How To Display Timer On Zoom

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by

Vector Linux
in

As a regular user of Zoom for virtual meetings and presentations, I recognize the significance of efficiently managing time during such interactions. A helpful tool in keeping everyone on schedule is a timer that is visible on the Zoom screen. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to display a timer on Zoom.

Step 1: Install OBS Studio

The first thing you’ll need to do is install OBS Studio, a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. While OBS Studio is primarily used by content creators for streaming, we’ll be using it to display a timer overlay on our Zoom screen.

You can download OBS Studio from their official website and follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system. Once installed, open the software to proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Set Up the Timer Overlay

Now that OBS Studio is open, we can start setting up the timer overlay. Here’s how:

  1. Create a new scene by clicking the plus icon under the “Scenes” section.
  2. Add a new source to the scene by clicking the plus icon under the “Sources” section. Choose “Text” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Customize the appearance of the timer text by adjusting the font, size, color, and positioning options.
  4. Enter the initial time value for the timer and make sure to check the “Read from file” option.
  5. Save your settings by clicking the “OK” button.

Step 3: Configure OBS Virtual Camera

Before we can use the timer overlay in Zoom, we need to configure OBS Virtual Camera. Follow these steps:

  1. Install the OBS Virtual Camera plugin by going to the OBS Studio website and downloading the plugin specific to your operating system.
  2. Once installed, open OBS Studio and navigate to the “Tools” menu. Click on “VirtualCam” to open the Virtual Camera settings.
  3. Ensure that the “AutoStart” option is checked and click the “Start” button to enable OBS Virtual Camera.

Step 4: Use the Timer Overlay in Zoom

Now that everything is set up, we can finally display the timer overlay in Zoom:

  1. Open Zoom and join or start a meeting.
  2. Click on the arrow next to the “Stop Video” button and select “OBS Virtual Camera” as your camera source.
  3. Start sharing your screen in Zoom.
  4. Switch to OBS Studio and click the “Start Virtual Camera” button.
  5. Your timer overlay should now be visible on your Zoom screen.

Conclusion

Displaying a timer on Zoom can be a valuable tool for staying on schedule during virtual meetings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up a timer overlay using OBS Studio and display it on your Zoom screen. Now you can keep track of time and ensure that your presentations and discussions stay on track. Happy Zooming!