To use a Stream Deck for live streaming, install the Stream Deck app and Elgato’s OBS Studio plugin, then drag OBS actions—such as scene changes, recording, and audio controls—onto keys. Press a key to run its assigned action without switching to the OBS window. Check the current compatibility requirements first, and rehearse your layout in your own OBS setup before using it on air.
Check compatibility before you set it up
Elgato’s current OBS plugin page lists Windows 11 or newer, macOS 13 or newer, and Stream Deck app version 6.9 or newer. The Elgato Marketplace listing also specifies Stream Deck 6.9 or later for the OBS Studio plugin. Requirements can change, so confirm them on Elgato’s OBS plugin page before installing.
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How do I connect a Stream Deck to OBS?
- Install the Stream Deck app. Download it from Elgato’s software downloads page, then install and open it.
- Install the OBS Studio plugin. Find Elgato’s free plugin through the Stream Deck app or the Elgato Marketplace listing. Follow the installation prompts.
- Choose an OBS action. In the Stream Deck app, find the OBS actions and drag the ones you want onto keys. Elgato’s quick-start flow is to install the plugin, add actions, and then use the keys to control OBS.
- Make the keys easy to identify. Use clear labels or recognizable icons so you can distinguish actions at a glance. Be especially careful with controls that change the live scene or mute audio.
- Test the controls before broadcasting. Try each assigned action in your usual OBS setup, including scene changes, audio controls, and any transitions you use. Keep OBS accessible as a backup control path if a key or profile does not behave as expected.
What can a Stream Deck control in OBS?
Elgato lists actions for OBS scenes, sources, recording, and audio. Its plugin documentation also describes live key feedback for states such as recording and mute, plus the ability to preview a scene in Studio Mode before pushing it live. The available actions and behavior depend on your plugin, OBS version, and configuration; check the current plugin documentation for the controls available to your setup.
Scene and source controls
Assign scene actions to keys for the scenes you use most often. Source actions can provide direct controls for elements in a scene. If you use OBS Studio Mode, the plugin can let you preview a scene before taking it live.
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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.
- 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.
Recording and audio controls
Place recording and audio actions where they are easy to reach. Elgato says the keys can reflect statuses such as recording and mute, which can help you see the assigned control’s state. Verify the feedback and action behavior in your own setup rather than assuming every key works the same way in every configuration.
Which Stream Deck layout should you choose?
Choose a layout based on how many actions you want visible at once, how much desk space you have, and whether dials would be useful. Elgato’s profile documentation lists these key counts; its standard Stream Deck product page specifies 15 customizable LCD keys and a USB-C connection.
Rank #2
- 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.
| Option | Layout information listed by Elgato | Useful consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Stream Deck Mini | 6 keys | A compact layout for a small set of frequently used controls. |
| Stream Deck Neo | 8 keys | A slightly larger key set while keeping a compact footprint. |
| Standard Stream Deck | 15 customizable LCD keys; USB-C connection | More visible actions than the Mini or Neo. |
| Stream Deck XL | 32 keys | A larger set of controls visible at once. |
| Stream Deck + and other dial-equipped variants | Dial-equipped variants are listed; the cited profile documentation does not specify a key count for this category. | Consider a dial-equipped option if dials fit your workflow. |
These counts are product specifications from Elgato, not independent performance measures. More keys are not automatically better: prioritize the actions you need quickly and can identify reliably.
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Do I need a physical Stream Deck to try it?
No. Elgato describes Stream Deck Mobile as offering six keys for free, with plugin and hotkey support. It can help you try the basic workflow without buying dedicated hardware, but six on-screen keys are not the same experience or ergonomics as a physical control surface. See Elgato’s Stream Deck product information for current details.
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- 36 macro keys: Trigger commands and access tools with one press; customize your controls in the Stream Deck app, free for PC and Mac; trigger Multi Actions to automate entire sequences with one press
- Six multifunction dials: Make quick adjustments with more precision; turn a single dial into many functions with tools like Action Trigger for extra control; adjust settings and levels with precision
- Touch strip display: See important information at a quick glance; see your most important info in real time on an expanded touch strip; access additional pages of actions with a quick swipe of your finger
- Hundreds of integrations: Connect essential apps and equipment; integrate everything from DAWs and video switchers to creative apps; expand your connectivity with optional accessories like Network Dock
- Custom profiles: Create unique layouts for workflows and users; create custom profiles for workflows, projects, and team members; unlimited custom profiles for seamless page navigation
What if there is no plugin for an app?
Elgato recommends using hotkeys when an application has no plugin, and plugins for deeper integration. If the app already has keyboard shortcuts, assign suitable hotkeys to Stream Deck keys. Elgato also notes that profiles are specific to the operating system and Stream Deck device type, so check profile compatibility before importing one. A profile made for another OS or device may not match your setup.
Troubleshoot common setup problems
- The OBS plugin does not appear: Confirm that the Stream Deck app and operating system meet the currently listed requirements, then install the plugin from the app or Marketplace and reopen the Stream Deck app.
- A key does not trigger the expected OBS action: Check that the key has the intended OBS action assigned and test it while OBS is open. Keep OBS controls available as a backup.
- A scene change goes live when you meant to preview it: Review which scene action you assigned and rehearse the workflow. If you use Studio Mode, check that you are using the preview behavior before taking a scene live.
- An imported profile has missing or unsuitable controls: Check the profile’s stated operating system and Stream Deck device type. Elgato identifies both as compatibility details for profiles.
- You cannot tell whether recording or mute is active: Check the key’s feedback in your configuration and confirm the state in OBS. Do not rely on an untested key display during a broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
A Stream Deck controls OBS on your setup; it does not keep a computer online for you. If your goal is to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The stream runs from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it also attempts automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card.
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- Advanced Live Production: easily control your favorite tools and platforms.
- 32 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly trigger unlimited actions with a tap.
- Powerful Integrations: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, vMix, VoiceMod, and more.
- One-Touch Operation: change scenes, launch media, switch cameras, tweak lighting, adjust audio, post tweets – anything.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube uploaded-video streams, not camera broadcasts. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Work smarter not harder: forget keyboard shortcuts. Stream Deck Mini lets you assign tedious, hard to memorise shortcuts to a single key. Instantly identify and activate them without error.
- Compatible with your apps: Seamlessly integrate with essential software including Zoom, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, GoogleSuite, MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Apps, Spotify, Music, and many more.
- Customizable LCD keys: Instantly activate commands and functions with a single tap.
- Easy Set Up: User-Friendly Software. Drag actions onto keys. Then personalize settings with ease.
- Multi-action efficiency: Execute multiple actions at once or in a sequence, precisely timed.
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