Add Metallic Texture to OBS Text with Image Mask

This guide explains how to apply a custom metallic texture overlay to a text source in OBS Studio using the “Image Mask/Blend” filter. By utilizing a texture image and configuring OBS’s built-in blend modes, you can easily upgrade plain stream text into a dynamic, metallic design.

Step 1: Prepare Your Texture Image

Before opening OBS Studio, you need a metallic texture image. Search for a royalty-free seamless texture of brushed steel, gold, chrome, or copper. Save this image as a PNG or JPEG on your computer. For the best results, ensure the texture has good contrast and detail.

Step 2: Create Your Text Source in OBS

  1. Launch OBS Studio.
  2. In the Sources dock, click the + (plus) icon and select Text (GDI+) or Text (FreeType 2) on macOS.
  3. Name your source and click OK.
  4. In the properties window, type your text, choose a bold font (thick fonts display textures much better), and set the text color to white. Keep the color white, as it acts as a neutral canvas for the texture blend. Click OK.

Step 3: Add the Image Mask/Blend Filter

  1. Right-click your newly created Text source in the Sources list and select Filters.
  2. In the Effect Filters section on the bottom-left, click the + icon.
  3. Select Image Mask/Blend from the list and click OK.

Step 4: Configure the Filter Settings

  1. In the filter properties, locate the Type dropdown menu. Change this from “Alpha Mask” to one of the blend options. Blend (Multiply) or Blend (Overlay) work best for metallic textures.
  2. Click the Browse button next to the Path field.
  3. Navigate to and select the metallic texture image you saved in Step 1.
  4. Adjust the Opacity slider if you want to blend the texture back with the original white text color for a subtler effect.

Once configured, the texture will map directly onto the shape of your text. Click Close to apply the changes.