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Add one Custom Widget in Streamlabs Desktop
- In Streamlabs Desktop, click the + icon in the Sources panel.
- Scroll to Widgets, select Custom Widget, and click Add Source.
- Name the source in the dialog and add it to the scene.
- Select the source to open its settings. Adjust Browser Settings if needed, expand Custom Code, then choose Edit Custom Code. This opens the areas for Custom Fields, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
These are Streamlabs’ documented menu labels and sequence. If your installed version uses different labels, check its interface rather than assuming the same steps apply unchanged.
Edit the widget in the dashboard when you need clearer controls
Streamlabs supports editing Custom Widgets from either the dashboard or Streamlabs Desktop, and recommends the dashboard for editing. Its Custom Widget page makes custom fields easier to view, offers more testing options, and makes it easier to switch themes. The dashboard editor is part of the authenticated Streamlabs dashboard, so sign in to access it.
Choose between a native source and a Browser Source
| Use this option | When it fits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Native Custom Widget source | You want one widget in the active widget theme. | The native source uses the Custom Widget associated with the active theme. |
| Browser Source | You need multiple Custom Widgets, a widget from an inactive theme, or a URL-based source. | Copy the chosen theme’s Custom Widget URL, add a Browser Source, paste the URL, and set its width and height to fit the widget. |
Add a Custom Widget from a theme as a Browser Source
- Open the Widget Themes page in the Streamlabs dashboard.
- Click the link control next to the theme containing the widget you want.
- Find Custom Widget and copy its URL.
- In Streamlabs Desktop, click + in the Sources panel, choose Browser Source, and add it.
- Paste the copied URL into the Browser Source settings and set the width and height to suit the widget.
Add multiple Custom Widgets
The native Desktop source follows the active widget theme, so it is not the route for loading several Custom Widgets from different themes at once. Streamlabs’ documented approach is to use a separate Browser Source for each desired widget: copy each widget URL from its theme and add each URL as its own source. Set dimensions for each source so its content fits the scene.
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- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
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If you are creating several different native Custom Widgets, make another widget theme for each one, make the relevant theme active while editing that widget, and repeat as needed. Before going live, activate the theme containing the widgets you intend to use. For several widgets in one scene or a widget tied to an inactive theme, use the Browser Source method instead.
Protect your stream when using custom code
Custom Widgets can run HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, so treat code from others as untrusted. Streamlabs warns: “Because of the inherent risks of using custom code, we remind you to be extra careful when using code that you did not write.” The same guide says the Streamlabs team cannot advise users on creating their widgets. Review code before using it, and do not paste code you cannot assess into a live-streaming setup.
Rank #2
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
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- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Troubleshoot a Custom Widget that will not load
Confirm the intended theme is active
If a native Custom Widget shows the wrong content or does not match the widget you edited, check which widget theme is active. The native source follows the active theme. Activate the theme containing the intended widget, or use its copied URL as a Browser Source if the widget belongs to an inactive theme.
Use a Browser Source if the native source keeps loading on macOS
A Streamlabs Support article dated April 25, 2025 documents a macOS case in which a natively added Custom Widget continually loads. The article lists a workaround: edit the widget in the dashboard, copy its URL, and add it in Streamlabs Desktop as a Browser Source. This is a documented option for that reported case, not evidence that all macOS installations have a general loading defect.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
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Check the Browser Source URL and dimensions
For a URL-backed widget, confirm that you copied the Custom Widget URL from the intended theme and pasted it into the Browser Source settings. Adjust the source’s width and height to fit the widget. If the source still does not display as expected, check that the intended theme and widget URL correspond.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep the widget separate from keeping a YouTube stream online
Custom Widgets affect what appears in your Streamlabs Desktop scene; they do not themselves keep a YouTube channel live when your computer is off. If your goal is a continuous YouTube stream of uploaded videos rather than a camera-based broadcast, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded video from the cloud, so no computer, OBS, or home connection has to stay on.
Rank #4
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more; Know that your command has been executed
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- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more; Regular updates and new plugins frequently added
Or let it run in the cloud
- Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo keeps the YouTube stream running from the cloud.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo is for looping uploaded videos on YouTube, not live camera feeds or other streaming platforms. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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