OBS overlay workflow

Build stream-ready OBS scrolling text overlays in minutes

This page is for creators who need crawlable setup guidance and a direct path into a preselected OBS preset. Start with transparent overlays, readable motion speed, and the right aspect ratio for your stream layout.

OBS preset defaultsTransparent background16:9 and 21:9 workflows
Open Generator with OBS 16:9 PresetBrowse templates

Edit and export OBS overlay directly on this page

Use the embedded generator below to tweak text, preview, and export without leaving the OBS guide.

Preview = ExportHorizontal / Vertical / TiltedTransparent or Solid BGGIF · WebM · Web Embed
Type your scrolling text here (multi-line, emojis allowed) 🎉 Switch horizontal/vertical/tilted modes, tweak speed, colors, and background. What you see in preview is exactly what you export.

Templates

Apply a style in one click, then continue editing manually.

Cloud configs (Pro)

Save and load full generator snapshots. Available for Pro users only.

Text & Style

Multi-line text, emojis; font, colors, background, spacing, align

2608 chars left

Enter = new line; vertical/credits mode respects lines.

Split by blank lines or add blocks; reorder freely

40px

Transparent shows a checkerboard in preview; export transparency depends on target format (e.g., WebM, some GIFs).

1.60

Avoid cramped lines in vertical/credits mode.

Alignment applies to vertical / tilted modes. Horizontal marquee is a single line.

Scroll & Duration

Direction, mode, speed, loop/once, tilt controls

Est. 5.0s
Moderate
Very slowModerateFastVery fast

GIF exports loop by default; video can loop N times or target duration.

Estimated duration: with current content, path, and speed, about 5.0s to scroll once.

What is an OBS text overlay?

An OBS text overlay is a visual layer that sits on top of your scene to show updates like event schedules, sponsor crawls, stream announcements, prayer lists, sports tickers, or credits. Instead of manually re-exporting each variation, you can start from a preset and adjust speed, style, and spacing in one place.

Common use cases for live productions

  • Opening countdowns and stream-start prompts before the host goes live.
  • Lower-third style sponsor or partner tickers that loop during breaks.
  • Event agendas, sermon points, conference notes, or multilingual captions.
  • Post-show credits and contributor lists with cinema-style motion pacing.

OBS setup steps

  1. Open the generator with the OBS preset CTA so baseline values are applied automatically.
  2. Paste your message, then tune font size and speed for readability at your stream resolution.
  3. Keep background mode transparent if the text needs to float over gameplay or camera footage.
  4. In OBS, add a Browser Source (live workflow) or Media Source (export-first workflow).
  5. Place the overlay scene layer above base content, preview transitions, then go live.

OBS overlay FAQ

Practical answers for stream setup, preset choice, and transparency handling.

Should I add this as Browser Source or Media Source in OBS?

Use Browser Source when you want always-live text updates and transparent overlays. Use Media Source only when you export a standalone file and do not need live edits.

How do I keep the overlay background transparent?

Start from an OBS preset that defaults to transparent mode, then keep background mode set to transparent before export. In OBS, layer it above your camera or gameplay scene.

Which OBS preset should I choose: 16:9 or 21:9?

Choose 16:9 for standard stream layouts (1920x1080). Choose 21:9 for ultrawide productions and ticker strips across cinematic or dual-monitor compositions.

Will this hurt stream performance?

The generator runs in your browser and keeps output lightweight. Start with moderate speed and a clean font, then test one scene at your target bitrate before going live.

Ready to launch your OBS overlay?

Jump straight into the generator with a stream-safe default and customize from there.

Start with OBS presetContinue to templates