How To Use Overlays and Docks

Overlays put SheevChat information on stream. Docks place private SheevChat controls inside OBS Studio.

Choose the Correct Address

  1. Open Settings → Overlays for browser sources, or Settings → Sources for docks and device pairing.
  2. Choose Local PC when SheevChat and OBS run on the same computer.
  3. Choose LAN / Second PC when OBS runs on another computer.

SheevChat must remain open. For a second PC, both computers must share a network and Windows Firewall must allow SheevChat.

Choose an Overlay Type

Use Overlay Builder when you want to place multiple widgets on one visual canvas. It can combine Alert Box, Chat, Giveaway, Credits, Clip, YouTube Media Queue, Spotify, Text, Media Library images, an Overlay Audio Receiver, and installed Marketplace Item widgets.

Pinned chat messages also appear in the Chat Dock. Pin from SheevChat's main Chat panel, then unpin from either surface. See How To Pin Chat Messages for native Twitch and local-platform behavior.

Twitch and Kick replies display their original-message context in the Chat Dock and compatible Chat overlays when the platform supplies it.

Use a standalone source when you only need one supported widget. Standalone sources can load compatible reusable widget themes.

Use Master Overlay when you want one permanent OBS source that actions can switch between complete saved overlays.

Add an Overlay to OBS

  1. Open Settings → Overlays.
  2. Preview the source and copy its URL.
  3. In OBS, add a Browser Source.
  4. Paste the URL.
  5. Set its width and height to match the source or Overlay Builder canvas.

See How To Build an Overlay with Overlay Builder for layout and styling. See How To Use Master Overlay and OBS Scene Automations for action-controlled switching.

Add a Dock to OBS

  1. Under Settings → Sources → Stream Docks, copy the Viewer, Chat, or Events Dock URL.
  2. In OBS, open Docks → Custom Browser Docks.
  3. Enter a name, paste the URL, and apply the change.
  4. Move and resize the dock in the OBS interface.

Docks are private broadcaster controls and are not captured unless you deliberately capture the OBS window.

Troubleshooting

  • Blank source: Keep SheevChat open and check the Local/LAN address.
  • Source is cropped: Match its OBS dimensions to the Overlay Builder canvas.
  • Saved changes do not appear: Refresh the OBS Browser Source.
  • URL stopped working: Copy it again after changing SheevChat's port or the host PC's LAN address.
  • LAN URL will not open on the OBS PC: Fix the network or firewall connection first.