How to actually make a recording

[Final Cut]

I am new to OBS and trying to figure it out.

So, how do I actually perform a recording after I already trimmed everything and set up all to my liking?

Does the system start playing the source the moment I press the record button?
Or do I need to start the recording and then go to the source and make it play?

Also, while at it, if I have a particularly long scene to record, will the screen remain on for the duration and not "fall asleep"?
Or do I need to adjust the sleep mode of the monitor to stay on for the duration of the recording?

Thank you for all the help in this regard.

 

[Banyarola]

I can't help you with what you want to do but I will advise you to make backup copies of the recording before you start with it so you have them in case you need it.

 

[koala]

Given the nature of your question, it might be OBS is not the right tool for you. OBS is designed as a live recording/streaming tool, that means you capture live action you get from capturing a game or a video capture device (webcam), creating create original footage from some live event and either record it to a video file or stream it to some streaming service.

OBS is not a media player for existing content which helps to re-record this existing content. For this, there are stream downloaders such as youtube-dl. It's also no postprocessing tool to edit existing media. For this, you use video editor software. And if you just want to stream existing dead media files to some streaming service instead of sending live captured original footage, there is easier and simpler software - for example ffmpeg.