Visual Effects

DualStream includes a library of GPU-accelerated visual effects rendered in real time via Direct3D 11 shaders. No plugins or external tools needed.

There are two types of visual effects in DualStream:

1. Per-layer effects — Applied to individual layers via the Inspector Panel's Effects tab (this page)
2. Effect regions — Canvas-level effects like blur and pixelate, applied as regions on the canvas (see Effect Regions)

Per-Layer Effects

Select a layer, then open the Inspector Panel → Effects tab.

Blur

Applies a Gaussian blur directly to the layer content. Available for all visual source types.

• Sigma — Blur intensity

Chroma Key

Remove green or blue screen backgrounds. Available for cameras, capture cards, NDI sources, and media sources. DualStream's chroma key runs entirely on the GPU.

• Preset — Green screen, blue screen, or custom color
• Similarity — How close a color must be to the key color to be removed
• Smoothness — Edge softness between keyed and non-keyed areas
• Spill — Reduce color spill from the keyed background
• Despill Mode — Method for removing color contamination
• Gamma / Contrast / Brightness — Fine-tune the keyed output

Border

Adds an outline around the layer.

• Width — Border thickness in pixels
• Color — Border color (with alpha)
• Style — Solid, gradient, or other border styles

Drop Shadow

Adds a shadow behind the layer.

• Offset X / Y — Shadow position relative to the layer
• Blur — Softness of the shadow edge
• Opacity — Shadow transparency
• Color — Shadow color

Glow

Adds a luminous effect around or inside the layer.

• Size — How far the glow extends
• Intensity — Brightness of the glow
• Inner — Toggle to apply glow inside the layer instead of outside
• Color — Glow color

Managing Effects

Enable / Disable

Each effect has its own toggle. Turn effects on and off without losing your settings.

Stacking

Multiple effects can be applied to a single layer. Shadow + glow + border all at once? Go for it.

FAQ

Are visual effects included?

Yes. All built-in effects come with DualStream — no extra plugins or add-ons needed.

Do effects impact performance?

Effects run on the GPU via Direct3D 11 shaders. Impact is minimal on modern hardware. If you stack many effects across many layers, keep an eye on GPU usage.

What's the difference between per-layer effects and effect regions?

Per-layer effects (blur, shadow, glow, border) follow the layer and apply to its content specifically. Effect regions (blur, pixelate, grayscale) are independent areas on the canvas that affect whatever is behind them. See Effect Regions.