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📝 Last updated: January 19, 2021.

 

If you're like many desktop users, you may be using a second screen. If you also have Shadow, there's an even greater chance you'd like to use your second screen for streaming. We're working hard to make Multi-Screen—the name of our new feature—a reality. We invite you to install and test Multi-Screen on Shadow. Read this article for more information and share your feedback directly with our team.

 

📌Warning:

  • This functionality is available on Alpha for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Shadow Box V1.
  • Because this is an Alpha functionality, this is a work in progress and may contain bugs. We will update this page according to our progress.
  • This is a completely experimental testing feature and we are unable to provide any dedicated support for this or the Alpha launcher in general. Use the Alpha application at your discretion.

 

Table of contents

How to Install the Alpha Version of Shadow

Multi-Screen Limitations

 

 

 

How to Install the Alpha Version of Shadow

  1. Plug in your second screen.
  2. Update Shadow to the Alpha version.
  3. Change the display settings in Shadow.

 

Plug in your second screen

Plug your second screen in to your computer before you start Shadow. You can plug in your screen while you are viewing the launcher, but not while you are streaming. Hot-swapping is not supported.

You can close the stream and open the launcher if you need to make any changes.

 

If you're using the Shadow Box V1, here's how we recommend connecting your second screen:

 

box_ports.jpg

 

Update Shadow to the Alpha version

There are different methods for updating to Alpha. See the instructions for your desktop or the Shadow Box.

 

For Windows, macOS, and Linux Desktops

To get the Alpha version on your desktop, visit any of our official Discord servers. Choose your preferred language below to join:

 

After you've installed the Alpha version, open the Shadow launcher > click Settings > Testing > Set as secondary screen.

 

🐧 Linux users: Use the sudo command to add your local user to the correct group.
 
sudo adduser $USER input

Log out to save your changes and log back in.

 

For Shadow Box V1

  1. Turn on your Shadow Box.
  2. On the launcher, go to the Settings, then switch your Box to the Beta version and restart.
  3. While viewing the launcher, press Ctrl + Shift, then type “alpha” using your keyboard.
  4. Shadow will start updating. When the update is finished, your Box will start the Alpha version automatically.

On Shadow Alpha, go to Settings > Testing > enable Multi-screen (only for Shadow Box).

box_launcher.png

 

Use the Settings to go back to the Official or Beta version any time.

 

Change the Display Settings in Shadow

Start your Shadow. In Shadow, open Display settings to configure your screens. To do this, select Start > Settings > System > Display.

windows_screen_manage.PNG

 

 

Multi-Screen Limitations

Because this feature is still under development, there are some limitations. You can find the most current limitations and known issues listed below. This list will be updated as we continue to make progress and changes.

 

💻 Resolution & Framerate Settings

Start testing with a 1080p, 60Hz resolution. This configuration may cause screen tearing on Shadow Box V1. We are working on a solution for this problem.

 

The Quick Menu does not save the settings for second screens. If you change your Display settings in the Quick Menu, you'll need to change these settings next time you use Multi-Screen. We are working on a solution for this problem.

 

Your framerate is limited by your first screen. If your first screen is 60Hz, your second screen will also be capped at 60Hz, and so on.

 

Never use a framerate higher than your screen can support. Setting Shadow to a different or higher framerate can cause issues.

 

If you'd like to use 4K, make sure your local machine is capable of decoding a 4K resolution.

As of right now, Shadow Box V1 does not support Multi-Screen with 4K.

 

🌐 Network

Your bitrate will be divided between your screens. If you have a 70 Mbit/s connection, for example, it will be divided into 35 Mbit/s per screen. Make sure your connection is fast and stable, using an Ethernet connection when possible. If you need assistance with your connection or settings, check our Network Requirements and Optimization.

 

🔊 Sound

Shadow Box V1 will use your first screen for sound. If you'd like to use any headsets or speakers, plug those into your first screen.

 

📰 Other

The second screen will take time to start, usually 10 seconds after the first screen starts. Do not try to restart the application or Shadow until both screens start.

 

On rare occasions, the second screen may not start at all. If the second screen doesn't load, please turn off your stream, go to the launcher, and start again.