I just installed Companion 2.2.0-rc2 over a 2.1-version, and now it seems as the Stream Deck Companion plugin has lost the ability to connect to Companion. I've tried opening the Stream Deck app first, and I've tried opening the Companion app first, but they don't seem to be able to work together. I also tried uninstalling the Companion plugin and reinstalling it on Stream Deck, but that made no difference. You seem to have worked it out. What am I doing wrong? Is it a Mac/PC issue? I'm on a Windows 11 PC with this.
The default setting is now off in the 2.2.0 version, and under settings tab in Companion you need to select the box which says to use the stream deck plugin.
I was using the plugin-way since first day, but your "native stream deck button" to switch profiles is a great idea, I never came to this idea myself. Thx!
Great video. I'm using streamdeck to control a PTZ camera with Companion. Any advice on making companion automatically launch on startup AFTER StreamDeck so there's no conflicts? Currently having some issues with companion launching first and not working within streamdeck software.
I imagine you could add Companion to the auto startup items in the System Preferences > Users > Login Items, and then use an AppleScript or Shortcuts to open Stream Deck after a delayed time.
You offered to answer questions ... I built buttons in the Companion app but I'm thinking about switching to the Stream Deck app. Can I sync the buttons somehow? Export out of Companion and import into Stream Deck app?
Hi Rap, you can't export buttons from Companion into the Stream Deck as they are separate apps. You can run Companion in the background THROUGH the Stream Deck plugin as outlined in the video. What functions have you built in Companion?
So have streamdeck and companion updated their software to play nicely now? Have they fixed it on purpose or is it just a coincidence they don't conflict anymore?
At the moment Companion only supports one “plugin” to talk back to the Elgato software. You could possibly connect 2 stream decks natively to Companion, and then turn on the plugin in Companion and open up Elgato’s software to connect the phone app. But all that gets messy, and if you need to reset anything while you are live it is cumbersome. For that reason, in my personal workflow I have gotten rid of Elgato’s software entirely, and only run Companion directly. V3 of companion in the coming months will have better emulator web buttons to operate on iPad and iPhone if you’re looking for a portable/wireless version alongside the physical buttons.
Maybe if there’s an XL version, but I didn’t feel there were enough buttons on this one to build out an intuitive platform. What types of gear and level of functionality would you be looking for?
@@davidjoshuaford Can control At least the audio, SSRC and the transitions!!! I’m working now in one profile with your tutorial E43!!! Thxs in advance!!!
Hi David, great video. I try to understand the "first come first serve". Everyone I know works with Companion software to handle Vmix, I designed a very exclusive workflow for Vmix with streamdeck software. But when collegues need to work with my pc and workflow (they don't understand streamdecksoftware-to-Vmix programming) they want to also use Companion on the same streamdeck so they can add buttons where I have an empty ("not by streamdeck-software assigned") button, here and there. I deny them doing this, because of the possibility of freezing the streamdeck (a problem you mentioned and I unfortunately have some experience with). In what way can I use both streamdecksoftware AND Companion simultaniously without chance of freezing the streamdeck? Should I use the companion plugin within the streamdecksoftware (never used that)? OR should I just open both programs (I did this a few times) and where I put a vmix-button whithin the streamdecksoftware I can use this to handle Vmix (via the streamdecksoftware), and with the buttons I did not assign to Vmix (via the streamdecksoftware) I use companion to put in Vmix commands. And second question; "first come, first serve" what does that actually mean, as in; how can I notice that while using the streamdeck? What effect has this? And how can I workaround this? Please advice, with your (obviously) gigantic knowledge of the working of this device... Grts, Freek Livestream Solutions
Hi Freek, Companion has been updated since this video was released. Now check under the Settings tab in Companion and you can choose if you want to run the Elgato plugin or not. Personally I’ve taken to only using Companion natively and not running Elgato software. V3 of companion will bring great virtual surface enhancements for use with tablets.
@@davidjoshuaford Hi David, the thing is that if you work with Vmix, the Elgato software is way more extended than the Companion software (for example the thumbnails, I can see live video feed in the small buttons of the streamdeck while Companion only shows text, color or a PNG). Your video was about using both software (Elgato and Companion) at the same time on the same streamdeck. Did I misunderstand that you know a way how to do that without problems? Because you write you now do not use Elgato software at all, right? What does the
And how does the "first come first serve" rule create problems while using both softwares at the same time on the same streamdeck? So I can understand the mechanics of that "first come first serve"-system...
This is great info David. Thanks for making this video. Just knowing about how to use the 2 separate interfaces will help out many workflows. We are thankful for all your hard work.
Yes- they show up as different surfaces within Companion and work perfectly - I run two stream decks all the time. It gets a little more tricky when you run Elgato and Companion at the same time, as the plugin controls a single surface
@@davidjoshuaford Ahh - we use Stream deck and companion at the same time and when we plugged both stream decks in the displays were mirrored. We can still use them by setting certain pages on one stream deck and others on the other but curious what you are talking about with surfaces. I haven't been up to the church since he installed the other deck so I will play with it on Wednesday. We only use one button from the stream deck app and that's spotify..but we could use a button on companion for that, I believe. WAIT so are you saying like what we're doing is Stream Deck App + Companion plug-in, but we need to run Companion as a standalone or something? I got myself all confused now lol. I now in the Elgato software you can click Stream Deck at the top and pick between diff installed Stream decks. So why can't you use that with Companion or does Companion only see one if the Elgato software is running. Lord help me I am probably just confusing you more haha. It might all make sense once I go do hands on Wednesday.
Ohhh when you install it asks Local or Plugin. Gotcha. So that's why the surfaces did not show up because we use the plugin. So If I reinstall new version and pick local then close stream deck app I should be golden. We only ran both because we used the spotify buttons from Elgato but we can do that in companion it's just not as nice (doesn't show the picture of the song art). This leads me to another question, can I still control multiple Pro-Presenters in companion that are not on the local computer the stream deck is plugged into? (I assume you still connect multiple instances the same way as with the plugin)
@@davidjoshuaford So I know i left two long ridiculous comments. Let me see if I understand. With plugin, Companion sees the stream decks as one device but you can still make pages and set one to some page and the other to some other page. But if you use the localized non plugin then you show two surfaces in the companion app and just don't run the elgato app. The only question is within Companion how do you program one surface vs the other surface, on the buttons tab is there a surface dropdown or something?
@@NewYears1978 Hi James, since this video was published, the way Companion handles Elgato has changed: under Companion > Settings > Devices, there's a checkbox "Use Elgato Plugin for StreamDeck access (Requires Companion restart)". Checking this will block Stream Decks within Companion, and turn on a surface called "Plugin". This Companion Plugin is itself, a single "virtual" surface, much like the "emulator" is a virtual surface. This is the only surface that the Elgato app sees, hence why your stream decks are mirrored. This is fine if you are using a single Stream Deck, but not for multiple. Personally, I've stopped using Elgato's app, and only run Companion. My two Stream Deck XL's (+ my Stream Deck Pedal) appear as three independent surfaces. Think of these as remote controls panels to your 99 Companion pages - you'll design a Companion page layout with different functions on different pages, with buttons to jump between them, and then each Stream Deck navigates this independently. The page jump Action you're looking for is "internal: Set surface with s/n to page"...and then you just leave the default Surface/Controller to "Current Surface". I have a livestream episode demonstrating the layout of my ATEM profiles that will give you ideas of how to layout different pages and have your independent Stream Decks navigate around it: ua-cam.com/video/E4-8r0TI1yg/v-deo.html
I just installed Companion 2.2.0-rc2 over a 2.1-version, and now it seems as the Stream Deck Companion plugin has lost the ability to connect to Companion. I've tried opening the Stream Deck app first, and I've tried opening the Companion app first, but they don't seem to be able to work together. I also tried uninstalling the Companion plugin and reinstalling it on Stream Deck, but that made no difference. You seem to have worked it out. What am I doing wrong? Is it a Mac/PC issue? I'm on a Windows 11 PC with this.
The default setting is now off in the 2.2.0 version, and under settings tab in Companion you need to select the box which says to use the stream deck plugin.
I was using the plugin-way since first day, but your "native stream deck button" to switch profiles is a great idea, I never came to this idea myself. Thx!
Great video. I'm using streamdeck to control a PTZ camera with Companion. Any advice on making companion automatically launch on startup AFTER StreamDeck so there's no conflicts? Currently having some issues with companion launching first and not working within streamdeck software.
I imagine you could add Companion to the auto startup items in the System Preferences > Users > Login Items, and then use an AppleScript or Shortcuts to open Stream Deck after a delayed time.
Could you use a multi-action with a delay?
Fantastic video, you explained everything perfectly. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
David... Do you know if Companion can integrate with Ecamm Live? If so, can you provide more info...
Having searched the 'Connections' list, I do find Ecamm Live in the list, but I can't tell you more than that.
Nice
Fantastic video. I have purchased you profiles over a year ago and only no getting to them. Looking forward to switching up my workflow.
Thanks Shawn, enjoy the profile!
Any info on how to create a off button for Picture in Picture in companion for ATEM mini?
Look for the Upstream Key On/off in the Actions
You offered to answer questions ... I built buttons in the Companion app but I'm thinking about switching to the Stream Deck app. Can I sync the buttons somehow? Export out of Companion and import into Stream Deck app?
Hi Rap, you can't export buttons from Companion into the Stream Deck as they are separate apps. You can run Companion in the background THROUGH the Stream Deck plugin as outlined in the video. What functions have you built in Companion?
So have streamdeck and companion updated their software to play nicely now? Have they fixed it on purpose or is it just a coincidence they don't conflict anymore?
Companion has worked reliably with Stream Deck software since its version 2 was released. Give it another look!
Can I use 2 streamdecks and the app on my iPhone?
At the moment Companion only supports one “plugin” to talk back to the Elgato software. You could possibly connect 2 stream decks natively to Companion, and then turn on the plugin in Companion and open up Elgato’s software to connect the phone app. But all that gets messy, and if you need to reset anything while you are live it is cumbersome. For that reason, in my personal workflow I have gotten rid of Elgato’s software entirely, and only run Companion directly. V3 of companion in the coming months will have better emulator web buttons to operate on iPad and iPhone if you’re looking for a portable/wireless version alongside the physical buttons.
Hello David are you working on a stream deck+ version?
Maybe if there’s an XL version, but I didn’t feel there were enough buttons on this one to build out an intuitive platform. What types of gear and level of functionality would you be looking for?
@@davidjoshuaford Can control At least the audio, SSRC and the transitions!!! I’m working now in one profile with your tutorial E43!!! Thxs in advance!!!
Just great, Joshua! Cheers!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
thank you so much for this :D
You are welcome!
Hi David, great video. I try to understand the "first come first serve". Everyone I know works with Companion software to handle Vmix, I designed a very exclusive workflow for Vmix with streamdeck software. But when collegues need to work with my pc and workflow (they don't understand streamdecksoftware-to-Vmix programming) they want to also use Companion on the same streamdeck so they can add buttons where I have an empty ("not by streamdeck-software assigned") button, here and there. I deny them doing this, because of the possibility of freezing the streamdeck (a problem you mentioned and I unfortunately have some experience with).
In what way can I use both streamdecksoftware AND Companion simultaniously without chance of freezing the streamdeck?
Should I use the companion plugin within the streamdecksoftware (never used that)?
OR should I just open both programs (I did this a few times) and where I put a vmix-button whithin the streamdecksoftware I can use this to handle Vmix (via the streamdecksoftware), and with the buttons I did not assign to Vmix (via the streamdecksoftware) I use companion to put in Vmix commands.
And second question; "first come, first serve" what does that actually mean, as in; how can I notice that while using the streamdeck? What effect has this? And how can I workaround this?
Please advice, with your (obviously) gigantic knowledge of the working of this device...
Grts,
Freek
Livestream Solutions
Hi Freek, Companion has been updated since this video was released. Now check under the Settings tab in Companion and you can choose if you want to run the Elgato plugin or not. Personally I’ve taken to only using Companion natively and not running Elgato software. V3 of companion will bring great virtual surface enhancements for use with tablets.
@@davidjoshuaford Hi David, the thing is that if you work with Vmix, the Elgato software is way more extended than the Companion software (for example the thumbnails, I can see live video feed in the small buttons of the streamdeck while Companion only shows text, color or a PNG).
Your video was about using both software (Elgato and Companion) at the same time on the same streamdeck. Did I misunderstand that you know a way how to do that without problems? Because you write you now do not use Elgato software at all, right?
What does the
And how does the "first come first serve" rule create problems while using both softwares at the same time on the same streamdeck?
So I can understand the mechanics of that "first come first serve"-system...
Great work!
Thanks!
Exactly what I was looking for... thank you, sir.
You are welcome! What is your use-case for the Stream Deck + Companion combo?
This is great info David. Thanks for making this video. Just knowing about how to use the 2 separate interfaces will help out many workflows. We are thankful for all your hard work.
@@stevenjames90 Thank you Steven, glad you found it helpful!
@@davidjoshuaford can you build and update a stream deck profile that contains some vMix functionality??
Is it possible to use two Stream Decks with Companion (that don't just mirror themselves?)
Yes- they show up as different surfaces within Companion and work perfectly - I run two stream decks all the time. It gets a little more tricky when you run Elgato and Companion at the same time, as the plugin controls a single surface
@@davidjoshuaford Ahh - we use Stream deck and companion at the same time and when we plugged both stream decks in the displays were mirrored.
We can still use them by setting certain pages on one stream deck and others on the other but curious what you are talking about with surfaces.
I haven't been up to the church since he installed the other deck so I will play with it on Wednesday. We only use one button from the stream deck app and that's spotify..but we could use a button on companion for that, I believe.
WAIT so are you saying like what we're doing is Stream Deck App + Companion plug-in, but we need to run Companion as a standalone or something?
I got myself all confused now lol. I now in the Elgato software you can click Stream Deck at the top and pick between diff installed Stream decks. So why can't you use that with Companion or does Companion only see one if the Elgato software is running.
Lord help me I am probably just confusing you more haha. It might all make sense once I go do hands on Wednesday.
Ohhh when you install it asks Local or Plugin. Gotcha. So that's why the surfaces did not show up because we use the plugin. So If I reinstall new version and pick local then close stream deck app I should be golden. We only ran both because we used the spotify buttons from Elgato but we can do that in companion it's just not as nice (doesn't show the picture of the song art).
This leads me to another question, can I still control multiple Pro-Presenters in companion that are not on the local computer the stream deck is plugged into? (I assume you still connect multiple instances the same way as with the plugin)
@@davidjoshuaford So I know i left two long ridiculous comments. Let me see if I understand.
With plugin, Companion sees the stream decks as one device but you can still make pages and set one to some page and the other to some other page.
But if you use the localized non plugin then you show two surfaces in the companion app and just don't run the elgato app.
The only question is within Companion how do you program one surface vs the other surface, on the buttons tab is there a surface dropdown or something?
@@NewYears1978 Hi James, since this video was published, the way Companion handles Elgato has changed: under Companion > Settings > Devices, there's a checkbox "Use Elgato Plugin for StreamDeck access (Requires Companion restart)". Checking this will block Stream Decks within Companion, and turn on a surface called "Plugin". This Companion Plugin is itself, a single "virtual" surface, much like the "emulator" is a virtual surface. This is the only surface that the Elgato app sees, hence why your stream decks are mirrored. This is fine if you are using a single Stream Deck, but not for multiple. Personally, I've stopped using Elgato's app, and only run Companion. My two Stream Deck XL's (+ my Stream Deck Pedal) appear as three independent surfaces. Think of these as remote controls panels to your 99 Companion pages - you'll design a Companion page layout with different functions on different pages, with buttons to jump between them, and then each Stream Deck navigates this independently. The page jump Action you're looking for is "internal: Set surface with s/n to page"...and then you just leave the default Surface/Controller to "Current Surface". I have a livestream episode demonstrating the layout of my ATEM profiles that will give you ideas of how to layout different pages and have your independent Stream Decks navigate around it: ua-cam.com/video/E4-8r0TI1yg/v-deo.html