The Stream Deck on-screen display shows your button layout on your monitor

The on-screen display (OSD) is a window that appears on your monitor and mirrors the buttons on your physical Stream Deck. It lets you see and click your Stream Deck buttons directly from your screen instead of looking down at the device. This is useful if your Stream Deck is positioned out of sight, if you want a larger view of your buttons, or if you're streaming and want to control things without moving your hands away from your keyboard or mouse.

The on-screen display is built into the Stream Deck software and takes about two minutes to turn on. You control it through the Stream Deck application on your computer, not through the device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Stream Deck application, select your device, and toggle the on-screen display option in the settings to turn it on.
  • The on-screen display window can be moved, resized, and positioned anywhere on your monitor or across multiple monitors.
  • You can click buttons in the on-screen display the same way you press them on the physical Stream Deck.
  • The on-screen display updates in real time as you change profiles or edit buttons in the Stream Deck software.

How to turn on the on-screen display

Start by opening the Stream Deck application on your computer. If you don't have it installed, download it from the Elgato website for Windows or Mac. Once the application is open, you should see your Stream Deck listed in the left sidebar under "Devices."

Click on your Stream Deck device name to select it. In the main panel on the right, look for a toggle or checkbox labeled "Show on-screen display" or similar wording depending on your software version. Toggle this option on. The on-screen display window should appear on your monitor immediately, showing a grid of buttons that matches your Stream Deck layout.

If the window doesn't appear, check that your Stream Deck is properly connected to your computer via USB. The on-screen display requires the Stream Deck software to be running, so keep the application open while you want to use it.

Moving and resizing the on-screen display window

The on-screen display window behaves like any other window on your computer. Click and drag the title bar to move it to a different location on your screen. Drag the edges or corners to resize it larger or smaller. You can position it in a corner, along the side of your screen, or anywhere else that works for your setup.

If you use multiple monitors, you can move the on-screen display to a different monitor by dragging it across. This is helpful if you want to keep it on a secondary monitor while you work on your main display. The window will stay in place until you move it again, even after you close and reopen the Stream Deck software.

Clicking buttons in the on-screen display

You can click any button in the on-screen display window with your mouse, and it will trigger the same action as pressing that button on the physical Stream Deck. This works for all button types: text commands, application shortcuts, media controls, or custom scripts you've programmed.

The on-screen display updates instantly when you switch profiles or change button assignments in the Stream Deck software. If you edit a button's label or icon, the change appears in the on-screen display right away without needing to restart anything.

Adjusting display settings for the on-screen window

Some versions of the Stream Deck software let you customize how the on-screen display looks. Check the settings or preferences menu in the Stream Deck application for options like brightness, transparency, or button size. These settings vary depending on which Stream Deck model you own and which software version is installed.

If you want the on-screen display to stay on top of other windows so it doesn't get hidden behind your browser or other applications, look for an "Always on top" or "Keep window on top" option in the display settings. Not all versions include this feature, but it's worth checking if you find the window disappearing behind other programs.

Troubleshooting the on-screen display

If the on-screen display doesn't appear after you toggle it on, first make sure your Stream Deck is connected and recognized by the software. Unplug the USB cable, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. Then toggle the on-screen display setting off and back on again.

If the window appears but doesn't respond to clicks, try closing the Stream Deck application completely and reopening it. On Windows, you can also check the taskbar to see if the Stream Deck application is actually running. On Mac, check the menu bar at the top of the screen for the Stream Deck icon.

If buttons in the on-screen display don't trigger actions, make sure the Stream Deck software is in focus or at least running in the background. Some actions may not work if another application is blocking input, particularly if you're using the Stream Deck to control that application.

Using the on-screen display alongside the physical device

You can use the on-screen display and the physical Stream Deck at the same time. Pressing a button on the device will update the on-screen display, and clicking a button in the window will register on the physical device. This is useful if you want to keep the device nearby for quick access but also want the visual reference of the on-screen window.

The on-screen display doesn't replace the physical Stream Deck — it's an additional way to interact with it. You can turn it off anytime by toggling the setting in the Stream Deck software, and the physical device will continue to work normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the on-screen display if my Stream Deck is unplugged?

No. The on-screen display requires the Stream Deck to be connected via USB and recognized by the software. If you unplug the device, the on-screen display will stop responding to clicks, though the window may still be visible on your screen.

Does the on-screen display work on multiple monitors?

Yes. You can drag the on-screen display window to any monitor connected to your computer. It will stay on whichever monitor you place it on until you move it again.

What happens to the on-screen display when I switch profiles?

The on-screen display updates instantly to show the buttons from the new profile. All button labels, icons, and actions change to match the active profile without any delay.

Can I make the on-screen display larger or smaller?

Yes. Drag the edges or corners of the window to resize it. You can make it as large or small as your monitor space allows. The buttons will scale proportionally as you resize.

Does the on-screen display use a lot of computer resources?

No. The on-screen display is lightweight and should have minimal impact on your computer's performance. It only updates when you change profiles or edit buttons, so it won't slow down your system.