How to Cast OBS Clean Program Feed to Projector
This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to use the “Projector” feature in OBS Studio to output a clean, distraction-free program feed to an external overhead projector. You will learn how to configure your computer’s display settings, select the correct projector option within OBS, and ensure your audience only sees your finished production without any of the OBS user interface, previews, or controls.
Step 1: Connect and Configure Your Projector
Before opening OBS Studio, you must ensure your computer recognizes the overhead projector as an independent secondary display rather than mirroring your primary monitor.
- Connect your overhead projector to your computer using an HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable.
- Open your operating system’s display settings:
- Windows: Right-click on your desktop, select Display settings, and scroll down to the Multiple displays dropdown. Select Extend these displays.
- Mac: Go to System Settings > Displays and ensure the projector is set to Stop Mirroring or configured as an extended desktop.
- Note the monitor number assigned to your projector (usually Display 2).
Step 2: Open OBS Studio and Prepare Your Scene
Launch OBS Studio and set up the scenes, sources, and transitions you want to project.
- Ensure your Canvas Resolution (found in Settings > Video) matches the native aspect ratio and resolution of your projector (typically 1920x1080 for 16:9 or 1024x768 for 4:3) to avoid stretching or black bars.
Step 3: Project the Clean Program Feed
OBS Studio offers two types of projectors: Source/Scene projectors and Program projectors. To send your live, switched output to the projector, you will use the Program Projector.
- Locate the Program preview window on the right side of your OBS interface (if you are in Studio Mode) or the main preview window (if you are in Simple Mode).
- Right-click anywhere inside the preview window.
- Hover your mouse over Fullscreen Projector (Program).
- A submenu will appear listing your connected displays. Select the display that corresponds to your overhead projector (e.g., Display 2: [Projector Model]).
The clean program feed will instantly display on the projector screen in full-screen mode, hiding your mouse cursor and the OBS interface.
Step 4: Alternative Method (Menu Bar)
If you cannot right-click the preview window, you can trigger the projector from the main menu:
- Click on View in the top menu bar of OBS Studio.
- Hover over Fullscreen Projector (Program).
- Select your projector from the list of available displays.
Step 5: How to Close the Projector Feed
When your presentation or event is finished, you can easily close the projected feed without closing OBS Studio.
- Move your mouse cursor over to the projector screen.
- Right-click on the projected image and select Close, or simply press the Escape (ESC) key on your keyboard.