OBS Blind — Chapter 3. Scenes and Sources

In the previous chapters of our large guide, we explored the main OBS window and reviewed the settings menu in detail. Today, we’ll cover an important topic: scenes and the sources we can add to them. Before moving on to the variety of sources, let’s understand how the system works.

General Information

A scene in OBS is essentially a “layer” of your stream or recording. By switching between scenes, we change what the viewers see. For example:

• “Game” — a scene with gameplay and a webcam.
• “Break” — a scene with a splash screen and music.
• “Announcement” — a scene with text and a background video.

Put simply, a scene is a ready-made set of videos, images, and audio that are shown simultaneously.

When the main OBS window opens, focus first lands on the zoom in/out buttons. If we press Tab a few times from there, we arrive at the scenes panel. NVDA will announce “Scenes”, and we’ll find ourselves in a list that we can navigate with the arrow keys. If there is only one scene, the screen reader will not read anything when moving up or down.

By opening the context menu, we can access the following options: Add, Remove, Duplicate, Move, Rename, Manage Filters, and Transition Effects.

The F2 key allows renaming the currently selected scene, and Delete removes it.

A project always contains at least one scene, so the very last one cannot be deleted.

A project always contains at least one scene, so the very last one cannot be deleted.

Sources are any elements we add to a scene:

• Game/Window Capture — to show gameplay or an app.
• Webcam — to show the streamer’s face.
• Text — titles, labels, subtitles.
• Audio Devices — microphone, system audio.
• Browser — for interactive elements (chat, donations, alerts).

The sources panel is located immediately after the scenes panel, so the next Tab will move focus to it.

Through the context menu, we can add sources and manage them: rename, delete, duplicate, apply filters, etc.

Likewise, F2 is available for renaming a source, and Delete for removing it.

Unlike scenes, sources can be completely deleted, leaving the scene empty.

Based on what we’ve covered, here is how the workflow looks:

1. We create a scene.
2. We add the necessary sources to it.
3. We switch between scenes during a stream or recording.

Scenes are the ready-made “frames” of your stream, and sources are their contents. It’s simple: assemble the elements inside a scene, switch to it, and the viewer sees a new image.

I recommend creating scenes for the start and end of your broadcast. It works especially well to launch a scene 5 –10 minutes before going live, with some relaxing music — viewers receive notifications, join the stream, and start greeting each other in the chat. You can also create an intermission scene for when the streamer needs a short break. In general, creativity here is almost unlimited.

Types of Sources

Now that we understand the general concepts, let’s move on to a full breakdown of OBS sources.

Audio Input Capture

This is a source in OBS that allows you to record and transmit audio from a microphone, audio interface, or any other input device. Simply put:

• If you have a microphone — this source will “hear” it.
• If you connect a guitar through an audio interface, OBS can capture its sound.
• If you use a virtual cable (such as VB-Cable), you can record audio from another program.

Main use cases:

• Voice recording (podcasts, narration, streaming).
• Capturing instruments (guitar, synthesizer — when connected via audio interface).
• Using virtual devices (e.g., to capture audio from Discord or a media player).
• Separating audio streams (if you need independent control over mic and system audio).

How to add it?

In the sources list: open the context menu, “Add submenu”, “Audio Input Capture”. A dialog window will open:

1. A text field where you can give the source a new name or leave the default one.
2. Radio button “Create New”: adds a new audio capture channel if you need an additional source.
3. Radio button “Add Existing”: allows selecting an already configured audio source to reuse it in the current project.
4. Checkbox “Make source visible”: shows or hides the source in the sources list. This checkbox should remain checked.
5. Button “OK”: applies the settings.

If you set the radio button to “Add Existing”, then after pressing Tab, you can use the arrow keys to select an existing audio source linked to other scenes, or the default “Mic/Aux”.

If you need to add a different device, activate “Create New” and press OK.

A new settings window will appear. Press Shift+Tab twice to reach the list of available audio devices that can be added.

This window also contains the checkbox “Use device timestamps”.

When enabled, OBS tries to synchronize audio with video using timing information from the device itself (e.g., a microphone or audio interface). This helps prevent desync issues where the sound lags or gets ahead of the image.

When disabled, OBS captures audio without aligning to device timestamps. This may cause slight delays, especially on an overloaded system.

I recommend leaving this checkbox enabled. Apply the settings, and your first source now appears in the sources panel.

You can apply various filters to this source through the context menu. We’ll cover filters in detail in the chapter on content creation.

Limitations and Specifics

No duplication — you cannot add the same microphone twice in one scene (use “Add Existing” or virtual cables).

Be attentive: if you add a microphone as an audio device inside the scene, you must go to the main window and disable the extra default microphone (“Mic/Aux”).

Otherwise, the microphones will overlap, and your voice will sound as if you are inside a barrel.

Audio Output Capture

There is also the “Audio Output Capture” source. There’s no need to break it down separately since its settings are almost identical to the previous source.

This source is ideal when you need to record or transmit any audio that your computer is playing:

1. Desktop audio recording — to capture music, system sounds, or any audio from programs.
2. Sending everything heard through your speakers or headphones to the viewers.
3. Independent volume control — adjusting system audio separately from the microphone.

Display Capture

The “Display Capture” source allows you to stream and record everything shown on your screen or a specific monitor. It is one of the primary ways to show what’s happening on your computer during a livestream or recording.

Where is it used?

1. Streaming (games, tutorials, reviews) — when you need to show the desktop instead of a specific window.
2. Recording lessons, presentations, webinars — demonstrating software, browser windows, PowerPoint slides.
3. Tech support and guides — showing step-by-step actions on screen.
4. Broadcasting workflow — programming, design, editing.

How to add it?

1. In the sources panel: open the context menu → “Add submenu” → “Display Capture”.
2. In the dialog window, assign a name to the source or leave the default name.
3. Select the radio button “Create New”.
4. Apply via the “OK” button.

What can we configure?

• First, choose the capture method. I leave it set to “Automatic”.
• If you have multiple monitors, the next list allows you to select which one to capture.
• Checkbox “Capture Cursor”. If you don’t want the viewers to see your mouse cursor, clear this checkbox.
• HDR support: This option allows OBS to handle HDR content. If you enable it, OBS will ignore HDR and capture the display in SDR, since not all apps support HDR correctly inside OBS.

Limitations and Warnings

• Captures everything — if you open a private message or a notification pops up, it will appear on stream.
• Disable notifications (e.g., enable Do Not Disturb mode) to avoid leaking private information.
• Protected content issues (DRM) — Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services may block capture (you’ll get a black screen).

Image Filters

For the “Display Capture” source, you can open the context menu and select “Filters” to add one or several filters at once:

1. Render Delay — delays the output image for a specified time. Used for syncing video with audio (e.g., webcam reactions).
2. Crop/Pad — trims the edges of the image. Useful for hiding unwanted UI elements, such as the taskbar.
3. Color Correction — adjusts brightness, contrast, hue, etc. Used to enhance or stylize the image.
4. Image Mask/Blend — applies a PNG or other image on top of the source. Allows adding watermarks or overlays.
5. Scale/Aspect Ratio — changes the size and proportions of the image to fit the required resolution.
6. Apply LUT — applies a LUT color profile to stylize the image (e.g., cinematic look).
7. Scroll — smoothly scrolls the image horizontally or vertically. Useful for ticker text or animated backgrounds.
8. HDR Tone Mapping (Replacement) — compresses the HDR dynamic range. Needed to display HDR content correctly on SDR screens.
9. Sharpen — enhances clarity. Useful if the captured image is slightly blurry.
10. Chroma Key — removes green (or other) background. Used for virtual backgrounds in streaming.
11. Color Key — removes a specific color. Similar to chroma keying but it works with any chosen color.
12. Luma Key — removes dark or bright regions. Useful for eliminating black backgrounds or isolating glowing elements.

Note: The “Display Capture” source only captures the image, not audio.

If you need to record system or microphone audio, either leave “Mic/Aux” and “Desktop Audio” enabled in the mixer, or add separate Audio Input/Output Capture sources. The first method requires fewer actions.

Browser Source

The “Browser” source in OBS Studio allows you to embed web pages, interactive widgets, or HTML applications directly into a scene. This is essentially a mini-browser inside OBS that displays content from the internet or from local files.

This source is useful when you need to add:

• This source is useful when you need to add:
• Animations (donation alerts, subscriber alerts, chat).
• Stream widgets (clocks, weather, online videos).
• Interactive elements (polls, buttons, timers).
• Web pages, such as a site with current information.

How to set it up?

• Add a “Browser” source by opening the context menu in the sources panel. You already know how this works.
• In the text field, assign a name to the source — this is how it will appear in the list.
• Select the radio button “Create New” (since we haven’t added this source type before), then press OK.

A properties window opens:

• URL — the address of a web page or a local HTML file. If you’re adding a local file, check the corresponding checkbox. Examples:
  • External service: https://youtube.com/blablabla
  • Local file: file:///C:/inviocean/important.html
• Width/Height — output resolution (for example, 1920×1080 for full-screen).
• FPS — refresh rate (30 FPS is usually enough).
• CSS — custom styling for the page (for advanced users).

Important: The CSS field traps keyboard focus. You cannot leave it using Tab.

Solution: Before opening this window, place the mouse cursor on another element so that you can click it to regain focus.

• Refresh browser cache — use this if the widget is stuck or not updating.

Control audio via OBS — allows OBS to capture audio from the web page (background sounds, audio alerts). If you want to control volume separately in the mixer, enable this checkbox.

I recommend keeping it enabled.

Important note about audio: To hear audio from the browser source in the active scene, go to Advanced Audio Properties, find the browser source in the list, and set Audio Monitoring to “Monitor and Output”.

Page Permissions (Access Levels)

The “Page Permissions” dropdown determines what OBS data can be passed to the web page.

• No access to OBS: The widget is not receiving data. Suitable for static pages (text, simple images).
• Read OBS status: Widget can see whether streaming/recording is active, FPS, etc.
  For status indicators like “LIVE” / “REC”.
• Read user information: Widget can read names of scenes, transitions, and collections.
  Useful for custom scene-management panels (without switching functionality).
• Basic access: Allows saving the replay buffer and accessing profiles. Used by widgets working with replay features.
• Advanced access: Allows switching scenes and starting/stopping recording.
  Used for interactive control panels (e.g., a “Start Stream” button).
• Full access: Complete control over OBS, including starting a broadcast without confirmation.

Warning: Only give full access to trusted local HTML files. Never grant it to third-party URLs — they could take control of your OB

Additional Browser Options:

• Reload Browser when Scene Becomes Active. Reloads the page every time the scene is switched to.
  • Use for real-time data (currency rates, stats). 
  • Don’t use for widgets that store internal state (e.g., chat).
• Shutdown when not visible. Suspends the browser source when the scene is inactive.
  If the widget stops working, check:
  • URL correctness (no 404 errors).
  • CORS restrictions (local files require file:///).
  • Sufficient access permissions.

Window Capture

“Window Capture” is a source that lets OBS capture the contents of a specific application window instead of the entire screen. This is useful when you want to stream or record a particular program.

Examples:

• Photoshop, Excel, Telegram.
• A media player or a presentation.

In short, Window Capture is ideal for apps running in windowed mode.

How to Configure Window Capture?

Add a “Window Capture” source through the context menu. 

Name the source, set the radio button to “Create New”, and press OK.

Before proceeding, one important note:

OBS can only capture a window if it is open and not minimized. Other windows may cover it — that’s fine — but it cannot be minimized or relocated to another virtual desktop.

Press Tab to navigate to the dropdown: Window / Capture Method / Window Match Priority.

Press Space to open the list of available windows. If the window is open and not minimized, it will appear in this list. Select it with Space (Enter will close the properties window).

Capture Method

You can leave it on Automatic. Change it only if the window fails to capture.

Window Match Priority. Determines how OBS finds the window after restarts or title changes:

• “Match title, otherwise find window of same type.” If the title changes, OBS will try to capture another window of the same type (e.g., another Chrome window). Useful for programs like video players, where the title updates with each file.
• “Match title, otherwise find window of same executable.” OBS will capture any window from the same .exe file. Useful for apps like Excel, where document names change.

Other Options:

• Capture Audio (BETA)

Allows capturing audio directly from the selected window.

• Client Area

✔ Enabled — captures only the inner content (no borders).

✖ Disabled — captures the entire window, including title bar and menus.

• Force SDR

✔ Enabled — forces SDR mode.

✖ Disabled (recommended) — allows OBS to handle HDR correctly.

• Multi-adapter Compatibility

✔ Enabled — required for systems with multiple GPUs (Intel + NVIDIA).
✖ Disable unless needed — it can reduce performance.

Note: Some of these options may be hidden depending on the window type.

Application Audio Capture (BETA)

This source allows OBS to capture audio from a specific application. Functionally, it is similar to Window Capture, but without the visual component — audio only.

Requirements:

• The rules are the same as for Window Capture:
• The application must be on the same desktop.
• It must be running and not minimized.
• Other windows may cover it — that does not matter.

What does it provide?

• Captures only the audio of the selected program (game, browser, media player, etc.).
• Ignores all other system sounds.
• Works independently from “Desktop Audio”, giving you more control.

Where is it useful?

• Streaming — when you want to transmit only one specific program’s audio (e.g., game music but not notifications).
• Video editing — when you need a clean audio track from an app.
• Reading text aloud — when you want screen reader output to be excluded from the recording.

How it works:

• Add it via Sources → + → Application Audio Capture (BETA).
• Select the needed program from the list.
• OBS will capture only that program’s audio, even if other apps are playing sounds.

Limitations (BETA): May not work with some applications –

• DRM-protected content.
• Old or unusual programs.
• Occasionally requires manual adjustment of audio devices in Windows (WASAPI).

Bottom line: a precise and clean way to capture sound from one application without extra noise — useful for streamers, editors, and anyone needing isolated audio.

Background Color and Image

“Background Color” is a simple source in OBS Studio that adds a solid fill of a selected color to the scene. Essentially, it is a color “backdrop” without texture, animation, or complex effects.. Main purposes:

• Closing “gaps” – if there are transparent areas in the scene (for example, due to chroma key or missing sources), the background color makes them opaque.
• Basic background – a quick way to add a colored backing for text, icons, or other elements.
• Testing – checking scene composition without complex backgrounds (useful for adjusting other sources).

Examples of use:

• Streams and videos – when you need a colored background before loading the main content (e.g., “Starting Soon”).
• Chroma key – if a green/blue screen does not fully cover the background, you can add a background color as a fallback.
• Minimalism – scenes with text or graphics on a solid background (e.g., presentations).

How to configure:

In the Sources panel, in the context menu, under Add, select Background Color. Give the source a name, choose Create New, press OK.

In its properties there is a Select Color button, where you can set:

• Hue, Sat, Val, Red, Green, Blue, Alpha channel, HTML.

You can enter values from 0 to 255 using the RGB table, or in HTML color format.

If the background color has already been chosen, any AI can quickly help generate the required parameters — just provide a suitable template.

The properties of the Background Color source also include two scrollable editors where you can select or manually enter the fill size to match the required image resolution, for example 1920×1080 pixels.

As an alternative to a background color, you can use a thematic image as a backdrop, added to the scene via the source named Image.

In its properties, using the Browse button, you locate an appropriate picture on your computer and attach it to the source.

There are also two additional checkboxes:

1. “Unload image when not showing.”
   • If enabled, OBS frees RAM when the “Image” source is hidden (e.g., when switching scenes).
   • If disabled, the image stays in memory even when not used.
   • I recommend leaving it disabled — unloading is only relevant for very weak computers with little RAM.
     
2. “Apply alpha channel in linear space.” Enable this when:
   
   • There are semi-transparent elements (shadows, soft gradients, anti-aliasing) that appear unnatural, for example, dark halos around edges.
   • Exact color matching with other scene elements is important, such as in professional editing.

I also recommend keeping this disabled, as typical streams do not require such precision.

If you are not switching scenes or using automation, the image will remain unchanged throughout the entire stream or recording.

Media Source

This source plays video and audio files (MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, MP3, etc.) directly in OBS.

What is it used for?

• Video clips – intros, stingers, animations, ads.
• Background videos – a dynamic backdrop instead of a static image.
• Audio tracks – music or sound effects without visuals.

When NOT to use it?

• For live camera feeds (use Video Capture Device).
• For streaming online video (YouTube, Twitch) – use VLC Source.
• For interactive elements (clickable buttons) – use Browser Source.

How to configure:

Add Media Source from the context menu in the Sources panel. Give it a name, choose Create New, then configure the following key settings:

1. Local File (Checked): Indicates the source loads video/audio from a file on your computer.
2. Browse: Select the file.
3. Loop (Unchecked): Enables looping (automatic restart). If off, playback stops when the file ends.
4. Restart playback when source becomes active (Checked): Automatically restarts when the source appears (e.g., switching scenes).
5. Use hardware decoding when available (Unchecked): Offloads decoding to the GPU; useful for heavy files (4K, high bitrate).
6. Show nothing when playback ends (Checked): Hides the source after the file finishes (screen becomes empty/transparent). Useful for temporary clips like ads.
7. Close file when inactive (Unchecked): Frees resources by closing the file when the source is not active.
8. Volume slider (100%): Adjusts audio volume.
9. YUV Color Range (Auto / Limited / Full):

• Auto – OBS tries to detect.
• Limited (16–235) – standard for TV and streaming (lower contrast).
• Full (0–255) – for PC monitors (more vibrant colors).

Choose Limited for streams, Full for local recordings.

10. Apply alpha channel in linear space (Unchecked):

• Correctly processes transparency in video.
• Only for files that contain alpha (PNG sequences, animated masks).
• If disabled, transparency may appear incorrect.

Tips:

• For streams, leave most settings default except choosing Limited color range.
• If the video lags, try enabling hardware decoding.

When “Local File” is disabled

OBS expects a media stream or file via URL.

1. Input: Field for entering a media file URL or stream. Examples:
   • Direct file: http://example.com/video.mp4
   • Stream (HLS/RTMP/RTSP): http://example.com/stream.m3u8 Important: Must be accessible without login.
2. Input Format:  Specifies the type of network source if OBS cannot determine it automatically. Examples:
   • mp4
   • hls
   • rtmp

Usually left empty.

3. Buffer (2 MB / 10 sec): How much data is preloaded before playback. Increase if the stream stutters.
4. Seekable (Unchecked): Allows seeking in the stream (like with a file). Usually disabled because most streams cannot be rewound.

Video Capture Device

The Video Capture Device source in OBS Studio captures video from external devices: cameras, tuners, VCRs, smartphones, etc. connected via HDMI, USB, capture cards, and so on.

What is it used for?

1. Working with external devices:
   • Capture from cameras (DSLR, action cams, pro cameras).
   • Connecting gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch) via capture cards (Elgato, AVerMedia, etc.).
   • Using analog sources (VHS players, retro consoles) via converters.
2. Low-latency live streaming or recording, if supported by the device and capture card.

Where is it used?

• Streaming from a smartphone through a capture card or USB, e.g., filming with a phone camera.
• Streaming from professional cameras (interviews, events).
  Digitizing analog video (tapes, retro systems).

Main advantages:

• High quality — if the device/card supports 1080p/4K, 60 FPS.
• Low latency — better than Window or Display Capture.
• Flexibility — supports any external hardware.
• Stability — less dependent on system load.

How to add it?

1. Connect the device to the PC.
2. In OBS: Sources → Add → Video Capture Device.

Source settings

1. Basic controls:
   • Deactivate (Button): Turns the source off completely.
   • Configure Video (Button): Opens the device’s video controls.
   • Configure Crossbar (Button): Adjusts color balance: brightness, contrast, hue.
2. Visibility control:
   • Deactivate when not showing (Checkbox): Turns the device off when the scene is inactive (saves resources).
3. Resolution and FPS:
   • Resolution/FPS Type:
     • Device default — uses native device settings.
     • Custom — manual control.
   • Resolution: e.g., 1920×1080.
   • FPS: 30, 60, etc.
   • Match Output FPS: syncs with OBS output.
4. Format and color:
   • Video Format:
     • NV12 — standard.
     • YUY2 — higher color fidelity, more resource-heavy.
   • Color Space:
     • Rec.709 (HD),
     • Rec.601 (SD),
     • Rec.2100 (PQ/HLG) (HDR).
   • Color Range:
     • Limited (16–235) – TV standard.
     • Full (0–255) – PC / streams.
5. Additional settings:
   • Auto-detect (Dropdown): Reconnects device when signal is lost.
   • Flip Vertically (Checkbox): Mirrors image (useful for selfies).
   • Apply camera rotation data (Checkbox): Auto-rotation if supported.
   • Use hardware decoding (Checkbox): Reduces CPU load but can cause artifacts.
6. Audio:
   • Audio Output Mode:
     • Capture only
     • DirectSound/WaveOut
   • Use a custom audio device: allows selecting a separate audio output.

Virtual Camera

This OBS source turns your stream, recording, or scene into a virtual webcam. Other apps (Zoom, Discord, etc.) see it as a normal camera.

Why use it?

• Flexibility: Show not only your face but also screen captures, overlays, video, text.
• Professional look: Add logos, transitions, effects to video calls.
• One camera for all programs: No need to switch devices — OBS handles it.

Advantages over a normal webcam:

• Combine multiple sources (screen + camera + media).
• Add filters (chroma key, color correction).
• Quickly switch scenes (“Face” → “Presentation”).

How to enable it?

• In OBS Studio, from the main screen, use Tab repeatedly from the Scenes panel until focus reaches the Start Virtual Camera checkbox. Press Space to enable it. Press Space again to stop it.
• In Zoom or other apps, select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera.

How to configure it? Next to the “Start Virtual Camera” checkbox, there is a button Configure Virtual Camera.

Its settings allow choosing the output type:

• Program (default):
  • Sends the active scene (the one currently visible).
  • Suitable for most use cases.
• Preview:
  • Sends the preview window (if Studio Mode is enabled).
  • Useful when you want to check a scene before showing it during webinars/presentations.
• Scene:
  • Select a specific scene to output regardless of which is active.
  • Useful when you need a fixed output (e.g., always showing a “title card”).
• Source:
  • Sends a single specific source (e.g., only the webcam or only the screen).
  • Useful when you want to remove overlays and effects.

Game Capture

The title speaks for itself: this is a more advanced version of Screen or Window Capture.
Added in the standard way.

After adding, the properties offer three modes:

1. Capture any fullscreen application. When you switch an app to fullscreen, capture usually starts automatically without selecting a window.
2. Capture a specific window. You must manually select which window will be captured.
3. Capture window on foreground with hotkey. Allows assigning a hotkey that captures whichever window is currently active.
   

Additional checkboxes:

• Capture through SLI/CrossFire if you have multiple GPUs.
• Capture cursor.
• Anti-cheat compatibility hook.
• Capture overlays (e.g., Steam overlay).

You can also enable the checkbox Capture application audio — if you do, remember to disable Desktop Audio.

End of Chapter 3

We have now examined all source types that can be added to OBS. In the next chapter, we’ll move on to content creation.