Adding Applications.md - Dkmariolink/ez-streaming GitHub Wiki

Adding Applications

Learn how to add and configure applications in EZ Streaming for your perfect streaming setup.

Overview

EZ Streaming can launch any Windows executable, from popular streaming software to custom tools. The application includes smart detection for 24+ popular streaming applications and universal support for any Windows program.

Methods for Adding Applications

Method 1: "Locate App by Name" (Recommended)

The smart search feature can automatically find and configure popular applications:

How to Use Smart Search

Click the "Locate App by Name" button in any program row
Type the application name (e.g., "OBS", "Discord", "Spotify")
Click "Search"
Select from the results
The name and path are automatically filled in

What Makes Smart Search Powerful

Fuzzy Matching: Finds apps even with partial or approximate names
Multiple Locations: Searches common installation directories
Registry Integration: Uses Windows Registry for accurate paths
Steam Support: Automatically detects Steam games
Case Insensitive: Works regardless of capitalization

Smart Search Locations

The search system checks:

C:\Program Files\ and C:\Program Files (x86)\
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\
D:\ drive (for Epic Games and other installations)
Steam directories (steamapps\common\)
Windows Registry entries

Method 2: Browse Manually

For applications not in the smart detection list or in custom locations:

Manual Browse Steps

Click the "Browse" button in any program row
Navigate to the application's installation folder
Select the main executable file (usually .exe)
The application name is auto-populated from the file name
Customize the name if desired

Finding Application Executables

Common Application Locations:

OBS Studio: C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe
Discord: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Discord\Update.exe --processStart Discord.exe
Spotify: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Spotify\Spotify.exe
Steam Games: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\[GameName]\

Tips for Finding Executables:

Right-click desktop shortcuts → "Open file location"
Check application's "About" or "Properties" dialog
Look in Task Manager → Details tab → Right-click → "Open file location"

Supported Applications

Applications with Smart Detection

EZ Streaming has built-in smart detection for these popular applications:

Streaming Software

OBS Studio - Most popular streaming software
Streamlabs - All-in-one streaming solution
StreamElements OBS.Live - Browser-based streaming
Twitch Studio - Twitch's official streaming software
XSplit - Professional streaming and recording

Communication & Chat

Discord - Voice, video, and text communication
TeamSpeak - Voice communication for gaming
Skype - Video calling and messaging

Music & Audio

Spotify - Music streaming service
VLC Media Player - Versatile media player
Audacity - Audio editing and recording

Stream Enhancement Tools

Mix It Up - Advanced bot and interaction system
Touch Portal - Stream deck alternative
Streamlabs Chatbot - Chat moderation and interactions
Loupedeck - Physical control surface

Virtual Production

VTube Studio - VTuber avatar software
Snap Camera - Virtual camera effects
NVIDIA Broadcast - AI-powered streaming enhancement

Recording & Capture

NVIDIA ShadowPlay - GPU-accelerated recording
Bandicam - Screen recording software
Fraps - Gaming recording and benchmarking

Interactive & Engagement

Crowd Control - Audience interaction for games
Dixper - Interactive streaming platform
StreamLabs - Stream alerts and donations

Multi-streaming & Distribution

Restream - Multi-platform streaming
Lightstream - Cloud-based streaming

Universal Application Support

Important: While EZ Streaming has smart detection for 24+ applications, it can launch any Windows executable. This includes:

Games: Steam games, Epic Games, GOG games, standalone games
Productivity Tools: Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, Photoshop
Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge (with specific URLs)
Custom Software: Your own applications or specialized tools
Utilities: System monitors, RGB control software, macro tools

Configuring Applications

Application Name

Purpose: Display name in the EZ Streaming interface
Auto-Detection: Automatically filled when browsing or using smart search
Customization: Edit to your preference (e.g., "OBS Studio" → "Streaming Software")
Best Practices: Keep names short but descriptive

Application Path

Requirements: Must point to a valid executable file
Format: Full path to the .exe file
Validation: EZ Streaming checks if the path exists
Updates: May need updating when applications are updated or moved

Launch Status Indicators

Valid Path: Green checkmark or normal appearance
Invalid Path: Red warning or disabled controls
Already Running: "Launched" button state, disabled launch control
Process Detection: Automatic detection of externally launched apps

Advanced Application Configuration

Steam Games

EZ Streaming can automatically detect Steam games:

Steam Game Detection

Search Method: Use "Locate App by Name" and search for the game name
Location: Found in Steam\steamapps\common\[GameName]\
Executable: Usually the main game executable, not Steam.exe
Direct Launch: Launches the game directly, bypassing Steam overlay issues

Steam Integration Tips

Steam Running: Ensure Steam is running for games that require it
Launch Options: Some games may need specific launch parameters
Anti-Cheat: Be aware of anti-cheat systems that might conflict

Browser Applications

You can launch browsers with specific URLs:

Browser Configuration Examples

Twitch Dashboard: "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --new-window "https://dashboard.twitch.tv"
YouTube Studio: "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --app="https://studio.youtube.com"
Stream Deck Web: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" --app="https://streamdeck.elgato.com"

Applications with Special Requirements

Applications Requiring Administrator Rights

Solution: Run EZ Streaming as administrator
Alternative: Create a scheduled task to run the application with elevated privileges
Note: This affects all applications launched by EZ Streaming

Applications with Command Line Arguments

Current Limitation: EZ Streaming doesn't yet support command-line arguments Workaround: Create a batch file that launches the application with arguments, then add the batch file to EZ Streaming

Example Batch File:

@echo off
"C:\Program Files\OBS Studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe" --minimize-to-tray --startvirtualcam

Application Management

Reordering Applications

Applications launch in the order they appear in the list:

How to Reorder

Click and drag the drag handle (≡) on the left side of any row
Drop the application in the desired position
The new order is saved automatically

Strategic Ordering

Heavy Applications First: OBS, games, resource-intensive software
Dependencies: Applications that depend on others should come after
Quick Starters Last: Lightweight apps like Spotify, Discord

Removing Applications

Individual Removal

Click the "Remove" button (X) on the application row
The application is immediately removed from the profile
Note: This doesn't uninstall the application, just removes it from the profile

Bulk Management

New Profiles: Start with empty rows for clean organization
Profile Duplication: Copy profiles and remove unwanted applications
Fresh Start: Create new profiles when current ones become cluttered

Application Status Management

Launch Status

Launch Button: Starts the individual application immediately
Status Updates: Shows "Launching..." during startup
Running Detection: Button changes to "Launched" when app is detected
External Detection: Detects apps launched outside of EZ Streaming

Close Management

Individual Close: Use the "Close" button to terminate specific applications
Close All: Terminates all applications tracked by the current profile
Process Tracking: EZ Streaming tracks launched processes for proper management

Troubleshooting Application Issues

Application Won't Launch

Path Issues

Problem: Invalid or outdated application path
Solutions:

Use "Browse" to locate the current executable
Check if the application was updated or moved
Verify file permissions
Try running EZ Streaming as administrator

Permission Issues

Problem: "Access denied" or similar errors
Solutions:

Run EZ Streaming as administrator
Check if the application requires special permissions
Verify antivirus isn't blocking the launch
Try launching the application manually first

Smart Search Can't Find Application

Troubleshooting Steps

Verify Installation: Ensure the application is actually installed
Check Common Locations: Look in Program Files, AppData, etc.
Try Alternative Names: Search for different variations of the name
Use Manual Browse: Fall back to manual file selection
Check for Portable Apps: Some applications don't install to standard locations

Improving Search Results

Use exact names: "OBS Studio" vs "OBS"
Try abbreviations: "VS Code" for Visual Studio Code
Check aliases: Some applications have multiple common names

Application Launches but Doesn't Work Properly

Common Issues and Solutions

Crashes Immediately:

Check if the application needs additional files or dependencies
Try launching manually first to see error messages
Verify the correct executable is selected (not an installer or updater)

Wrong Window or Instance:

Some applications may open multiple windows or processes
Try different executables in the application folder
Check application settings for startup behavior

Hangs During Launch:

Increase launch delays to give more time for startup
Check if the application is waiting for user input
Verify system resources are sufficient

Best Practices for Application Management

Organization Strategies

Group by Function

Core Streaming: OBS, streaming software first
Communication: Discord, chat applications
Content: Games, creative software
Utilities: Music, monitoring tools last

Profile-Specific Applications

Gaming Profile: Game launcher, recording software, voice chat
Creative Profile: Art software, reference browsers, ambient music
Podcast Profile: Recording software, communication tools, notes

Performance Optimization

Application Selection

Essential Only: Only add applications you actually use
Resource Awareness: Consider system impact of each application
Alternatives: Choose lighter alternatives when possible
Background Apps: Minimize applications that run in the background

Launch Strategy

Staggered Startup: Use appropriate delays between applications
Priority Order: Launch most important applications first
System Monitoring: Watch resource usage during launches

Maintenance

Regular Reviews

Monthly Cleanup: Remove unused applications from profiles
Path Verification: Check that application paths are still valid
Update Tracking: Update paths when applications are updated
Performance Assessment: Evaluate if all applications are still needed

Documentation

Profile Notes: Keep notes about special configurations
Version Tracking: Note which versions of applications work well together
Troubleshooting Log: Document solutions to recurring issues

Future Application Features

Planned Enhancements

Command Line Arguments: Support for launching applications with specific parameters
Application Categories: Group applications by type for better organization
Dependency Management: Automatic handling of application dependencies
Update Detection: Notification when application paths become invalid

Community Features

Application Database: Shared database of application configurations
Profile Sharing: Share complete application setups with other users
Best Practices: Community-contributed optimal configurations