Elgato Stream Deck Quickstart Guide

The Elgato Stream Deck is the industry standard desktop controller for content creators and musicians alike. In this guide, we will show you the ins and outs and how to get the device up and running! Follow the sections below to get started.

• Setup & Connections
  • Stream Deck Firmware Update
• How to Use the Stream Deck Software
  • Create & Manage Profiles
  • Installing Plugins
  • Assigning Actions
  • Pages & Folders

Setup & Connections

NOTE: The Stream Deck runs through Prism emulation and will run on Windows on Arm PCs. Please visit our Windows on Arm Compatibility Guide and Elgato’s support page for more information.

Setting up the Elgato Stream Deck couldn’t be easier. Just connect the cable to your computer, and you’re set! Here are a few tips to get up and running:

• Connect the Stream Deck directly to your computer. Do not connect to USB hubs, especially passive ones, as they may not be able to supply both power and data, resulting in connectivity issues.
  • Use the factory-supplied cable! Generic, third-party cables have not been tested and may not work.
  • Cables longer than one meter (3.2 ft.) are not certified and may cause connectivity problems.
• Place your Stream Deck in a spot that is easy to access and where you can clearly read the buttons.
• Go to the Elgato Download page and download the latest version of Stream Deck.

Stream Deck Firmware Update

Elgato will release firmware updates periodically, often adding new features and fixing issues in the current version. We recommend checking often, particularly if you’re running into issues. Everything is done directly from the Stream Deck software, so no additional file downloads are necessary.

1. Click the Gear icon and select “General.”
2. Click “Check for updates.”
3. If the firmware is out of date, then follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Do not disconnect the Stream Deck during the update process!

How to Use the Stream Deck Software

Windows PC users: Make sure you launch Stream Deck as Administrator! If you do not, then you may receive errors when installing plugins.

The Elgato Stream Deck software is the main hub you’ll use to work with the device.

Click the image to download Elgato’s Stream Deck software

Create & Manage Profiles

A profile is a collection of pages, actions, and folders for a particular software. It’s a great way to organize your workflow, especially if you’re using your Stream Deck for multiple applications. For example, you can create one profile for Twitch streams, one for DAW control, and another for Photoshop. You can then recall the profile at any time with a single click!

Your Stream Deck’s default profile will load each time you launch the software. Here’s how to create and select default profiles.

1. Click “Profiles,” then click “New Profile”to create a new profile.
2. Click “Profiles,”then select “Edit Profiles.” This is where you will manage all your profiles.
   • Right-click a profile to duplicate, delete, rename, export, or back up the profile.
   • Click “Make this my default profile”to set a default profile. We recommend changing your default profile to the one you will use most often.

Third-party Software Profiles

There are curated profile presets, both free and paid, available on the Elgato Marketplace. So, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the software or need something for advanced controls, then head over to the Elgato Marketplace and check out what’s available.

Importing and Exporting Custom Profiles – Stream Deck 101

Installing Plugins

Plugins are a collection of actions for the application, video game, or streaming service of your choice. You can create your own, but there are also plenty of fantastic plugins to choose from in the Elgato Marketplace that can help get you started.

1. Sign in to your Elgato account. If you don’t have one yet, then you can create it here.
2. Go to the Elgato Marketplace, click “Stream Deck,” and then click “Plugins.”
   • You can also use the search bar to look for specific plugins, if necessary.
3. Once you have found the plugin, click it and then click “Get.” The Stream Deck software will launch automatically and complete the installation process.

How to Install Stream Deck Plugins from Elgato Marketplace

Assigning Actions

Assigning actions is straightforward. Locate it on the right side of the app then click and drag it to the button you wish to assign. Here are a few things to remember when assigning functions.

• When you install the Stream Deck software for the first time, you will only see factory functions/keys (e.g., navigation, action switch, system settings). You must install plugins for third-party software support.
• To install a plugin, click “Plugins” then use the search bar to look for the plugin you wish to add. It will then be available for use.
  • If the plugin isn’t showing up in the search bar, then go to the Elgato Marketplace. Please note that some plugins may cost money.

Stream Deck Multi Actions – Everything You Need to Know

Pinned Actions

Pages & Folders

Pages and folders are key components when working with your Stream Deck. They’re self-explanatory, too. Here are a few things to remember when working with pages and folders.

• To create a new page, click the + icon beneath the user interface.
• You can create up to 10 pages per profile.
• Use folders to quickly access a similar group of actions. This helps declutter your main page.
  • For example, for 10 sound effects, create a folder labeled “Sound Effects.” You can then assign those sound effects to the folder without taking up 10 buttons on your main page.
• If you need more than 10 pages, then consider housing more actions into folders since they do not count toward the total page number.
  • If you have too many folders on a profile, then you may experience delayed responses, or the unit may become unresponsive.

How to Organize your Elgato Stream Deck with Folders, Pages, and Profiles

How to Use Folders to Organize – Stream Deck 101

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