How to Use Image Mask Blend Filter in OBS Studio

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step tutorial on how to apply an image mask or blend filter to your webcam source in OBS Studio. You will learn how to shape your webcam feed into circles, rounds, or custom designs, and how to blend creative textures using simple black-and-white mask files.

Step 1: Prepare Your Mask Image

Before opening OBS Studio, you need an image to act as your mask. This image determines which parts of your webcam will be visible or hidden.

• Alpha Mask (Cleanest cut): Create a PNG file with a transparent background. The visible shape (e.g., a circle) should be solid black or white, and the area you want to hide must be fully transparent.
• Greyscale Mask: Create a JPEG or PNG where white represents 100% visibility, black represents 0% visibility (hidden), and gray represents semi-transparency.
• Standard Size: It is best if your mask image has the same aspect ratio as your webcam (usually 16:9, such as 1920x1080 pixels).

Step 2: Access the Filters Menu in OBS Studio

1. Open OBS Studio on your computer.
2. Locate the Sources dock at the bottom of the screen.
3. Right-click on your webcam source (often named “Video Capture Device”) and select Filters from the context menu. Alternatively, select the webcam source and click the Filters button above the Sources dock.

Step 3: Add the Image Mask/Blend Filter

1. In the Filters window, look at the Effect Filters section at the bottom.
2. Click the + (plus) icon in the bottom-left corner of the Effect Filters pane.
3. Select Image Mask/Blend from the list.
4. Give the filter a name (e.g., “Webcam Circle Mask”) and click OK.

Step 4: Configure the Filter Settings

With the newly created filter selected, you will see its properties on the right side of the window:

1. Type: Click the dropdown menu.
   • Choose Alpha Mask (Alpha Channel) if your mask image has a transparent background.
   • Choose Alpha Mask (Color Channel) or Blend (Multiply) if you are using a black-and-white greyscale image.
2. Path: Click the Browse button and navigate to the mask image you prepared in Step 1. Select the file and click Open.
3. Color: You can leave this at the default white. Changing this color will tint your webcam feed.
4. Opacity: Use the slider to adjust the overall transparency of your webcam if desired (100 means fully visible).
5. Stretch Image: Check this box if your mask aspect ratio does not match your webcam resolution and you want the mask to stretch to fit the borders. Leave it unchecked to preserve the original shape proportions.

Step 5: Save and Close

Once the mask is applied correctly, your webcam preview in the Filters window will show the new shape. Click Close to return to your main OBS Studio canvas. You can now resize and position your shaped webcam anywhere on your stream layout.