How to Install Custom Scripts in OBS Studio

OBS Studio allows users to extend its functionality by using custom Python and Lua scripts to automate tasks, create interactive overlays, and control sources. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to install and configure these scripts in OBS Studio, including how to set up the environment required for Python scripts to function properly.

Step 1: Open the Scripts Window in OBS

  1. Launch OBS Studio.
  2. In the top menu bar, click on Tools.
  3. Select Scripts from the drop-down menu. This will open the Scripts configuration window.

Step 2: How to Install Lua Scripts (Plug-and-Play)

Lua scripts are self-contained and run natively inside OBS without requiring any external software. 1. In the Scripts window, make sure you are on the Scripts tab. 2. Click the + (plus) button in the bottom-left corner. 3. Navigate to the location on your computer where your .lua script is saved. 4. Select the file and click Open. 5. The script will now appear in the loaded scripts list, and its settings will be editable in the right-hand pane.

Step 3: How to Install Python Scripts

Python scripts require a local installation of Python on your computer. OBS Studio requires a specific, matching version of Python (usually a 64-bit version of Python 3.10 or 3.11, depending on your OBS version).

  1. Download and install the compatible version of Python from the official Python website. Ensure you check the box to “Add Python to PATH” during installation.
  2. In the OBS Scripts window, click on the Python Settings tab.
  3. Click Browse and locate your Python installation folder.
    • Typical Windows Path: C:/Users/[YourUsername]/AppData/Local/Programs/Python/Python310
  4. Once selected, OBS will detect the Python install. If successful, you will see the loaded Python version path in the text box.

Part B: Load the Python Script

  1. Switch back to the Scripts tab in the OBS Scripts window.
  2. Click the + (plus) button.
  3. Locate your .py script, select it, and click Open.
  4. The script will load. If there are any errors, they will be displayed in the script log, which you can open by clicking the Defaults or Show Log buttons at the bottom.

Step 4: Configuring and Using Your Scripts

Once loaded, click on the script’s name in the left column. The right column of the window will populate with any customizable parameters, text boxes, hotkey triggers, or settings built into that specific script. Adjust these settings to match your stream layout and preferences. To remove a script at any time, select it and click the - (minus) button.