In OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), a "scene" is essentially a collection of sources arranged and configured to create a specific layout or setup for your live broadcast. Scenes allow you to switch between different configurations seamlessly during your live stream. Each scene can have its own unique combination of video, audio, image, or file sources and can be configured to show different overlays, transitions and settings.
In summary:
Scenes act as presets for your broadcast layout.
You should always name your scenes something descriptive to help you navigate and find the content you need during a broadcast.
You can have multiple scenes to accommodate different segments or aspects of your content (e.g., starting soon, gameplay, facecam only, etc.)
Scenes are meant to be switched to quickly using keyboard shortcuts, usually accompanied by a transition.
You can add different "Sources" to scenes and layer them, just as you would in Photoshop
If you have a webcam or camera attached to the computer…
Click on the plus symbol within the Sources panel
Click Video Capture Device, give this device the name “Camera”, ensure the “source is visible” box is checked
Under device, find the name of the camera/webcam (most of the time it’s default)
Change any settings as you see fit, click “OK”
Click the Camera or Window Capture Source in the Sources panel
Click the Filters button just above the sources panel
In the canvas stage, click on the video source and drag the red boxes in the corners outward to increase the size of the source so that it fills the canvas. You may need to adjust your crop (by holding the ALT key on your keyboard and dragging the red boxes that bound your video source) to maintain an appropriate aspect ratio (no black bars)
If you do not have a webcam or camera ready, you can get OBS to show video from another application (like Google Chrome)..
Navigate to YouTube video of your choice in a new Chrome window
(if you're unsure what to search, look for stock footage of news reporters or online streamers with green screen backgrounds)In OBS, click on the plus symbol within the Sources panel
Click Window Capture, change the window to “[chrome.exe] Video Name - YouTube...”
Click “OK”
Click the Camera or Window Capture Source in the Sources panel
Click the Filters button just above the sources panel
In the canvas stage, click on the video source and drag the red boxes in the corners outward to increase the size of the source so that it fills the canvas. You may need to adjust your crop (by holding the ALT key on your keyboard and dragging the red boxes that bound your video source) to maintain an appropriate aspect ratio (no black bars)
It's best if you import a video file that is stored locally on your computer, so you don't have to worry about internet buffering, videos getting taken offline, or having to work around the video players' controls appearing on screen.
Choose "Media Source" from the list, then click "Add Source."
Name the source "VLC Video" and click "OK."
In the properties window, click "Browse" next to "Local File" and select your video file. Click "Open" and then "OK."
Adjust the size and position of the video in the canvas if needed. You can check the box that allows the video to play or restart when the scene enters the timeline.
Click on the plus symbol within the Sources panel.
Select "Audio Input Capture."
Give this device the name "Microphone."
Ensure the "Make source visible" box is checked.
Under the device dropdown, find the name of your microphone (it might be the default device).
Change any settings as needed and click "OK."
Adjust the audio levels by clicking on the microphone source in the Mixer panel and adjusting the slider.
Test your microphone by speaking into it and checking the audio levels (green/yellow/red bars) in OBS.
Just like with video files, it's best that you have your audio saved "offline" and locally on your computer to reduce issues with streaming.
Save your audio as an .mp3 locally on your computer.
In OBS, make sure you are in the scene where you want to add the audio source.
Click on the plus symbol within the Sources panel.
Select "Media Source" from the menu.
Give the media source a name, such as "Audio File."
Click "OK" to open the properties window for the media source.
In the properties window, click "Browse" next to "Local File" and select the audio file you want to use. Click "Open."
Choose whether to have the audio file start playing when the source is activated or not. You can also loop the file if needed.
Adjust any other settings as necessary, then click "OK" to close the properties window.
In the Mixer panel, you will see the new audio source. Adjust the audio levels by clicking on the audio source and adjusting the slider.
Test your audio source by playing your scene and ensuring that the audio plays as expected.
A monitor is a technical term for an audio output (isolated speakers or headphones) that pass the microphone's input through so you can hear yourself speak. ENSURE YOU PLUG IN A PAIR OF HEADPHONES FIRST OR MOVE YOUR SPEAKERS FAR AWAY FROM THE MICROPHONE before you continue. Otherwise, microphone feedback could damage your hardware.
In the audio mixer panel, click on the gear icon that belongs to the Mic/Aux track
Click on Advanced Audio Properties
In the Mic/Aux row, change the audio monitoring setting to “Monitor Only (mute output)” then click “Close”
You should be able to hear yourself speak or make noise through your headphones. Do not unplug your headphones without reverting your audio monitor back to “Off” in the advanced audio properties window.