Python is a high-level programming language that is known for its simplicity, readability, and ease of use. It is widely used in various fields such as data science, web development, machine learning, and more. One of the popular uses of Python is in Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) which is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. OBS has a WebSocket API that allows developers to interact with OBS programmatically. In this article, we will explore Python OBS WebSocket and its various applications.
What is Python OBS WebSocket?
WebSocket is a protocol that enables real-time communication between a client and a server. OBS has implemented a WebSocket server that allows developers to interact with OBS programmatically. Python OBS WebSocket is a Python library that provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for interacting with OBS WebSocket API. It allows developers to control OBS from a Python script and automate various tasks such as scene switching, audio control, and more.
How to Install Python OBS WebSocket?
The installation process for Python OBS WebSocket is straightforward. You can install it using pip which is a package manager for Python. Follow the steps below to install Python OBS WebSocket:
- Open the command prompt or terminal.
- Type the following command: pip install obs-websocket-py
- Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete.
Once the installation is complete, you can start using Python OBS WebSocket in your Python scripts.
How to Connect to OBS WebSocket Server?
Before you can start using Python OBS WebSocket, you need to connect to the OBS WebSocket server. Follow the steps below to connect to OBS WebSocket server:
- Launch OBS and go to Tools > WebSocket Server Settings.
- Enable the WebSocket server and set the password if required.
- Take note of the server address and port number.
Once you have the server address and port number, you can connect to the OBS WebSocket server using Python OBS WebSocket. Here’s an example code:
import obswebsocket, obswebsocket.requests as obswsws = obswebsocket.obsws("localhost", 4444, "password")ws.connect()
# Do something with OBS
ws.disconnect()
In the code above, we first import the obswebsocket library and the requests module. We then create an instance of the obsws class and pass the server address, port number, and password (if required) as parameters. We then call the connect() method to establish a connection to the OBS WebSocket server. After that, we can start sending requests to OBS. Finally, we call the disconnect() method to close the connection.
What Can You Do with Python OBS WebSocket?
Python OBS WebSocket provides a wide range of functionalities that allow developers to interact with OBS programmatically. Here are some of the things you can do with Python OBS WebSocket:
Scene Switching
You can use Python OBS WebSocket to switch between different scenes in OBS. Here’s an example code:
import obswebsocket, obswebsocket.requests as obswsws = obswebsocket.obsws("localhost", 4444, "password")ws.connect()
# Switch to a scene
ws.call(obsws.SetCurrentScene("Scene Name"))
ws.disconnect()
In the code above, we first establish a connection to the OBS WebSocket server. We then use the SetCurrentScene() method to switch to a specific scene. You need to replace “Scene Name” with the name of the scene you want to switch to.
Audio Control
You can use Python OBS WebSocket to control the audio settings in OBS. Here’s an example code:
import obswebsocket, obswebsocket.requests as obswsws = obswebsocket.obsws("localhost", 4444, "password")ws.connect()
# Mute or unmute the audio
ws.call(obsws.ToggleMute("Audio Source Name"))
# Set the volume
ws.call(obsws.SetVolume("Audio Source Name", 50))
ws.disconnect()
In the code above, we first establish a connection to the OBS WebSocket server. We then use the ToggleMute() method to mute or unmute a specific audio source. You need to replace “Audio Source Name” with the name of the audio source you want to mute or unmute. We then use the SetVolume() method to set the volume of a specific audio source. You need to replace “Audio Source Name” with the name of the audio source you want to set the volume for and 50 with the desired volume level.
Recording and Streaming Control
You can use Python OBS WebSocket to control the recording and streaming settings in OBS. Here’s an example code:
import obswebsocket, obswebsocket.requests as obswsws = obswebsocket.obsws("localhost", 4444, "password")ws.connect()
# Start recording
ws.call(obsws.StartRecording())
# Stop recording
ws.call(obsws.StopRecording())
# Start streaming
ws.call(obsws.StartStreaming())
# Stop streaming
ws.call(obsws.StopStreaming())
ws.disconnect()
In the code above, we first establish a connection to the OBS WebSocket server. We then use the StartRecording() method to start recording, the StopRecording() method to stop recording, the StartStreaming() method to start streaming, and the StopStreaming() method to stop streaming.
FAQ
What is OBS?
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It is widely used by content creators, gamers, and professionals for various purposes.
What is WebSocket?
WebSocket is a protocol that enables real-time communication between a client and a server. It allows bidirectional communication between the client and server, thereby enabling real-time updates and notifications.
What is Python OBS WebSocket?
Python OBS WebSocket is a Python library that provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for interacting with OBS WebSocket API. It allows developers to control OBS from a Python script and automate various tasks such as scene switching, audio control, and more.
How to install Python OBS WebSocket?
You can install Python OBS WebSocket using pip which is a package manager for Python. Type the following command in the command prompt or terminal: pip install obs-websocket-py
How to connect to OBS WebSocket server?
You need to launch OBS and go to Tools > WebSocket Server Settings. Enable the WebSocket server and take note of the server address and port number. You can then connect to the OBS WebSocket server using Python OBS WebSocket.
What can you do with Python OBS WebSocket?
You can use Python OBS WebSocket to automate various tasks in OBS such as scene switching, audio control, recording and streaming control, and more.
Is Python OBS WebSocket free?
Yes, Python OBS WebSocket is free and open-source software.
Is OBS available for Windows?
Yes, OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.