How to add a transparent image to OBS

To add a transparent image to OBS, you import it as an image source, and OBS automatically preserves the transparency. Open OBS, right-click in the Sources panel at the bottom left, select "Image", give it a name, browse to your file, and click "Add Source". The image appears on your canvas with its transparent areas intact — you do not need to configure transparency separately. The file format matters: PNG files with transparency work reliably; JPG files do not support transparency at all.

The image will appear at full size by default, often larger than your stream canvas. Resize it by clicking and dragging the corner handles on the canvas, or by adjusting the width and height numbers in the source properties panel on the right. Position it by clicking and dragging it across the canvas.

Key Takeaways

  • PNG files preserve transparency; JPG files do not, so save your image as PNG before importing it into OBS.
  • Right-click in the Sources panel, select "Image", and browse to your file — OBS keeps the transparent areas without extra steps.
  • Resize and position the image on your canvas by dragging its corners or typing exact dimensions in the properties panel.
  • If an image appears with a white or colored background instead of transparency, the file itself was not saved with transparency, not an OBS setting.

Preparing your image file with transparency

Before you bring an image into OBS, the transparency has to exist in the file itself. OBS cannot add transparency to an image that does not have it. Use an image editor like GIMP (free, open-source) or Photoshop to create or edit your image. In GIMP, go to Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel to enable transparency, then erase or delete the background you want to be see-through. Save the file as PNG, not JPG.

If you are using an online tool like Canva or Pixlr, look for an option to read as PNG with transparency. Some tools default to JPG or add a white background automatically — check the export settings before you save. A quick test: open the PNG file in your image editor and look for a checkerboard pattern behind your image. That checkerboard means transparency is there and ready.

Importing the image into OBS

Open OBS and locate the Sources panel in the lower left corner of the window. If you do not see it, go to View > Docks > Sources to turn it on. Right-click in the Sources panel and select "Image" from the menu. A dialog box opens asking you to name the source — call it something you will recognize, like "Logo" or "Overlay Header".

Click the "Browse" button, navigate to your PNG file on your computer, and select it. Click "Add Source" or "OK" depending on your OBS version. The image now appears in your Sources list and on your canvas. If the image is not visible on the canvas, it may be positioned off-screen or behind another source — click and drag it to move it, or check the Arrange menu to bring it forward.

Resizing and positioning your transparent image

Click the image on your canvas to select it. Four corner handles appear. Drag any corner handle to resize the image while keeping its proportions. Drag from the middle of the image to move it around the canvas. For precise control, right-click the image in the Sources panel and select "Transform > Edit Transform". A properties panel opens on the right side showing exact pixel positions and dimensions — type in the numbers you want instead of dragging.

If you want the image to stay the same size and position every time you stream, lock it in place. Right-click the source in the Sources panel and select "Lock Source". The image will no longer move or resize accidentally when you click on the canvas.

Troubleshooting transparency problems

If your image appears with a solid white, black, or colored background instead of showing transparency, the file was not saved with transparency. Go back to your image editor, add an alpha channel (in GIMP: Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel), delete the background, and save as PNG again. Then delete the image source from OBS and re-import the corrected file.

If the image looks blurry or pixelated on stream, it may be scaled up too large. Transparent images look best when they are close to their original size. If you need a larger image, create it at a larger size in your image editor before importing. If OBS is running slowly or your stream is dropping frames, having many large transparent images can contribute — reduce the number of image sources or use smaller files if performance becomes a problem.

Using transparent images for overlays and graphics

Transparent images are most useful for logos, watermarks, alerts, and custom graphics that sit on top of your gameplay or camera feed without covering a rectangular background. A transparent PNG of your channel logo can float in a corner. A transparent graphic with text can appear over your video without a box around it. Alerts and notifications often use transparent images so they blend into your scene instead of appearing in a box.

You can layer multiple transparent images on top of each other. Arrange them by right-clicking a source and using "Arrange" to send it forward or backward. This lets you build complex overlays from separate pieces — a background frame, text, icons, and decorative elements all stacked together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a JPG file with transparency in OBS?

No. JPG files do not support transparency at all — they always have a solid background. Convert your image to PNG format in an image editor before importing it into OBS. If you only have a JPG, open it in GIMP or another editor, add an alpha channel, delete the background, and save as PNG.

Why does my transparent image have a white background in OBS?

The file itself was saved without transparency. The image editor did not preserve the transparent areas when you saved it. Open the file in your image editor, confirm the background is actually transparent (look for a checkerboard pattern), and save it as PNG again. Then re-import it into OBS.

How do I make part of my image transparent after it is already in OBS?

OBS cannot edit the transparency of an image — that has to be done in an image editor before you import it. Edit the PNG file in GIMP, Photoshop, or another tool, erase the parts you want transparent, save the file, and then re-import it into OBS.

Can I animate a transparent image in OBS?

A single PNG image cannot animate in OBS. If you want animation, create a video file (MP4 or MOV) with transparency and import it as a Video Clip source instead of an Image source. Alternatively, use OBS filters like "Scroll" or "Move" to create straightforward motion effects on a static image.

What size should my transparent image be?

Create your image at the size you plan to use it on stream. If your stream is 1920x1080, and you want a logo in the corner that is 200 pixels wide, create the image 200 pixels wide. Scaling up in OBS makes images look blurry; scaling down wastes file size and processing power.