Most people buy Elgato Stream Decks to livestream, but they can do so much more. You can turn your device into a control center for Zoom classes, work meetings, and Discord hangouts – streamlining every call.
First, you have to download the plugins and profiles
Stream Decks does not have native support for directly controlling online meeting applications without the need for free plugins from the Elgato Marketplace. Discord's plugin is completely free and available on both macOS and Windows, and offers a variety of features, from muting, push to talk, joining a quick voice channel, and controlling the volume for other speakers in the chat. call.
Unfortunately, the Stream Deck Zoom plugin that interfaces directly with Zoom's API has been removed and replaced with a plugin that requires paid software, MuteDeck, which supports more than just Zoom for $15. Many people don't like to delete free tools to replace them with paid tools if they are from the same developer, but fortunately, there is still a free alternative to Zoom shortcuts.
Developer SideShowFX has created a free icon pack and pre-installed profile for Zoom with buttons and shortcuts for macOS and Windows, supporting both the standard Stream Deck and the XL option.
You can download this profile, add it to your Stream Deck by double-clicking the download and configuration section in the Elgato software, then get a full set of Zoom shortcuts.
Profile includes many shortcuts, with specialized features such as meeting scheduling. Even so, if you're a power user of Zoom, there are still plenty of other advanced features to try. In addition to setup, you should take one more configuration step: Enable system-wide hotkeys.
In Zoom, open it Settingsgo to Keyboard shortcutsthen click the checkbox below Enable global shortcuts for commands you want to use, such as mute. This allows you to use Stream Deck keyboard shortcuts and keyboard shortcuts, regardless of whether Zoom is your window of choice or not.
Warning: Be careful when enabling system-wide shortcuts, because hotkeys on Zoom and other software may accidentally overlap, leading to unexpected problems. Test your Zoom shortcuts and compare them to other software shortcuts to avoid problems if system-wide hotkeys are enabled.
This configuration profile, icon, and hotkey is not as ideal as communicating directly with Zoom's API like with the discontinued Zoom plugin. However, it is still better than creating these shortcuts manually and without icons.
More features are more accessible with Stream Deck
The benefit of using Stream Deck to control your video calling applications is reduced friction. For example, you don't have to memorize keyboard shortcuts to quickly access features, nor do you have to spend time fiddling with inputs like mute.
The Stream Deck is right for you depending on your budget and needs, but even the smallest option offers convenient access to features.
Stream Deck streamlines the call experience
Additionally, these commands make it easier to access features that are less used or harder to access, such as quickly setting up cloud or local recordings on Zoom or playing audio panel effects on Zoom. Discord.
Using Stream Deck makes it easier to use every feature on your online meeting app, allowing you to use them all better. Even if you don't stream, the article highly recommends Stream Deck for anyone who wants to streamline their workflow during online calls and more.
