How To Match Overlay Fades to Scene Transitions

The Master Overlay Fade option is designed to blend SheevChat's overlay swap with an OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop scene transition. Without it, a smooth scene transition can contain an obvious instant overlay snap.

Understand the Two Transitions

Changing a prepared scene can start two visual operations:

  1. OBS or Streamlabs transitions from the old broadcast scene to the new one.
  2. SheevChat changes the saved layout displayed by Master Overlay.

These operations are controlled by different systems. SheevChat's fade gives the overlay swap enough visual duration to blend with the broadcast transition.

Configure the Sequence

In a SheevPad button, Command, Timer, or Automation:

  1. Add the OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop Set scene action.
  2. Add Change Theme → Master Overlay.
  3. Select the overlay that belongs to the new scene.
  4. Set Transition to Fade.
  5. Enter a transition time close to the broadcast-software transition.

Example:

OBS/Streamlabs scene transition: 700 ms
SheevChat Master Overlay fade:    800 ms

Start with the same duration. If the overlay still appears to finish too early, increase the SheevChat fade slightly.

Account for Action Swimlanes

SheevChat sequences preserve action order, but connected systems can process work through independent swimlanes and queues. The scene and overlay transitions may not begin on the exact same frame.

For that reason, an overlay fade slightly longer than the OBS or Streamlabs transition is usually safer than one that is shorter.

A Pause after both actions can delay later steps, but it does not itself blend the overlay change. Fade is what prevents the visual snap.

When to Use None

Use None when:

  • The broadcast scene uses a hard cut.
  • The overlay should change instantly while hidden.
  • Another source or transition fully conceals the swap.

For fades, stingers, and other visible transitions, Fade is normally the better starting point.

OBS and Streamlabs Remain Separate

The timing principle is shared, but the control actions are not. Use OBS Studio Control with OBS scenes and Streamlabs Desktop Control with Streamlabs scenes. Do not use one provider's scene list to configure the other.

Troubleshooting Timing

  • Overlay snaps immediately: Confirm Transition is Fade rather than None.
  • Overlay finishes before the scene: Increase the SheevChat fade duration.
  • Overlay lingers too long: Reduce its fade closer to the broadcast transition.
  • Later actions happen during the transition: Add a Pause slightly longer than both transitions.
  • Wrong overlay appears: Select the saved overlay associated with the destination scene.
  • Only one system changes: Test the corresponding OBS or Streamlabs connection and refresh its catalog.