How to Use Multi Actions on Stream Deck

Stream Deck is built around one-tap control. Tap a key to perform actions, such as muting your mic, opening an app, or playing a sound effect.

A Multi Action takes that further. Instead of assigning one action to one key, you can assign a whole sequence of actions to a single key. Tap once, and Stream Deck runs every step in order, so you can prepare an entire workflow without triggering each action manually.

Here's how to create one in the Stream Deck app:

1. Open Stream Deck app.

2. Find the Multi Action category in the action list and drag Multi Action onto an empty key.

3. When you drag Multi Action onto a key, the editor will pop up automatically. To edit in the future, double-click on the Multi Action key.

4. From the action list on the right, drag any actions you want into the Multi Action container. The actions at the top of the screen will be executed first.

5. Click the arrow/title on the top left to go back to your main layout and tap the key to test it.

You can also right-click a blank key on the canvas and select Multi Action to get started.

Some actions need a little time before the next one runs. That is where delays come in.

In Stream Deck, there are two ways to add delays to a Multi Action. Delays are measured in milliseconds; 1000 milliseconds equal 1 second.

Drag a Delay action into the sequence. This is a standalone action you add between steps. It works well when you need a longer pause, such as waiting 30 seconds before switching scenes, playing an outro, or triggering the next step in a timed sequence.

Adjust the per-action delay settings. These are built-in timing controls on each action inside the Multi Action editor. They are better for small delays, like giving your software a brief moment to respond between consecutive commands. For example, if you start recording and then switch to a different scene immediately, your streaming software might need a short pause to process the first action before the second one fires.

The first value is the wait time between virtual key press and key release. When the action is triggered, the virtual key will be pressed, then wait 100ms, and then be released.

Reducing this value too much may cause key presses not to be registered properly, especially in plugins that trigger system hotkeys. If the key press is not functioning properly, increase the wait time.

This value controls the pause between when one action finishes and the next one starts. Increasing it gives slower applications more time to respond before Stream Deck moves on to the next step.

Want to build more advanced Multi Action workflows? Check out this video.

Multi Actions are useful when you have a repeatable routine made of several small steps. Here are some use cases.

Set up a “Go Live” key to prepare your entire broadcast. It could switch to your starting scene, start recording or streaming, post a message in chat, turn on your lights, and unmute your mic.

You can also create a “Be Right Back” key that changes scenes, mutes your microphone, plays background music, and turns on a timer. For more actions specific to streaming, you can check out plugins.

Build a meeting key that opens your calendar, launches your video call app, and mutes your microphone.

For focused work, a Multi Action could open your main apps, start a playlist, silence notifications, and switch your Stream Deck to a work profile.

Create a key that launches your game, opens Discord, switches audio settings, starts your performance monitor, and changes your lighting to match your setup.

For games with lots of menus or repeated inputs, you can also combine hotkeys into one sequence so you do not have to remember every shortcut.

If you edit video, photos, or music, Multi Actions can help set up your workspace. One key could launch your editing software, open a project folder, convert a file, and export your project.

Your first Multi Action does not need to control your entire setup. Start with two actions, test them, and build from there.

A Multi Action can contain many steps, so give the key a clear label. Names like “Go Live” or “Meeting,” along with icons that match the intended purpose, are easier to understand at a glance.

Need icons that are not available by default? Check out Elgato Marketplace for custom icons.

If a step depends on the previous one finishing first, add a delay. A short pause can make a big difference in reliability.

Multi Actions are powerful, but they are easier to manage when each one has a clear purpose. If one key starts doing too many unrelated things, it may be better to split the workflow into two separate keys.

Run your Multi Action a few times before using it during a stream, meeting, or recording. Make sure every step happens in the right order.

Multi Action and Random Action both let one key do more than one thing, but they work differently.

A Multi Action runs a planned sequence. You decide what happens first, second, third, and so on.

A Random Action picks one action from a group each time you tap the key. It is better for variety, like random sound effects or fun surprises.

Use Multi Action when you want control. Use Random Action when you want unpredictability.

The pool of possible actions only grows as you add more plugins. Head to Elgato Marketplace to see what's available.

Try setting up your first Multi Action key and see where you can speed up your routine.