Docs

Introduction

TwistedPad lets you create customizable controller Scenes for streams and videos. Designed for clarity, personalization, and performance — so viewers can see exactly what you're pressing in real time.

Quick start

1. Create an account — sign up and verify your email.
2. Create a Scene — open the editor and build your layout (Base + Pressed states).
3. Set it active — pick the Scene you want to broadcast as your "Active Scene".
4. Copy your Scene URL — you'll use this in OBS as a Browser Source.
5. Add to OBS — see the "OBS single‑PC setup" section below.

Plans & rules

Each plan controls which features you can access, and what sharing options are available. Check the Pricing page for current limits. Key things to know:

• Only one Scene can be "active" (broadcast) at a time.
• Scene cloning and templates are Pro+ features.
• Private sharing (access‑list) requires both parties to be on a qualifying plan with verified email.
• Scene export is a Pro+ tier feature.

Common setups

Use the setup that matches where your controller is connected and where you produce your stream.

OBS single‑PC setup

Recommended when controller and OBS are on the same machine.

1. Open OBS Studio → click + under Sources.
2. Select Browser (Browser Source).
3. Paste your Scene URL.
4. Set Width/Height to match your canvas (common: 1920×1080).
5. Enable Shutdown source when not visible for best performance.
6. Click OK, then position/scale your Scene in the OBS scene.

Dual‑PC streaming

The Scene must run on whichever machine the controller is connected to. You then deliver the Scene as video to the Streaming PC.

Option A — NDI (recommended)

1. On the Gaming PC, run OBS with only the TwistedPad Browser Source.
2. Add an NDI output for that scene (OBS‑NDI plugin).
3. On the Streaming PC, add an NDI Source and select the Scene feed.
4. No chroma key needed if you use transparency; otherwise design with a clean colour background and key it.

Option B — Capture / teleport

• Capture card / HDMI: Show the Scene fullscreen on the Gaming PC and capture it.
• OBS Teleport / similar: Forward a scene feed from Gaming PC OBS to Streaming PC OBS.
• Window capture: Capture a browser window running the Scene, crop/scale in OBS.

Streamlabs Desktop / StreamElements

Both platforms support browser sources. Same fundamentals — use your Scene URL as a browser source at a fixed resolution.

• Streamlabs Desktop: Add a Browser Source, paste your URL, enable "Shutdown source when not visible" if available.
• StreamElements: Add a Custom Widget / Overlay and embed your Scene URL. Keep widget resolution consistent with your scene.
• Tip: If you see stutter, reduce animations (glow/filters) and keep Scene resolution reasonable.

Performance & stability

• Prefer 60 fps Scenes with minimal heavy effects. Stacked glow/blur raises GPU load noticeably.
• Enable "Shutdown source when not visible" (OBS) to stop background processing on scene switches.
• Consistent canvas size: build at 1920×1080 and scale down in OBS to avoid reflow/recalc churn.
• Keep the browser source cache clean: if something looks stuck, use "Refresh cache of current page" in OBS.

Security & privacy

• Email verification is required for linking accounts and for access‑list invites.
• Scene URLs are not secret by default — don't embed sensitive data in scene names or descriptions if you share your URL publicly.
• Private shares: only users on the access list can load a privately shared Scene.

URL parameters (runtime overrides)

Override Scene settings at runtime by appending query parameters to your Scene URL. Note: some of these are planned and may not be active in the current build yet.

Combine multiple overrides by chaining with &.

Troubleshooting

Scene loads but inputs don't show

• Confirm the controller is connected to the same machine running the Scene (Browser Source machine).
• Open the Scene URL in a regular browser tab and click once to activate the Gamepad API.
• On Bluetooth: confirm the controller is paired at OS level, not only inside Steam.

OBS Browser Source shows a blank page

• Confirm the URL is correct and accessible when logged out (or that your Scene is set active).
• Disable "local file" and use an HTTPS URL.
• Try "Refresh cache of current page" in OBS Browser Source properties.

Scene stutters or drops frames

• Reduce heavy effects (glow intensity, stacked images, large video backgrounds).
• Lower Scene resolution and scale in OBS rather than running full native resolution.
• Enable "Shutdown source when not visible" in OBS.

Private Scene sharing issues

• Both accounts must be on a qualifying plan.
• The recipient's email must be verified.
• If the invite was sent before the recipient verified, re‑add them after they verify.

Something else?

Head to the Support page to reach the community on Discord.

FAQ

Do I need to rebuild my Scene for different resolutions?

Not usually. Build at a clean base resolution (1920×1080 is common) and scale/crop in OBS. If you use very small or unusual aspect ratios you may want a dedicated Scene for that layout.

Can I run the Scene on a different PC than OBS?

Yes, but only as a video feed (NDI / capture / teleport). Controller input must be read where the Scene actually runs.

Why can't I see all my Scenes in OBS?

Only your Active Scene is broadcast via the standard Scene URL. Switch which Scene is active from your dashboard, or use the direct Scene URL for a specific scene (Pro+).