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Add a speedrun timer to OBS by installing the LiveSplit One OBS plugin, then adding its source and choosing your split file and layout. If the plugin does not support your operating system or OBS version, use a timer with a browser-source overlay, such as OpenSpeedRun’s optional local overlay server.
Choose how the timer will enter OBS
There are two documented approaches: a dedicated LiveSplit One source, or an OBS browser source that displays timer data from OpenSpeedRun’s local WebSocket overlay.
| Approach | How it appears in OBS | Setup detail | Compatibility note |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiveSplit One plugin | A dedicated “LiveSplit One” source. | Install the release for your operating system, then select the split file and layout in the source properties. | Check the release against your OS, architecture, and OBS version; plugin support can vary. |
| OpenSpeedRun browser overlay | A browser source connected to a local WebSocket overlay. | Enable “OBS overlay server” in OpenSpeedRun’s configuration first; it is off by default. | The project describes Windows, Linux, and macOS releases, but says macOS is currently untested. |
OBS supports plugins that add sources, filters, and other features, but compatibility depends on the plugin and installed OBS build. See the OBS Project’s Plugins Guide before installing a plugin, especially if you use a less common platform or distribution.
Add LiveSplit One as an OBS source
- Check compatibility. Confirm that the LiveSplit One release supports your operating system and architecture, and check its notes against your installed OBS version. OBS plugins may be platform-specific or may not yet support the OBS version you have.
- Install the plugin for your system. Follow the project’s OS-specific instructions in the LiveSplit One OBS plugin README. It documents steps for Windows, Linux, Flatpak, and macOS; use the instructions for your installation rather than copying a path intended for another platform.
- Add the source. In OBS, open the scene where you want the timer. In the Sources dock, select +, choose LiveSplit One, and create or select a source.
- Choose the run and appearance. Open the source properties and select the split file for your run and the layout you want displayed. The plugin also allows multiple sources to share split state while using different layouts.
- Place and check the timer. Position and size the source in the scene, then preview the composition. Keep the timer readable while leaving important gameplay visible.
- Assign controls if needed. Open Settings → Hotkeys in OBS and assign hotkeys to the LiveSplit One source’s actions if you want to control it from the keyboard.
Use OpenSpeedRun with an OBS browser source
Choose this route if the dedicated plugin is not available for your platform or OBS build, or if you prefer a browser-based overlay. OpenSpeedRun’s overlay server is local and opt-in; a browser source cannot connect until you enable it.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys
- 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.
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- Install and open OpenSpeedRun using the instructions in its project README.
- In its configuration, enable OBS overlay server. The server is off by default.
- Copy or note the local WebSocket endpoint provided by the running overlay server. Use the exact endpoint shown by your installation; do not substitute a remote URL.
- In OBS, add a Browser source to the intended scene and configure it to use the overlay integration and local endpoint as described by OpenSpeedRun. The repository includes a ready-made overlay example and documents browser-source customization.
- Start the timer server and preview the scene. If the browser source is blank, confirm the server is enabled and running, then check that the source points to the endpoint for that local server.
Make the timer legible in the finished scene
- Check the scene at the size viewers will actually see, not only while editing the full OBS canvas.
- Place the timer where it does not cover important gameplay, captions, or documentary footage.
- Preview the source after changing the split file or layout so you can catch a missing file or unintended presentation before recording or going live.
Troubleshoot common setup problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| “LiveSplit One” is missing from the Sources list. | The plugin may not be installed in the location or format expected by the OS, or may not support the installed OBS build. | Revisit the OS-specific README steps and verify OS, architecture, and OBS-version compatibility. |
| The timer source appears, but the run or layout is wrong. | The source properties may point to a different split file or layout. | Open the LiveSplit One source properties and select the intended split file and layout. |
| The browser overlay is blank. | The OpenSpeedRun overlay server is off, not running, or the browser source is using the wrong local endpoint. | Enable “OBS overlay server,” confirm it is running, and match the browser source to the endpoint provided by that installation. |
| The plugin works on one computer but not another. | Plugin availability can differ by operating system, architecture, and OBS version. | Check the target computer’s environment against the plugin’s release notes; use the browser overlay route if it is better supported for that setup. |
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube channel that should stay live with uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate option from an OBS timer overlay: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. StreamNeo is for YouTube, not a camera-based stream.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free first day.
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Best Value
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Purple)
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Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller
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VSD M18 Macro Pad Programmable Keypad, Stream Controller Streaming Deck, Customizable LCD keys, Gaming shortcut keyboard, USB sound board, Trigger actions in OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Works with PC Mac
- 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
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- 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
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8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC, Apple, Steam & Android, Black
- 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.
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- 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.
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