Practical Tool Guides
Set up a browser broadcast overlay in OBS
Prepare lower thirds, tickers, timers, and scores in FreeToolHub, then capture the overlay window cleanly in OBS.
Prepare the broadcast stage
Start with only the layers needed for the current segment. Fewer visible elements are easier to read and less likely to cover the camera or game capture.
- Choose transparent or chroma-key preview.
- Keep lower-third text short.
- Test team names and timer messages at 16:9.
- Save a JSON backup before the show.
Capture the overlay window
Open the overlay-only popup and add it to OBS as a window capture. Crop the source to the stage and place it above the camera, game, or presentation source.
- Allow popups for FreeToolHub.
- Keep the overlay window open during the show.
- Match the source aspect ratio to the OBS canvas.
- Use a color-key filter when transparency is unavailable.
Operate the show without surprises
Use the controller tab to change text, match details, progress, and the timer. Keep the teleprompter, rundown, and cue log separate from the captured overlay.
- Run a short rehearsal.
- Reset the timer before going live.
- Start the session clock when edit markers are needed.
- Save a named preset and keep a fallback scene in OBS.
Connect optional OBS control
OBS Studio 28 and later include obs-websocket. The OBS control tab connects directly to that local server and does not route the password through FreeToolHub.
- Open Tools and WebSocket Server Settings in OBS.
- Keep authentication enabled and confirm port 4455.
- Use ws://127.0.0.1:4455 for OBS on the same computer.
- Disconnect the browser controller when the show is finished.