To bookmark a moment in a Streamlabs Desktop recording, assign a Marker hotkey, press it while recording, then use the marker CSV saved beside the video to find your timestamps. Streamlabs’ instructions describe markers for recording moments—not a way to save or organize scenes—so this guide clarifies the distinction and shows which feature to use for other kinds of capture.
Set up a Marker hotkey
- Open Streamlabs Desktop Settings with the gear icon in the lower-left menu.
- Select Hotkeys.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Hotkeys section to find the Marker hotkeys.
- Assign one of the four Marker hotkey options. Streamlabs says you can use one hotkey or several with custom labels. Choose labels that will make sense when you—or an editor—review the recording. Labels such as “Create Clip” or “Cut” are notes for later editing; they do not automatically create or edit a clip.
Streamlabs recommends hotkeys made from at least two keys to reduce accidental activation by another application. This is a documented menu path and feature description; availability and labels may vary in later app builds.
Add markers while recording
- Start recording in Streamlabs Desktop.
- When you reach a moment you want to find later, press the Marker hotkey you assigned.
- Look for the small on-screen notification Streamlabs describes as confirmation that the marker was placed.
When you finish recording, locate the video’s save folder. Streamlabs says the marker CSV is saved beside the video. Use the timestamps and labels in that file to locate moments during editing. Before relying on markers for an important recording, make a short test recording, check for the confirmation notification, and verify that the CSV appears in the same folder as the video.
Markers, scenes, replays, and clips are different
Recording markers
A Marker adds a timestamp to a recording for later reference. It does not switch scenes, save a scene layout, or automatically cut the recording into clips.
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Scene and source hotkeys
The Hotkeys settings also include separate actions for scenes and sources, such as showing or hiding sources. Those controls affect what is active or visible; they are not recording markers.
Instant Replay
Instant Replay uses a replay buffer to save or play a recent segment. Configure its duration and trigger it with its own hotkey. Streamlabs gives 30 seconds as an example, not a required setting; longer buffers require more memory. A Stream Deck can trigger the configured replay hotkey, but it is optional.
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Highlighter
Streamlabs Highlighter is a post-stream clip workflow: assign a hotkey and clip duration, capture clips while live, then review, trim, arrange, and export a highlight reel. It is distinct from a Marker’s timestamp-and-CSV workflow.
Do you need a controller?
No. Streamlabs says you can add bookmarks with hotkeys without buying an additional console or software. A Stream Deck or other control surface is optional; it can make a configured hotkey easier to trigger, but it is not required to place a recording marker.
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Troubleshoot missing markers
- No marker notification: Confirm that you assigned a Marker hotkey in Settings > Hotkeys and pressed that combination during recording. Test it in a short recording before an important session.
- No CSV beside the video: Check the recording’s save folder after stopping the recording. If the file is still absent, verify marker behavior with a fresh test recording and consult the current Streamlabs support documentation for your installed build.
- Hotkey triggers by accident: Change it to a combination of two or more keys, as Streamlabs recommends.
- You expected a scene switch or clip: A Marker only marks a recording timestamp. Use scene/source hotkeys to control scenes or sources, Instant Replay to capture a recent buffered segment, or Highlighter for a live clip-and-highlight workflow.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos; it is not a tool for marking Streamlabs recordings. If your separate goal is to run a prerecorded YouTube stream continuously, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops it from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn about StreamNeo or start the free first day.
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