Avoid starting OBS twice

Datatalk / OBS.

OBS is a nice tool, but it's more focused on streamers (seriously? 😁) than other types of users. I like OBS. I use it to record some presentations, make instruction videos with one or more screens, etc.

Combine OBS with a stream deck (an old tablet with Touch Portal will do) and it's gadget nirvana. Unfortunately OBS wasn't designed for non-streamers, and there isn't a way to force a single instance. Time for some tricks...

Required tools

• waitwindow
• cmdow
• Windows 7 or newer
• OBS (duh)

Concept

• 1. Only launch OBS if it isn't running yet
• 2. Open it and bring it to the front

Batchfile

1. waitwindow obs* 1 start "C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe"
2. waitwindow obs* 5
3. cmdow "obs 27*" /vis /ena /res /act
4. exit

Explanation

1. check if OBS has already been started, if not it will start it.
2. wait until OBS has started
3. move the obs window to the front and activate it (check the name!)
4. exit is only needed if you start the batch file from Touch Portal