Common Problems When Switching from Stream Deck to Stream Dock M18 — And How to Fix Them
PANGTE
Switching from the Elgato Stream Deck to the VSDinside Stream Dock M18 is usually smooth — but like any workflow change, creators sometimes run into questions or compatibility concerns. This guide covers the most common issues users experience during the switch and provides practical solutions to get your M18 running perfectly.
1. “Can I transfer my Stream Deck profiles to the M18?”
Currently, Stream Dock software does not import Stream Deck profiles directly. However, you can install the same plugins as those on Stream Deck in the Stream Dock software and reconfigure them to get the same user experience as Stream Deck.
Best practice:
- Find and install the plugins you need from the VSDinside Space platform.
- Map the same actions into Stream Dock App (OBS, Premiere, Photoshop, Spotify, etc.).
- Use folders and pages for multi-layer workflows.
Good news: Once you start using the M18’s three physical buttons for page switching or scene control, most users say they work faster than before.
2. “Some Stream Deck plugins don’t work — what should I do?”
The Stream Dock Plugin SDK is highly compatible with Elgato’s SDK, but a few plugins may require small code adjustments.
Try these steps:
- If you are a developer,Visit our GitHub SDK for sample plugins: VSDinside Plugin SDK.
- If you'd like a quick fix, you can refer to "3. Steps to Adapt Your Plugin" in this article: Porting Stream Deck Plugins to Stream Dock M18 — A Practical Guide .
- If you are not a developer, ask our engineers in Discord — we help port plugins directly.
👉 Direct engineer support: Join the VSDinside Discord
3. “My RGB lighting isn’t reacting like Stream Deck icons.”
The RGB ring on the Stream Dock M18 is fully customizable, but it does not (yet) respond to workflow states like “recording / live / mute.” You can currently set:
- Rainbow
- Meteor
- Audio Following
- ...
More advanced reactive lighting features are under development — and early builds are shared first in the Discord community.
4. “Does my M18 support multi-actions or folders?”
Yes — and the behavior is very similar to the Stream Deck system.
- Folders: Group actions by software or workflow.
- Multi-actions: Assign combos like “Open App → Switch Scene → Play Sound.”
Many creators report that multi-layer navigation becomes easier because the physical keys can act as “anchors.”
5. “Will the M18 work with OBS, Streamlabs, Premiere Pro, Photoshop…?”
Yes — the Stream Dock M18 supports all major creator applications.
- OBS Studio & Streamlabs: Scenes, sources, audio, push-to-mute
- Premiere Pro / DaVinci Resolve: Timeline controls, markers, shortcuts
- Photoshop / Illustrator: Tools, brushes, selection modes
If a specific action isn’t built-in, you can create a custom hotkey sequence — or ask us to add a plugin for it.
6. “The angle feels different from my Stream Deck. Is this normal?”
Yes. Unlike the fixed-angle Stream Deck Mk.2, the M18 includes a dual-angle adjustable stand.
Try these two setups:
- Low angle: Best for typing-heavy workflows
- High angle: Best for livestream control or timeline editing
Most users prefer the higher angle because it increases visibility and reduces hand movement.
7. “Where to get help if something still feels off?”
That’s the part creators love most about VSDinside:
- Real-time support from actual engineers
- Plugin debugging help
- Feature requests reviewed directly by product managers
- Community-created profiles and macros
Join us anytime:
👉 VSDinside Discord (Official Support)
👉 VSDinside Reddit (Community Sharing)
Conclusion — Switching Is Easy, and the M18 Gives You More
Most creators transition from the Stream Deck to the Stream Dock M18 within a few minutes. With tactile buttons, adjustable angles, customizable RGB, and an open SDK, M18 becomes a more flexible and personal tool for modern workflows.
If you ever need help, the community and engineering team are always one message away.
Start Your Stream Dock Experience
Explore plugins, download the app, or share your setup with us:
👉 Get the Stream Dock M18
👉 Join our Discord
👉 Visit our Reddit
