Using a green screen in OBS Studio can take your live streams and videos to the next level by allowing you to replace backgrounds. With some simple setup steps and the right techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results.
Table of Contents
Equipment Needed
To set up a green screen in OBS Studio, you will need:
- A green screen backdrop. Green fabric or paper works best. Make sure it’s wrinkle-free.
- Webcam or video camera
- Lighting kit with at least 2 soft box lights
- Computer with OBS Studio software installed
Step 1: Set Up the Green Screen Backdrop
Hang your green screen fabric on a stand or wall. Make sure it’s pulled tight with no wrinkles or folds which can cause issues with the keying effect later. Position it a few feet behind where you’ll be sitting/standing.
Use steam or an iron to remove any creases in the fabric. Wrinkles and shadows can negatively impact your chroma key results.
Step 2: Set Up Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for achieving a perfect chroma key effect. Set up 2 soft box lights angled towards the screen at 45 degree angles. This provides even, diffused lighting across the entire backdrop with no harsh shadows or hot spots.
You may need additional lights on the floor pointing up at the bottom of the screen depending on your setup. The goal is to achieve a consistent brightness across the entire background.
Step 3: Position Yourself 3-4 Feet from the Screen
Sit or stand 3-4 feet in front of your backdrop. Any closer and you risk the green reflecting onto your skin or clothes which makes keying more difficult.
Avoid wearing anything green! The color could spill onto you.
Step 4: Add Your Webcam Source in OBS Studio
In OBS Studio, add your webcam as a Source. Right click on it and select Filters. Click the plus icon to add a new filter and select Chroma Key.
Name it something like “Green Screen”
Step 5: Configure the Chroma Key Filter Settings
Start by selecting your backdrop color using the eyedropper tool. Click on your green screen in the preview.
Then adjust the Similarity and Smoothness settings gradually until only the green background is transparent. Go slow and make minor adjustments to avoid overdoing it.
Some guidelines for these settings:
- Similarity: Controls how closely matched pixels must be to the key color to get removed. Start low.
- Smoothness: Controls edge hardness between removed and unremoved pixels. Start high.
You’ll have to experiment with the values to get it just right. Use test recordings before going live.
Step 6: Replace the Background in OBS Studio
Now you are ready to replace your background with something more interesting!
Add a new image source in OBS and position it below your webcam source. The order of sources matters.
Tip: Search Unsplash for awesome free background images.
Extra Tips for Best Results
Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your OBS Studio green screen setup:
Use a High Quality Camera
Invest in a nice webcam or DSLR camera if you can. Higher resolution and frame rates will greatly improve keying results.
Dial In Your Green Screen Lighting
Take time to perfectly light your backdrop. This makes editing easier. Consider backlights too.
Use Green Screen Presets
Try the included green screen presets in OBS as a starting point before customizing.
Record Test Footage First
Record tests of your green screen and watch them back to spot any issues before going live.
Allow OBS to Optimize Settings
Run the auto-configuration wizard so OBS can detect and optimize for your hardware.
Minimize Other Background Colors
Avoid other colors besides green in your backdrop area which can cause issues.
Export Video Without the Green Screen
Use the “Render Video” option in OBS to export your footage without the green backdrop.
Using a green screen in OBS Studio makes video creation and streaming more exciting by allowing you to insert yourself into any scene. With this setup guide and the right lighting techniques, you can achieve some truly professional effects. Experiment and have fun with it!