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To add an overlay in Streamlabs Desktop, install a theme from the Streamlabs Overlay Library, import an existing .overlay file, or add your own image files as sources in a scene. If you use OBS Studio, Streamlabs documents both a plugin route and a scene-collection import route.
Choose the route that matches what you have
| What you have | Best-fit route |
|---|---|
| You want a ready-made design | Browse the Streamlabs Overlay Library and install a theme into Streamlabs Desktop. |
You already have a .overlay file |
Import it through Streamlabs Desktop’s Scene Collections settings. |
| You have separate graphic files | Add them as image sources in the scenes where you want them to appear. |
| You use OBS Studio | Use the Streamlabs plugin, or import a Streamlabs scene collection using Streamlabs’ dedicated instructions. |
Overlay themes and widgets are related, but not identical. A theme can include visual elements and widget settings; an alert or other widget can also be added as an integrated source or as a browser source. Some library themes are Ultra-only, so check the individual listing before choosing one.
Install an overlay from the Streamlabs library
- Open the Streamlabs Overlay Library, or open overlay search inside Streamlabs Desktop.
- Browse featured or trending overlays, or use Advanced Search with a keyword and filters such as color or type.
- Open a design and choose Select and Install. Select the components you want included.
- When prompted, open Streamlabs Desktop, review the components, and confirm the installation.
- Check the resulting scene collection and open the scene you plan to use. Review the layout before going live.
Library availability varies by theme; some designs may require Streamlabs Ultra. Check the theme listing for its current access terms rather than assuming every overlay is free.
Import an existing .overlay file
- In Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings.
- Go to Scene Collections.
- Choose Import Overlay File and select the
.overlayfile on your device. - Wait for the import to finish, then inspect the imported scenes and adjust positions or settings as needed.
Build an overlay from your own images
- Create a fresh scene collection in Streamlabs Desktop.
- Add the scenes you need, such as Starting Soon, Live, and BRB.
- Open a scene and use Sources + to add the image files you want displayed.
- Repeat in each scene where those graphics should appear, then check placement and visibility in the preview.
The image-source workflow is useful when your design arrives as separate files rather than a ready-to-install theme. The exact source order and controls can vary with the scene and app version, so verify the preview rather than relying on a universal layer recipe.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Use Streamlabs overlays in OBS Studio
Streamlabs documents two ways to use its overlays with OBS Studio: install the Streamlabs plugin and use its overlay controls, or transfer a Streamlabs scene collection without the plugin.
With the Streamlabs plugin
- Install the Streamlabs plugin for OBS using Streamlabs’ current instructions.
- In OBS, open the Streamlabs → Overlay controls.
- Find a theme and install it, then inspect the resulting scene before streaming.
Without the plugin
Use Streamlabs’ dedicated scene-import guide for the current transfer steps. This route avoids filling in menu details that may change between OBS and Streamlabs versions.
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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.)
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Add or change alerts and other widgets
A widget theme is a profile of alert and widget settings. Create or customize a theme in the Streamlabs dashboard, then apply the widget as a source in Streamlabs Desktop. If you use streaming software that is not integrated with Streamlabs, add the widget as a browser source using its widget URL.
Streamlabs also documents associating widget themes with scene collections in Desktop. If alerts or widgets look different after switching collections, check which widget theme is associated with the active collection.
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Rank #3
- 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.
Check the overlay before going live
- Confirm that the intended scene collection and scene are active.
- Check that each graphic and widget appears in the preview where expected.
- Verify that any premium theme or component you selected is available to your account.
- If a widget is missing or styled incorrectly, check its source and the widget-theme association for the active collection.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate option for keeping a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos; it does not add overlays to a camera feed or replace the scene-editing steps above. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
