How to Clone and Crop Capture Cards in OBS Studio

Using a single physical capture card for multiple different crops or layouts in OBS Studio can be challenging because changes made to a source usually apply globally. This guide explains how to use the “Source Clone” plugin to create independent virtual copies of your capture card, allowing you to apply distinct crop parameters, filters, and aspect ratios to each clone without affecting the original input.

Step 1: Install the Source Clone Plugin

Before starting, ensure you have the “Source Clone” plugin by Exeldro installed. Download the plugin from the official OBS Project website, run the installer compatible with your operating system, and restart OBS Studio.

Step 2: Add Your Physical Capture Card

First, add your physical capture card to your scene as you normally would: 1. In the Sources dock, click the + icon. 2. Select Video Capture Device, name it (e.g., “Main Capture Card”), select your hardware device from the dropdown menu, and click OK.

Step 3: Create a Source Clone

Instead of adding the video capture device a second time (which would mirror the exact same filters and settings), you will use the plugin to create an independent clone: 1. Click the + icon in the Sources dock. 2. Select Source Clone from the menu. 3. Name this clone based on its intended use (e.g., “Gameplay Zoom” or “Cam Crop”) and click OK. 4. In the properties window that appears, locate the Source dropdown menu and select your original “Main Capture Card”. 5. Set the Clone Type to Default (this option ensures that any filters you apply to the clone will not affect the original source). Click OK.

Step 4: Apply Distinct Crop Parameters

Now that you have an independent clone of your physical capture card, you can apply a specific crop to it: 1. Right-click the newly created Source Clone in your Sources list and select Filters. 2. Click the + icon in the Effect Filters section (the bottom-left panel of the filters window). 3. Select Crop/Pad from the list and click OK. 4. Adjust the Left, Top, Right, and Bottom pixel values to isolate the specific area of the capture card you want to display. 5. Close the Filters window.

Step 5: Scale and Position the Clone

With the crop applied, you can now resize and position the cloned source anywhere on your canvas using the red transform boundary box. The original “Main Capture Card” source will remain fully intact and uncropped in any other scenes where you have placed it. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for as many distinct crops as your layout requires.