Launch OBS Studio with a Specific Profile via Command Line

This article explains how to use command-line arguments to launch OBS Studio with a specific profile pre-loaded. By using these commands, you can automate your streaming or recording workflows, bypass manual configuration select screens, and create customized desktop shortcuts for different streaming setups.

Command-Line Arguments for OBS Studio

To launch OBS Studio with a pre-selected profile, you need to use the --profile command-line argument. If your profile name contains spaces, you must enclose the name in quotation marks.

The basic syntax is: --profile "Your Profile Name"

Additionally, you can also launch a specific scene collection at the same time using the --collection argument: --collection "Your Scene Collection Name"

How to Use the Arguments on Different Operating Systems

Windows

On Windows, you can use these arguments via the Command Prompt, PowerShell, or by modifying a desktop shortcut.

Method 1: Using a Desktop Shortcut (Recommended)

1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. Browse to your OBS Studio executable path. By default, it is: "C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe"
3. In the location box, append your command-line arguments to the end of the path outside of the quotation marks. For example: "C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe" --profile "Twitch Stream" --collection "1080p Layout"
4. Click Next, name your shortcut (e.g., “Launch Twitch OBS”), and click Finish.

Method 2: Command Prompt or PowerShell

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.

2. Run the following command:

   start "" "C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe" --profile "Your Profile Name"

macOS

On macOS, you can launch OBS Studio with arguments using the Terminal app.

1. Open Terminal.

2. Run the following command to launch OBS with your desired profile:

   open -a "OBS" --args --profile "Your Profile Name"

Linux

On Linux, you can pass arguments directly to the OBS command using your terminal.

1. Open your terminal.

2. Run the following command:

   obs --profile "Your Profile Name"

If you installed OBS Studio as a Flatpak, use this command instead:

flatpak run com.obsproject.Studio --profile "Your Profile Name"