Stream Health HUD

OBS Performance HUD (Lua Script)

This lightweight Lua script adds a real-time performance HUD inside OBS using a standard Text (GDI+) source. It continuously updates a single text source with key streaming metrics, making it ideal as an on-screen debug overlay or as a private monitoring panel placed off-screen.

The HUD can be enabled or disabled at any time. When disabled, the script automatically clears the text so it never clutters your scene.

What It Displays

• Stream or recording time
• Dropped frames
• CPU usage
• Estimated bitrate (kbps)

Features

• Uses Text (GDI+): avoids FreeType (deprecated in this workflow)
• Real-time metrics: time, dropped frames, CPU usage, and bitrate
• Adjustable update interval: control how frequently the HUD refreshes
• Simple source selector: choose which Text source to update
• Enable/Disable toggle: turn the HUD on or off instantly
• Auto-clear on disable: text is removed automatically when the HUD is off
• Ultra lightweight: no plugins required

Use Cases

• Debug overlay: keep performance stats visible while testing scenes, filters, or encoders
• Private monitoring: place the text off-screen or behind a mask so only you can see it in the preview
• Recording checks: verify bitrate stability and dropped frames during long captures

How to Use

1. Add a Text (GDI+) source in OBS (name it something recognizable, e.g. HUD).
2. Open Tools → Scripts.
3. Click the + button and load the .lua script.
4. Select your Text (GDI+) source from the dropdown.
5. Set your preferred update interval.
6. Enable the HUD using the checkbox.

Notes

• If you don’t see any text, confirm you selected the correct Text (GDI+) source and that it is present in the active scene (or in a nested scene/source that is visible).
• For minimal impact, use a slightly higher update interval (e.g., 500–1000 ms) unless you need ultra-fast updates.