Meld Studio supports live broadcasting to multiple destinations and resolutions, as well as local recording and video clipping. Multi Canvas is supported, enabling simultaneous horizontal and vertical layouts within the same project. Each output can be assigned to either the Main Canvas or the Vertical Canvas.
Supported output types include streaming services, local recordings, video clipping, and the virtual camera.
Multistream
Section titled “Multistream”Multi Canvas
Section titled “Multi Canvas”Multi Canvas allows each scene in Meld Studio to include two canvases side by side: the Main Canvas, which supports flexible orientations, and the Vertical Canvas, which is locked to a vertical resolution.
How It Works
Section titled “How It Works”- Each scene has two canvases.
- You can design layers independently on each canvas.
- Switching scenes changes both canvases simultaneously.
Enabling Multi Canvas
Section titled “Enabling Multi Canvas”Multi Canvas can be enabled at any time:
- Navigate to
Settings → General. - Select Multi Canvas.
The Vertical canvas will be activated.
Scenes and Layers Behavior
Section titled “Scenes and Layers Behavior”Both canvases share the same set of scenes, but each canvas maintains an independent layer stack.
- Layers can be independently managed per canvas.
- Cross-canvas layer copying is supported (e.g., copying a camera or alert from Main to Vertical).
To keep the same vertical layout across multiple scenes, use the Scene Duplicator layer on the Vertical Canvas.
- Add a Duplicator layer to the Vertical canvas.
- Select the Vertical scene to reference in the Duplicator.
- The Vertical canvas will display the layout from that scene.
- Any changes to the source scene are reflected automatically across all scenes using that duplicated layout.
Color-Coded Layer Selection 🔵🟣
Section titled “Color-Coded Layer Selection 🔵🟣”To improve visual clarity while editing, layer outlines are color-coded based on their canvas:
- 🔵 Layers selected on the Main Canvas are outlined in blue.
- 🟣 Layers selected on the Vertical Canvas are outlined in purple.
Active Canvas Indicator
Section titled “Active Canvas Indicator”A canvas icon at the top of the Layers panel, next to the panel label, indicates which canvas is currently active.
Canvas Transitions
Section titled “Canvas Transitions”Global Transition settings apply to the Main Canvas by default. The Vertical Canvas always uses a Cut when switching scenes. This avoids unexpected movement or animation between vertical scenes, which is especially important when a single vertical layout is reused across multiple scenes.
To apply the same transition to both canvases:
- Hold Key: Shift ⇧ and long-click the "m" icon at the bottom of Meld Studio. This opens the Experimental Features popover.
- Enable the Vertical Uses Main Transitions toggle.
Once this feature is enabled, the Vertical Canvas will mirror the Main Canvas transition during scene switches.
Output Configuration
Section titled “Output Configuration”Each output in Meld Studio can be independently assigned to either the Main or the Vertical Canvas. This applies to:
- Streaming outputs
- Recording output
- Clipping output
- Virtual Camera output
Canvas selection is done within the settings for each output.
Multiple Outputs
Section titled “Multiple Outputs”Meld Studio allows you to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, including Twitch, YouTube, Kick, TikTok, Facebook, or any other platform that supports RTMP and RTMPS.
To start multistreaming in Meld Studio, navigate to the Stream settings and add multiple stream outputs. Repeat the steps for adding Outputs to set up your desired stream destinations.
Your outputs are listed in the Stream settings section in Settings and in the Outputs panel in the viewport.
Stream Settings
Section titled “Stream Settings”The Stream Settings section is where you configure your stream outputs, which represent the destinations for your livestream.
Stream Outputs
Section titled “Stream Outputs”To set up a livestream output:
- Navigate to
Settings → General → Stream settings. - Click the ╋ Add output button to add a stream destination.
Alternatively, click the ╋ icon on the right of the Outputs panel.
When you add an output, a dialog appears to select one of the available output options.
- Choose the output option that fits your content.
- Configure the stream information in the output settings to go live.
Outputs Panel
Section titled “Outputs Panel”The Outputs panel, positioned in the top-right corner of the viewport above the Inspector panel, enables you to manage and monitor each stream output.
Meld Studio allows you to start or stop individual streams independently. This feature provides flexibility and control over your stream outputs.
For example, you can begin streaming on Twitch and later start streaming on YouTube, or end a stream on one output while continuing to stay live on others.
At least one output must be enabled to go live.
Enable and disable outputs by switching the toggle in the Outputs panel or in the Output settings:
Virtual Camera
Section titled “Virtual Camera”The Virtual Camera acts as a virtual hardware source that allows you to mirror your scenes in a third-party application, such as Zoom, Google Meets, or Discord.
How to Install the Virtual Camera
Section titled “How to Install the Virtual Camera”- Go to Settings → Virtual Camera.
- Click the Install button.
- Restart Meld Studio for the changes to take effect.
After installing the Virtual Camera and restarting Meld Studio, it will appear in the Outputs Panel. Toggle the Virtual Camera on and off as needed.
How to Use the Virtual Camera
Section titled “How to Use the Virtual Camera”- Navigate to the Outputs Panel on the right-hand side of Meld Studio.
- Turn on the Virtual Camera by toggling the switch.
The Virtual Camera is now available for use in third-party applications or on websites.
To remove the Virtual Camera from the Outputs panel, uninstall it by navigating to Settings → Virtual Camera.
Virtual Camera Canvas Output
Section titled “Virtual Camera Canvas Output”Choose which canvas (Main or Vertical) is sent through the Virtual Camera. To change the canvas output:
- Navigate to the Virtual Camera tab in Settings.
- Expand the Output Canvas dropdown.
- Select either Main Canvas or Vertical Canvas.
Removing Outputs
Section titled “Removing Outputs”You can remove a stream output in two ways:
- Click the trash bin icon next to the output in the Stream settings list.
- Click the trash bin icon at the top-right corner of the detailed output settings view.
Encoder Settings
Section titled “Encoder Settings”The Encoder settings in Meld Studio are the core configuration options that impact the quality and performance of your streams and recordings.
Main Canvas
Section titled “Main Canvas”The Main Canvas defines the base resolution for your primary, horizontal content. You can choose from several landscape resolutions based on your production needs or streaming requirements.
Supported Resolutions (Main Canvas)
Section titled “Supported Resolutions (Main Canvas)”- 4K UHD
- 1440p
- 1080p (Default)
- 864p
- 720p
- Portrait 4K
- Portrait 1080p
- Portrait 720p
Set the Main Canvas Resolution
Section titled “Set the Main Canvas Resolution”- Navigate to Settings → General.
- Choose the Main Canvas resolution using the Canvas dropdown menu.
Vertical Canvas
Section titled “Vertical Canvas”The Vertical Canvas is automatically enabled when Multi Canvas is active.
Framerate
Section titled “Framerate”Framerate refers to the frequency at which frames are captured or displayed. Meld Studio supports streaming and recording framerates of 30fps or 60fps.
Configure the Framerate
Section titled “Configure the Framerate”- Navigate to
Settings → General. - Choose the Framerate using the dropdown menu.
Video Bitrate
Section titled “Video Bitrate”Video bitrate represents the amount of data processed per second to determine the quality of your video stream or recording. A higher bitrate ensures smoother playback and better video detail, while a lower bitrate may lead to pixelation or visual artifacts.
Set the Video Bitrate
Section titled “Set the Video Bitrate”- Navigate to
Settings → General. - Edit the Video Bitrate field.
Multi Canvas Bitrate (When Enabled)
Section titled “Multi Canvas Bitrate (When Enabled)”When Multi Canvas is active, bitrate fields appear separately for the Main Canvas and Vertical Canvas.
Platform Video Bitrate Recommendations
Section titled “Platform Video Bitrate Recommendations”- Twitch: 3,000 to 6,000kbps.
- YouTube: 3,000 to 40,000kbps.
- Kick: 1,000 to 8,000kbps.
- Facebook: 600 to 15,000kbps.
Audio Bitrate
Section titled “Audio Bitrate”Audio bitrate measures the amount of data used to transmit audio per second. Higher bitrates result in clearer, more detailed sound.
Check the platform's recommendations for Audio Bitrate to ensure compatibility and avoid unnecessary strain on your setup.
Hardware Encoder
Section titled “Hardware Encoder”When hardware encoding is disabled, Meld Studio defaults to using x264.
Windows
Section titled “Windows”Meld Studio automatically detects and utilizes NVENC (NVIDIA Video Encoder) when Hardware Encoding is enabled and a compatible NVIDIA GPU is available. NVENC provides high-performance encoding with minimal impact on system resources.
Meld Studio leverages platform-specific hardware encoders based on your device. This includes Apple Silicon (M1/M2), Intel Quick Sync Video (QSV), or AMD hardware encoders.
Encoder View
Section titled “Encoder View”The Encoder View provides a real-time visual overview of how content flows through Meld Studio—from canvases and audio sources, through encoders, and out to each output destination.
The view is split into three columns:
- Sources (left): Canvases, plus Master and VOD audio sources.
- Encoders (center): The encoding pipeline for both video and audio.
- Outputs (right): All active outputs (e.g., Twitch, YouTube, Recording, Clipping) with their associated audio and video tracks.
Each connection line represents a video or audio path, showing exactly what is being routed where.
Access Encoder View
Section titled “Access Encoder View”- Navigate to the View menu.
- Select the Encoder View option to open the view.
Press Escape or click the Close button on the left to leave the Encoder View.
Go Live
Section titled “Go Live”After the stream output and encoder settings are configured, you can start streaming.
Starting the Stream
Section titled “Starting the Stream”- Navigate to the Outputs panel.
- Ensure that the output listed in the panel is enabled.
- Click Go live.
Output Connection Issues
Section titled “Output Connection Issues”Automatic Reconnection Attempt
Section titled “Automatic Reconnection Attempt”If an output disconnects, Meld Studio automatically attempts to reconnect. You can track the attempt in the Reconnection status, which shows how long Meld Studio has been retrying.
Stop the reconnection at any time by clicking the Cancel button.
Error Notification
Section titled “Error Notification”If a reconnection is canceled or an output fails to connect, Meld Studio displays an orange feedback banner. Dismiss the message and retry later using the toggle switch in the Outputs panel.
Common Causes of Errors When Going Live
Section titled “Common Causes of Errors When Going Live”Network Issues
Section titled “Network Issues”Although Meld Studio is designed to handle challenging network conditions, network issues can still cause errors when going live.
Missing Output Information
Section titled “Missing Output Information”Errors can occur if essential stream output details are missing or incorrect. This includes leaving fields like the Stream Server URL or Stream Key empty or entering invalid information.
Incorrect Stream URL or Stream Key
Section titled “Incorrect Stream URL or Stream Key”The stream key entered in the Stream Key field is invalid or does not match the one provided by the streaming platform. Double-check the stream key to ensure accuracy.
Avoid Pasting {stream-key} in the URL Field
Section titled “Avoid Pasting {stream-key} in the URL Field”Pasting the {stream-key} portion of the URL into the Stream Server field may result in an error. Ensure you copy only the Stream Server URL, excluding the {stream-key} part.
Tips for Resolving Errors
Section titled “Tips for Resolving Errors”- Double-check all stream information fields for accuracy.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Verify the status of your streaming platform for outages or restrictions.
- Use the Warning Icon in Meld Studio to view specific error messages and troubleshoot accordingly.
Go Offline
Section titled “Go Offline”Once you start streaming, the Go Live button changes to a Go Offline button.
End All Streams
Section titled “End All Streams”- Click the Go Offline button to end all active streams and stop the broadcast on all connected platforms.
End Stream Individually
Section titled “End Stream Individually”- To stop streams individually, disable specific outputs using the toggles in the Outputs panel. The live state will remain active, so you can restart streaming on any platform when ready.
Answers to common questions.
How do I go live from Meld Studio?
Section titled “How do I go live from Meld Studio?”To start streaming with Meld Studio:
- Set up a stream output by navigating to Settings → General → Stream Settings.
- Add a stream output destination.
- Ensure the encoder settings are configured correctly.
- Click the Go Live button in the top-right corner of the main viewport to begin streaming.
Is it possible to broadcast to multiple platforms at once?
Section titled “Is it possible to broadcast to multiple platforms at once?”Yes, Meld Studio supports multistreaming. Add multiple outputs in the Stream settings to go live on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook at the same time.
Can I disable Multi Canvas and not lose my Vertical layouts?
Section titled “Can I disable Multi Canvas and not lose my Vertical layouts?”Yes. Meld Studio preserves your Vertical layouts when you disable Multi Canvas.
Can I adjust my encoder settings while live?
Section titled “Can I adjust my encoder settings while live?”No, encoder settings cannot be adjusted while live. To make changes, stop the broadcast, update the settings, and then start streaming again.
Can I stream to Kick and Facebook?
Section titled “Can I stream to Kick and Facebook?”Yes. Enter the Stream URL and Stream Key into the appropriate fields in the Outputs settings of Meld Studio.
Can I add more than one Twitch output?
Section titled “Can I add more than one Twitch output?”Yes. Add multiple outputs by repeating the setup process.
How do I monitor my stream health?
Section titled “How do I monitor my stream health?”Monitor stream performance via the Outputs Panel in the top-right corner of the UI, under the output name when live, or at the top within the Stats bar.
Can I do vertical streams?
Section titled “Can I do vertical streams?”Yes, Meld Studio supports Multi Canvas for horizontal and vertical content creation at the same time.
How does Meld Studio handle disconnections?
Section titled “How does Meld Studio handle disconnections?”Meld Studio attempts to reconnect automatically if a disconnection occurs. If reconnection attempts fail, a message will prompt you to check your network connection and try to go live again.