To chroma key an image in OBS, you apply the Chroma Key filter directly to your image source using the filter settings.
Chroma Key is a visual effect that allows you to remove a specific color (usually green or blue) from an image or video source, making that color transparent. This is commonly used with green screens or blue screens to composite subjects onto different backgrounds. Applying it to an image follows the standard OBS process for adding effects filters to any source.
Here are the steps to chroma key an image in OBS:
Steps to Apply Chroma Key
- Add Your Image Source: Ensure you have added the image you want to chroma key as a source in your OBS scene. You can do this by right-clicking in the Sources panel, selecting Add, and choosing "Image". Browse and select your image file.
- Access Filters: Right-click on the image source you've created in the Sources panel. From the context menu that appears, select Filter.
- Add Chroma Key Effect: In the Filters window, you will see two sections: Audio/Video Filters and Effect Filters. Locate the Effects Filters section. Click the + button under the Effects Filters section and select Chroma Key from the list of available effects.
- Name the Filter: You will be prompted to type in a name for this effect layer. You can give it a descriptive name like "Image Chroma Key" or "Green Screen Removal". Click OK.
- Configure Settings: After you add a chroma key, OBS will automatically create and adjust the baseline settings for the filter. You will see the Chroma Key settings panel appear.
Chroma Key Settings Explained
The settings allow you to fine-tune the keying effect. While OBS provides baseline settings, you will likely need to adjust them based on your image's specific background color, lighting, and quality.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Color Type | Choose the color you want to make transparent (e.g., Green, Blue, Magenta, Custom). |
| Similarity | Controls the range of color tones that are keyed out (higher = more colors removed). |
| Smoothness | Adjusts the softness or sharpness of the edges around the keyed out areas. |
| Key Color Spill Reduction | Helps remove unwanted color fringing around the subject. |
| Opacity | Controls the overall transparency of the keyed image (usually left at 1.00). |
Experiment with the Similarity and Smoothness sliders first to achieve the desired result. You can see the effect in real-time in your OBS preview window.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply a chroma key filter to your image source in OBS, making the specified background color transparent and allowing you to layer it over other sources in your scene.
