What does OBS need for KeyRoutines to control it?

OBS 28 or newer with its WebSocket server turned on under Tools, WebSocket Server Settings. KeyRoutines reads the port and password from OBS's own settings.

Which OBS features are free?

Switching scenes and starting or stopping the stream, recording, replay buffer and virtual camera are free, along with the OBS checks. Reacting to OBS events and controlling sources, filters, audio, profiles and collections need Pro.

Can I run routines from a Stream Deck?

Yes. The KeyRoutines Stream Deck plugin starts routines through the local API, which you turn on in KeyRoutines' settings.

Will KeyRoutines go live by accident?

The record / stream step never retries or waits on its own, so a stream can't start long after you pressed the key, and you can add Ask Yes or No before it.

Stream automation for OBS on Windows: go live and wrap up in one key

KeyRoutines talks to OBS Studio through its WebSocket server, so a routine can open OBS, switch scenes, start the stream, recording, replay buffer or virtual camera, and react when you go live. Around OBS it handles the rest of your setup: lights, Discord, chat apps, music and windows.

Sound familiar?

The pre-stream checklist

Open OBS, check the scene, start the stream, open chat, set the lights, tell Discord you're live. Something always gets missed.

Private things on screen

A password manager or a work email pops up while you're sharing your screen.

Stepping away mid-stream

You go grab a drink and viewers stare at an empty chair on your gameplay scene.

Ending is messy too

You stop the stream mid-sentence, forget the replay buffer, and the lights stay on all night.

Routines to build

Go live in one key

The free Stream Start template opens OBS, waits until it's connected, switches to your starting scene, starts streaming, opens Discord and confirms with a banner.

Tell Discord you're live

When the stream starts, post your link to your Discord channel through a webhook.

BRB when you walk away

After five idle minutes during a stream, switch to the BRB scene; switch back when you return.

Cover private windows

When your password manager comes to the front while you're live, show a cover source in OBS.

Now playing on stream

Write the current Spotify song to a text file that an OBS text source reads.

Wrap up cleanly

When the stream stops, turn off the Elgato lights, stop the replay buffer and say you're offline.

OBS event triggers, source visibility, filters, OBS mute and volume, profiles and scene collections, Elgato lights, Discord steps and webhooks need KeyRoutines Pro; scene switching and stream, record, replay and virtual camera control are free.

Step-by-step guides

How to switch audio output with a hotkey on Windows 11 How to switch to your headset automatically when it connects How to pause music when headphones are unplugged on Windows How to mute your microphone with a hotkey on Windows 11 How to change one app's volume with a hotkey on Windows How to lower music volume automatically during calls How to mute sound and pause music when you lock your PC How to mute Discord automatically when a Zoom or Teams call starts How to mute Discord's sound when a game starts How to switch to High performance automatically when gaming How to set up a gaming mode that closes work apps in one key How to launch a game and set up Discord, OBS and guides at once How to pause Wallpaper Engine automatically while gaming How to keep notifications quiet automatically while gaming How to start the OBS replay buffer automatically for games How to join a Discord voice channel with a hotkey How to start streaming in OBS with one hotkey How to switch OBS scenes automatically by the app in front How to turn on your Elgato light when your webcam turns on How to switch to a BRB scene and mute your mic with one key How to hear a confirmation when an OBS replay is saved How to switch OBS scene collection automatically per game How to run a KeyRoutines routine from a Stream Deck key How to launch Steam and Discord with one hotkey on Windows

Questions

What does OBS need for KeyRoutines to control it?: OBS 28 or newer with its WebSocket server turned on under Tools, WebSocket Server Settings. KeyRoutines reads the port and password from OBS's own settings.
Which OBS features are free?: Switching scenes and starting or stopping the stream, recording, replay buffer and virtual camera are free, along with the OBS checks. Reacting to OBS events and controlling sources, filters, audio, profiles and collections need Pro.
Can I run routines from a Stream Deck?: Yes. The KeyRoutines Stream Deck plugin starts routines through the local API, which you turn on in KeyRoutines' settings.
Will KeyRoutines go live by accident?: The record / stream step never retries or waits on its own, so a stream can't start long after you pressed the key, and you can add Ask Yes or No before it.

KeyRoutines for…

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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