Master OBS with keyboard shortcuts. Switch scenes, mute sources, and control your stream without touching your mouse.
📋 Interactive Hotkey Reference
Searchable list of all OBS hotkeys with quick-copy.
Open Hotkey Reference →Essential OBS Hotkeys
| Action | Default Hotkey |
|---|---|
| Start Streaming | No default (set in Settings) |
| Stop Streaming | No default (set in Settings) |
| Start Recording | No default (set in Settings) |
| Stop Recording | No default (set in Settings) |
| Push to Talk | No default (set per source) |
| Mute/Unmute | No default (set per source) |
💡 OBS Doesn't Have Default Hotkeys
You need to set them yourself! Go to Settings → Hotkeys and assign your preferred keys.
Recommended Hotkey Setup
| Action | Suggested Key |
|---|---|
| Start/Stop Streaming | F9 |
| Start/Stop Recording | F10 |
| Pause Recording | F11 |
| Scene 1 (Gameplay) | Numpad 1 |
| Scene 2 (Just Chatting) | Numpad 2 |
| Scene 3 (BRB) | Numpad 3 |
| Mute Mic | F1 |
| Mute Desktop Audio | F2 |
How to Set Hotkeys in OBS
- Open OBS → Settings → Hotkeys
- Find the action you want (e.g., "Start Streaming")
- Click the empty box next to it
- Press your desired key (e.g., F9)
- Click Apply
Pro Tips
- Use function keys (F1-F12) - Less likely to conflict with games
- Numpad for scenes - Quick, intuitive switching
- Avoid common game keys - WASD, E, F, etc.
- Use Stream Deck - Physical buttons for complex macros
FAQ
Why don't my hotkeys work?
OBS might not have focus. Enable "Focus Workspace" in Settings → Advanced, or use a Stream Deck for global hotkeys.
How do I use hotkeys while in a game?
Run OBS as administrator, or use keys that aren't used by the game (function keys work well).
View All OBS Hotkeys
Open Hotkey Reference →Advanced Hotkey Setups
Basic hotkeys get you started. These advanced setups are what professional streamers use to run smooth, professional broadcasts:
- Stream Deck integration: The Elgato Stream Deck maps physical buttons directly to OBS hotkeys. Each button has a customizable icon. This eliminates keyboard memorization entirely — you see exactly what each button does at a glance. Essential for any streamer doing 10+ hours per week.
- Numpad hotkeys: If you have a numpad, map your scene switches to Num1–Num9. The numpad is physically separate from your gaming keys, so you'll never accidentally trigger a scene switch during gameplay.
- Modifier keys: Use Ctrl, Alt, or Shift as modifiers to double your hotkey count without running out of keys. For example: F1 = Switch to Game Scene, Ctrl+F1 = Switch to BRB Screen.
Complete OBS Hotkey Reference Table
| Function | Recommended Hotkey | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start Streaming | Ctrl+Shift+S | Requires OBS in focus unless using global hotkey |
| Stop Streaming | Ctrl+Shift+S (toggle) | Same hotkey can toggle in newer OBS versions |
| Start/Stop Recording | Ctrl+Shift+R | — |
| Pause Recording | Ctrl+Shift+P | Available in OBS 26+ |
| Mute Mic | F4 | Works best as a global hotkey |
| Push-to-Talk | Caps Lock | Popular choice — rarely used while gaming |
| Switch to Game Scene | Num1 | Use numpad for scene switching |
| Switch to BRB Scene | Num2 | — |
| Switch to Starting Soon | Num3 | — |
| Screenshot | Ctrl+F12 | Saves to configured Screenshots folder |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do OBS hotkeys work when OBS is not the active window?
By default, no. OBS hotkeys only work when OBS is in focus. To make hotkeys work while gaming, enable System-wide Hotkeys in Settings > Hotkeys. Note: system-wide hotkeys can conflict with game keybindings, so test thoroughly before going live.
How do I set a hotkey to mute only desktop audio (not mic)?
In OBS, go to Settings > Hotkeys. Scroll down to find your "Desktop Audio" source. There will be separate mute hotkeys for each audio source. Assign one hotkey to mute "Desktop Audio" and a separate hotkey to mute your "Mic/Aux" source.
What's the best hotkey for push-to-talk?
The most popular choices are Caps Lock (rarely needed during gaming), Left Alt (thumb-accessible), or a mouse side button if your mouse has extra buttons. Avoid keys you use often in games — WASD, Space, Shift, or Ctrl are bad push-to-talk keys.
