A quick tutorial on how to add stream overlays for Streamlabs OBS. For more detailed articles on how to set up stream packages, transitions, twitch alerts and more – visit our tutorials section.
At the time of creating this tutorial, we are using Streamlabs Desktop version 1.11.2. Make sure you have the latest version, because each update improves the functions and overall quality of this software. You can download Streamlabs OBS here.
If you are new to streaming and need help with setting up your stream with Streamlabs OBS – read this article first to set up your stream before adding overlays.
1. Select the Scene You’re Wanting to Add Your Overlay to In Streamlabs OBS
If you have multiple scenes setup for your stream in Streamlabs OBS, then before anything you’ll want to make sure you have the scene you’re wanting to add your overlay to selected.
Just left click on the scene, then verify that you’re on the correct scene by checking to see if that one has the different background behind it.
Or if you want to create a new scene, you can click the plus (+) icon on the top left. It will open up a box where you will be able to give name to your new scene and create it.
2. Add Your Overlay to Streamlabs OBS
Once you have your scene selected, you can now add your stream overlay to Streamlabs OBS under the Sources tab.
To do this, simply click plus (+) icon on top of the Sources box and select Image.
NOTE – If your overlay is animated, select Media File instead of Image.
After selecting Image (or Media File), click Add Source.
3. Name Your Overlay
A window will popup in with the option to Create new source.
In this window you have the option to name your stream overlay. So make sure to name it something that will allow you to easily identify it in your Sources tab. Something like “overlay” is a good start.
Once you’ve done that, hit Add Source.
4. Upload Your Stream Overlay to Streamlabs OBS
On the next screen you’ll have the option to Browse for your overlay image file. So click on the Browse button, then select your overlay wherever you have it saved on your computer.
For this example I’ve chosen to add Retro – Dark Aesthetic webcam overlay to OBS.
Once you’ve found your overlay, and have it showing in your window like the screenshot below, then hit Done.
Click here for the best Streamlabs OBS settings for your stream.
5. Resize and Move Your Overlay
When you first add your overlay to Streamlabs OBS you’ll probably notice that the image is too big and/or not positioned where you’d like it.
To resize and change the positioning of your overlay you can right-click on the actual overlay in your preview window, or on the file in your Sources tab.
And in the options menu that pops up when you right-clicked; mouseover the Transform option and there you’ll find a bunch of options to modify your overlay.
If you’re simply wanting to resize and move your overlay around, then here’s a quick way to do that:
- To move your overlay left-click and drag on the image in the preview window.
- To resize your overlay left-click and drag on any of the small red circles that are around your image.
- For finer placement adjusting try using arrow keys on your keyboard.
If you hold shift and left-click you’ll be able to resize your overlay without the aspect ratio being locked.
(We don’t advise to do this because it may affect the look of overlays – they look smushed)
Once you’ve resized and positioned your overlay how you want it to look on your stream, then you’re all done! You’ve just learned how to add your Twitch overlay to OBS.
Overlay Not Showing Up In Streamlabs OBS?
If your overlay isn’t showing up in the Streamlabs OBS preview window when you added it, then it could be because your Image Source is below your Game Capture or Display Capture Source (or other sources).
Think of each source as layers; the sources that are higher up on the list will show up over top of the sources that are below them.
So if you have a source that is taking up your full screen (like your display or game capture), then make sure every source that you want visible (like your overlay) is listed on top of those full screen sources.
For example: If you want to add webcam overlay, place it one level higher than webcam source.
You’re Done!
That’s how to use your overlays in Streamlabs OBS.
Now that you know how to set up your overlay, you now know how to add other overlays that you might want to add to your stream as well. It’s the exact same process – only difference would be animated overlays which require to add them as Media File instead of Image. All the other steps are the same.
For more articles about improving quality of your streams – visit our tutorial section.