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
- Install: Download the latest release from the official NohBoard GitHub releases page and unzip.
- Run: Launch NohBoard.exe (no installer required).
- Set layout: Open Settings → Layout and choose a built-in layout (Keyboard, Compact, Controller).
- Position & scale: Resize and drag the overlay to a corner, or use Settings → Appearance → Scale to match your stream resolution.
- 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.