How to Use Custom Transition Mattes in OBS Studio

This guide explains how to set up and apply custom transition mattes using luma-based grayscale wipe patterns in OBS Studio. You will learn how to prepare your grayscale files, configure the native Luma Wipe transition for static images, and set up Stinger transitions with video-based track mattes to achieve professional scene changes for your live streams or recordings.

Understanding Luma-Based Grayscale Mattes

A luma wipe transition uses the brightness (luminance) levels of a grayscale image or video to determine the order in which pixels transition from Scene A to Scene B. * Black areas (0% brightness): Transition first. * Gray areas (gradient): Transition progressively based on their darkness. * White areas (100% brightness): Transition last.

Method 1: Using a Static Custom Luma Wipe (Image File)

If your custom transition is a static grayscale image (such as a PNG or JPEG gradient), use the native Luma Wipe transition in OBS.

  1. Open OBS Studio and locate the Scene Transitions dock (usually at the bottom of the screen).
  2. Click the + (plus) icon in the dock and select Luma Wipe from the drop-down menu.
  3. Give your custom transition a name (e.g., “Custom Luma Wipe”) and click OK.
  4. In the properties window, click the Image drop-down menu and select Custom….
  5. Click Browse and locate your custom grayscale image file.
  6. Adjust the Softness slider. Higher softness creates a smoother blend between scenes, while lower softness creates a sharp, hard edge.
  7. Click OK to save the transition.

To use it, ensure this transition is selected in your Scene Transitions dock before switching scenes.

Method 2: Using a Video Luma Matte (Stinger Transition)

If your custom transition is a video file (such as an MP4 or WebM) that uses a grayscale pattern to wipe one scene into another, you must use a Stinger transition with a Track Matte.

  1. Go to the Scene Transitions dock, click the + (plus) icon, and select Stinger.
  2. Name the transition (e.g., “Video Matte Transition”) and click OK.
  3. In the Video File field, click Browse and select your transition video file.
  4. Scroll down to the Transition Point Type setting.
    • Set this to Time (milliseconds) or Frame.
    • Enter the exact timing when the matte completely covers the screen. This prevents the old scene from popping out of existence before the new one is visible.
  5. Scroll down to Track Matte Layout.
  6. Choose the layout that matches your video file:
    • Separate File: If your matte is a separate grayscale video from your color transition video.
    • Same file (side-by-side or stacked): If your color video and grayscale matte are contained in the same video file.
  7. Change the Matte Luma Linearity or Matte Type to Luma to ensure OBS reads the grayscale brightness values rather than alpha transparency.
  8. Click OK to apply the settings.