First Time Setup - Dkmariolink/ez-streaming GitHub Wiki

First Setup Guide

This guide will walk you through creating your first streaming profile in EZ Streaming.

Initial Launch

When you first open EZ Streaming, you'll see:

  • A default profile already created
  • Two empty application rows ready for configuration
  • The main interface with profile management controls

Creating Your First Profile

Step 1: Add Your Streaming Applications

You have three ways to add applications:

Method 1: Locate App by Name (Recommended)

  1. Click the "Locate App by Name" button
  2. Type the name of your application (e.g., "OBS", "Discord", "Spotify")
  3. EZ Streaming will automatically find and add the application

Supported Applications Include:

  • Streaming: OBS Studio, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch Studio
  • Communication: Discord, TeamSpeak, Skype
  • Content: Spotify, VLC Media Player, Audacity
  • Enhancement: Mix It Up, Touch Portal, StreamElements
  • Virtual Production: VTube Studio, NVIDIA Broadcast
  • Recording: NVIDIA ShadowPlay, Action!, Bandicam

Method 2: Browse for Applications

  1. Click the "Browse" button
  2. Navigate to your application's executable file (.exe)
  3. Select the file to add it to your profile

Method 3: Drag and Drop

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Navigate to your application's folder
  3. Drag the .exe file directly into EZ Streaming

Step 2: Configure Launch Order

The order of applications in your list determines their launch sequence:

  1. Drag and drop rows to reorder them
  2. First application launches immediately
  3. Subsequent applications launch with delays

Recommended Order:

  1. Core streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs)
  2. Communication tools (Discord, TeamSpeak)
  3. Content applications (Spotify, browser)
  4. Enhancement tools (chatbots, overlays)

Step 3: Set Launch Delays

Launch delays prevent system overload and ensure applications start properly:

Profile Default Delay

  1. Set a default delay for all applications in your profile
  2. Recommended: 3-5 seconds for most setups
  3. Heavy applications: 5-10 seconds for resource-intensive apps

Per-Application Custom Delays

  1. Check the delay checkbox for specific applications
  2. Override the default with a custom delay
  3. Use cases:
    • Longer delays for heavy applications like OBS
    • Shorter delays for lightweight utilities
    • Zero delay for instant-launch applications

Delay Guidelines:

  • 0-2 seconds: Light applications (Discord, Spotify)
  • 3-5 seconds: Standard applications (browsers, utilities)
  • 5-10 seconds: Heavy applications (OBS, games, video editors)

Step 4: Test Your Setup

Before relying on your profile:

  1. Individual Testing

    • Use individual "Launch" buttons to test each application
    • Verify all paths are correct and applications start properly

  2. Full Profile Testing

    • Click "Launch All" to test the complete sequence
    • Observe the launch timing and adjust delays if needed

  3. System Monitoring

    • Watch system resources during launch
    • Adjust delays if you notice performance issues

Advanced First Setup

Creating Multiple Profiles

Different streaming scenarios need different setups:

  1. Gaming Profile

    • Game capture software
    • Voice chat applications
    • Performance monitoring tools

  2. Art Stream Profile

    • Drawing/design software
    • Reference browsers
    • Music applications

  3. Podcast Profile

    • Recording software
    • Call applications
    • Note-taking tools

Profile Management

  1. Create New Profile: Click the dropdown and select "New Profile"
  2. Duplicate Profile: Use existing profiles as templates
  3. Rename Profile: Right-click or use profile options
  4. Delete Profile: Remove profiles you no longer need

Application Management Tips

Finding Hidden Applications

Some applications install in non-standard locations:

  • Steam Games: Usually in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\
  • Epic Games: Usually in C:\Program Files\Epic Games\
  • Microsoft Store Apps: Check C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\

Handling Shortcuts vs Executables

  • Always use .exe files, not shortcuts (.lnk)
  • Shortcuts may break if moved or updated
  • Use "Browse" to find the actual executable

Troubleshooting First Setup

Application Won't Launch

  1. Verify Path: Ensure the path to the .exe file is correct
  2. Check Permissions: Run EZ Streaming as administrator if needed
  3. Test Manually: Try launching the application manually first

Launch Delays Too Short

Signs your delays are too short:

  • Applications crash or fail to start
  • System becomes unresponsive during launch
  • Applications launch but don't work properly

Solution: Increase delays by 2-3 seconds

Launch Delays Too Long

Signs your delays are too long:

  • Launch sequence takes unnecessarily long
  • You lose momentum waiting for apps to start

Solution: Decrease delays gradually while testing

Profile Not Saving

  1. Check Permissions: Ensure EZ Streaming can write to its config folder
  2. Manual Save: Changes should auto-save, but try restarting the application
  3. Config Location: Check %APPDATA%\EZStreaming\ for config files

Next Steps

Once your first profile is working:

  1. Explore Advanced Features:

    • Process monitoring and control
    • Profile import/export (coming soon)
    • Startup integration

  2. Optimize Your Workflow:

    • Fine-tune launch delays
    • Create specialized profiles
    • Share your setup with the community

  3. Join the Community:

    • Share your profiles in GitHub Discussions
    • Get help and tips from other users
    • Suggest new features

Ready for more? Check out our Best Practices Guide for advanced tips and optimization techniques!