If you’re switching from an Stream Deck Mk.2 to the VSDinside Stream Dock M18, you’re in for a smoother, more flexible setup experience. The M18 keeps the simplicity creators love but adds new options — real buttons, RGB lighting, and adjustable angles — that make daily use more intuitive.

This quick guide walks you through how to set up your Stream Dock M18, migrate your workflow from the Stream Deck Mk.2, and get started with plugins, macros, and visual customization.

1. Unboxing and Connecting the Stream Dock M18

Inside the box, you’ll find the M18 deck and a USB-C cable. Connect it directly to your PC or Mac — no external power is required. The M18 is instantly recognized as a standard USB device.

Unlike the Mk.2, which uses a fixed base, the M18’s dual-angle stand lets you choose between two tilt positions for optimal viewing and comfort.

2. Installing Stream Dock Software

Download the official Stream Dock App from VSDinside Download Center. Install it as you would any standard desktop app.

When launched, the app automatically detects your M18 and shows its 15 screen keys + 3 top physical buttons. You can drag and drop actions, assign folders, or adjust lighting directly in the software.

💡 Tip: The Stream Dock software runs lightweight and loads faster than Stream Deck’s app — making real-time customization smoother during live workflows.

3. Migrating from Stream Deck — Profiles and Shortcuts

Currently, Stream Dock doesn’t import Stream Deck profiles directly — but you can easily rebuild your layout in minutes.

1. Take a screenshot of your Stream Deck layout.
2. Recreate the same key mapping inside the Stream Dock App.
3. Use folders to organize actions for each software (OBS, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, etc.).

The process is quick — and once you get used to the M18’s extra buttons, you’ll likely find your workflow more efficient than before.

4. Plugin Compatibility — Bring Your Favorite Tools Along

The Stream Dock M18 supports most Stream Deck plugins with minor adjustments. Developers can port existing plugins by modifying the manifest and WebSocket events — meaning many familiar actions like OBS, Spotify, and Macro Deck already work.

In short, you don’t have to start from zero — the M18 runs on an open, developer-friendly SDK designed for community growth.

👉 Learn more about plugin porting in our detailed guide: Porting Stream Deck Plugins to Stream Dock M18 — A Practical Guide .

5. Customizing Lighting and Angles

Open the Lighting tab in the Stream Dock software to adjust your RGB ring. You can choose static colors or smooth gradient effects to match your setup’s theme.

Set your preferred viewing angle using the metal stand — flat for minimal setups or elevated for better visibility during streaming.

6. Getting Help — Real-Time Community Support

Need assistance or want to share your setup? Join the VSDinside Discord or Reddit community to talk directly with engineers, plugin developers, and other creators.

Real-time support means your setup questions or feature requests are answered by the team that builds the hardware — fast, friendly, and transparent.

Conclusion — A Faster, Friendlier Setup Experience

The VSDinside Stream Dock M18 isn’t just easier to set up — it’s more personal. With physical buttons, RGB customization, flexible angles, and an open plugin system, it bridges the gap between hardware precision and creative freedom.

If you’re upgrading from the Stream Deck, you’ll find the M18 not only familiar but refreshingly more capable.

Start Your Stream Dock Journey

Download the Stream Dock App or get your Stream Dock M18 today at VSDinside.com.

Join our Discord and Reddit communities to connect with fellow creators.