Connecting Graphics Presenter Software to Elgato Stream Deck
Graphics Presenter 2.0 is a Windows-based live-graphics and title-generation software developed by Roland for use with their video switchers and production hardware.
With the Version 2.0 update, Roland announced native support for Elgato Stream Deck integration, enabling operators to trigger graphics, titles, animations, on-air commands, etc., directly via Stream Deck buttons. (Roland)
This article walks you through the full process: what you need, how to install & configure, how to link the two systems, and how to build a working workflow.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following components and meet the minimum requirements:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| PC running Windows 10 or 11 | Graphics Presenter is Windows-only. (Roland Support) |
| Graphics Presenter Version 2.0 | The version that adds Stream Deck support. (Roland) |
| Elgato Stream Deck hardware & software | Any supported model (Mini, XL etc.). |
| Stream Deck software installed & updated | To allow installation of plugins and custom actions. |
| Roland hardware (optional) | If you’re using Graphics Presenter into a Roland switcher (e.g., V-80HD, V-160HD etc.) you’ll need HDMI output, fill + key output, etc. (Roland) |
| Plugin from Elgato Marketplace | Roland provides a “Graphics Presenter Remote” plugin for Stream Deck. (Elgato Marketplace) |
| Ability to map hot-keys or external control | Graphics Presenter supports external MIDI or keyboard shortcuts. (Roland Support) |
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Install Graphics Presenter and ensure PC connectivity
- Download and install Graphics Presenter on your Windows PC.
- Make sure your PC meets the specs: e.g., Windows 10/11, 8 GB RAM or more, SSD recommended. (Roland Support)
- If using a Roland switcher, connect via HDMI (PC → switcher) and configure the “Fill + Key” output as required. (Roland Support)
- Open Graphics Presenter and verify you can create or load a template, and trigger the “On Air” or similar button to push it live.
2. Install the Stream Deck software & plugin
- Install the latest version of Stream Deck software from Elgato.
- Launch the Stream Deck app and connect your hardware.
- In the Stream Deck application go to the Marketplace (or add‐ons) and install the “Roland Graphics Presenter Remote” plugin. (Elgato Marketplace)
- After installation, you should see a new category in the Stream Deck action list for Roland Graphics Presenter.
3. Configure the plugin in Stream Deck
- In the Stream Deck app, create a new profile (optional) to keep your Graphics Presenter setup separate.
- Drag a button from the “Roland Graphics Presenter” category into the layout.
- In the button settings (property inspector), configure the action. Typical actions include:
- “ONAIR On/Off” – toggles the On-Air state in Graphics Presenter. (Elgato Marketplace)
- “Play Content” – trigger a specific motion graphic or title.
- “Open Edit Window” – open the template editing window in Graphics Presenter. (Elgato Marketplace)
- Optionally assign an icon/image for the button and label accordingly.
4. Link Graphics Presenter and Stream Deck for external control
Because Graphics Presenter supports external controllers via MIDI or keyboard shortcuts, and because the plugin interfaces accordingly, you must ensure that the plugin’s commands are recognised by Graphics Presenter. (Roland Support)
Typical configuration involves:
- Ensuring the plugin is actually sending the correct command (the plugin documentation will specify what Graphics Presenter expects).
- In Graphics Presenter, going into preferences/settings and enabling external control or hot-key support (if needed).
- Verifying the Stream Deck button press triggers the intended function in Graphics Presenter (test it live).
If you face issues, you can fall back to using “Hotkey” actions in Stream Deck (set a F-key etc.) and map that same key in Graphics Presenter to a function. Elgato documents that strategy for apps without native plugins. (Elgato)
5. Workflow & testing
- With both applications running, press a Stream Deck button you’ve configured and see if Graphics Presenter reacts (e.g., a title appears, OnAir toggles, etc.).
- If using a Roland switcher, verify the fill + key output is flowing to the switcher and the graphic appears on the correct output.
- Build a button layout that matches your production workflow: e.g., separate buttons for lower-third, full screen graphic, countdown timer, clear screen, standby graphic etc.
- Label icons clearly so your operator (or you) can hit them quickly under live conditions.
- Consider “multi-action” buttons in Stream Deck: e.g., press one button → open edit window → go OnAir → log action. Stream Deck supports multi-action sequences.
Tips & Best Practices
- Use a dedicated USB port for the Stream Deck hardware to avoid power or connectivity issues.
- Keep the Stream Deck software and plugin updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Test thoroughly in rehearsal before live production.
- Use icon images that clearly represent what each button does (text may be insufficient under pressure).
- Consider backup fallback controls: If the plugin fails, ensure you can still trigger graphics manually (keyboard shortcut/hotkey) via Stream Deck.
- Document your button layout so others on your team know the function of each key.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Stream Deck button press doesn’t trigger anything in Graphics Presenter | Check that the plugin is installed and shows in Stream Deck app. Verify Graphics Presenter is running. Try mapping a simple hotkey action and test if Graphics Presenter responds to that. |
| Graphics Presenter not responding to external control | In Graphics Presenter settings, ensure external control / MIDI / hot-key support is enabled. (Roland Support) |
| Also ensure no other application is intercepting the hotkey. | |
| Graphics appears in switcher but wrong output or not appearing | Confirm your HDMI output setup is correct (PC → switcher via HDMI, configure fill + key if needed). (Roland Support) |
| Check the switcher’s settings (fill/key on) and verify display settings (PC extends display). | |
| Stream Deck plugin shows red error or not recognised | Update firmware of Stream Deck, reinstall plugin, restart both apps & hardware. Refer to general Elgato troubleshooting. |
| Button mix-up or operator confusion | Keep layout simple, use clear icons, group related functions, and label or color‐code keys for quick recognition. |