What the Elgato Stream Deck On-Screen Display Does

The On-Screen Display (OSD) is a feature in Elgato Stream Deck software that shows your button layout on your monitor instead of only on the physical device. When you press a button on your Stream Deck, the OSD highlights which button you pressed and displays its name or icon. This is useful if your Stream Deck sits below your desk, out of sight, or if you want viewers on a stream to see what controls you are using.

The OSD appears as a small overlay window on your screen. You can move it anywhere, resize it, and choose whether it stays visible all the time or only when you touch the Stream Deck. It does not record into your stream or broadcast unless you specifically include the window in your streaming software's scene.

Key Takeaways

  • The On-Screen Display shows your Stream Deck buttons on your monitor and highlights them when pressed, making it easier to see what you are controlling.
  • You turn on the OSD in the Stream Deck software settings, not on the device itself.
  • The OSD window can be moved, resized, and set to hide automatically when you are not using the Stream Deck.
  • If you want the OSD visible in your stream, you must add its window to your streaming software scene.

Open Stream Deck Software and Find the Settings

Launch the Elgato Stream Deck process on your computer. This is the desktop software that came with your Stream Deck, not the physical device itself. If you have not installed it yet, read it from Elgato's website for Windows or Mac.

Once the software is open, look for the settings icon. On most versions, this is a gear icon in the top right corner or in the menu bar. Click it to open the settings panel. You should see options for your Stream Deck device, profiles, and display settings.

Enable the On-Screen Display in Settings

In the settings menu, find the section labeled On-Screen Display or OSD. The exact location depends on your Stream Deck software version, but it is usually under a "Display" or "General" tab. Look for a toggle or checkbox next to "Show On-Screen Display" or similar wording.

Click the toggle to turn it on. Once enabled, a new window should appear on your screen showing your current Stream Deck profile layout. The window will display all your buttons in a grid that matches your physical device.

Position and Resize the OSD Window

The OSD window can be moved and resized like any other window on your desktop. Click and drag the title bar to move it to a corner of your screen or wherever you want it visible. Drag the edges or corners to make it larger or smaller.

Most users place the OSD in a corner that does not interfere with their main work area. If you are streaming, position it where your camera can see it but where it does not block important content. You can also minimize it and bring it back by toggling the setting again.

Choose When the OSD Appears and Disappears

In the OSD settings, you will find options for visibility behavior. One common option is Auto-Hide, which hides the window when you have not touched the Stream Deck for a set number of seconds. This keeps your screen less cluttered when you are not actively using the device.

Another option is to keep the OSD always visible. Choose whichever works best for your setup. If you are streaming and want viewers to see the OSD, keep it visible and make sure it is included in your streaming software's scene.

Add the OSD to Your Stream (If You Want Viewers to See It)

The OSD window is just another window on your computer. If you use streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, or XSplit, you can add the OSD as a source in your scene. In your streaming software, create a new source and select "Window Capture" or "Display Capture," then choose the Stream Deck OSD window from the list.

Position and crop the OSD source in your scene so it appears where you want it on your stream. Viewers will then see your button presses highlighted in real time. This is common in gaming streams, creative software tutorials, and music production streams where the audience benefits from seeing which controls you are using.

Troubleshooting Common OSD Issues

If the OSD does not appear after you turn it on, make sure your Stream Deck is connected and recognized by the software. Restart the Stream Deck process and try enabling the OSD again. On Mac, check that the process has permission to display windows in System Preferences under Security and Privacy.

If the OSD shows the wrong button layout, you may be on a different profile than you think. Check the profile selector in the Stream Deck software and switch to the profile you want to display. If buttons are not highlighting when pressed, restart the software or reconnect the Stream Deck via USB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OSD show up in my stream automatically?

No. The OSD is a window on your computer, but it does not record or broadcast unless you add it to your streaming software scene. You must manually include it as a source in OBS, Streamlabs, or whatever software you use to broadcast.

Can I customize the colors or appearance of the OSD?

The OSD displays your buttons the way they appear in your Stream Deck profile. You can change button colors, icons, and labels in the Stream Deck software, and those changes will show in the OSD. Some software versions allow you to adjust the OSD window opacity or background, but this varies by version.

What if my OSD window keeps disappearing?

Check your auto-hide settings in the OSD options. If auto-hide is on, the window will disappear after a few seconds of inactivity. Turn off auto-hide if you want the OSD to stay visible at all times, or adjust the timeout duration.

Can I have multiple OSD windows for different profiles?

The OSD shows whichever profile is currently active. When you switch profiles on your Stream Deck, the OSD updates to show the new profile. You cannot display multiple profiles at once in a single OSD window.