OBS Studio is a powerful open-source software that’s become the go-to solution for content creators when it comes to live streaming and screen recording. It’s reliable, flexible, and packed with features. However, occasionally users come across some slightly frustrating bugs or unexpected behavior. One such issue is when the “Copy” feature works, but “Paste (Duplicate)” doesn’t seem to respond—leaving users wondering what went wrong.
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TL;DR
If OBS Studio’s duplicate (paste) function isn’t working, it may be due to a focus error, software glitch, locked sources, incompatible source types, or even an outdated version. Restarting OBS, ensuring sources are unlocked, or using keyboard shortcuts might help. Additionally, knowing how to work around the limitation by grouping or using source references can restore full functionality. Read on for a breakdown of all possible causes and fixes.
What Causes “Paste Duplicate” to Fail in OBS?
OBS usually allows you to copy and paste sources or scenes effortlessly. So why does “Paste” sometimes do nothing? Let’s dive into the typical culprits behind this issue:
- OBS Software Glitch: Like any program, OBS might experience minor bugs that affect behavior until it’s restarted.
- Focus Issues: The program may not be detecting your paste because it’s focused on the wrong panel (like the Preview Window instead of the Scene/Sources List).
- Locked Sources: Trying to duplicate a locked source may not always behave predictably.
- Unsupported Source Types: Certain types of sources, like specific plugin sources or filters, may not support duplicating.
- OBS Version: Older versions of OBS Studio may carry bugs or limitations affecting the copy-paste function.
How to Fix OBS “Can’t Paste Duplicate” Issue
Below are reliable steps you can take to fix the problem and restore the standard copy-paste workflow in OBS:
1. Try Restarting OBS Studio
It sounds basic, but restarting can often clear out minor bugs. If you copied a source and the paste isn’t working, quickly save your scenes and close OBS. Restarting can often re-enable functions that briefly glitched out.
2. Ensure the Scenes and Sources Panels Are Focused
Sometimes all it takes is a click on the Sources panel. If OBS isn’t focused on the correct panel, it won’t register the paste operation.
- Click the Sources list directly
- Then press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (macOS)
This often resolves the issue nearly instantly.
3. Use the Right-Click Menu Instead of Hotkeys
If a shortcut isn’t working, try using the context menu:
- Right-click in the Sources panel.
- Select Paste (Duplicate).
This method sometimes bypasses shortcut-related issues caused by OS intercepts or other software like clipboard managers.
4. Make Sure the Source You Copied Is Compatible
Some sources don’t duplicate well. If you’re trying to duplicate:
- Certain browser sources
- Custom plugin-based elements
- Filters or grouped layers directly
…you may instead want to create a Reference instead of duplicating. Right-click a source and choose Create Reference to link it elsewhere.
5. Check for Locked Sources
In some cases, duplicating a locked source either fails silently or creates inconsistent results. Make sure your sources aren’t locked in the first place:
- Look for the padlock icon next to your source name.
- Click it to unlock before you duplicate.
6. Update OBS Studio
If you’re running an older version of OBS, there may be bugs that have been fixed in newer releases:
- Head to obsproject.com
- Download the latest version of OBS for your operating system
- Install and restart
Developers consistently fix bugs including UI-related issues like this one, so an update may do the trick.
7. Try Using Scene Duplicates as a Workaround
If duplicating sources doesn’t work, another method is to duplicate an entire scene instead:
- Right-click the scene in the Scenes panel
- Click Duplicate
While it duplicates every source within the scene, you can then selectively extract what you need from the copy.
Tips and Best Practices for Managing Duplicates
Once you’ve managed to get duplicating back on track, always use best practices to avoid future frustrations:
- Group Sources: This makes copying multiple elements easier.
- Name Sources Clearly: This helps you identify the copied elements quickly.
- Use Source References: Instead of duplicating identical sources across multiple scenes, use Reference to save memory and maintain consistency.
Alternative Duplication Methods You Might Not Know
If all else fails, here are a few lesser-known tricks to work around the issue without relying on the Paste (Duplicate) command:
Copy Between Scenes
You can copy a source from one scene and paste it into another:
- Select the source, right-click, choose Copy
- Switch to another scene
- Right-click in the Sources panel, then click Paste (Duplicate)
Dragging into a Group
Try creating a group and dragging the item into it before duplicating. Sometimes OBS handles grouped items more reliably during duplication tasks.
Manual Recreation
If nothing else works, recreating the source manually might be faster than fighting the glitch. Use the same dimensions and settings, and save frequently to avoid losing work.
Common Mistakes Users Make
When troubleshooting, it’s easy to overlook little things. Here are a few common blunders to watch for:
- Copying the scene instead of a source – Make sure you’re working in the correct panel.
- Attempting to paste into the Preview window – This won’t work; you must paste into the Sources panel.
- Pasting with the wrong scene selected – Switch to the desired scene first, then paste your copied source.
Final Thoughts
The “Can’t Paste Duplicate” issue in OBS can be annoying, especially when you’re in the middle of building an intricate scene setup. But with a few careful checks and workarounds, you’ll be back to building faster than ever. OBS Studio is powerful—but like any tool with depth, it sometimes needs a nudge in the right direction. Take advantage of groupings, references, and updates to make sure your streaming setup stays efficient and frustration-free.
Still stuck? Consider visiting the OBS Forums for additional help or to report the bug if it persists after applying these fixes.