NohBoard Tips and Customizations Every Streamer Should Know

NohBoard Tips and Customizations Every Streamer Should Know

What NohBoard is

NohBoard is a lightweight on-screen keyboard and input visualizer that shows keyboard, mouse, and controller input. Streamers use it to display keystrokes during tutorials, speedruns, and gameplay to help viewers follow inputs.

Quick setup

1. Install: Download the latest release from the official NohBoard GitHub releases page and unzip.
2. Run: Launch NohBoard.exe (no installer required).
3. Set layout: Open Settings → Layout and choose a built-in layout (Keyboard, Compact, Controller).
4. Position & scale: Resize and drag the overlay to a corner, or use Settings → Appearance → Scale to match your stream resolution.
5. Make overlay click-through: In Settings → Window, enable Always on top and Click through so it doesn’t block gameplay or capture unwanted clicks.

Key customization tips

• Custom layouts: Edit or create .json layout files (Settings → Layout → Open layouts folder). Duplicate an existing layout and modify keys, sizes, and positions.
• Custom key labels: In the layout JSON, set the “label” field for keys to show alternate text (e.g., “W” → “Forward”).
• Visibility per device: Use separate layouts for keyboard, mouse, and controller and toggle which devices appear in Settings.
• Hotkeys: Assign hotkeys for showing/hiding NohBoard (useful for scene changes) in Settings → Hotkeys.

Appearance & styling

• Colors & transparency: Change key fill and border colors in Settings → Appearance. Use alpha/transparency to blend the overlay with your stream.
• Fonts: Replace the default font by pointing Settings → Appearance → Font to a .ttf file for a cleaner or themed look.
• Animations: Use border or press animations sparingly—subtle effects are easier on viewers.
• Sizing for readability: Aim for keys at least 32–48 px high on a 1080p stream; scale up for 720p or mobile viewers.

Integrations with streaming software

• OBS/Streamlabs: Add NohBoard as a Window Capture source. Crop the capture to remove the background using the window’s transparent areas or set a chroma key if needed.
• Transparent background: Use Settings → Window → Background color and set alpha to 0, then capture with Window Capture to avoid chroma keying.
• Scene-specific sources: Create different NohBoard sources per scene (e.g., Tutorial scene vs. Fullscreen Game) and toggle visibility with scene transitions or hotkeys.

Practical presets and ideas

• Tutorial preset: Highlight WASD, Shift, Ctrl, Space; add labels like “Sprint”, “Crouch”, “Jump”.
• Speedrun preset: Show only essential inputs (movement + primary action) and enlarge them.
• Controller preset: Use a graphical controller layout with button names and enlarge face buttons for clarity.
• Minimal HUD: Use monochrome keys with one accent color to match your stream branding.

Performance & troubleshooting

• Low CPU/GPU: Use simpler layouts and disable animations. NohBoard is lightweight but overlays plus capture can add overhead.
• Not showing in OBS: Use Window Capture (not Game Capture) or enable compatibility mode in OBS; ensure NohBoard is not minimized.
• Click-through issues: Toggle Always on top off/on or restart NohBoard if clicks still register.
• Layout not applied: Confirm JSON has valid syntax; test with a duplicated built-in layout to isolate errors.

Best practices

• Keep it focused: Show only inputs that add value—too many keys overwhelm viewers.
• Contrast for readability: Use high contrast between key text and background; avoid low-contrast colors.
• Test on different devices: Preview on mobile and TV if your audience watches on varied screens.
• Use consistent naming: Label keys in plain language (e.g., “Primary”, “Alt Fire”) to help new viewers.

If you want, I can create a ready-to-use JSON layout for a tutorial-focused NohBoard (WASD + common action keys) sized for 1080p streaming.