XSplit Broadcaster 4.3 introduced four headline changes: a Layout Wizard, a refreshed Sources menu, customizable lower thirds, and a customizable background source. The release was announced on March 1, 2022, and its announcement was updated May 26, 2025; it is a historical release, not a description of every feature in the current version. XSplit’s release index shows later releases through 2026, so check its current release notes if you need instructions for the interface you have installed.
What was new in XSplit Broadcaster 4.3?
XSplit’s announcement described four changes aimed at getting a scene ready and giving it more visual polish. The announcement did not provide a complete list of the release’s bug fixes and other improvements.
- Layout Wizard: A guided way to assemble a starting layout with a camera, another source, and a background.
- Overhauled Sources menu: A refreshed way to access sources while building a scene.
- Customizable lower thirds: Add a lower-third graphic from templates and customize it in a few clicks.
- Customizable background source: Use an included image or add your own. XSplit said the background source prevents other sources from appearing behind it.
In its 4.3 announcement, XSplit (SplitmediaLabs Limited) said: “Using a background source now means you never have to worry about any other sources going behind your background!”
How do I build a scene?
A scene is a collection of sources arranged in one layout. Use the wizard for a guided starter scene, or add and arrange sources yourself when you want more control. These are general Broadcaster workflows documented in XSplit’s getting-started guide; they should not be read as controls unique to version 4.3.
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Option 1: Start with Layout Wizard
- Open Layout Wizard from the welcome screen, the top-bar button, or Tools > Layout Wizard.
- Choose a layout.
- Use the source drop-downs to select the sources for the layout.
- Finish the wizard, then review the scene on the canvas and adjust it if needed.
Option 2: Add sources manually
- Click Add Source.
- Choose a source type and add the source to the scene. A camera is optional; use one only if it suits your presentation.
- Resize and arrange the source on the canvas.
- Add further sources as needed, then arrange them into the composition you want.
Use the Scene buttons to switch between scenes. To rename a scene, right-click its Scene button. Before streaming or recording, set the canvas resolution and frame rate; the getting-started guide says these settings become the default basis for stream or recording settings.
What changed with lower thirds, Sources, and backgrounds?
Lower thirds
The 4.3 announcement describes choosing a lower-third template and customizing it, but does not document exact menu paths or control labels. Those details may differ across versions, so use the instructions available in your installed version rather than assuming a particular control name.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Sources menu
The Sources menu was overhauled in 4.3. The announcement does not detail its individual changes or give a step-by-step editing procedure; the current getting-started guide’s manual workflow is to click Add Source, select a source type, and arrange it on the canvas.
Background source
The new customizable background source can use an image or an image you supply. XSplit’s announcement specifically says it prevents other sources from appearing behind the background. The announcement does not spell out the controls for choosing or configuring it, so consult the interface and version-specific help rather than relying on guessed menu steps.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do I stream or record?
Start a stream
- Click Stream. This opens the Plugin Store dialog.
- Select a platform and follow its setup wizard to authenticate and configure the output.
- Choose the desired channel from the Outputs drop-down.
- Click Stream to start. Some platforms display a pre-stream dialog first; complete it if shown.
Record
- Confirm which canvas the Record button will capture.
- Click Record.
Or let it run in the cloud
XSplit is a desktop broadcasting workflow; if your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed.
- Nothing has to stay running on your computer or home connection.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or pricing, then start your free day.
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What should I verify before installing or choosing a license?
XSplit’s FAQ page is dated 2022, so treat its compatibility and licensing details as historical guidance and verify current terms before relying on them.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Operating system: The FAQ says Broadcaster supports Windows 7 and higher and that there were no plans for a macOS version on that page. It also warns Boot Camp users may encounter issues. Check the present system requirements before installing.
- Free-license restrictions: The FAQ says the free license adds a watermark, bars commercial use, limits presentations to four scenes, and does not allow simultaneous broadcasting to multiple platforms. It also lists features omitted from the free license: Audio Source, Local Streaming, Stream Delay, Source Transitions, Projector, Preview Editor, Audio Mix Preview, and Skype Video Camera. The page says a Premium or Premium Bundle license removes the watermark. These are dated terms, not a guarantee of current licensing.
- VST3 plugins: The FAQ says Broadcaster 4.2 and later supports VST3 plugins, while warning that not every plugin works. It listed RoughRider3, BX CleanSweep V2, MJUCjr, SPL De-Verb Plus, TDR Nova, Valhalla Supermassive, and TAL-Reverb 4 as known to work when that page was updated in 2022; verify compatibility with your current setup.
Common problems and what to check
- The scene does not look right: Reopen Layout Wizard to review its layout and source selections, or manually resize and arrange sources on the canvas.
- The intended channel is not selected: After configuring the platform, check the Outputs drop-down before clicking Stream.
- A stream will not start: Confirm that the platform setup wizard completed authentication and configuration. If a pre-stream dialog appears, complete it.
- A recording captures the wrong canvas: Check which canvas the Record button will capture before starting.
- A VST3 plugin does not work: Support for the format does not guarantee compatibility for every plugin; verify the plugin against the version you are using.
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