Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
In OBS Studio, add a transparent PNG as an Image source (or a web graphic as a Browser source), place it above your camera or video layer, and rehearse showing and hiding it. A lower third is a graphic near the bottom of the picture—typically a speaker’s name, role, or segment title—with the video still visible through its transparent areas.
Choose the workflow that fits your stream
The right approach depends on where you produce the stream and whether the text needs to change while you are live.
| Workflow | Where it runs | Changing text live | Setup considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static image source | Desktop scene software such as OBS | Replace or edit the asset, or use an additional text workflow | Simple once the graphic is prepared; use a transparent image |
| Browser-source graphic | OBS or another tool that accepts browser sources | Often controlled on a provider’s external page; features depend on the provider | Requires the provider’s URL and browser-source setup |
| Built-in browser-studio graphics | A service’s browser production studio | May support live banners or speaker fields | Can reduce scene-level setup, but access may depend on plan or feature entitlements |
| vMix GT title | vMix desktop production environment | A title input can be edited; confirm the workflow for the template in use | Requires a title template and overlay-channel workflow |
For a straightforward OBS setup, a static PNG is usually the simplest choice. Use a browser graphic when you need external controls or dynamic content. If you already produce in a browser studio or vMix, its built-in graphics workflow may be more convenient.
Add a lower third in OBS Studio
- Create or select a scene. Choose the scene that contains the camera, game capture, or other video you want behind the graphic.
- Add a source. In Sources, select +, then choose Image for a static graphic or Browser for a web-based graphic.
- Choose the asset or URL. For an Image source, select your transparent PNG. For a Browser source, enter the URL supplied by the graphics provider and follow its documented size and setup requirements.
- Set the layer order. In the Sources list, put the lower-third source above the camera or video source. Sources higher in the stack render over sources beneath them.
- Position and size it. Adjust the graphic in the OBS preview. Keep the text legible and avoid covering faces, captions, or important game and screen content.
- Check the actual output and cue it. Preview at your stream’s output size, then rehearse the action that shows and hides the graphic. A static source can be controlled through source visibility; some browser-graphic services provide separate on-air controls.
For a service-specific example, StreamSlayers describes adding its Browser source at 1920×1080 and controlling graphics through its interface. That dimension applies to its described setup, not to every OBS browser source. Its Stream Deck plugin is optional; a physical control is not required for the basic OBS method. See the StreamSlayers OBS lower-thirds guide.
#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.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Prepare a readable graphic
Match the canvas to your output
For a static overlay, use a canvas matching your production output resolution. Keep the unused video area transparent and include only the visible nameplate or title treatment. Export as a PNG with transparency enabled. StreamYard’s guide uses 1280×720 as a baseline for its 720p workflow; that is not a universal requirement. Match the canvas to your own broadcast dimensions. See StreamYard’s overlay guide.
Keep the information easy to read
Use short text, strong contrast, and restrained animation. Place the lower third where it will not obscure a face or important shared-screen detail. These are practical design recommendations, not a formal broadcast safe-area standard. Preview the graphic over the actual video before the event. StreamYard’s lower-third guide discusses transparent overlays and platform-specific asset details; check current documentation for any service-specific formats or limits.
Rank #2
- 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.
Use another platform’s graphics workflow
StreamYard
StreamYard’s studio workflow uses an overlays panel to upload assets and toggle them while live. Its companion guide describes transparent overlays for branding and live banners for text that changes from speaker to speaker. Using a banner for changing names can avoid exporting a separate static image for each person. Asset dimensions, formats, and limits are specific to the platform and may change; check StreamYard’s current documentation before preparing files.
Vimeo browser production
Vimeo’s Help Center says lower thirds are available when producing through its in-browser studio in Stream through your browser mode. Its instructions cover creating graphics, adding them to scenes, editing speaker name and title fields, and selecting Show or Hide on stage. The article states that access requires an Advanced or Premium plan, or an Enterprise plan with the Events feature added. Confirm current plan availability before relying on it. See Vimeo’s lower-thirds instructions.
vMix
The vMix User Guide describes creating title and lower-third templates in GT Designer, adding one with Add Input → Title, then using overlay-channel buttons to start the transition in and out. The guide says animation support is available in the 4K and Pro editions, except that included built-in GT templates work in all editions. Verify edition details against the current guide for your version. See the vMix title guide.
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.
Test the cue before going live
- Check the graphic over the scene where it will appear, not just on a blank canvas.
- Confirm the text is legible at the stream’s actual output size.
- Verify the source sits above the video layer and does not hide anything the audience needs to see.
- Rehearse showing and hiding it, including any separate browser-graphic control page or studio control.
- If the name or role changes, test that update method before the event begins.
Or let it run in the cloud
Lower thirds are a visual layer in your production; StreamNeo addresses a different task: keeping an uploaded video looping as a YouTube live stream. To use it, upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It does not stream a camera feed or send to platforms other than YouTube.
With StreamNeo, nothing has to stay on at home. Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it does not re-encode or use quality tiers. If YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically recovers. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or its pricing page, then start your free 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
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- 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
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
