Streaming

How to add an NDI source in vMix (step by step)

NDI lets vMix pull video and graphics from another computer over your network — no capture card required. It's how most churches get a lyrics machine, a second camera, or an automatic scripture overlay into their vMix production. Here's exactly how to add one.

Before you start

You'll need two things on the same wired network:

• A sender — any NDI-capable app or device (a camera, a graphics tool, or something like TajiCast sending a scripture lower-third).
• vMix as the receiver, on a PC that can see the sender on the LAN.

Step 1: Make sure NDI is enabled

vMix supports NDI out of the box, so there's usually nothing to install. On the sending side, enable NDI output in that app's settings (in TajiCast, turn on NDI output for the display you want to broadcast). Within a few seconds the sender becomes a named "channel" on your network.

Step 2: Add the NDI input in vMix

1. Click Add InputAt the bottom-left of vMix, click the Add Input button.
2. Choose NDI / Desktop CaptureSelect the NDI category. vMix scans the network and lists every NDI source it can see, by name.
3. Pick your sourceChoose the sender from the list — e.g. "Graphics-PC (TajiCast)" — and click OK.

The source now appears as an input in your vMix preview, exactly like a camera.

Step 3: Overlay it as a lower-third

A scripture graphic usually shouldn't cut the whole screen — you want it over the sermon shot. That's what vMix overlay channels are for:

1. Hover the inputHover over the NDI input tile and click one of the overlay buttons (1–4).
2. Set it to overlayThe graphic now keys on top of your current program without replacing it.
3. Toggle on airClick the overlay button again to bring it in and out during the service.

If the sender outputs with a transparent background (as a proper lower-third should), vMix keys it automatically — the sermon shot shows through everywhere the graphic is empty.

Step 4: Match resolution and framerate

For overlays to sit edge-to-edge and look crisp, set the sender's output resolution to match your vMix canvas (commonly 1920×1080). A mismatch causes soft edges or a graphic that doesn't line up with your safe margins.

Troubleshooting: the source won't show up

• Not in the list? Confirm both machines are on the same subnet and that a firewall isn't blocking NDI. Windows Firewall often prompts the first time — allow the app on private networks.
• Choppy or laggy? You're probably on Wi-Fi or a saturated network. Move to wired gigabit and give each NDI stream headroom.
• Black graphic instead of transparent? The sender isn't outputting an alpha channel. Check its NDI/alpha setting so the background comes through as transparent.
• Name keeps changing? Give the sending machine and source a clear, stable name so vMix always finds the same one.

A hands-free scripture overlay

The most common church use of an NDI input is a lower-third that shows the verse being preached. Instead of typing each one, TajiCast detects the passage from the sermon audio and sends it over NDI automatically — you just add it once as an input and key it whenever you want it on air.

Next, see our OBS version of this guide if you run both, or the full vMix scripture setup.