OBS Scenes and Sources: Beginner’s Interface Guide

Learn OBS scenes and sources without the overwhelm. Understand the Audio Mixer, transitions, controls, Studio Mode, settings, profiles and filters.

OBS looks busy when you first open it, but you only need a small part of the interface to get started. Here’s what the main OBS controls actually do.

If you've been following this OBS series in order, you've already done quite a bit.

You've set up OBS and connected your camera.

You've routed your audio through OBS.

And you've organised your OBS files and assets so they don't disappear the moment you tidy your Downloads folder.

Now it's time to look properly at the OBS interface.

And this is where I want you to resist the temptation to learn everything.

OBS is a big piece of software.

We're not using all of it.

For what most course creators, coaches and online educators want to do, you can get a long way by understanding the main panels sitting in front of you.

That's what we're going to do here.

Quick answer: OBS Scenes and Sources: Beginner's Interface Guide explains how to learn OBS scenes and sources without the overwhelm. Understand the Audio Mixer, transitions, controls, Studio Mode, settings, profiles and filters.

What Are Scenes and Sources in OBS?

Let's start with the two terms you'll use constantly.

An OBS scene is a complete screen or layout that you can switch to.

An OBS source is an individual element inside that scene.

Think of the scene as the finished view your audience sees.

The sources are the pieces used to build it.

For example, your Main Camera scene might contain your webcam, microphone and company logo.

Your Screen Share scene might contain the screen you're presenting, your microphone and a smaller version of your camera.

Your Splash Screen might contain nothing more than a branded image.

That's the basic idea.

Scene = complete view.

Source = something inside that view.

Once that clicks, OBS becomes considerably easier to understand.

The Main OBS Interface for Beginners

When you open OBS, the most useful parts are already visible.

You don't have to completely redesign the workspace.

OBS allows you to move the panels around if you prefer a different layout, and I do move mine into positions that feel comfortable.

But you don't need to.

For this workshop, the main areas to understand are:

Scenes — your different presentation layouts
Sources — camera, images, video, screen capture and other elements inside each scene
Audio Mixer — the sound sources coming through OBS
Scene Transitions — how OBS changes from one scene to another
Controls — recording, streaming, Virtual Camera, Studio Mode and Settings

That's the core of it.

You can learn the rest when you actually need it.

How OBS Scenes Work

The Scenes panel is effectively your presentation run order.

You've already created some basic examples in the OBS setup guide:

Splash Screen

Main Camera

Screen Share

Click one scene and OBS displays it.

Click another and the view changes.

That's why scenes are so useful during a workshop.

Instead of trying to rearrange your screen while your audience watches, you prepare the different layouts first.

You could start with your Splash Screen.

Move to Main Camera when you're ready to begin.

Switch to Screen Share when you're teaching something.

Later, we'll add dedicated video scenes as well.

You are effectively preparing the presentation before the presentation starts.

I much prefer that.

Each OBS Scene Has Its Own Sources

Select your Main Camera scene and then look at the Sources panel.

You'll see the things that belong to that particular scene.

Your sources could include:

Video Capture Device for your camera.

Audio Input Capture for your microphone.

Image for your logo.

Display Capture for a monitor.

Media Source for a video.

Different scene, different combination of sources.

This is what makes OBS flexible.

You don't need every source showing everywhere.

Your opening Splash Screen doesn't need your camera unless you want it there.

Your video scene doesn't necessarily need the same graphics as your Main Camera.

You decide what belongs in each view.

Name Your Scenes and Sources Properly

I do this from the beginning.

If my camera source is a Sony camera, I'll give it a sensible name.

If something is my microphone, I'll name the microphone.

If a scene is my Main Camera, that's what I call it.

This doesn't seem important when you've got three items.

Wait until you've built ten scenes and there are multiple images, videos, audio sources and graphics inside them.

Suddenly:

Image 6

Media Source 4

Video Capture Device 2

aren't particularly helpful.

A few seconds spent naming something properly saves a surprising amount of confusion later.

What Does the OBS Audio Mixer Do?

The Audio Mixer is where you can see and control sound inside OBS.

If your microphone is working, you'll see its level moving while you speak.

If a video contains sound, that can also appear in the mixer.

This becomes especially important because we've already connected our microphone to OBS using the virtual audio cable.

The mixer gives us a quick visual check.

Is the microphone active?

Is media audio coming through?

Is something muted?

Is one source far louder than another?

You can also change audio levels from here.

We'll go much deeper into this later when we cover OBS audio filters and microphone control.

For now, just get used to watching the mixer.

It tells you a lot.

What Are Scene Transitions in OBS?

Scene Transitions control how OBS moves from one scene to another.

You might have a simple Fade.

You might use a Cut.

In the workshop, I show how changing the transition duration makes a fade slower or quicker.

A slower fade gives you a more noticeable transition.

A short fade feels almost like a cut.

A Cut changes instantly.

Don't spend hours on this.

Pick something that looks clean.

Then get back to the presentation.

A transition should help the presentation flow. It shouldn't become the presentation.

We'll use this more practically when we start adding images and overlays to OBS.

What Do the OBS Controls Do?

On the Controls side of OBS, you'll see some of the buttons you'll use regularly.

One is Start Recording.

That records the OBS output to a location on your computer.

We'll deal with that properly in how to record video in OBS Studio.

You'll also see Start Virtual Camera.

You already know this one if you've followed Blog #1.

Turn the Virtual Camera on and software such as Zoom can use the finished OBS output as its camera.

You'll also see streaming controls.

Those become relevant when we get to streaming with OBS.

Then there's Studio Mode.

That deserves a little more explanation.

What Is Studio Mode in OBS?

Studio Mode gives you a preview before you send a scene live.

This is very useful.

Without Studio Mode, clicking another scene normally changes the output.

With Studio Mode, you can have one view that is currently live and another that you're preparing.

Your audience sees the live side.

You can work on the preview side.

Maybe you notice a graphic is missing.

Maybe something is badly positioned.

Maybe you're about to switch to a screen share and want to check it before everyone else sees it.

Studio Mode gives you that opportunity.

Make the adjustment in preview.

Check it.

Then transition it across.

I still recommend preparing your scenes before your workshop starts, of course.

But things happen.

Studio Mode gives you another check before putting something in front of the audience.

You Don't Need to Change Every OBS Setting

Click Settings and you'll find plenty to look at.

This is where people can disappear for an afternoon.

Don't.

There are important settings inside OBS, but that doesn't mean you need to change all of them.

For the workshop, we're mainly interested in particular areas when we need them.

For example, Stream is where streaming services can be connected.

Output contains recording options and the recording path.

Audio is where we set up things such as the virtual cable.

Video contains the base canvas and output resolution.

Then you'll find other areas such as hotkeys, accessibility and advanced options.

You can explore them.

Just don't mistake exploring settings for making progress.

If your camera, audio, scenes and recording are already working, randomly changing technical settings can create problems you didn't have five minutes earlier.

What Resolution Should You Use in OBS?

For the main workshop setup, we're using:

1920 × 1080

with a standard landscape canvas.

The workshop also uses 30 frames per second as the basic setup being demonstrated.

One point I make during the interface walkthrough is not to simply push your output resolution higher because your camera happens to be capable of it.

If your setup is designed around Full HD, don't assume outputting at 4K automatically improves everything.

Your computer still has to process it.

Start with the setup that works.

Test it.

Then change something when you've got a reason to change it.

Later we'll deliberately create a different canvas for social media in the OBS profiles for social video guide.

Where Are OBS Recordings Saved?

You'll find the recording path under the Output settings.

This is worth checking.

There's nothing particularly enjoyable about recording a great video and then asking:

"Where did it go?"

In the workshop, I use the desktop as a convenient recording location.

You might prefer a dedicated folder.

Either is fine.

The important thing is that you know where OBS is putting the recording.

We'll go through the recording settings properly in How to Record Video in OBS Studio.

What Are OBS Profiles?

Profiles are different from your scenes.

In the workshop, I describe the profile as controlling the overall output setup — things such as the resolution and frame rate you're working with.

For example, you might have a landscape HD setup using:

1920 × 1080

Then you might create another profile for mobile content using:

1080 × 1920

That means you can build different setups for different types of content.

Landscape teaching.

Vertical social video.

Potentially other recording or streaming configurations.

Profiles become much more useful when you're producing content regularly rather than creating one video and never opening OBS again.

We'll dedicate a complete tutorial to using OBS profiles for vertical and social videos later in this series.

For now, remember the distinction:

Your scenes are the views you're switching between.

Your profile relates to the wider output setup you're working in.

Properties and Filters Are Different

When you select a source such as your camera, OBS gives you different ways to work with it.

Properties are where you can inspect or change the source itself.

For a camera, that includes the device you're using.

For a microphone, it relates to that audio device.

Then you have Filters.

Filters let you process the source.

Earlier, we added colour correction to the camera.

Later, we'll use filters for green screen work, including chroma key and colour key.

Your microphone can also have audio filters.

The useful thing is that filters can be turned on and off.

So you can experiment without necessarily destroying the entire setup.

Again, don't add six filters simply because you found six filters.

Use the one that solves the problem you've actually got.

OBS Filters You'll Use Later

You've already seen colour correction.

As we work through the cluster, you'll also see things such as chroma key for using a green screen in OBS and audio filters for improving your microphone.

The important lesson at this point isn't how to configure every filter.

It's knowing where filters live.

Select the source.

Open Filters.

Add or remove what you need.

Once you understand that, the later tutorials make much more sense.

Can You Move the OBS Panels Around?

Yes.

OBS allows you to move the interface panels or docks around.

I have preferences for where I like mine.

You might prefer a different arrangement.

That's absolutely fine.

You can also make more room for your preview when you need it.

But don't feel you need to copy somebody else's workspace pixel for pixel.

The best layout is the one where you can quickly find:

Scenes.

Sources.

Audio.

Transitions.

Controls.

If you can do that, you're fine.

A Second Monitor Makes OBS Much Easier

This isn't really an OBS feature, but it's something I strongly recommend in the workshop.

If you're regularly using OBS, Zoom and screen sharing together, screen space becomes valuable very quickly.

Working on one monitor can feel cramped.

You've got OBS.

Zoom.

A browser.

Your slides.

Maybe your notes.

Then someone says, "Can you show us that page?"

And you're suddenly shuffling windows around while everybody watches.

A second monitor gives you room to separate what you're controlling from what you're presenting.

When I travel, I even use a portable additional display with a laptop.

It makes that much difference to the way I work.

When we get to screen sharing with OBS, you'll see why multiple monitors become particularly useful.

Don't Force Virtual Background Removal on a Weak Setup

The workshop interface section also touches on something that isn't technically part of the interface but affects the results you're trying to create.

Background removal uses processing power.

If your computer struggles with it, you'll often see those ugly edges and popping around your hair, hands and other objects.

You don't have to do it.

Use a clean real background.

Or, if you want proper background replacement, consider the green screen setup we'll cover later.

A complicated setup that looks bad isn't better than a simple setup that looks clean.

That's worth remembering.

The OBS Interface Isn't as Complicated as It Looks

When you strip everything back, you're mainly doing a few things.

You're choosing a scene.

You're deciding what sources belong inside it.

You're checking the sound.

You're switching between views.

Then you're using recording, Virtual Camera or streaming when you need them.

That's it.

Yes, OBS can do more.

Much more.

But you don't need to learn everything OBS can possibly do before you can use it well.

This is where people can make software harder than it needs to be.

Learn the tool that solves today's problem.

Then learn the next bit when you reach the next problem.

A Simple OBS Workflow Example

Imagine you're running an online workshop.

Before anyone arrives, you've prepared your scenes.

Your Splash Screen is ready.

Your Main Camera is ready.

Your microphone is showing a healthy level in the Audio Mixer.

Your Screen Share scene is ready.

You turn on OBS Virtual Camera.

You open your private test session.

Everything works.

Now when the workshop starts, you're not thinking:

"Where's that image?"

"How do I share this?"

"Why can't they hear me?"

You're teaching.

That's the real value of understanding this interface.

Not knowing every button.

Knowing the buttons you actually need without having to think too hard about them.

Learn OBS With Me in the Free Workshop

This is one of those parts that's much easier when you can actually see the OBS panels moving on screen.

That's exactly what we do in the free Learn OBS Workshop.

We'll build the setup, work through the interface and then start adding the things that make OBS genuinely useful for creators.

Learn OBS Workshop | Present, Stream & Record Better

You can also return to the complete Learn OBS beginner's guide whenever you want to see where you are in the full series.

FAQ About OBS Scenes, Sources and the Interface

What is the difference between a scene and a source in OBS?

A scene is the complete layout you switch to, while sources are the individual elements inside that scene. A Main Camera scene, for example, could contain your camera, microphone and logo as separate sources.

How many scenes should I create in OBS?

There isn't a fixed number. Start with the scenes you genuinely need. For this workshop, we begin with Splash Screen, Main Camera and Screen Share, then add more as we introduce video and other presentation elements.

What is the OBS Audio Mixer?

The Audio Mixer shows and controls the audio sources being used in OBS. You can monitor levels, mute sources and adjust how loud different audio elements are.

What does Studio Mode do in OBS?

Studio Mode allows you to preview and adjust another scene without immediately showing it to your audience. Once you're happy with the preview, you can transition it to the live output.

What is an OBS profile?

In this workshop, profiles are used for the wider output setup, including things such as resolution and frame rate. This lets you create different configurations, such as landscape HD and vertical social video.

What is the difference between OBS Properties and Filters?

Properties relate to the source itself, such as selecting the camera or microphone device. Filters process that source, such as adding colour correction, chroma key or audio processing.

Do I need to understand every OBS setting?

No. Start with Scenes, Sources, Audio Mixer, Scene Transitions and Controls. Learn additional settings when you have a specific reason to use them.

Can I customise the OBS interface?

Yes. You can move the docks and panels around to create a workspace that suits you. Just make sure the main controls you use regularly remain easy to find.

Is a second monitor useful with OBS?

Yes, particularly if you're using OBS alongside Zoom and screen sharing. A second display gives you more room to separate your controls from the content your audience sees.

What To Do Next

You now understand the basic structure.

Scenes hold your different views.

Sources build those views.

The Audio Mixer handles the sound.

Transitions control how you move between scenes.

And the Controls panel is where you record, stream or turn on your Virtual Camera.

That's enough theory.

Now we can start making it look good.

Continue with How to Add Images and Overlays in OBS.

We'll create a proper splash screen, add transparent graphics and logos, look at stacking order and start organising multiple sources inside a scene.

That's when OBS starts becoming a lot more fun.

Join the free Learn OBS Workshop and follow the complete setup with me.

FAQ

Who is OBS Scenes and Sources: Beginner’s Interface Guide for?

OBS Scenes and Sources: Beginner’s Interface Guide is for course creators, coaches and educators who want a clearer OBS setup for recording lessons, streaming sessions or creating better video content for their online business.

How does this OBS workflow connect with New Zenler?

Creators can use OBS to improve video and live-session production, then use New Zenler to host courses, deliver memberships, run live sessions, build funnels and manage learners in one platform.

What should creators check before recording or streaming with OBS?

Check the scene layout, microphone input, audio filters, camera framing, recording settings, internet connection and where the finished lesson or live replay will be delivered in New Zenler.

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