Edit Stream Recordings with Streamlabs Desktop Highlighter

Streamlabs Desktop Highlighter lets you turn long VODs into short, shareable clips without leaving your streaming software. You can mark moments while you stream, then trim, cut, and export them after the broadcast ends. This guide walks you through the entire process, from enabling the Highlighter to exporting your final clip.

What You’ll Need

• A Streamlabs Desktop account (free) and the Streamlabs Desktop app installed on your PC or Mac.
• A recorded stream (either saved locally via Streamlabs or uploaded to a platform like Twitch or YouTube).
• Streamlabs Desktop Highlighter feature enabled (it’s on by default for most users).
• Optional: A webcam or microphone if you want to add commentary during the editing process.

Step-by-Step

1. Enable Highlighter (if not already on): Open Streamlabs Desktop, go to Settings > Hotkeys and scroll to the Highlighter section. Assign a hotkey (e.g., F9) to “Mark Highlight”. This lets you press that key during your stream to flag a moment. Also check Settings > General > Highlighter to ensure “Enable Highlighter” is checked.
2. Mark highlights during your stream: While live, press your assigned hotkey at the start of a moment you want to clip. The Highlighter will record a short buffer (default 30 seconds) before and after the mark. You can adjust the buffer length in the same Highlighter settings.
3. Access your highlights after streaming: After you end your stream, open Streamlabs Desktop. In the top menu, click on the Highlighter icon (a small scissors or sparkle icon). This opens the Highlighter dashboard where all your marked moments appear.
4. Select a highlight to edit: You’ll see a list of your highlights with timestamps. Click on one to open it in the editor. If you didn’t mark any highlights during the stream, you can still import a full VOD by clicking “Import” and selecting your recording file.
5. Trim the clip: In the editor, you’ll see a video preview and a timeline. Drag the handles on the timeline to set the exact start and end points. Use the play button to preview your selection. The default buffer is usually a good starting point, but you can tighten it.
6. Cut out sections (optional): If there’s a boring part in the middle, you can cut it. Use the “Split” tool (scissors icon) to split the clip at the points you want to remove, then select the unwanted segment and press the delete key or click the trash icon.
7. Add text or images (optional): Use the “Text” tool to add a title or overlay. You can also add your logo or emojis. Drag them onto the preview to position them.
8. Preview your final clip: Click the play button to watch the full edited clip. Make sure the pacing is good and there are no awkward jumps.
9. Export the clip: Click the “Export” button (usually a download or share icon). Choose your desired resolution and format. You can export directly to Twitch, YouTube, or download as an MP4 file to your computer.

Common Mistakes

• Not enabling Highlighter before streaming: If you forget to turn it on, you won’t have any marked moments. Double-check your settings before going live.
• Marking too late: The buffer only captures a set amount of time before the mark. If you press the hotkey after the moment already happened, you might miss it. Press it early.
• Using the wrong hotkey: Ensure your hotkey doesn’t conflict with other Streamlabs functions or your game. Test it before streaming.
• Exporting in too high a resolution: If your internet is slow, exporting a 1080p clip to YouTube might fail. Try 720p or download the file first.
• Not saving your work: Streamlabs Highlighter auto-saves, but if you close the app mid-edit, you might lose changes. Make sure to export before closing.

Tips

• Customize your buffer: In Highlighter settings, you can set the pre-roll and post-roll time (e.g., 45 seconds before, 15 after) to capture more context.
• Use multiple marks: Don’t be afraid to mark several moments during a stream. You can edit them all later and export multiple clips.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Learn the editor shortcuts (e.g., space for play/pause, arrow keys to nudge) to speed up your workflow.
• Keep clips short: For social media, aim for 30-60 seconds. For YouTube, 1-3 minutes is fine. Trim ruthlessly.
• Add a CTA: If exporting to YouTube, consider adding a “Subscribe” text overlay at the end of the clip.

Troubleshooting

• Highlighter not recording: Make sure you have the latest version of Streamlabs Desktop. Check that your stream is actually recording (either locally or to a platform). If you use Twitch, ensure VODs are enabled.
• No highlights appear after stream: If you didn’t press the hotkey, there won’t be any. If you did, try restarting Streamlabs. The highlights are stored locally, so check your Streamlabs folder in Documents.
• Export fails: Check your internet connection. If exporting to YouTube, make sure you’re logged in and have permission. Try exporting as a local file first, then upload manually.
• Video preview is black: This can happen with certain graphics drivers. Update your GPU drivers and restart Streamlabs. If it persists, try disabling hardware acceleration in Streamlabs settings.
• Can’t find the Highlighter icon: It might be hidden. Click the “More” (three dots) menu in the top bar to find it. Alternatively, use the hotkey (default is Ctrl+Shift+H) to open the Highlighter window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I edit a stream that wasn’t recorded with Streamlabs?
A: Yes, you can import any video file (MP4, MOV, etc.) into the Highlighter by clicking “Import” and selecting your file.

Q: Does the Highlighter work with Twitch VODs?
A: Yes, if you have VODs enabled on Twitch, Streamlabs can fetch your stream and you can mark highlights after the fact.

Q: How long can my clip be?
A: There’s no strict limit, but the editor is designed for short clips. For longer edits, you might want to use a dedicated video editor.

Q: Can I edit highlights on my phone?
A: No, the Highlighter is only available in the Streamlabs Desktop app for PC and Mac.

Q: Will my highlights be saved if I uninstall Streamlabs?
A: No, highlights are stored locally. If you uninstall, you’ll lose them. Export important clips before uninstalling.

Q: Can I use the Highlighter to edit a past stream that I didn’t mark during the live broadcast?
A: Yes, you can import the VOD and use the timeline to select any section you want to clip.

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