How do I create a 16:9 desktop for screen recording?

Create a 16:9 virtual screen, put the content you want to record on that desktop, and select it in your recording app. A virtual screen provides a separate desktop. Choose it as the capture source in your recorder to record that desktop.

  1. Open BetterDisplay from its menu bar icon and select the gear button to open Settings.
  2. Go to Displays > Overview > Create New Virtual Screen….
  3. Choose Pre-configured settings (recommended) and the 16:9 - HD/4K/5K/6K preset, then select Create Virtual Screen.
  4. Make sure the virtual screen is connected. Choose the desired available resolution in its Virtual Screen Mode menu.
  5. Open its Picture in Picture view so you can see the desktop, then move the windows you want to record onto it. Select that screen in the recorder and check a short sample recording.

For a complete OBS example with preview, output sizing, a short verification recording and targeted cleanup, follow creating a dedicated recording and sharing desktop.

Preset virtual-screen creation and connection do not require Pro. Picture in Picture does require Pro and Screen Recording permission. Your recording app also needs its own screen-capture permission and support for selecting that screen. For other viewing methods, see virtual screens, mirroring and streaming.

If Settings comes forward when you click the menu bar icon, it may simply be an already open app window. Close Settings with its normal close button when finished. You can continue using BetterDisplay from the menu bar.

To stop using the desktop temporarily, disconnect the virtual screen. To remove its saved definition, select it in Settings > Displays, choose Discard…, and confirm Discard Virtual Screen. See Virtual Screen settings for the full distinction between hiding, disconnecting and discarding.

If you prefer to record the physical display, you can instead add a supported 16:9 custom scaled resolution under Settings > Displays > [display] > System Configuration. Enable configuration editing first, then apply the configuration and follow any reconnect or restart prompt. This changes that display’s logical desktop size and may introduce letterboxing or scaling on a differently shaped panel. It does not add a new physical panel timing. See adding custom HiDPI resolutions for the steps.

For the underlying rendering method, see what flexible scaling and custom resolutions change.