mut(),
-                );
-                if encoder.is_null() {
-                    return Err("could not create the AAC audio encoder".into());
-                }
-                pipeline.audio_encoders.push(encoder);
-                sys::obs_encoder_set_audio(encoder, sys::obs_get_audio());
-            }
-
-            let first_segment = format!(
-                "{}/{}.{}",
-                spec.segment_dir,
-                segment_stem(0),
-                spec.segment_extension
-            );
-            let output_settings = Data::new(&[
-                ("path", SettingValue::String(first_segment.clone())),
-                ("directory", SettingValue::String(spec.segment_dir.clone())),
-                ("format", SettingValue::String(segment_stem(1))),
-                (
-                    "extension",
-                    SettingValue::String(spec.segment_extension.into()),
-                ),
-                ("split_file", SettingValue::Bool(true)),
-                ("max_time_sec", SettingValue::Int(spec.segment_seconds)),
-                ("max_size_mb", SettingValue::Int(0)),
-                ("allow_overwrite", SettingValue::Bool(false)),
-            ]);
-            pipeline.output = sys::obs_output_create(
-                cstring("ffmpeg_muxer").as_ptr(),
-                name("segments").as_ptr(),
-                output_settings.0,
-                ptr::null_mut(),
-            );
-            if pipeline.output.is_null() {
-                return Err("could not create the FFmpeg muxer output".into());
-            }
-            sys::obs_output_set_video_encoder(pipeline.output, pipeline.video_encoder);
-            for (index, encoder) in pipeline.audio_encoders.iter().enumerate() {
-                sys::obs_output_set_audio_encoder(pipeline.output, *encoder, index);
-            }
-
-            let signals = Box::new(SignalContext {
-                events: Mutex::new(events),
-                output: pipeline.output,
-                first_segment,
-                current_segment,
-            });
-            let handler = sys::obs_output_get_signal_handler(pipeline.output);
-            for (name, callback) in SIGNALS {
-                sys::signal_handler_connect(
-                    handler,
-                    cstring(name).as_ptr(),
-                    Some(callback),
-                    (&*signals as *const SignalContext).cast_mut().cast(),
-                );
-            }
-            pipeline.signals = Some(signals);
-
             Ok(pipeline)
         }
     }
 
-    /// Starts writing segments. A `true` result only means OBS accepted the
+    fn source_size(&self) -> (u32, u32) {
-    /// request; recording is confirmed by `OutputStarted` and written frames.
+        if self.video_source.is_null() {
-    pub(crate) fn start(&self) -> Result<(), String> {
+            return (0, 0);
-        // SAFETY: output is live for the Pipeline's lifetime.
+        }
+        // SAFETY: video_source is live for the Pipeline's lifetime.
         unsafe {
-            if sys::obs_output_start(self.output) {
-                Ok(())
-            } else {
-                Err(owned(sys::obs_output_get_last_error(self.output))
-                    .unwrap_or_else(|| "the output did not start".into()))
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    pub(crate) fn stop(&self) {
-        // SAFETY: output is live; stopping an inactive output is a no-op.
-        unsafe { sys::obs_output_stop(self.output) }
-    }
-
-    /// OBS's view of the recording; `Recording::health` adds what reached disk.
-    pub(crate) fn health(&self) -> Health {
-        // SAFETY: all objects are live for the Pipeline's lifetime.
-        unsafe {
-            let (width, height) = if self.video_source.is_null() {
-                (0, 0)
-            } else {
             (
                 sys::obs_source_get_width(self.video_source),
                 sys::obs_source_get_height(self.video_source),
             )
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Starts the segment output if it is not running yet. `Ok(None)` means it
+    /// was already started; `Ok(Some(size))` reports the recording size chosen.
+    pub(crate) fn start_output(&self) -> Result<Option<(u32, u32)>, String> {
+        let mut output = self.output.lock().map_err(|_| "recording state poisoned")?;
+        let Some(spec) = self
+            .pending
+            .lock()
+            .map_err(|_| "recording state poisoned")?
+            .take()
+        else {
+            return Ok(None);
         };
+        let canvas = canvas_size(spec.resolution, self.source_size());
+        reset_video(canvas, spec.frames_per_second)?;
+        if !self.scene_item.is_null() {
+            // SAFETY: the scene item belongs to the live scene.
+            unsafe {
+                let mut bounds: sys::vec2 = std::mem::zeroed();
+                bounds.__bindgen_anon_1.__bindgen_anon_1.x = canvas.0 as f32;
+                bounds.__bindgen_anon_1.__bindgen_anon_1.y = canvas.1 as f32;
+                sys::obs_sceneitem_set_bounds(self.scene_item, &bounds);
+            }
+        }
+        let started = Output::build(&self.name_prefix, audio_tracks(self.microphone), spec)?;
+        started.start()?;
+        *output = Some(started);
+        Ok(Some(canvas))
+    }
+
+    /// Stops the output. Returns false if it never started.
+    pub(crate) fn stop(&self) -> bool {
+        self.pending.lock().ok().map(|mut pending| pending.take());
+        match self.output.lock().ok().as_deref() {
+            Some(Some(output)) => {
+                // SAFETY: output is live; stopping an inactive output is a no-op.
+                unsafe { sys::obs_output_stop(output.output) };
+                true
+            }
+            _ => false,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// OBS's view of the recording; `Recording::poll` adds what reached disk.
+    pub(crate) fn health(&self) -> Health {
+        let (source_width, source_height) = self.source_size();
+        let output = self.output.lock().ok();
+        let output = output.as_deref().and_then(Option::as_ref);
+        // SAFETY: the output, when present, is live for the Pipeline's lifetime.
+        let counters = output.map(|output| unsafe {
+            (
+                sys::obs_output_active(output.output),
+                sys::obs_output_get_total_frames(output.output).max(0) as u64,
+                sys::obs_output_get_frames_dropped(output.output).max(0) as u64,
+                sys::obs_output_get_total_bytes(output.output),
+            )
+        });
+        let (output_active, total_frames, dropped_frames, total_bytes) =
+            counters.unwrap_or((false, 0, 0, 0));
         Health {
-                source_width: width,
+            source_width,
-                source_height: height,
+            source_height,
             pipewire: load_pipewire_state(),
-                output_active: sys::obs_output_active(self.output),
+            output_active,
-                total_frames: sys::obs_output_get_total_frames(self.output).max(0) as u64,
+            total_frames,
-                dropped_frames: sys::obs_output_get_frames_dropped(self.output).max(0) as u64,
+            dropped_frames,
-                total_bytes: sys::obs_output_get_total_bytes(self.output),
+            total_bytes,
-                lagged_frames: sys::obs_get_lagged_frames() as u64,
+            // SAFETY: a global counter.
+            lagged_frames: unsafe { sys::obs_get_lagged_frames() } as u64,
             written_bytes: 0,
             disk_available_bytes: None,
         }
     }
-    }
 
     /// The portal restore token PipeWire capture saved after the user's
     /// selection, so the next session can restore it without asking again.
@@ -792,9 +779,146 @@ impl Pipeline {
 
 impl Drop for Pipeline {
     fn drop(&mut self) {
+        // The output goes first: it holds the encoders reading the scene.
+        drop(self.output.get_mut().ok().and_then(Option::take));
         // SAFETY: runs on the OBS thread (Recording drops the Pipeline there).
-        // Releases in reverse order of creation, after detaching callbacks;
+        unsafe {
-        // a partially built Pipeline has null or empty fields for later steps.
+            sys::obs_set_output_source(VIDEO_CHANNEL, ptr::null_mut());
+            for (channel, source) in &self.sources {
+                if let Some(channel) = channel {
+                    sys::obs_set_output_source(*channel, ptr::null_mut());
+                }
+                sys::obs_source_release(*source);
+            }
+            sys::obs_scene_release(self.scene);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Encoders and the FFmpeg muxer writing keyframe-aligned segments.
+struct Output {
+    video_encoder: *mut sys::obs_encoder_t,
+    audio_encoders: Vec<*mut sys::obs_encoder_t>,
+    output: *mut sys::obs_output_t,
+    signals: Option<Box<SignalContext>>,
+}
+
+impl Output {
+    fn build(name_prefix: &str, tracks: &[usize], spec: OutputSpec) -> Result<Self, String> {
+        let name = |what: &str| cstring(&format!("{name_prefix}-{what}"));
+        // SAFETY: runs on the OBS thread. Each object is stored in `built` as
+        // soon as it exists, so Drop releases it if a later step fails.
+        unsafe {
+            let mut built = Self {
+                video_encoder: ptr::null_mut(),
+                audio_encoders: Vec::new(),
+                output: ptr::null_mut(),
+                signals: None,
+            };
+            let encoder_settings = Data::new(&spec.video_encoder_settings);
+            built.video_encoder = sys::obs_video_encoder_create(
+                cstring(&spec.video_encoder).as_ptr(),
+                name("video-encoder").as_ptr(),
+                encoder_settings.0,
+                ptr::null_mut(),
+            );
+            if built.video_encoder.is_null() {
+                return Err(format!(
+                    "could not create video encoder {}",
+                    spec.video_encoder
+                ));
+            }
+            sys::obs_encoder_set_video(built.video_encoder, sys::obs_get_video());
+
+            for &track in tracks {
+                let settings =
+                    Data::new(&[("bitrate", SettingValue::Int(spec.audio_bitrate_kbps))]);
+                let encoder = sys::obs_audio_encoder_create(
+                    cstring("ffmpeg_aac").as_ptr(),
+                    name(&format!("audio-encoder-{track}")).as_ptr(),
+                    settings.0,
+                    track,
+                    ptr::null_mut(),
+                );
+                if encoder.is_null() {
+                    return Err("could not create the AAC audio encoder".into());
+                }
+                built.audio_encoders.push(encoder);
+                sys::obs_encoder_set_audio(encoder, sys::obs_get_audio());
+            }
+
+            let first_segment = format!(
+                "{}/{}.{}",
+                spec.segment_dir,
+                segment_stem(0),
+                spec.segment_extension
+            );
+            let output_settings = Data::new(&[
+                ("path", SettingValue::String(first_segment.clone())),
+                ("directory", SettingValue::String(spec.segment_dir.clone())),
+                ("format", SettingValue::String(segment_stem(1))),
+                (
+                    "extension",
+                    SettingValue::String(spec.segment_extension.into()),
+                ),
+                ("split_file", SettingValue::Bool(true)),
+                ("max_time_sec", SettingValue::Int(spec.segment_seconds)),
+                ("max_size_mb", SettingValue::Int(0)),
+                ("allow_overwrite", SettingValue::Bool(false)),
+            ]);
+            built.output = sys::obs_output_create(
+                cstring("ffmpeg_muxer").as_ptr(),
+                name("segments").as_ptr(),
+                output_settings.0,
+                ptr::null_mut(),
+            );
+            if built.output.is_null() {
+                return Err("could not create the FFmpeg muxer output".into());
+            }
+            sys::obs_output_set_video_encoder(built.output, built.video_encoder);
+            for (index, encoder) in built.audio_encoders.iter().enumerate() {
+                sys::obs_output_set_audio_encoder(built.output, *encoder, index);
+            }
+
+            let signals = Box::new(SignalContext {
+                events: Mutex::new(spec.events),
+                output: built.output,
+                first_segment,
+                current_segment: spec.current_segment,
+            });
+            let handler = sys::obs_output_get_signal_handler(built.output);
+            for (name, callback) in SIGNALS {
+                sys::signal_handler_connect(
+                    handler,
+                    cstring(name).as_ptr(),
+                    Some(callback),
+                    (&*signals as *const SignalContext).cast_mut().cast(),
+                );
+            }
+            built.signals = Some(signals);
+            Ok(built)
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// A `true` result only means OBS accepted the request; recording is
+    /// confirmed by `OutputStarted` and footage growing on disk.
+    fn start(&self) -> Result<(), String> {
+        // SAFETY: output is live.
+        unsafe {
+            if sys::obs_output_start(self.output) {
+                Ok(())
+            } else {
+                Err(owned(sys::obs_output_get_last_error(self.output))
+                    .unwrap_or_else(|| "the output did not start".into()))
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl Drop for Output {
+    fn drop(&mut self) {
+        // SAFETY: runs on the OBS thread; detaches callbacks before releasing.
+        // A partially built Output has null or empty fields for later steps.
         unsafe {
             if !self.output.is_null() {
                 sys::obs_output_stop(self.output);
@@ -817,14 +941,6 @@ impl Drop for Pipeline {
             for encoder in &self.audio_encoders {
                 sys::obs_encoder_release(*encoder);
             }
-            sys::obs_set_output_source(VIDEO_CHANNEL, ptr::null_mut());
-            for (channel, source) in &self.sources {
-                if let Some(channel) = channel {
-                    sys::obs_set_output_source(*channel, ptr::null_mut());
-                }
-                sys::obs_source_release(*source);
-            }
-            sys::obs_scene_release(self.scene);
         }
     }
 }
@@ -882,6 +998,13 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state("[portals] Request cancelled"), None);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn the_recording_follows_the_source_unless_configured() {
+        assert_eq!(canvas_size(None, (1440, 2560)), (1440, 2560));
+        assert_eq!(canvas_size(None, (1417, 2511)), (1416, 2510));
+        assert_eq!(canvas_size(Some((1920, 1080)), (1440, 2560)), (1920, 1080));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn segment_names_round_trip() {
         assert_eq!(

crates/clipbin-obs/src/lib.rs

@@ -13,6 +13,6 @@ mod thread;
 
 pub use recorder::{
     Engine, EngineError, Health, PipeWireState, RecorderEvent, Recording, RecordingConfig,
-    SEGMENT_EXTENSION, StatusTracker, StopReason, VideoFormat,
+    SEGMENT_EXTENSION, StatusTracker, StopReason,
 };
 pub use runtime::{RuntimeError, RuntimeLayout};

crates/clipbin-obs/src/recorder.rs

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ use std::{
     path::{Path, PathBuf},
     sync::{
         Arc, Mutex,
-        mpsc::{self, Receiver},
+        mpsc::{self, Receiver, Sender},
     },
     time::{Duration, Instant},
 };
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ use crate::{
     RuntimeLayout,
     capture::{SettingValue, SourceSpec},
     encoders::registered_candidates,
-    ffi::{self, Pipeline, PipelineSpec, Session, StartupSpec},
+    ffi::{self, CaptureSpec, OutputSpec, Pipeline, Session, StartupSpec},
     runtime::PLUGINS,
     thread::ObsThread,
 };
@@ -23,24 +23,18 @@ use crate::{
 /// export remuxes to MP4 without re-encoding.
 pub const SEGMENT_EXTENSION: &str = "mkv";
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
-pub struct VideoFormat {
-    pub width: u32,
-    pub height: u32,
-    pub frames_per_second: u32,
-}
-
 /// The single libobs instance. Dropping it shuts OBS down.
 pub struct Engine {
     obs: Arc<ObsThread>,
     session: Option<Session>,
-    format: VideoFormat,
+    frames_per_second: u32,
     #[cfg(target_os = "linux")]
     _glib: ffi::GlibLoop,
 }
 
 impl Engine {
-    pub fn start(layout: &RuntimeLayout, format: VideoFormat) -> Result<Self, EngineError> {
+    /// Starts libobs. Each recording sets its own size once capture has a picture.
+    pub fn start(layout: &RuntimeLayout, frames_per_second: u32) -> Result<Self, EngineError> {
         let path = |path: PathBuf| path.to_string_lossy().into_owned();
         let spec = StartupSpec {
             libobs_data_dir: path(layout.libobs_data_dir()),
@@ -53,9 +47,10 @@ impl Engine {
                     )
                 })
                 .collect(),
-            width: format.width,
+            // A placeholder canvas until a recording knows its source's size.
-            height: format.height,
+            width: 1920,
-            frames_per_second: format.frames_per_second,
+            height: 1080,
+            frames_per_second,
         };
         #[cfg(target_os = "linux")]
         let glib = ffi::GlibLoop::start();
@@ -66,7 +61,7 @@ impl Engine {
         Ok(Self {
             obs,
             session: Some(session),
-            format,
+            frames_per_second,
             #[cfg(target_os = "linux")]
             _glib: glib,
         })
@@ -104,13 +99,21 @@ impl Engine {
             .collect()
     }
 
+    /// Starts capture. The segment output starts once the source has a
+    /// picture (see `Recording::poll`), so nothing is written before then.
     pub fn start_recording(&self, config: RecordingConfig) -> Result<Recording, EngineError> {
         std::fs::create_dir_all(&config.segment_dir).map_err(EngineError::Io)?;
-        let spec = PipelineSpec {
+        let (sender, events) = mpsc::channel();
-            canvas: (self.format.width, self.format.height),
+        let current_segment = Arc::new(Mutex::new(None));
+        let waits_for_picture = config.video_source.is_some();
+        let capture = CaptureSpec {
             video_source: config.video_source,
             system_audio: config.system_audio,
             microphone: config.microphone,
+        };
+        let output = OutputSpec {
+            frames_per_second: self.frames_per_second,
+            resolution: config.resolution,
             video_encoder: config.video_encoder,
             video_encoder_settings: vec![
                 ("rate_control", SettingValue::String("CBR".into())),
@@ -124,26 +127,23 @@ impl Engine {
             segment_dir: forward_slashes(&config.segment_dir),
             segment_extension: SEGMENT_EXTENSION,
             segment_seconds: config.segment_seconds,
+            events: sender.clone(),
+            current_segment: Arc::clone(&current_segment),
         };
-        let (sender, events) = mpsc::channel();
-        let current_segment = Arc::new(Mutex::new(None));
-        let segment = Arc::clone(&current_segment);
         let pipeline = self
             .obs
-            .run(move || Pipeline::build(&spec, sender, segment).map(Arc::new))
+            .run(move || Pipeline::build(&capture, output).map(Arc::new))
             .map_err(EngineError::Pipeline)?;
-        let recording = Recording {
+        Ok(Recording {
             obs: Arc::clone(&self.obs),
             pipeline: Some(pipeline),
             events,
+            sender,
+            waits_for_picture,
             current_segment,
             written: Mutex::default(),
             segment_dir: config.segment_dir,
-        };
+        })
-        recording
-            .with_pipeline(|pipeline| pipeline.start())
-            .map_err(EngineError::Start)?;
-        Ok(recording)
     }
 }
 
@@ -164,6 +164,8 @@ pub struct RecordingConfig {
     pub video_source: Option<SourceSpec>,
     pub system_audio: Option<SourceSpec>,
     pub microphone: Option<SourceSpec>,
+    /// The recording size; `None` follows the captured window or monitor.
+    pub resolution: Option<(u32, u32)>,
     pub video_encoder: String,
     pub video_bitrate_kbps: i64,
     pub keyframe_interval_seconds: i64,
@@ -178,6 +180,9 @@ pub struct Recording {
     obs: Arc<ObsThread>,
     pipeline: Option<Arc<Pipeline>>,
     events: Receiver<RecorderEvent>,
+    sender: Sender<RecorderEvent>,
+    /// Without a video source (encoder checks) there is no picture to wait for.
+    waits_for_picture: bool,
     current_segment: Arc<Mutex<Option<String>>>,
     written: Mutex<Written>,
     segment_dir: PathBuf,
@@ -207,11 +212,23 @@ impl Recording {
         &self.events
     }
 
-    /// OBS's counters plus what reached disk. OBS counts bytes handed to its
+    /// Samples the recording, starting the segment output the first time the
-    /// muxer process, which keeps rising even if that process cannot write, so
+    /// source has a picture. Call it regularly (the probe uses once a second).
-    /// only growth on disk proves footage is saved.
+    ///
-    pub fn health(&self) -> Health {
+    /// Health combines OBS's counters with what reached disk: OBS counts bytes
+    /// handed to its muxer process, which keep rising even if that process
+    /// cannot write, so only growth on disk proves footage is saved.
+    pub fn poll(&self) -> Result<Health, EngineError> {
         let mut health = self.with_pipeline(Pipeline::health);
+        if (health.has_picture() || !self.waits_for_picture)
+            && let Some((width, height)) = self
+                .with_pipeline(Pipeline::start_output)
+                .map_err(EngineError::Start)?
+        {
+            let _ = self
+                .sender
+                .send(RecorderEvent::OutputSized { width, height });
+        }
         health.disk_available_bytes = fs4::available_space(&self.segment_dir).ok();
         let current = self
             .current_segment
@@ -230,16 +247,22 @@ impl Recording {
             health.written_bytes =
                 written.finished_bytes + written.current.as_deref().map_or(0, size);
         }
-        health
+        Ok(health)
     }
 
     pub fn restore_token(&self) -> Option<String> {
         self.with_pipeline(Pipeline::restore_token)
     }
 
-    /// Requests a stop; `OutputStopped` follows once the last segment is finalised.
+    /// Requests a stop; `OutputStopped` follows once the last segment is
+    /// finalised, or at once if the output never started.
     pub fn stop(&self) {
-        self.with_pipeline(Pipeline::stop)
+        if !self.with_pipeline(Pipeline::stop) {
+            let _ = self.sender.send(RecorderEvent::OutputStopped {
+                code: libobs::OBS_OUTPUT_SUCCESS.into(),
+                last_error: None,
+            });
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -254,6 +277,8 @@ impl Drop for Recording {
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub enum RecorderEvent {
+    /// Capture has a picture and the output was created at this size.
+    OutputSized { width: u32, height: u32 },
     /// OBS reports the output as started. Not yet proof that footage is written.
     OutputStarted,
     /// The muxer opened a new segment file; the previous one is complete.
@@ -293,6 +318,15 @@ pub enum PipeWireState {
     Refused = 3,
 }
 
+impl Health {
+    /// Whether the capture source is delivering a picture.
+    pub fn has_picture(&self) -> bool {
+        self.source_width > 0
+            && self.source_height > 0
+            && matches!(self.pipewire, None | Some(PipeWireState::Streaming))
+    }
+}
+
 /// Derives the status shown to the user from health samples and output events.
 ///
 /// Recording is reported only while the source has a picture and encoded data
@@ -350,9 +384,7 @@ impl StatusTracker {
             };
             return &self.status;
         }
-        let has_picture = health.source_width > 0
+        let has_picture = health.has_picture();
-            && health.source_height > 0
-            && matches!(health.pipewire, None | Some(PipeWireState::Streaming));
         let stalled = now.duration_since(self.last_progress) >= self.stall_limit;
         if let Some(available) = health.disk_available_bytes
             && available < self.min_free_bytes

crates/clipbin-probe/src/main.rs

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 //!   clipbin-probe record [--target monitor|window|game] [--window OBS_WINDOW]
 //!                        [--restore-token TOKEN] [--codec h264|hevc|av1] [--encoder ID]
 //!                        [--seconds N] [--segment-seconds N] [--keyint N] [--bitrate KBPS]
-//!                        [--width W --height H --fps F] [--no-audio] [--mic]
+//!                        [--width W --height H] [--fps F] [--no-audio] [--mic]
 //!                        [--min-free-mb MB] [--out DIR]
 //!   clipbin-probe check [--codec h264|hevc|av1] [--segment-seconds N] [--expect-motion] [--out DIR]
 //!
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ use std::{
 
 use clipbin_core::{RecordingStatus, VideoCodec};
 use clipbin_obs::{
-    Engine, RecorderEvent, RecordingConfig, RuntimeLayout, StatusTracker, StopReason, VideoFormat,
+    Engine, RecorderEvent, RecordingConfig, RuntimeLayout, StatusTracker, StopReason,
     capture::{self, CaptureTarget, MonitorMatch, WindowMatch},
     encoders::ALL_CODECS,
 };
@@ -73,7 +73,10 @@ struct Options {
     segment_seconds: i64,
     keyint: i64,
     bitrate: i64,
-    format: VideoFormat,
+    /// The recording size; by default it follows the captured source.
+    width: Option<u32>,
+    height: Option<u32>,
+    frames_per_second: u32,
     audio: bool,
     mic: bool,
     min_free_mb: u64,
@@ -94,11 +97,9 @@ impl Options {
             segment_seconds: 2,
             keyint: 1,
             bitrate: 20_000,
-            format: VideoFormat {
+            width: None,
-                width: 1920,
+            height: None,
-                height: 1080,
             frames_per_second: 60,
-            },
             audio: true,
             mic: false,
             min_free_mb: StatusTracker::DEFAULT_MIN_FREE_BYTES / 1_000_000,
@@ -124,9 +125,9 @@ impl Options {
                 "--segment-seconds" => options.segment_seconds = number(value()?)?,
                 "--keyint" => options.keyint = number(value()?)?,
                 "--bitrate" => options.bitrate = number(value()?)?,
-                "--width" => options.format.width = number(value()?)? as u32,
+                "--width" => options.width = Some(number(value()?)? as u32),
-                "--height" => options.format.height = number(value()?)? as u32,
+                "--height" => options.height = Some(number(value()?)? as u32),
-                "--fps" => options.format.frames_per_second = number(value()?)? as u32,
+                "--fps" => options.frames_per_second = number(value()?)? as u32,
                 "--no-audio" => options.audio = false,
                 "--mic" => options.mic = true,
                 "--min-free-mb" => options.min_free_mb = number(value()?)? as u64,
@@ -137,6 +138,14 @@ impl Options {
         Ok(options)
     }
 
+    fn resolution(&self) -> Result<Option<(u32, u32)>, String> {
+        match (self.width, self.height) {
+            (Some(width), Some(height)) => Ok(Some((width, height))),
+            (None, None) => Ok(None),
+            _ => Err("--width and --height go together".into()),
+        }
+    }
+
     fn capture_target(&self) -> Result<CaptureTarget, String> {
         let window = WindowMatch {
             obs_window: self.window.clone(),
@@ -180,7 +189,7 @@ fn start_engine(options: &Options) -> Result<Engine, Box<dyn std::error::Error>>
         "runtime_obs_version={}",
         layout.version().unwrap_or_default()
     );
-    let engine = Engine::start(&layout, options.format)?;
+    let engine = Engine::start(&layout, options.frames_per_second)?;
     println!("obs_version={}", engine.obs_version());
     for plugin in engine.plugins_failed() {
         println!("plugin_not_initialised={plugin}");
@@ -215,6 +224,7 @@ fn encoders(options: &Options) -> Result<bool, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
                 video_source: None,
                 system_audio: None,
                 microphone: None,
+                resolution: Some(options.resolution()?.unwrap_or((1920, 1080))),
                 video_encoder: encoder.clone(),
                 video_bitrate_kbps: options.bitrate,
                 keyframe_interval_seconds: options.keyint,
@@ -245,8 +255,9 @@ fn verify_encoder(engine: &Engine, config: RecordingConfig) -> Result<u64, Strin
     let recording = engine
         .start_recording(config)
         .map_err(|error| error.to_string())?;
+    recording.poll().map_err(|error| error.to_string())?;
     std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_secs(3));
-    let health = recording.health();
+    let health = recording.poll().map_err(|error| error.to_string())?;
     recording.stop();
     let stop = wait_for_stop(&recording, Duration::from_secs(10));
     match stop {
@@ -311,6 +322,7 @@ fn record(options: &Options) -> Result<bool, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
         video_source: Some(video_source),
         system_audio: options.audio.then(capture::system_audio_source),
         microphone: options.mic.then(capture::microphone_source),
+        resolution: options.resolution()?,
         video_encoder: encoder,
         video_bitrate_kbps: options.bitrate,
         keyframe_interval_seconds: options.keyint,
@@ -338,7 +350,7 @@ fn record(options: &Options) -> Result<bool, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
         let now = Instant::now();
         if now >= next_sample {
             next_sample += Duration::from_secs(1);
-            let health = recording.health();
+            let health = recording.poll()?;
             println!(
                 "t={} health source={}x{} pipewire={:?} active={} frames={} dropped={} lagged={} muxer_bytes={} disk_bytes={}",
                 elapsed(),
@@ -361,6 +373,9 @@ fn record(options: &Options) -> Result<bool, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
             recording.stop();
         }
         match recording.events().recv_timeout(Duration::from_millis(100)) {
+            Ok(RecorderEvent::OutputSized { width, height }) => {
+                println!("t={} recording_size={width}x{height}", elapsed())
+            }
             Ok(RecorderEvent::OutputStarted) => println!("t={} output_started", elapsed()),
             Ok(RecorderEvent::SegmentStarted { path }) => {
                 println!("t={} segment_started={path}", elapsed())

docs/validation.md

@@ -149,18 +149,28 @@ Windows status:
   its last frame after the stream stops, and only logs the stream state. The
   engine reads that log line (stable for the pinned OBS version). A more robust
   follow-up is watching the PipeWire node state directly.
-- **Closed windows on Wayland.** With Hyprland's portal, closing a captured
+- **Ending a session when the game closes.** With Hyprland's portal, closing a
-  window leaves the stream running on its last frame, with no state change or
+  captured window leaves the stream running on its last frame, with no state
-  error. Capture cannot tell this apart from a static window, so sessions must
+  change or error, so capture cannot tell it from a static window. Monitor
-  end from game process exit (SPEC: "Stop/finalise the session when its game
+  capture never sees the game close at all. The session therefore ends from
-  exits"), which the Steam/process detection milestone provides.
+  the game's process exiting (SPEC: "Stop/finalise the session when its game
-- **Writing while waiting for capture.** The output starts before the source
+  exits"); capture loss stays a failure signal, not the normal end:
-  has a picture, so a source that never arrives produces black segments. The
+  - Linux: Steam runs each game under `reaper SteamLaunch AppId=<id>`, which
-  session timeline should show that time as missing footage, or the output
+    lives exactly as long as the game (Proton included). Watch that process
-  should start only once capture is usable.
+    with a pidfd (`pidfd_open` + poll) rather than polling `/proc`.
-- **Canvas orientation.** The output canvas is fixed by the configured
+  - Windows: watch the game's process handle (`OpenProcess` +
-  resolution, so portrait or other-aspect sources are letterboxed. Decide
+    `WaitForSingleObject`), found from Steam's `RunningAppID` registry value.
-  whether the canvas should follow the captured source.
+    Game Capture reports size 0 when its game closes; the exit must be seen
+    first so a normal exit finalises the session instead of failing it.
+  - Hyprland's IPC does announce window closes, but it is compositor-specific
+    and cannot map a portal stream to a window, so it is not used.
+- **Nothing is written before capture works.** Encoders and the segment
+  output are created only once the source has a picture, so waiting in the
+  picker or for a stalled portal writes no footage.
+- **Recording size.** By default each recording is the captured window's or
+  monitor's own size, set when capture first has a picture (portrait monitors
+  record portrait). If the window is resized mid-session the size stays and
+  the picture is scaled to fit.
 - **Audio capture failures are not detected yet.** When the PulseAudio server
   was unreachable, recording continued with a silent track.
 - **Linux runtime dependencies.** The Linux OBS build links the system's

scripts/validate/linux-rig.sh

@@ -101,13 +101,15 @@ else
     result "${name}" 1
 fi
 
-# 8. The portal refuses the request: an actionable failure, never Recording.
+# 8. The portal refuses the request: an actionable failure, never Recording,
+#    and no footage written (output starts only once capture has a picture).
 name=portal-refused
 CLIPBIN_RIG_PORTAL_OUTPUT=NO-SUCH-OUTPUT "${rig}" "${probe}" record --seconds 8 --out "${out}/${name}" \
     > "${out}/${name}.log" 2>&1
 probe_exit=$?
 if [[ "${probe_exit}" != 0 ]] && ! has "${out}/${name}.log" "status=Recording" \
-    && has "${out}/${name}.log" "status=failed reason=screen capture was not allowed"; then
+    && has "${out}/${name}.log" "status=failed reason=screen capture was not allowed" \
+    && [[ -z "$(ls -A "${out}/${name}/session" 2>/dev/null)" ]]; then
     result "${name}" 0 "$(grep -m1 -o 'status=failed reason=.*' "${out}/${name}.log")"
 else
     result "${name}" 1