Apply Different Filters to One Camera in OBS Studio

In OBS Studio, applying a filter to a camera source normally affects that camera across every scene in your collection. This article provides a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how to use the “Source Clone” plugin to duplicate your camera feed. By using this plugin, you can apply unique filters—such as color grading, green screen effects, or cropping—to individual copies of the same camera without affecting the original source.

Step 1: Install the Source Clone Plugin

Before you begin, you need to install the Source Clone plugin created by Exeldro.

  1. Go to the official OBS Projects forum and search for the Source Clone plugin.
  2. Download the installer compatible with your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  3. Close OBS Studio, run the installer, and then reopen OBS Studio to complete the installation.

Step 2: Add Your Primary Camera Source

First, set up your main camera source as you normally would.

  1. In the Scenes dock, select or create the scene where you want your main camera.
  2. In the Sources dock, click the + icon and select Video Capture Device.
  3. Name the source (e.g., “Main Camera”) and select your camera from the device list. Click OK.

Step 3: Create a Source Clone

Now, you will create a clone of this camera to use in another scene or the same scene with different settings.

  1. Go to the scene where you want the alternative version of your camera.
  2. In the Sources dock, click the + icon.
  3. Select Source Clone from the list of available sources.
  4. Name this clone based on its intended style (e.g., “Camera - Black and White” or “Camera - Blurred”). Click OK.
  5. In the properties window that appears, look for the Clone Source dropdown menu.
  6. Select your “Main Camera” from the list.
  7. Under the Type option, ensure it is set to Clone (this copies the video feed while allowing independent filters). Click OK.

Step 4: Apply Filters to the Clone

With the clone created, you can now apply filters to it without altering the original “Main Camera” source.

  1. Right-click on your newly created Source Clone in the Sources list.
  2. Select Filters.
  3. Click the + icon under the Effect Filters section.
  4. Choose the filter you want to apply (e.g., Color Correction for a black-and-white look, or Chroma Key for background removal).
  5. Adjust the filter settings to your liking and click Close.

Your cloned source will now display the applied filters, while the original “Main Camera” source remains completely unaffected. You can repeat this process to create as many different filtered versions of your camera feed as your CPU and GPU can handle.