How to Use OBS Source Projector for Clean Camera Feed

This guide explains how to use the “Projector (Source)” feature in OBS Studio to send a clean, unedited camera feed directly to an external recording monitor. By bypassing scene overlays, alerts, and other production elements, you can capture raw camera footage on an external device while simultaneously streaming or recording your fully produced layout.

Why Use Source Projector?

When streaming or recording in OBS, your main output (Program) usually contains overlays, alerts, game capture, and webcams. If you want to record a “clean” copy of just your camera on an external recorder (like an Atomos Ninja or an external capture card), sending the main OBS output won’t work.

Using the Source Projector allows you to isolate a single input source—such as your camera—and send it directly to any display connected to your graphics card, completely bypassing the rest of your OBS scene layout.

Step-by-Step Guide to Projecting Your Camera Source

Before starting, ensure your external recording monitor is connected to your computer via HDMI or DisplayPort and is configured in your OS display settings as an “Extended” desktop display.

Step 1: Locate Your Camera Source

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to the Sources dock.
3. Locate your camera input (usually a Video Capture Device).

Step 2: Open the Projector Menu

1. Right-click on your camera source in the Sources dock (or right-click the camera feed directly in the preview window).
2. Hover your mouse over Fullscreen Projector (Source). (Note: Do not choose “Fullscreen Projector (Preview)” or “Fullscreen Projector (Scene)”, as these will output your entire OBS layout).

Step 3: Select Your External Monitor

1. A submenu will appear displaying a list of your connected monitors.
2. Select the monitor or external recording device that corresponds to your external recorder.
3. OBS will immediately project a full-screen, unedited view of your camera feed to that display.

Key Tips for the Best Quality

• Match Refresh Rates: Ensure your external monitor/recorder is set to the same refresh rate (e.g., 60Hz or 59.94Hz) as your camera and OBS base canvas to avoid frame drops or screen tearing.
• Source-Level Filters: Keep in mind that the “Projector (Source)” option will still output any filters applied directly to that camera source (such as Color Correction or LUTS). If you want a completely raw feed, disable these filters or create a duplicate, unfiltered source in OBS.
• Closing the Projector: To stop projecting, go to the projected screen, right-click anywhere on the feed, and select Close, or press Escape on your keyboard if the projector window is in focus.