How To Use Master Overlay and OBS Scene Automations

Master Overlay gives OBS one permanent Browser Source URL while SheevChat actions switch which saved Overlay Builder layout it displays.

Connect OBS WebSocket before creating scene actions or scene-change Automations. See How To Connect and Control OBS Studio.

Prepare Your Overlays

Create and save each layout in Settings → Overlays → Open Overlay Builder. Use clear names such as Gameplay, BRB, and Just Chatting.

Each layout should already contain the widgets you want visible in that scene.

Add Master Overlay to OBS

  1. Select Master Overlay in Overlay Builder.
  2. Choose its current Display overlay.
  3. Copy the Master Overlay URL.
  4. Add it to OBS as a Browser Source.
  5. Match the source width and height to your overlay canvas.

Master Overlay contains no widgets of its own. It displays one of your saved overlays, and its URL stays the same when the target changes.

The Master Overlay uses one shared transition setting for automatic scene-linked swaps. Choose the transition that should apply consistently whenever a linked OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop scene becomes active.

Switch It with Action Builder

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

  1. Open Action Builder.
  2. Choose Change Theme → Change Master Overlay.
  3. Select the saved overlay to display.
  4. Choose None or Fade and set the transition duration.
  5. Add the action and save.

Example: BRB SheevPad Button

  1. Change the OBS scene to BRB.
  2. Change Master Overlay to BRB.
  3. Send a chat message.
Scene transition tip: Fade is meant to blend the Master Overlay swap with the OBS scene transition and prevent visible snapping. Put the scene change first, match the SheevChat fade to the OBS transition, and make it slightly longer when independent action swimlanes do not begin together. See How To Match Overlay Fades to Scene Transitions for OBS and Streamlabs examples.

Switch Automatically When OBS Changes Scenes

You can make the Master Overlay follow manual OBS scene changes:

  1. Open Bot → Automations → New.
  2. Choose OBS Scene Change as the Trigger Event.
  3. Select an OBS scene. Leave it blank only if the automation should run for every scene.
  4. Add Change Master Overlay and select the matching saved overlay.
  5. Choose the transition and save the automation.

Create one automation for each scene that needs a different overlay. The trigger provides {scene} and {previousScene} if you also want to log or announce the change.

Avoid creating a sequence that repeatedly changes OBS back to the same scene unless that behavior is intentional.

Overlay Builder can link a saved layout to a specific OBS Studio or Streamlabs Desktop scene. Use scene links when the layout should follow scene changes automatically, including changes made directly inside the broadcasting app. Use Action Builder instead when switching the overlay is only one step in a larger sequence.

One scene should resolve to one intended overlay. OBS Studio and Streamlabs Desktop use separate scene catalogs, so configure the link for the provider you actually broadcast with.

Saved links remain attached when OBS, Streamlabs Desktop, or its scene catalog is temporarily unavailable. Do not delete and rebuild a link merely because the provider is offline; reconnect the provider and let SheevChat resolve the saved scene again.

Common Problems

  • Master stays on the old layout: Save the target overlay and confirm the action points to it.
  • Scene automation does not fire: Connect OBS and confirm the selected scene name.
  • OBS shows the wrong source: Use the /overlay-source/main Master URL, not one saved overlay's URL.
  • Widgets disappear after switching: Add those widgets to every saved overlay where they are needed.
  • Transition looks mistimed: Run the OBS scene action first and make the SheevChat fade slightly longer.