How to Create Infinite Mirror Effect in OBS Studio
Creating an infinite mirror effect—also known as a video feedback loop—in OBS Studio is a simple visual technique where your screen recursively captures itself into infinity. This article provides a quick, step-by-step guide on how to intentionally trigger, configure, and customize this hypnotic cascading screen effect for your live streams or video recordings.
Step 1: Add a Display Capture Source
The infinite mirror effect relies on OBS capturing the very screen that is displaying the OBS interface.
- Open OBS Studio.
- In the Scenes dock, select the scene where you want the effect.
- In the Sources dock, click the + (plus) icon and select Display Capture.
- Name the source and click OK.
Step 2: Select the Active Monitor
A properties window will appear. Under the Display dropdown menu, you must select the monitor where the OBS Studio window is currently open. If you have a single-monitor setup, this will happen automatically. Click OK to save the settings.
Step 3: Enable the Loop
To make the loop infinite, you must keep the OBS Studio application visible on the screen being captured. * Do not minimize OBS Studio. * Do not move the OBS Studio window to a second, uncaptured monitor. As long as the OBS preview window is visible on the captured display, it will continuously capture itself, creating the endless tunnel effect.
Step 4: Customize the Effect (Optional)
You can modify the standard feedback loop to create unique, stylized visuals:
- The Spiral Effect: Right-click your Display Capture source, go to Transform, and select Edit Transform. Add a slight rotation (e.g., 2 or 3 degrees) or slightly shrink the size. This causes the infinite tunnel to twist or spiral into the distance.
- The Color Shift: Right-click the Display Capture source, select Filters, and click the + icon to add a Color Correction filter. Adjust the hue, saturation, or contrast. Because the filter is applied to each successive capture, the colors will progressively shift and intensify deeper into the loop.