How to Use Downstream Keyer in OBS Studio

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install and use the Downstream Keyer plugin in OBS Studio. You will learn how to set up this tool to keep specific sources—such as logos, overlays, or alerts—permanently on top of your broadcast, regardless of which scenes you transition between, saving you from duplicating sources across multiple scenes.

Step 1: Download and Install the Plugin

1. Close OBS Studio if it is currently running.
2. Go to the official OBS Project website and locate the “Downstream Keyer” plugin in the Resources section.
3. Download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
4. Run the installer file, or if you downloaded a zip folder, extract its contents directly into your OBS Studio installation directory (typically C:\Program Files\obs-studio on Windows).
5. Relaunch OBS Studio.

Step 2: Open the Downstream Keyer Dock

1. In the top menu of OBS Studio, click on Docks.
2. Select Downstream Keyer from the dropdown menu.
3. A new Downstream Keyer dock panel will appear on your screen. You can drag and anchor this panel anywhere within your OBS interface for convenient access.

Step 3: Add and Configure Sources

1. In the Downstream Keyer dock, click the + (plus) icon to add a new downstream key (DSK).
2. Name the key and choose the type of source you want to overlay (such as an Image, Media Source, or Browser Source).
3. Configure the source properties (e.g., select your image file or input the URL for a browser source alert) and click OK.
4. Adjust the size and position of the overlay in the preview window.

Step 4: Control Your Downstream Key

• Toggle Visibility: Click the eye icon next to the source in the Downstream Keyer dock to instantly show or hide the overlay on your stream.
• Transition Settings: Customize how the overlay appears and disappears by selecting transition effects (such as Fade or Cut) and adjusting the transition duration.
• Scene Independence: Once activated, your downstream key source will remain visible over your output even when you switch between different scenes in your main OBS list.