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Find an overlay in Streamlabs’ Overlay Library, install only the components you need, then customize and save widgets in the Streamlabs dashboard. You can use the result in Streamlabs Desktop, OBS, or another streaming application—through native sources, imported scenes, the Streamlabs OBS plugin, or browser-source widget URLs, depending on your setup.
Choose an overlay that fits your stream
Open Streamlabs’ Overlay Library and browse featured designs, or search and narrow the results. Streamlabs’ library guide describes filters for keyword, color, type, widget type, and style. Collections can also group designs by style, game, holiday, language, or streaming category.
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Before choosing, check four things: whether the colors and visual style suit your stream, which widgets or components the design includes, whether it supports your streaming software, and whether that specific design is free or requires Streamlabs Ultra. Streamlabs identifies its Dual Output collection as supporting both vertical and horizontal orientations.
Access depends on the design and your account. Streamlabs says many overlays and widget themes are free, while the full theme library is available with Ultra. Its Alert Box guide also describes Alert Box as free to use and customize, with additional theme-library access through Ultra. Confirm the selected item’s current access requirements in Streamlabs; availability and labels may vary by account, software version, or region.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Install an overlay in Streamlabs Desktop
- Open the Overlay Library. Find the design you want and review its included components.
- Select the design and choose “Select and Install.” In the installation flow, select the components you want in your scene.
- Install the selection. Streamlabs says the overlay appears in your scene collection after installation. Check the collection and scene before going live so you know which components were added.
If you already have an overlay file, open Streamlabs Desktop, go to Settings > Scene Collections, and choose Import Overlay File. Select the existing .overlay file and import it.
Use a Streamlabs overlay in OBS or another app
OBS with the Streamlabs plugin
Streamlabs documents an OBS plugin route: install its plugin, then select an overlay in the plugin’s overlay settings. Follow the current plugin instructions for the version of OBS and Streamlabs software you have, since installation screens can change.
Rank #2
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- 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.
Transfer scenes to OBS without the plugin
Streamlabs also documents transferring overlays to OBS by importing a Streamlabs scene collection. This is an alternative if you do not want to use the plugin; consult Streamlabs’ current transfer guide for the exact migration steps.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Other streaming software: add widget URLs as browser sources
For software that does not have a Streamlabs integration, use the URL for the widget you want as a browser source. You can also use this method in OBS when you need a widget from a theme that is not active. Add each widget URL as its own browser source when combining widgets from different themes—for example, an Alert Box from one theme and a Chat Box from another.
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
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
Customize widgets and manage themes
- Open the Streamlabs dashboard and go to All Widgets. Choose the widget you want to change.
- Adjust its appearance and behavior. Use the widget’s available settings to customize how it looks and responds.
- Save your changes. Add the saved widget as a source in Streamlabs Desktop, or copy its browser-source URL into your other streaming application.
A widget theme stores alert and widget settings as a profile. In the dashboard, select Use on the theme you want active. In Streamlabs Desktop, you can associate themes with scene collections so the expected widget settings follow the relevant collection.
If a widget appears with the wrong look or behavior, check which theme is active and which theme is associated with the current scene collection. To use a widget from an inactive theme, open that theme’s widget links, copy the URL for the specific widget, and add it as a browser source. That lets you mix individual widgets from different themes without changing the active profile.
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.
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc.
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- 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.
Test alerts before you go live
Previewing a widget in its settings is not a substitute for checking how it appears in your actual scene. Streamlabs documents test controls in the dashboard, Streamlabs Desktop, and the OBS plugin.
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- Dashboard: use the test dropdown or test a specific alert variation.
- Streamlabs Desktop: use the available widget test controls.
- OBS plugin: use the plugin’s test menus.
Confirm that the alert or widget appears in the intended scene and that the saved styling is the one you expect before broadcasting.
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your stream also needs to keep a YouTube channel live around the clock using uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service for that job—not an overlay or widget tool. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, streams it as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
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