OBS Safe Scene Templates
FreeOpen Sourcestreaming
Pre-configured OBS scenes with privacy overlays, hotkey emergency switches, and locked sources to prevent accidental information disclosure.
Threats Mitigated
- ✓Accidental desktop/browser capture revealing personal info
- ✓Notification pop-ups leaking addresses or messages
- ✓Screen sharing wrong window with PII
- ✓Forgetting to switch scenes during sensitive moments
- ✓Chat overlays showing doxxing attempts
Setup Steps
- 1Download OBS Studio (open-source)
- 2Create dedicated 'Privacy' scene with solid color or safe image
- 3Lock all sources in Privacy scene (right-click > Lock)
- 4Set hotkey for instant Privacy scene switch (e.g., F9)
- 5Use 'Display Capture' instead of 'Window Capture' for game scenes
- 6Create separate Scene Collection for streaming vs. personal use
- 7Test scene transitions before going live
- 8Hide sensitive sources (chat, donation alerts) from accidental capture
- 9Enable Studio Mode for preview-before-transition
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠Using Window Capture on full desktop - captures ALL windows
- ⚠Not locking sources - accidental drags can reveal hidden elements
- ⚠Forgetting to test Privacy hotkey before stream
- ⚠Browser source showing logged-in accounts or personal bookmarks
- ⚠Not using separate Windows/macOS user for streaming
- ⚠Overlooking overlays that show real-time donations with donor names/messages
Data Retention & Privacy
OBS is open-source and runs entirely locally. No data is transmitted to OBS developers. Stream keys and configuration files are stored unencrypted on your system - use full-disk encryption.
Alternatives
- •OBS Studio (recommended, open-source)
- •Streamlabs Desktop (feature-rich but closed-source)
- •XSplit (paid, Windows only)
- •vMix (professional, paid)