To customize a stream with overlays, choose the visual elements you want, create or select an overlay, then add it to your broadcasting software as a source. In OBS Studio, a common route is to paste a StreamElements overlay URL into a Browser source; in Streamlabs Desktop, you can use a library overlay or add image files as sources. Check the layout in your scene so it stays readable and does not cover important gameplay or camera content.
What a stream overlay does
An overlay adds visual elements on top of a broadcast. Examples include alerts, labels, goals, and chat. StreamElements describes its editor as a way to compose those elements, which the broadcasting software then renders through a browser source (StreamElements documentation).
Before setting one up, decide what your viewers need to see and where it should appear. A full-canvas design may frame the whole scene, while a smaller element can be positioned independently. Keep essential gameplay and camera content unobstructed.
Add a StreamElements overlay to OBS Studio
- Copy the overlay URL. Open the overlay in the StreamElements dashboard or editor and copy its URL. StreamElements documents this as the link to use in OBS (Adding Overlays to OBS Studio).
- Add a Browser source. In OBS Studio, select the scene you want to customize. In the Sources panel, click the add button and choose Browser.
- Paste the URL. In the Browser source properties, paste the StreamElements overlay URL.
- Set the dimensions. Set the browser source width and height to match your stream canvas when the overlay is designed for the full scene. If you want a smaller element that you can reposition in OBS, use smaller dimensions as appropriate; StreamElements advises matching the stream resolution or using a smaller size for repositioning (StreamElements overlay documentation).
- Position and inspect it. Arrange the Browser source in the scene, then check the preview. Confirm that the visible elements sit where you expect and do not hide important content.
Add overlays in Streamlabs
Streamlabs documents more than one route, depending on whether you use Streamlabs Desktop or OBS and on how the overlay is supplied. An image file, a library overlay, and an imported scene collection are different kinds of setup; do not assume they transfer identically between programs.
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Use a library overlay in Streamlabs Desktop
Choose an overlay from the Streamlabs library and apply it to the relevant scene in Streamlabs Desktop. Review the scene after applying it so you can adjust placement and confirm it fits your content.
Add image files as sources
If your design is provided as image files, add those files as sources within the scene in Streamlabs Desktop. Position and size each source in the preview. This is useful for static visual elements; it is distinct from adding a browser-based overlay URL.
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Use a Streamlabs OBS plugin or import a scene collection into OBS
Streamlabs also documents selecting and installing an overlay through its OBS plugin, or importing a Streamlabs scene collection into OBS without the plugin. Follow the current instructions for the exact provider and software combination you use (Streamlabs: How to Add an Overlay to Your Stream).
Choose the workflow that fits your setup
| Your situation | Workflow to consider |
|---|---|
| You use OBS Studio and your overlay is supplied as a URL | Add it as a Browser source, then set dimensions and placement. |
| You use Streamlabs Desktop | Apply a library overlay or add image files as scene sources. |
| You want a Streamlabs design in OBS | Use the documented plugin route or import a scene collection; follow the provider’s instructions for that combination. |
| You need a full-scene design | Use dimensions that match the stream canvas. |
| You need a movable visual element | Use a smaller overlay or individual source where the format allows it, then position it in the scene. |
Choose only the elements that serve your stream—such as alerts, labels, goals, or chat—and check the result in the broadcasting software. The documentation establishes setup routes, not a universally best provider or measured effects on performance or audience response.
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