Crop Same Camera Separately in OBS with Source Clone

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the “Source Clone” plugin in OBS Studio to duplicate a single physical camera feed and apply distinct crop parameters to each instance. By using this method, you can create multiple unique camera angles—such as a tight close-up and a wide shot—from one physical camera without affecting the original source’s properties.

Step 1: Install the Source Clone Plugin

Before beginning, ensure you have the Source Clone plugin (created by Exeldro) installed in OBS Studio. 1. Download the plugin from the official OBS Resources forum. 2. Install it and restart OBS Studio.

Step 2: Add Your Physical Camera Source

First, you need to add your main camera to OBS. 1. In the Sources dock, click the + icon. 2. Select Video Capture Device, name it (e.g., “Main Camera”), and select your physical webcam or capture card. 3. Configure your camera’s resolution and frame rate, then click OK.

Step 3: Create a Source Clone

Instead of adding the video capture device again (which OBS does not allow for a single physical camera), you will use the plugin to clone it. 1. Click the + icon in the Sources dock. 2. Select Source Clone from the list of available sources. 3. Name this source based on the crop you want to create (e.g., “Camera - Close Up”) and click OK.

Step 4: Configure the Clone Settings

A properties window for the Source Clone will appear. 1. In the Clone dropdown menu, select your original camera source (“Main Camera”). 2. Set the Type to Source (this ensures you are cloning the raw source directly). 3. Under Resolution, you can leave it to “Size of Source” or set a custom resolution if needed. 4. Click OK. You now have an exact duplicate of your camera feed.

Step 5: Apply Distinct Crop Parameters

To crop the cloned source without affecting the original “Main Camera,” you must apply a filter to the clone. 1. Right-click on your newly created Source Clone (“Camera - Close Up”) in the Sources dock and select Filters. 2. Click the + icon in the bottom-left of the Filters window. 3. Select Crop/Pad. 4. Name the filter and click OK. 5. Adjust the Left, Top, Right, and Bottom pixel values in the settings to crop the frame to your desired composition. 6. Click Close.

Step 6: Create Additional Crops

If you need a third or fourth distinct crop (such as a vertical portrait crop for TikTok/Shorts): 1. Add another Source Clone source. 2. Target the original “Main Camera” again. 3. Apply a new Crop/Pad filter to this second clone with different pixel values.

By using this setup, the original “Main Camera” source remains uncropped and fully intact, while your “Source Clone” sources can be sized, cropped, and positioned independently across different scenes.