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To add a transition in OBS Studio, use the Scene Transitions controls: choose the active transition and set its duration. Fade and Cut are available by default; use the plus button to add other built-in options. To prepare a scene before it goes live, turn on Studio Mode and click Transition when you are ready.
Choose and configure a scene transition
- Open Scene Transitions. In the OBS Studio main window, find the Scene Transitions section.
- Select a transition. Fade and Cut are available by default. To add another built-in option, click the plus button in the section and choose a transition.
- Set the duration. Select the active transition from its drop-down and adjust its duration in the Scene Transitions controls. A Cut is immediate; a Fade gradually changes from one scene to the next. For a directional or more stylized change, try another option and preview it at the intended duration.
- Change scenes. Select the scene you want to use. OBS applies the active transition when you switch scenes.
The OBS Studio Overview Guide lists Swipe, Slide, Fade to color, and Luma Wipe among the additional built-in transitions. Interface options can change between software versions, so check the controls in your installed version. OBS Studio Overview Guide (dated August 25, 2021).
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Preview changes with Studio Mode
Studio Mode separates the current live scene from the scene you are preparing. This lets you check the next scene before putting it on air.
- Enable Studio Mode in OBS.
- Select or edit the next scene in the preview side, while the current scene remains live.
- When the preview is ready, click Transition to take it live using the configured transition.
You can also add a configured transition as a Quick Transition in Studio Mode and give that quick transition its own duration. See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
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Use a custom stinger or track matte
A stinger is a video overlay that plays across the change between scenes. It is optional; Fade, Cut, and the built-in transitions do not require a custom video asset.
OBS Track Matte mode uses an animated mask to reveal the next scene: black represents the current scene, white represents the next scene, and gray values can blend between them. OBS documents a single-file format in either side-by-side or stacked layout. If the overlay and matte are each 1920×1080, for example, the combined file is 3840×1080 side-by-side or 1920×2160 stacked. OBS says separate files are disabled because it cannot guarantee playback synchronization. Track Matte mode was introduced in OBS Studio 27.0; check your version if the option is missing.
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For the format and setup details, consult OBS’s Track Matte Stinger Transitions guide (dated August 25, 2021).
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- Switch through the scenes you plan to use and preview the transition at its chosen duration.
- In Studio Mode, confirm the intended scene is in preview before clicking Transition.
- Check the transition again after changing its settings or replacing a stinger asset.
OBS recommends testing settings and scenes before the first live stream. See its Quick Start Guide.
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- 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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Or let it run in the cloud
OBS transitions control scene changes in an OBS broadcast. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded video playing as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the uploaded videos without requiring your computer or home connection to stay on; it does not stream from a camera.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot without quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn about StreamNeo or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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