Glossary

A function or command triggered by a Stream Deck control. It can be as simple as opening an app or as complex as running a script or sending commands to another program.

A rotary control on Stream Deck + that can also be pressed. It is used for gradual adjustments such as volume, zoom and audio parameters.

A sliding control for adjusting a level, such as audio volume. Some Stream Deck plugins display virtual faders on LCD keys; the device itself does not have physical sliding faders.

An action that opens another group of keys. Folders organize actions hierarchically and increase the number of accessible commands on devices with fewer physical keys.

A keyboard shortcut sent to the computer when a Stream Deck action runs. It simulates a key combination to control software that supports shortcuts.

An image displayed on a Stream Deck LCD key. Icons can be static or animated and may change with an action's state. Common sizes are 72×72 and 144×144 pixels.

A collection of icons designed for Stream Deck, usually with a consistent visual style. Packs cover common actions and can come from the marketplace or the community.

Physical keys with individual LCD displays. Each key shows its own icon or dynamic information, making actions easy to identify and allowing the display to reflect their current state.

An automated sequence of commands, clicks or keystrokes. In Stream Deck, macros help perform repetitive tasks with a single button.

A sequence of actions assigned to one key. It can combine different commands and delays to automate a workflow with a single press.

Free, open-source software for live streaming and video recording. Stream Deck can control scenes, sources and broadcasts through compatible integrations.

A screen of actions within a profile. Profiles may contain several pages, navigated with page controls, so commands can be organized by category or context.

A software extension that adds actions and functions to Stream Deck. Plugins integrate applications such as OBS, Discord or Spotify and are distributed through Elgato Marketplace or external packages.

A programming interface for creating Stream Deck plugins. It provides access to key events, action settings and device information, with public documentation from Elgato.

A saved arrangement of Stream Deck actions and settings. Profiles can be linked to applications and switched manually or automatically when the active window changes.

In OBS and similar software, a composition of sources such as a camera, screen capture, images and text. Stream Deck can switch between scenes to change what viewers see.

An individual element in an OBS scene, such as a camera, display capture, image, text or web browser. Compatible Stream Deck actions can show or hide individual sources.

The current condition of an action or button. Its appearance can change with that condition: for example, a mute button may show different icons when sound is enabled or muted.

An Elgato control device with customizable LCD keys. Each key can run an action such as switching an OBS scene, launching an app or controlling audio. Plugins add integrations and further functions.

Elgato's official application for configuring and managing Stream Deck devices. It is used to assign actions, create profiles, install plugins and customize the controller.

The store used to discover plugins, icon packs and profiles for Stream Deck. Content from Elgato and other creators may be free or paid; current downloads are available through Elgato Marketplace.

The live transmission of content over the internet. Stream Deck was originally designed to simplify control of broadcasts on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube.

The elongated touchscreen on Stream Deck +. It shows contextual information such as meters or labels and responds to taps and swipe gestures.

An event that starts an action. Pressing a key is the usual trigger, but plugins may also react to timers, external events, webhooks or changes in an application's state.

A communication protocol supporting a persistent, two-way connection. Stream Deck plugins use it to exchange events and receive status updates from compatible applications in real time.