Quick start
Create a HowlBox URL, add it as an OBS browser source, and keep its live chat connection available between scenes.
Start in the configurator, or use this example and replace mrdemonwolf with your Twitch login:
https://howlbox.mrdemonwolf.dev/overlay?channel=mrdemonwolf&theme=wolf&bg=bubbleAdd it to OBS
- In OBS, open Sources, select +, then choose Browser.
- Paste the overlay URL into the address field.
- Set the browser source dimensions.
480 x 800is a useful starting point. - Leave Shutdown source when not visible and Refresh browser when scene becomes active off. Both interrupt a live connection.
The required channel value is a Twitch login name, not a channel URL. All other URL parameters are optional. Invalid values fall back to safe defaults so a typo does not produce a blank overlay.
Change the appearance
Use the configurator to select one of the 31 themes, choose a transparent, panel, or bubble background, and adjust message layout. Use the size URL parameter to change text size. Resizing the browser source with OBS transform handles can blur text.
Keep chat connected
HowlBox reconnects when the source becomes visible or the network changes. It does not use a timer for reconnects because OBS throttles timers in hidden sources. Leave the two source options above disabled so the browser page can keep its connection.
Test the source
Anonymous chat has no history. A new browser source stays empty until someone sends a message after it connects. Open the Twitch channel in a browser and send a message to verify the source.
Read the URL reference for every available option, or use the configurator to generate a URL without editing query parameters by hand.