How to Use Source Mirror in OBS Studio

This guide explains how to use the “Source Mirror” feature in OBS Studio using third-party plugins. You will learn how to install the necessary plugin, create a mirrored source, and apply independent filters to the duplicate without affecting your original source.

Why Use a Source Mirror?

By default, if you add the same source (like a webcam) to multiple scenes in OBS Studio, any filter or effect you apply to one instance will affect all of them. A Source Mirror (often called “Source Clone”) bypasses this limitation. It creates an exact, real-time copy of a source, allowing you to crop, resize, color-correct, or apply green-screen effects to the mirror while keeping the original source completely clean.

Step 1: Install a Source Mirror Plugin

Because OBS Studio does not have a native source mirroring feature, you must install a free third-party plugin.

  1. Download a trusted cloning plugin, such as Source Clone by Exeldro, from the official OBS Project forum resources section.
  2. Run the installer or manually copy the plugin files into your OBS Studio installation directory (plugins folder).
  3. Restart OBS Studio to activate the plugin.

Step 2: Add a Mirror Source to Your Scene

Once the plugin is installed, you can create your first mirror:

  1. Open OBS Studio and navigate to the Scenes box. Select the scene where you want the mirrored source to appear.
  2. In the Sources box, click the + (Add) icon.
  3. Select Source Clone (or Source Mirror, depending on the specific plugin installed) from the dropdown list.
  4. Name your new mirror source and click OK.

Step 3: Configure the Mirror Settings

A properties window will appear immediately after creating the source:

  1. Locate the Clone Source dropdown menu.
  2. Select the original source you want to duplicate (e.g., your webcam or capture card).
  3. Choose your preferred Clone Type. You can clone the entire source, only the audio, or only the video.
  4. Click OK to save the settings.

Step 4: Apply Independent Filters

Now that your mirror is set up, you can modify it without changing the original source:

  1. Right-click the newly created mirror source in your Sources list.
  2. Select Filters.
  3. Add any filter you want, such as a Chroma Key, Color Correction, or Crop/Pad.
  4. Close the Filters window.

The changes will only apply to the mirror, leaving your original source completely untouched.