Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To add a source in OBS Studio, select the scene you want to edit, click the + button in the Sources dock, choose a source type, and configure its properties if prompted. Then arrange the source in the preview and check its stacking order so it appears where you expect.
Add a source to a scene
- Select the scene. In the Scenes dock, click the scene where you want the new item. Sources belong to scenes, so confirm the selected scene before adding anything.
- Open the source menu. In the Sources dock at the bottom of the main OBS window, click +. The OBS Project’s Sources Guide describes this as the way to add a source.
- Choose a source type. Select the option that matches what you want to show or capture. If OBS opens a properties window, set the requested device or content options and confirm. Some source types may offer an option to create a new source or reuse an existing one.
- Position and size it. Select the source in the Sources list, then drag its bounding box in the preview. Use the handles to resize it.
Which OBS source should you choose?
Source names and availability depend on the content and operating system. These are the main choices described in OBS’s official guides:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Source type | Use it for | Platform or extra requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Display Capture | The full screen of a display | Windows and Linux; on macOS, supported through version 12.6. For macOS 13 and later, OBS directs users to macOS Screen Capture. |
| Window Capture | A single application window | Windows and Linux, and macOS 12.6 and earlier. On macOS 13 and later, use macOS Screen Capture to capture a display, window, or application. |
| Game Capture | Hardware-accelerated games | Windows only. OBS advises using display, window, or macOS Screen Capture on other platforms. |
| Video Capture Device | A webcam or capture card | Select the device in the source’s properties. Device support and controls vary by platform; OBS documents DirectShow-oriented support on Windows, V4L2 on Linux, and separate Blackmagic and AJA source types. See the Video Capture Sources guide. |
| Audio Input Capture / Audio Output Capture | A microphone or other input, or system/playback audio, for a particular scene | Available device choices depend on the system. Avoid capturing the same device both here and under Settings → Audio, which can create echo. See OBS’s Audio Sources guide. |
| Browser | A web page, such as an alert or chat overlay | Configure the page in the source properties. |
| Image / Image Slideshow, Text, or Color | A still image or slideshow, customizable text (including text from a file), or a solid-color block | These sources do not require a webcam or capture card. |
| Media Source | A local audio or video file | OBS lists video formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. See the Media Sources guide. |
| VLC Video | A video playlist | Requires VLC to be installed. OBS specifies that 64-bit OBS requires 64-bit VLC. |
The source menu offers more than the beginner examples in the Quick Start Guide. If you do not see an option that fits, check the available source types in your OBS installation and the relevant platform-specific documentation.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Arrange, hide, resize, or crop a source
Change which source appears on top
The Sources list is a layer stack: items higher in the list appear above lower items in the preview and can cover them. Drag a source up or down in the list, or use the dock’s up/down controls, to change its order. Click the eye icon beside a source to hide it temporarily; click the icon again to show it.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite 4K Webcam for PC, AI Tracking PTZ Streaming Camera
- 【OBSBOT × EWC 2026 Official Partnership】As an Official OBSBOT Partner of the Esports World Cup 2026, OBSBOT powers the future of esports broadcasting with cutting-edge AI imaging technology. From immersive live productions to every defining in-game moment, OBSBOT delivers exceptional precision, clarity, and intelligent camera performance. Beyond the arena, OBSBOT empowers creators and streamers worldwide with professional imaging solutions, helping them capture, create, and share their own esports stories with confidence.
- 【Stay Pro, Stay Productive】The new version Tiny 2 Lite webcam 4K streamlines some streaming features (whiteboard mode and voice control) to prioritize teaching and meeting scenarios. Reasonable price, uncompromised quality. The inherited 4K resolution & 1/2'' CMOS sensor and easier operation make it a more professional business shooting partner.
- 【Your Tracking Mode,Your Rule】The web cam boasts multiple tracking modes (e.g. upper body& hand tracking), to cater to a broader audience with diverse tracking needs. Beyond just these features, the PTZ camera also allows you to customize tracking areas and Non-tracking area, offering unparalleled freedom for personalized tracking.
- 【Customizable Preset Modes】The webcam for PC newly upgraded Preset Position function not only can set multiple preset positions, but also customizes separate parameters and AI tracking modes for each preset position. Even when the scene switches, it reduces adjustment time while still ensuring that every frame is shot at the optimal setting.
- 【Dynamic Gesture Control】 Along with the 2.0 dynamic gesture control, our streaming camera says goodbye to cumbersome manual operation. Simply face the web cam, make an “🖐” gesture to lock the portrait tracking target, and make an “👆” gesture to control the zoom easily.
Set position and size precisely
For numeric controls, select the source and choose Edit → Transform → Edit Transform. The documented shortcut is Ctrl-E on Windows and Cmd-E on macOS. Other useful Transform commands are:
- Fit to Screen: Ctrl-F / Cmd-F
- Stretch to Screen: Ctrl-S / Cmd-S
- Center to Screen: Ctrl-D / Cmd-D
- Reset Transform: Ctrl-R / Cmd-R
Crop the edges
Hold Alt on Windows or Option on macOS while dragging a bounding-box handle to crop. You can also adjust cropping in the Edit Transform controls.
Rank #2
Sale
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
- Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
- Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
Troubleshoot common source problems
The source is missing or covered
Check that you added it to the intended scene, that its eye icon indicates visibility, and that it is above any source covering it in the Sources list. Confirm the selected source’s properties if the content itself is not the one you expected.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
A webcam or capture card is not available
Confirm that you chose Video Capture Device, then inspect the device selected in its properties. Platform-specific support differs; consult OBS’s video capture documentation for the implementation relevant to your operating system.
Rank #3
Sale
TRAUSI 1080P FHD Webcam with Noise-Canceling Mic, Auto Light Correction, Privacy Cover and Wide Angle Lens, Plug & Play USB Camera for Laptop/Desktop/PC/Mac, Compatible with Zoom/Teams/Streaming
- 【1080P HD Clarity with Wide-Angle Lens】Experience exceptional clarity with our 1080p Full HD Webcam. Its wide-angle lens provides sharp, vibrant images and smooth video at 30 frames per second, making it ideal for gaming, video calls, online teaching, live streaming, and content creation. Capture every detail with vivid colors and crisp visuals
- 【Noise-Reducing Built-In Microphone】Our webcam is equipped with an advanced noise-canceling microphone that ensures your voice is transmitted clearly even in noisy environments. This feature makes it perfect for webinars, conferences, live streaming, and professional video calls—your voice remains crisp and clear regardless of background noise or distractions
- 【Automatic Light Correction Technology】This cutting-edge technology dynamically adjusts video brightness and color to suit any lighting condition, ensuring optimal visual quality so you always look your best during video sessions—whether in extremely low light, dim rooms, or overly bright settings. It enhances clarity and detail in every environment
- 【Secure Privacy Cover Protection】The included privacy shield allows you to easily slide the cover over the lens when the webcam is not in use, offering immediate privacy and peace of mind during periods of non-use. Safeguard your personal space and prevent unauthorized access with this simple yet effective solution, ensuring your security at all times
- 【Seamless Plug-and-Play Setup】Designed for user convenience, the webcam is compatible with USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1 interfaces, plus OTG. It requires no additional drivers and comes with a 5ft USB power cable. Simply plug it into your device and start capturing high-quality video right away! Easy to use on multiple devices, ensuring hassle-free setup and instant functionality
Audio echoes
Check whether the same audio device is enabled both as a scene source and under Settings → Audio. Capturing it in both places can produce echo.
Check the scene before going live
OBS recommends testing a recording or stream after setting up a scene, so you can catch missing, misplaced, or incorrectly captured sources before relying on it in a live session.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Sale
OBSBOT Meet 2-4K Webcam for PC with 1/2" Sensor, AI Framing & Autofocus
- 【OBSBOT × EWC 2025 Official Partnership】OBSBOT is thrilled to be the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) Official Camera & Webcam Partner. Leveraging cutting-edge AI camera tech, OBSBOT will deliver immersive live broadcasts, capturing every epic moment of elite gamers. Also, OBSBOT provides content creators and streamers with the same pro imaging solutions, empowering global players to record esports highlights via EWC-approved AI camera tech.
- 【Mini in Size, Mighty in Sight】The upgraded OBSBOT Meet 2 webcam 4K combines AI features with a sleek compact design. Enjoy a wide selection of colors to personalize your setup, and experience improved performance without the high cost.
- 【Experience Stunning 4K Clarity】The UHD 4K resolution, coupled with the bigger 1/2" CMOS sensor, expands the Meet 2 webcam's light-sensitive area, boosting its light capture capacity to yield clearer, brighter images.
- 【AI Framing and Auto Focus】Whether you're alone or with a group of people, web cam's AI algorithm dynamically adjusts the composition and focus of each frame, guaranteeing you're always in the spotlight.
- 【Dynamic Gesture Control】 Along with the 2.0 dynamic gesture control, our streaming camera says goodbye to cumbersome manual operation. Simply face the web cam, make an “🖐” gesture to open/close AI framing, and make an “👆” gesture to control the zoom easily.
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.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
