OBS Studio

Setting up a Scene Collection in OBS Studio

Setting up a scene collection in OBS Studio can enhance a stream's visual appeal and functionality. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown to ensure your scene collection is top-notch, from importing assets to packaging for customers.

Scene Collection Setup

• OBS Studio Pre-Emptive Folder Setup:

  • Create a folder on your C: Drive (e.g., "Stream Packages").

  • Inside, create a subfolder for your package to maintain consistent file paths.

  • This helps customers find assets easily.

• Creating Your Scene Collection in OBS Studio:

  • Open OBS Studio.

  • Click on "File" > "Settings" > "Video" and set the canvas resolution to 1920x1080.

  • Create a new scene collection by using the top bar.

  • Name it appropriately, matching your product name.

  • Your OBS Studio window should look something like this:

A brand new scene collection

• Scene Setup:

  • Create scenes for overlays, webcams, social media bars, screens (starting, ending, etc.), and an editing scene.

  • Right-click on the default scene on the left and select "rename" (or use F2 hotkey) to name it, e.g., "Main."

  • Create additional scenes for each screen type in your package.

  • Your scene list will look something like this:

Importing Assets

• Direct Import: Simply drag and drop the desired assets from your computer folders directly into the respective scenes in OBS Studio.

• Resolution Fitting: If your assets are 1920x1080, they should fit perfectly on the canvas. For other resolutions:

  • Right-click on the asset.

  • Navigate to "transform."

  • Select "fit to screen" or use the shortcut Ctrl + F.

• Animated Assets: For assets with animations:

  • Double-click on the asset source or select the source properties button.

  • Tick the "loop" checkbox and click "OK."

Asset Arrangement

• Canvas Spread: Ensure assets are spread well on the canvas, allowing space for webcams, overlays, and other elements.

• Positioning: Drag assets to their desired positions or use arrow keys for minute adjustments.

• Layering: Modify the order of assets in the sources panel, especially useful for layered effects, such as two-part greenscreen bars.

An example of webcam frames spaced out in a single scene

Adding Editable Text

• Text Source: Click the "+" icon in the sources panel and choose "Text (GDI+)." Assign a unique name.

• Customization: Adjust the font, size, and style by selecting "Select Font."

• Use Cases: Ideal for adding dynamic elements like stream titles or social media tags.

Social Media Handles Setup

• Scene Creation: Start by creating a new scene titled "Edit Social Media Here."

• Text & Icons: Add text sources for the names of social platforms and import respective icons.

• Organizing Icons: Consider grouping icons into folders for structured organization.

• Scene Integration: You can integrate this scene into other scenes where you want to display social media details.

An example of social media handles and icons

Exporting Scene Collection

• Steps for Export:

  • Click on the scene collection tab.

  • Choose "Export."

  • Direct to a folder and save as a JSON file.

• Canvas Resolution Note: OBS scales assets according to your canvas resolution. Ensure you mention the canvas resolution in any documentation or provide separate scene collections for varying resolutions.

Packaging for Customers

• Zipping: Compress the files while preserving the folder structure.

• Example of Folder Structure: The zip file might look like: Drag Visuals_by_Impulse Folder to C Drive.zip > C:\Visuals_by_Impulse\Stream Packages\Planetar Animated