Input Overlay for OBS: plugin or Browser Source?
There are two practical ways to show gamepad inputs in OBS. Install the Input Overlay plugin for a native source, or paste a controller overlay URL into a Browser Source with no plugin at all.
An input overlay mirrors your controls on stream: face buttons light up, triggers fill and sticks move as you play. In OBS you can get one in two ways, and the right one depends on what you need to show and on the computer you stream from.
Which OBS input overlay method should I use?
| Choose based on | Input Overlay plugin | Browser Source overlay |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Installer or archive, then restart OBS | Nothing to install; paste a URL |
| Inputs shown | Keyboard, mouse and gamepad | Gamepad |
| Customization | Presets, textures and configuration files | Visual editor and ready-made designs |
| Software | OBS Studio 33 or newer, on Windows or Linux | OBS, Streamlabs or any other app with a browser source |
| Two computers | Can send inputs from the gaming PC to the streaming PC | Reads the controller of the PC that runs the streaming app |
| Price | Free and open source | Padcraft: free to design, links from $4.99 |
A per-key keyboard display or mouse clicks call for the plugin; Padcraft draws controllers only. For a controller overlay that you style in an editor and that also works outside OBS Studio, use a Browser Source. The controller overlay tools comparison adds Gamepad Viewer and Open Joystick Display to the choice.
What does the Input Overlay plugin do?
Input Overlay by univrsal adds a dedicated source to OBS that draws keyboard, mouse and gamepad inputs. It reads gamepads through the SDL library and ships its presets, including Xbox and DualSense layouts, as a separate download. Version 5.1.2, released on October 25, 2026, works only with OBS Studio 33 or newer and comes as a Windows installer or archive and as Linux packages. There is no macOS build.
- Download the release that matches your OBS version, plus the presets archive.
- Install it, restart OBS and add an Input Overlay source to your scene.
- Point the source to a preset's texture and configuration files, then place it above the game capture.
A custom look means editing those textures and configuration files; the project's usage documentation covers that workflow.
How do I show controller inputs without a plugin?
- Open the Padcraft configurator or choose a controller design from the overlay gallery.
- Preview the design with your controller connected to the streaming PC, then generate and copy the overlay URL.
- In OBS, add a Browser Source, paste the URL, resize it and place it above the game capture.
Nothing changes in OBS itself, so there is no plugin to update when OBS updates and no administrator rights to grant. Designing and previewing cost nothing; generating the streaming link requires an account and starts at $4.99.
The official OBS Browser Source documentation explains the source itself. Our step-by-step OBS guide adds recommended sizes, scene reuse and controller-specific checks.
Does either method work with a console?
Not when the controller is connected to the PS5 or Xbox. A capture card sends video and audio to the PC, not the controller inputs, so neither a plugin nor a browser overlay can see them. Remote Play is the exception: the controller connects to the PC that runs OBS, both the game stream and the overlay use it, and you accept some extra latency. The console and cloud streaming guide covers each setup.
Why is the input overlay not working?
- No inputs: confirm that the controller reacts in the gamepad tester, then follow the controller detection checklist.
- Wrong buttons: check XInput, DirectInput and remapping software with the button mapping guide.
- Visible delay: match the Browser Source to the scene frame rate and use the overlay delay checklist.
- Plugin missing after an OBS update: install the Input Overlay release built for your new OBS version.
- Hidden overlay: move the source above the game capture in the OBS Sources list.
Design a controller overlay in the browser, preview your inputs live and add the generated link to OBS.
Open the configuratorInput overlay FAQ
Can I use the Input Overlay plugin and a Browser Source overlay together?
Yes. They read inputs independently, so you can show your keyboard and mouse with the plugin and your controller with a Browser Source in the same scene. Give each one its own corner so they do not cover the game.
Why does Input Overlay not show my keyboard on Linux?
If your desktop session runs on Wayland, that is expected. Since version 5.0.6 the plugin no longer starts its keyboard and mouse hook under Wayland, while gamepads still work. Logging in to an X11 session restores keyboard and mouse display.
What happens to my overlay when I change PC?
With the plugin, you install it again on the new PC and copy your presets. With a Padcraft link, you paste the same URL into the new Browser Source. A link can be used on two devices; if you replace a computer, support can reset the count.