In OBS, a scene is a complete arrangement of sources—such as a camera, screen capture, text, and audio. Create separate scenes for different parts of your production, then switch by selecting a scene, using a hotkey, or preparing it in Studio Mode before transitioning it live. Save the arrangement in a Scene Collection; use a Profile separately when you need different stream or recording output settings.
Build a custom scene layout
1. Create scenes for distinct views
In the Scenes dock, add a scene for each view you need. Give scenes names that make sense during a live production, such as Welcome, Desktop, Game, Break, and End. A scene is the composition; the items placed in it are sources.
2. Add sources
Select a scene, then use the plus button in the Sources dock to add the inputs and elements for that view. OBS supports sources such as display or window capture, game capture on Windows, webcams and capture cards, images, browser pages, media, text, and audio. What is available depends on your operating system and the source type. See the OBS Sources Guide and Quick Start Guide.
For example, a documentary discussion scene might combine a camera, a browser or display capture showing reference material, a title image, and microphone audio. Add only what that scene needs; another scene can use a different arrangement.
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3. Arrange, layer, and crop
Position sources in the preview, or use Edit Transform when you need precise placement. The order in the Sources list determines layering: items higher in the list render above items below and may cover them. Use a source’s eye control to hide or show it without removing it from the scene.
- Drag a source in the preview to reposition it.
- Use transform controls for more precise sizing and placement.
- To crop by dragging an edge, hold Alt on Windows or Linux, or Option on macOS, while dragging.
- Check the Sources list if an image, title, or camera unexpectedly covers another element.
The exact controls can vary by installed OBS release; consult the Sources Guide for source ordering, visibility, transform, and crop details.
Switch scenes during a stream or recording
Select a scene directly
Click the desired scene in the Scenes dock. This is the simplest way to change the program view. Before going live, check that you are selecting the intended scene and that its sources are visible and working.
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Assign a hotkey
- Open Settings → Hotkeys.
- Find the “Switch to [scene]” action for each scene you want to control from the keyboard.
- Assign a key or key combination, then apply the settings.
- Test each shortcut in a recording or rehearsal. Make sure it does not conflict with another application or action.
Prepare a change with Studio Mode
Studio Mode separates the scene you are editing from the scene currently on program output. Prepare the next scene in the edit area, check its sources and framing, then click Transition to take it live. You can also use a configured Quick Transition or hotkey. This is useful when you do not want viewers to see you arranging or correcting a scene; the OBS guide describes Studio Mode as a way to change scenes in the background before viewers see the change. Read the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
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Choose how scene changes look
For an immediate change, use a cut. To soften or otherwise shape the change, choose a transition and duration in the Scene Transitions area. Fade and Cut are available in OBS from first launch. The Overview Guide also documents Swipe, Slide, Fade to color, and Luma Wipe; available choices can change between releases.
Use Studio Mode when you want to inspect the prepared view before the transition. Whichever transition you choose, test it with your actual scenes: a transition that works well for a camera change may not suit a layout with several moving or layered sources.
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Save scenes and output settings separately
OBS has two organization tools that serve different purposes:
| OBS item | What it saves | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Scene Collection | Scenes and their sources, including global audio sources | You need a separate set of layouts for another show or use case |
| Profile | Settings primarily related to streaming and recording output, including Stream, Video, and Output sections | You need different output settings, such as a different service or canvas resolution |
Profiles do not store scenes, and Scene Collections do not store output settings. They can be combined: use a collection for the layouts and a profile for the corresponding output configuration. OBS documents importing and managing collections in its Scene Collections guide and profiles in its Profiles guide.
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Check the setup before going live
Make a short test recording or stream before relying on a layout in a live production. Check the complete scene-switching path, not just whether the preview looks right.
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- Confirm the intended scene reaches program output.
- Check source order, framing, and visibility in every scene.
- Verify cameras, capture devices, and audio sources work as expected.
- Test hotkeys and transitions, including Studio Mode if you use it.
- Confirm that the selected Profile and Scene Collection are the ones intended for this production.
OBS recommends a short test before streaming or recording; see its Quick Start Guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common scene and layout problems
A source is missing or hidden
Check that the source is in the selected scene and that its eye control is on. A source can belong to one scene without appearing in another.
One source covers another
Review the Sources list. Higher entries render above lower ones, so move or reorder sources as needed and check the preview again.
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A crop or position is wrong
Adjust the source in the preview or use Edit Transform. For a drag crop, use Alt on Windows or Linux, or Option on macOS; a normal drag repositions the source instead.
A hotkey does not switch to the expected scene
Check the assigned action under Settings → Hotkeys, confirm the scene name, and test for conflicts with other applications or actions.
The live view changes while you are still arranging it
Use Studio Mode to prepare the next scene separately, inspect it, and then transition it to program output.
The layout is right but the output setup is wrong
Check the active Profile as well as the Scene Collection. The collection holds scenes and sources; output-related settings belong to the Profile.
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