Overview
Start Overlay as Hidden is a setting configured during stream creation that prevents the overlay from appearing automatically when the stream starts. When this setting is enabled, the overlay remains hidden until an operator manually shows graphics from the Control Room.
This setting only affects LIGR-hosted streams. It does not apply when using external software (vMix, OBS, etc.) with the production URL.
When to Use Start Overlay as Hidden
Enable this setting when you want complete control over when graphics first appear on your stream. Common scenarios include:
* You need to start the stream early but don't want graphics visible during pre-match setup
* You want to verify the stream is running correctly before showing any overlays
* You need time to prepare graphics or check data before displaying them to viewers
How to Enable Start Overlay as Hidden
This setting is configured during stream creation and cannot be changed while the stream is live.
1. Navigate to the Matches section and find your match
2. Click the three-dot Actions menu for the match
3. Select ADD STREAM
4. Configure your stream settings (name, input, destinations, overlay, etc.)
5. Scroll down to find the Start Overlay as Hidden toggle
6. Toggle it ON
7. Click CREATE to create the stream
What Happens When Start Overlay as Hidden is Enabled
When you start a stream with Start Overlay as Hidden enabled:
* The stream starts and begins broadcasting to destinations
* The overlay exists and is assigned to the stream
* No graphics appear on the output - viewers see only the clean video feed
* The overlay indicator shows the overlay is active (red indicator)
* Graphics remain hidden until you manually show them from the Control Room
How to Show Graphics After Stream Starts
Once your stream is running with the overlay hidden, you can manually show graphics:
1. Open the Control Room for your overlay (from the overlay Actions menu or the expanded match view)
2. Use the Control Room to manually show the graphics you want displayed
3. Graphics will appear on the live stream output
Important Limitations
LIGR-Hosted Streams Only
Start Overlay as Hidden only affects LIGR-hosted streams. When using external software like vMix or OBS with the overlay production URL, this setting has no effect. The overlay production URL displays graphics immediately when loaded in external software, regardless of this setting.
Cannot Change While Live
You cannot enable or disable Start Overlay as Hidden while a stream is running. To change this setting, you must:
1. Stop the stream
2. Navigate to stream settings (Configure from the stream Actions menu)
3. Change the Start Overlay as Hidden toggle
4. Click Save
5. Restart the stream
Relationship to Hide Graphics Toggle
Start Overlay as Hidden is different from the Hide Graphics toggle found on the Stream Monitor page.
* Start Overlay as Hidden: Configured during stream creation. Determines whether graphics appear automatically when the stream starts.
* Hide Graphics toggle: Available on the Stream Monitor page. Allows you to temporarily hide all graphics during a live LIGR-hosted stream and show them again later.
Both settings only apply to LIGR-hosted streams. Neither affects overlays used in external software via the production URL.