# Virtual Input

{% hint style="warning" %}
As of the [6.1 update](https://docs.ndi.video/all/getting-started/release-notes) we are experiencing issues with Virtual input. If you also find you are having issues, please see the current [hotfix](https://docs.ndi.video/all/faq/common-issues/im-having-issues-with-virtual-input-for-macos).
{% endhint %}

**NDI Virtual Input** is a tool that enables you to use any NDI video and audio signal on your network as a webcam source.

This is particularly beneficial for enhancing your video conferencing experience on platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and more. By replacing your conventional webcam with professional video production NDI-enabled equipment and software, you can bring graphics, virtual sets, and other visual enhancements to your virtual meetings.

After [installing NDI Tools](https://docs.ndi.video/all/using-ndi/ndi-tools/installing-ndi-tools), access NDI Virtual Input from the [NDI Launcher](https://docs.ndi.video/all/using-ndi/ndi-tools/ndi-tools-launcher) or your applications folder.

{% hint style="info" %}
Download NDI Tools [here](https://ndi.video/tools/download/).
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***

## **Setting up NDI Virtual Input for the first time**

While launching NDI Virtual Input for the first time, you will be prompted to install the NDI Virtual Camera extension before using the application. This is a needed step for macOS to recognize the application as a virtual camera you can access system-wide.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Install NDI Virtual Input camera extension

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3444609009-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1%2Fuploads%2FH1EjSVSo9nEhiOXEjY6k%2FScreenshot%202024-12-23%20at%2018.52.18.png?alt=media&#x26;token=43a6bf69-e0db-44d1-bf2a-ddabe28df203" alt=""><figcaption><p>The first step is to install NDI Virtual Camera extension</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important**

The system dialogue will prompt you with two options. Although the highlighted button is 'OK', you must click on '**Open System Settings**' to proceed to install the extension.

If the 'OK' button is clicked, **you must access the Camera Extension settings manually.** Find them in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Camera Extensions (click on *i* icon)
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open System Settings

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3444609009-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1%2Fuploads%2FjPG4jLtBPuceITa4XEtp%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=887e776e-90c5-48a9-8178-fe2ec5538cfd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Click 'Open System Settings' to access Camera Extension toggle</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important**

If the 'OK' button is clicked on the previous step, **you must access the Camera Extension settings manually**. Find them in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Camera Extensions (click on 🛈 icon)
{% endhint %}

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Turn on NDI Virtual Input toggle

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://3444609009-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1%2Fuploads%2F7ql5WUPhHOnpZw4CqeXo%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=454eafac-88f0-4d99-8bc2-3f7e582c6de5" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Turn on NDI Virtual Input camera extension setting.</p></figcaption></figure></div>
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{% step %}

### Restart NDI Virtual Camera

Once restarted, NDI Virtual Camera should start working normally.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3444609009-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1%2Fuploads%2FNvx6k77TmbYJksyklPpe%2FScreenshot%202024-12-23%20at%2018.53.09.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5ca7fe2c-dad3-4b12-bded-ecbd879589b6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Restart NDI Virtual Input to use the application.</p></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If NDI Virtual Camera still doesn't work after a correct install, you may be facing a known issue where macOS has multiple versions of the camera extension installed. We are actively working towards fixing this issue, [please read the hotfix we have in place](https://docs.ndi.video/all/faq/common-issues/im-having-issues-with-virtual-input-for-macos).
{% endhint %}

***

## **Source Selection**

**Hover** over each source to select any channel being sent from that device. Sources can be previewed on the area above the dropdown selector.

<figure><img src="https://3444609009-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1%2Fuploads%2FoHdqMUrZvQI1506PZrbU%2FScreenshot%202024-12-23%20at%2018.53.29.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8a5833c8-b9e4-4b70-972e-b958d28d5ae8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Using it with Conferencing Applications:**

By selecting an NDI channel, it will become available as a source in conferencing applications. In your conferencing software's video input settings, choose **NDI Virtual Camera**, and you're ready to go.

<figure><img src="https://3444609009-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1%2Fuploads%2FkOPube59cInz4NYQBXHF%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b339f263-8bb2-47a7-8e27-6f9cfe9e7317" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>