Apollo Documentation

File: README.md Copy Chapter

Apollo

Apollo is a self-hosted desktop stream host for Artemis(Moonlight Noir). Offering low latency, native client resolution, cloud gaming server capabilities with support for AMD, Intel, and Nvidia GPUs for hardware encoding. Software encoding is also available. A web UI is provided to allow configuration and client pairing from your favorite web browser. Pair from the local server or any mobile device.

Major features:

• Built-in Virtual Display with HDR support that matches the resolution/framerate config of your client automatically
• Permission management for clients
• Clipboard sync
• Commands for client connection/disconnection (checkout Auto pause/resume games)
• Input only mode

Usage Copy Chapter

Refer to LizardByte's documentation hosted on Read the Docs for now.

Currently Virtual Display support is Windows only, Linux support is planned and will be implemented in the future.

About Permission System Copy Chapter

Check out the Wiki

[!NOTE]
The FIRST client paired with Apollo will be granted with FULL permissions, then other newly paired clients will only be granted with View Streams and List Apps permission. If you encounter Permission Denied error when trying to launch any app, go check the permission for that device and grant Launch Apps permission. The same applies to the situation when you find that you can't move mouse or type with keyboard on newly paired clients, grant the corresponding client Mouse Input and Keyboard Input permissions.

About Virtual Display Copy Chapter

[!WARNING]
It is highly recommend to remove any other virtual display solutions from your system and Apollo/Sunshine config, to reduce confusions and compatibility issues.

[!NOTE]
TL;DR Just treat your Artemis/Moonlight client like a dedicated PnP monitor with Apollo.

Apollo uses SudoVDA for virtual display. It features auto resolution and framerate matching for your Artemis/Moonlight clients. The virtual display is created upon the stream starts and removed once the app quits. If you do not see a new virtual display added or removed when the stream starts or stops, there may be a driver misconfiguration, or another persistent virtual display might still be active.

The virtual display works just like any physically attached monitors with SudoVDA, there's completely no need for a super complicated solution to "fix" resolution configurations for your devices. Unlike all other solutions that reuses one identity or generate a random one each time for any virtual display sessions, Apollo assigns a fixed identity for each Artemis/Moonlight client, so your display configuration will be automatically remembered and managed by Windows natively.

Configuration for dual GPU laptops Copy Chapter

Apollo supports dual GPUs seamlessly.

If you want to use your dGPU, just set the Adapter Name to your dGPU and enable Headless mode in Audio/Video tab, save and restart your computer. No dummy plug is needed any more, the image will be rendered and encoded directly from your dGPU.

About HDR Copy Chapter

HDR starts supporting from Windows 11 23H2 and generally supported on 24H2. Some systems might not have HDR toggle on 23H2 and you just need to upgrade to 24H2. Any system lower than 23H2/Windows 10 will not have HDR option available.

[!NOTE]
The below section is written for professional media workers. It doesn't stop you from enabling HDR if you know what you're doing and have deep understanding about how HDR works.

Apollo and SudoVDA can handle HDR just fine like any other streaming solutions.

If you have had good experience with HDR previously, you can safely ignore this section.

If you're curious, read on, but don't blame Apollo for poor HDR support.

Whether HDR streaming looks good, it depends completely on your client.

In short, ICC color correction should be totally useless while streaming HDR. It's your client's job to get HDR content displayed right, not the host. But in fact, it does affect the captured video stream and reflect changes on devices that can handle HDR correctly. On other devices that can't, the info is not respected at all.

It's very complicated to explain why HDR is a total mess, and why enabling HDR makes the image appear dark/yellow. If it's your first time got HDR streaming working, and thinks HDR looks awful, you're right, but that's not Apollo's fault, it's your device that tone mapped SDR content to the maximum of the capability of its screen, there's no headroom for anything beyond that actual peak brightness for HDR. For details, please take a look here.

For client devices, usually Apple products that have HDR capability can be trusted to have good results, other than that, your luck depends.

DEPRECATION ALERT

Enabling HDR is generally not recommended with ANY streaming solutions at this moment, probably in the long term. The issue with HDR itself is huge, with loads of semi-incompatible standards, and massive variance between device configurations and capabilities. Game support for HDR is still choppy.

SDR actually provides much more stable color accuracy, and are widely supported throughout most devices you can imagine. For games, art style can easily overcome the shortcoming with no HDR, and SDR has pretty standard workflows to ensure their visual performance. So HDR isn't that important in most of the cases.

How to run multiple instances of Apollo for multiple virtual displays Copy Chapter

Follow the instructions in the Wiki.

FAQ Copy Chapter

Moved to WiKi

Stuttering Clinic Copy Chapter

Here're some common causes and solutions for stutters: WiKi.

Device specific setups Copy Chapter

• Pixel devices might not be able to use native resolution:
  • Change the device resolution to Max: https://github.com/ClassicOldSong/Apollo/issues/700

System Requirements Copy Chapter

Warning: This table is a work in progress. Do not purchase hardware based on this.

Minimum Requirements

4k Suggestions

HDR Suggestions

Integrations Copy Chapter

SudoVDA: Virtual Display Adapter Driver used in Apollo

Artemis: Integrated Virtual Display options control from client side

NOTE: Artemis currently supports Android only. Other platforms will come later.

Support Copy Chapter

Currently support is only provided via GitHub Issues/Discussions.

No real time chat support will ever be provided for Apollo and Artemis. Including but not limited to:

• Discord
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• QQ
• WeChat

When there's a chat, there're dramas. -- Confucius

Downloads Copy Chapter

Direct Download Copy Section

Recommended

Releases

WinGet Copy Section

Note: Community maintained

In an elevated PowerShell window, run

winget install ClassicOldSong.Apollo

You'll need WinGet installed first.

Chocolatey Copy Section

Note: Community maintained

You can also install the apollo streaming server with chocolatey.

Install Chocolatey if you don't have it, then run the following command in an elevated PowerShell/CMD window:

choco upgrade apollo -y

Same command can be used to upgrade, add to a scheduled task to automate updates.

See more details on the chocolatey package here

Disclaimer Copy Chapter

I got kicked from Moonlight and Sunshine's Discord server and banned from Sunshine's GitHub repo literally for helping people out.

This is what I got for finding a bug, opened an issue, getting no response, troubleshoot myself, fixed the issue myself, shared it by PR to the main repo hoping my efforts can help someone else during the maintenance gap.

Yes, I'm going away. Apollo and Artemis(Moonlight Noir) will no longer be compatible with OG Sunshine and OG Moonlight eventually, but they'll work even better with much more carefully designed features.

The Moonlight repo had stayed silent for 5 months, with nobody actually responding to issues, and people are getting totally no help besides the limited FAQ in their Discord server. I tried to answer issues and questions, solve problems within my ability but I got kicked out just for helping others.

PRs for feature improvements are welcomed here unlike the main repo, your ideas are more likely to be appreciated and your efforts are actually being respected. We welcome people who can and willing to share their efforts, helping yourselves and other people in need.

Update: They have contacted me and apologized for this incident, but the fact it happened still motivated me to start my own fork.

License Copy Chapter

GPLv3

File: docs/api.md Copy Chapter

API

Sunshine has a RESTful API which can be used to interact with the service.

Unless otherwise specified, authentication is required for all API calls. You can authenticate using
basic authentication with the admin username and password.

@htmlonly

@endhtmlonly

GET /api/apps Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::getApps()

POST /api/apps Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::saveApp()

POST /api/apps/close Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::closeApp()

DELETE /api/apps/{index} Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::deleteApp()

GET /api/clients/list Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::getClients()

POST /api/clients/unpair Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::unpair()

POST /api/clients/unpair-all Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::unpairAll()

GET /api/config Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::getConfig()

GET /api/configLocale Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::getLocale()

POST /api/config Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::saveConfig()

POST /api/covers/upload Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::uploadCover()

GET /api/logs Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::getLogs()

POST /api/password Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::savePassword()

POST /api/pin Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::savePin()

POST /api/reset-display-device-persistence Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::resetDisplayDevicePersistence()

POST /api/restart Copy Chapter

@copydoc confighttp::restart()

[TOC]

File: docs/app_examples.md Copy Chapter

App Examples

Since not all applications behave the same, we decided to create some examples to help you get started adding games
and applications to Sunshine.

[!TIP]
Throughout these examples, any fields not shown are left blank. You can enhance your experience by
adding an image or a log file (via the Output field).

[!WARNING]
When a working directory is not specified, it defaults to the folder where the target application resides.

Common Examples Copy Chapter

Desktop Copy Section

Steam Big Picture Copy Section

[!NOTE]
Steam is launched as a detached command because Steam starts with a process that self updates itself and the original
process is killed.

@tabs{
@tab{Linux |
| Field | Value |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Steam Big Picture@endcode |
| Command Preporations -> Undo | @code{}setsid steam steam://close/bigpicture@endcode |
| Detached Commands | @code{}setsid steam steam://open/bigpicture@endcode |
| Image | @code{}steam.png@endcode |
}
@tab{macOS |
| Field | Value |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Steam Big Picture@endcode |
| Command Preporations -> Undo | @code{}open steam://close/bigpicture@endcode |
| Detached Commands | @code{}open steam://open/bigpicture@endcode |
| Image | @code{}steam.png@endcode |
}
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Steam Big Picture@endcode |
| Command Preporations -> Undo | @code{}steam://close/bigpicture@endcode |
| Detached Commands | @code{}steam://open/bigpicture@endcode |
| Image | @code{}steam.png@endcode |
}
}

Epic Game Store game Copy Section

[!NOTE]
Using the URI method will be the most consistent between various games.

URI

@tabs{
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Commands | @code{}com.epicgames.launcher://apps/d759128018124dcabb1fbee9bb28e178%3A20729b9176c241f0b617c5723e70ec2d%3AOvenbird?action=launch&silent=true@endcode |
}
}

Binary (w/ working directory

@tabs{
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}MarsEpic.exe@endcode |
| Working Directory | @code{}"C:\Program Files\Epic Games\SurvivingMars"@endcode |
}
}

Binary (w/o working directory)

@tabs{
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}"C:\Program Files\Epic Games\SurvivingMars\MarsEpic.exe"@endcode |
}
}

Steam game Copy Section

[!NOTE]
Using the URI method will be the most consistent between various games.

URI

@tabs{
@tab{Linux |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Detached Commands | @code{}setsid steam steam://rungameid/464920@endcode |
}
@tab{macOS |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Detached Commands | @code{}open steam://rungameid/464920@endcode |
}
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Detached Commands | @code{}steam://rungameid/464920@endcode |
}
}

Binary (w/ working directory

@tabs{
@tab{Linux |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}MarsSteam@endcode |
| Working Directory | @code{}/.steam/steam/SteamApps/common/Survivng Mars@endcode |
}
@tab{macOS |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}MarsSteam@endcode |
| Working Directory | @code{}/.steam/steam/SteamApps/common/Survivng Mars@endcode |
}
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}MarsSteam.exe@endcode |
| Working Directory | @code{}"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Surviving Mars"@endcode |
}
}

Binary (w/o working directory)

@tabs{
@tab{Linux |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}/.steam/steam/SteamApps/common/Survivng Mars/MarsSteam@endcode |
}
@tab{macOS |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}/.steam/steam/SteamApps/common/Survivng Mars/MarsSteam@endcode |
}
@tab{Windows |
| Field | Value |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Application Name | @code{}Surviving Mars@endcode |
| Command | @code{}"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Surviving Mars\MarsSteam.exe"@endcode |
}
}

Prep Commands Copy Section

Changing Resolution and Refresh Rate

Linux

X11

[!TIP]
The above only works if the xrandr mode already exists. You will need to create new modes to stream to macOS
and iOS devices, since they use non-standard resolutions.

You can update the Do command to this:

bash Copy

bash -c "${HOME}/scripts/set-custom-res.sh \"${SUNSHINE_CLIENT_WIDTH}\" \"${SUNSHINE_CLIENT_HEIGHT}\" \"${SUNSHINE_CLIENT_FPS}\""

The set-custom-res.sh will have this content:

bash Copy

#!/bin/bash
set -e

# Get params and set any defaults
width=${1:-1920}
height=${2:-1080}
refresh_rate=${3:-60}

# You may need to adjust the scaling differently so the UI/text isn't too small / big
scale=${4:-0.55}

# Get the name of the active display
display_output=$(xrandr | grep " connected" | awk '{ print $1 }')

# Get the modeline info from the 2nd row in the cvt output
modeline=$(cvt ${width} ${height} ${refresh_rate} | awk 'FNR == 2')
xrandr_mode_str=${modeline//Modeline \"*\" /}
mode_alias="${width}x${height}"

echo "xrandr setting new mode ${mode_alias} ${xrandr_mode_str}"
xrandr --newmode ${mode_alias} ${xrandr_mode_str}
xrandr --addmode ${display_output} ${mode_alias}

# Reset scaling
xrandr --output ${display_output} --scale 1

# Apply new xrandr mode
xrandr --output ${display_output} --primary --mode ${mode_alias} --pos 0x0 --rotate normal --scale ${scale}

# Optional reset your wallpaper to fit to new resolution
# xwallpaper --zoom /path/to/wallpaper.png

Wayland (wlroots, e.g. hyprland)

[!TIP]
wlr-xrandr only works with wlroots-based compositors.

Gnome (X11)

Gnome (Wayland)

Installation instructions for displayconfig-mutter can be found here. Alternatives include
gnome-randr-rust and gnome-randr.py, but both of those are
unmaintained and do not support newer Mutter features such as HDR and VRR.

[!TIP]
HDR support has been added to Gnome 48, to check if your display supports it, you can run this:

text Copy

displayconfig-mutter list

If it doesn't, then remove --hdr flag from both Do and Undo steps.

KDE Plasma (Wayland, X11)

[!CAUTION]
The names of your displays will differ between X11 and Wayland.
Be sure to use the correct name, depending on your session manager.
e.g., On X11, the monitor may be called HDMI-A-0, but on Wayland, it may be called HDMI-A-1.

[!TIP]
Replace HDMI-A-1 with the display name of the monitor you would like to use for Moonlight.
You can list the monitors available to you with:

text Copy

kscreen-doctor -o

These will also give you the supported display properties for each monitor. You can select them either by
hard-coding their corresponding number (e.g. kscreen-doctor output.HDMI-A1.mode.0) or using the above
do command to fetch the resolution requested by your Moonlight client
(which has a chance of not being supported by your monitor).

NVIDIA

macOS

displayplacer

[!NOTE]
This example uses the displayplacer tool to change the resolution.
This tool can be installed following instructions in their
GitHub repository.

Windows

Sunshine has built-in support for changing the resolution and refresh rate on Windows. If you prefer to use a
third-party tool, you can use QRes as an example.

QRes

[!NOTE]
This example uses the QRes tool to change the resolution and refresh rate.
This tool can be downloaded from their SourceForge repository.

Additional Considerations Copy Section

Linux (Flatpak)

[!CAUTION]
Because Flatpak packages run in a sandboxed environment and do not normally have access to the
host, the Flatpak of Sunshine requires commands to be prefixed with flatpak-spawn --host.

Windows

Elevating Commands (Windows)

If you've installed Sunshine as a service (default), you can specify if a command should be elevated with
administrative privileges. Simply enable the elevated option in the WEB UI, or add it to the JSON configuration.
This is an option for both prep-cmd and regular commands and will launch the process with the current user without a
UAC prompt.

Example

{
  "name": "Game With AntiCheat that Requires Admin",
  "output": "",
  "cmd": "ping 127.0.0.1",
  "exclude-global-prep-cmd": false,
  "elevated": true,
  "prep-cmd": [
    {
      "do": "powershell.exe -command \"Start-Streaming\"",
      "undo": "powershell.exe -command \"Stop-Streaming\"",
      "elevated": false
    }
  ],
  "image-path": ""
}

[TOC]

File: docs/awesome_sunshine.md Copy Chapter

Awesome-Sunshine

@htmlonly

@endhtmlonly

[TOC]

File: docs/building.md Copy Chapter

Building

Sunshine binaries are built using CMake and requires cmake > 3.25.

Building Locally Copy Chapter

Compiler Copy Section

It is recommended to use one of the following compilers:

Dependencies Copy Section

Linux

Dependencies vary depending on the distribution. You can reference our
linux_build.sh script for a list of
dependencies we use in Debian-based and Fedora-based distributions. Please submit a PR if you would like to extend the
script to support other distributions.

CUDA Toolkit

Sunshine requires CUDA Toolkit for NVFBC capture. There are two caveats to CUDA:

1. The version installed depends on the version of GCC.
2. The version of CUDA you use will determine compatibility with various GPU generations.
   At the time of writing, the recommended version to use is CUDA ~12.9.
   See CUDA compatibility for more info.

[!NOTE]
To install older versions, select the appropriate run file based on your desired CUDA version and architecture
according to CUDA Toolkit Archive

macOS

You can either use Homebrew or MacPorts to install dependencies.

Homebrew

dependencies=(
  "boost"  # Optional
  "cmake"
  "doxygen"  # Optional, for docs
  "graphviz"  # Optional, for docs
  "icu4c"  # Optional, if boost is not installed
  "miniupnpc"
  "ninja"
  "node"
  "openssl@3"
  "opus"
  "pkg-config"
)
brew install "${dependencies[@]}"

If there are issues with an SSL header that is not found:

@tabs{
@tab{ Intel | bash ln -s /usr/local/opt/openssl/include/openssl /usr/local/include/openssl }
@tab{ Apple Silicon | bash ln -s /opt/homebrew/opt/openssl/include/openssl /opt/homebrew/include/openssl
}
}

MacPorts

dependencies=(
  "cmake"
  "curl"
  "doxygen"  # Optional, for docs
  "graphviz"  # Optional, for docs
  "libopus"
  "miniupnpc"
  "ninja"
  "npm9"
  "pkgconfig"
)
sudo port install "${dependencies[@]}"

Windows

First you need to install MSYS2, then startup "MSYS2 UCRT64" and execute the following
commands.

Update all packages

pacman -Syu

Install dependencies

dependencies=(
  "git"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-boost"  # Optional
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-cmake"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-cppwinrt"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-curl-winssl"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-doxygen"  # Optional, for docs... better to install official Doxygen
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-graphviz"  # Optional, for docs
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-MinHook"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-miniupnpc"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-nsis"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-onevpl"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-openssl"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-opus"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-toolchain"
  "mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-nlohmann_json"
)
pacman -S "${dependencies[@]}"

Install Node.js

Install Node.js separately from nodejs.org (LTS or current) or via
nvm-windows. Don't install MSYS2's
mingw-w64-ucrt-x86_64-nodejs — it's compiled with the MSYS2 gcc-16 libstdc++ which has
a std::bad_weak_ptr regression that crashes Node during process init (see
apache/arrow#49958 for the upstream
toolchain trail). The official MSVC-built Node.js isn't affected.

Make sure node.exe is on PATH before running cmake — the web-ui CMake target
invokes npm install via find_program(NPM npm), so the official Node's npm must be
visible to CMake.

Clone Copy Section

Ensure git is installed on your system, then clone the repository using the following command:

git clone https://github.com/ClassicOldSong/Apollo.git --recurse-submodules
cd Apollo
mkdir build

Build Copy Section

cmake -B build -G Ninja -S .
ninja -C build

[!TIP]
Available build options can be found in
options.cmake.

Package Copy Section

@tabs{
@tab{Linux | @tabs{
@tab{deb | bash cpack -G DEB --config ./build/CPackConfig.cmake }
@tab{rpm | bash cpack -G RPM --config ./build/CPackConfig.cmake }
}}
@tab{macOS | @tabs{
@tab{DragNDrop | bash cpack -G DragNDrop --config ./build/CPackConfig.cmake }
}}
@tab{Windows | @tabs{
@tab{Installer | bash cpack -G NSIS --config ./build/CPackConfig.cmake }
@tab{Portable | bash cpack -G ZIP --config ./build/CPackConfig.cmake }
}}
}

Remote Build Copy Section

It may be beneficial to build remotely in some cases. This will enable easier building on different operating systems.

1. Fork the project
2. Activate workflows
3. Trigger the CI workflow manually
4. Download the artifacts/binaries from the workflow run summary

[TOC]

File: docs/configuration.md Copy Chapter

Configuration

@admonition{ Host authority | @htmlonly
By providing the host authority (URI + port), you can easily open each configuration option in the config UI.

**Host authority: **
@endhtmlonly
}

Sunshine will work with the default settings for most users. In some cases you may want to configure Sunshine further.

The default location for the configuration file is listed below. You can use another location if you
choose, by passing in the full configuration file path as the first argument when you start Sunshine.

Example

sunshine ~/sunshine_config.conf

The default location of the apps.json is the same as the configuration file. You can use a custom
location by modifying the configuration file.

Default Config Directory

Although it is recommended to use the configuration UI, it is possible manually configure Sunshine by
editing the conf file in a text editor. Use the examples as reference.

General Copy Chapter

locale Copy Section

en
        @endcode |  |

| Example | @code{}
locale = en
@endcode | |
| Choices | bg | Bulgarian |
| cs | Czech | |
| de | German | |
| en | English | |
| en_GB | English (UK) | |
| en_US | English (United States) | |
| es | Spanish | |
| fr | French | |
| it | Italian | |
| ja | Japanese | |
| ko | Korean | |
| pl | Polish | |
| pt | Portuguese | |
| pt_BR | Portuguese (Brazilian) | |
| ru | Russian | |
| sv | Swedish | |
| tr | Turkish | |
| uk | Ukranian | |
| zh | Chinese (Simplified) | |
| zh_TW | Chinese (Traditional) | |

sunshine_name Copy Section

sunshine_name = Sunshine
        @endcode |

min_log_level Copy Section

info
        @endcode |  |

| Example | @code{}
min_log_level = info
@endcode | |
| Choices | verbose | All logging message.
@attention{This may negatively affect streaming performance.} |
| debug | Debug log messages and higher.
@attention{This may negatively affect streaming performance.} | |
| info | Informational log messages and higher. | |
| warning | Warning log messages and higher. | |
| error | Error log messages and higher. | |
| fatal | Only fatal log messages. | |
| none | No log messages. | |

global_prep_cmd Copy Section

| Description | A list of commands to be run before/after all applications.
If any of the prep-commands fail, starting the application is aborted. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
[]
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
global_prep_cmd = [{"do":"nircmd.exe setdisplay 1280 720 32 144","elevated":true,"undo":"nircmd.exe setdisplay 2560 1440 32 144"}]
@endcode |

notify_pre_releases Copy Section

disabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
notify_pre_releases = disabled
@endcode |

system_tray Copy Section

enabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
system_tray = enabled
@endcode |

Input Copy Chapter

controller Copy Section

enabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
controller = enabled
@endcode |

gamepad Copy Section

auto
        @endcode |  |

| Example | @code{}
gamepad = auto
@endcode | |
| Choices | ds4 | DualShock 4 controller (PS4)
@note{This option applies to Windows only.} |
| ds5 | DualShock 5 controller (PS5)
@note{This option applies to Linux only.} | |
| switch | Switch Pro controller
@note{This option applies to Linux only.} | |
| x360 | Xbox 360 controller
@note{This option applies to Windows only.} | |
| xone | Xbox One controller
@note{This option applies to Linux only.} | |

ds4_back_as_touchpad_click Copy Section

| Description | Allow Select/Back inputs to also trigger DS4 touchpad click. Useful for clients looking to
emulate touchpad click on Xinput devices.
@hint{Only applies when gamepad is set to ds4 manually. Unused in other gamepad modes.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
ds4_back_as_touchpad_click = enabled
@endcode |

motion_as_ds4 Copy Section

| Description | If a client reports that a connected gamepad has motion sensor support, emulate it on the
host as a DS4 controller.

When disabled, motion sensors will not be taken into account during gamepad type selection.
        @hint{Only applies when gamepad is set to auto.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
motion_as_ds4 = enabled
@endcode |

touchpad_as_ds4 Copy Section

| Description | If a client reports that a connected gamepad has a touchpad, emulate it on the host
as a DS4 controller.

When disabled, touchpad presence will not be taken into account during gamepad type selection.
        @hint{Only applies when gamepad is set to auto.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
touchpad_as_ds4 = enabled
@endcode |

ds5_inputtino_randomize_mac Copy Section

| Description | Randomize the MAC-Address for the generated virtual controller.
@hint{Only applies on linux for gamepads created as PS5-style controllers} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
ds5_inputtino_randomize_mac = enabled
@endcode |

back_button_timeout Copy Section

| Description | If the Back/Select button is held down for the specified number of milliseconds,
a Home/Guide button press is emulated.
@tip{If back_button_timeout < 0, then the Home/Guide button will not be emulated.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
-1
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
back_button_timeout = 2000
@endcode |

keyboard Copy Section

enabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
keyboard = enabled
@endcode |

key_repeat_delay Copy Section

| Description | The initial delay, in milliseconds, before repeating keys. Controls how fast keys will
repeat themselves. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
500
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
key_repeat_delay = 500
@endcode |

key_repeat_frequency Copy Section

| Description | How often keys repeat every second.
@tip{This configurable option supports decimals.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
24.9
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
key_repeat_frequency = 24.9
@endcode |

always_send_scancodes Copy Section

| Description | Sending scancodes enhances compatibility with games and apps but may result in incorrect keyboard input
from certain clients that aren't using a US English keyboard layout.

Enable if keyboard input is not working at all in certain applications.
        
        
        Disable if keys on the client are generating the wrong input on the host.
        @caution{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
always_send_scancodes = enabled
@endcode |

key_rightalt_to_key_win Copy Section

| Description | It may be possible that you cannot send the Windows Key from Moonlight directly. In those cases it may be useful to
make Sunshine think the Right Alt key is the Windows key. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
key_rightalt_to_key_win = enabled
@endcode |

mouse Copy Section

enabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
mouse = enabled
@endcode |

high_resolution_scrolling Copy Section

| Description | When enabled, Sunshine will pass through high resolution scroll events from Moonlight clients.

This can be useful to disable for older applications that scroll too fast with high resolution scroll
        events. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
high_resolution_scrolling = enabled
@endcode |

native_pen_touch Copy Section

| Description | When enabled, Sunshine will pass through native pen/touch events from Moonlight clients.

This can be useful to disable for older applications without native pen/touch support. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
native_pen_touch = enabled
@endcode |

keybindings Copy Section

| Description | Sometimes it may be useful to map keybindings. Wayland won't allow clients to capture the Win Key
for example.
@tip{See virtual key codes}
@hint{keybindings needs to have a multiple of two elements.}
@note{This option is not available in the UI. A PR would be welcome.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
[
0x10, 0xA0,
0x11, 0xA2,
0x12, 0xA4
]
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
keybindings = [
0x10, 0xA0,
0x11, 0xA2,
0x12, 0xA4,
0x4A, 0x4B
]
@endcode |

Audio/Video Copy Chapter

audio_sink Copy Section

| Description | The name of the audio sink used for audio loopback.
@tip{To find the name of the audio sink follow these instructions.

**Linux + pulseaudio:**
        
        @code{}
        pacmd list-sinks   grep "name:"
        @endcode
        
        
        **Linux + pipewire:**
        
        @code{}
        pactl info   grep Source
        # in some causes you'd need to use the `Sink` device, if `Source` doesn't work, so try:
        pactl info   grep Sink
        @endcode
        
        
        **macOS:**
        
        Sunshine can only access microphones on macOS due to system limitations.
        To stream system audio use
        [Soundflower](https://github.com/mattingalls/Soundflower) or
        [BlackHole](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole).
        
        
        **Windows:**
        
        Enter the following command in command prompt or PowerShell.
        @code{}
        %ProgramFiles%\Sunshine\tools\audio-info.exe
        @endcode
        If you have multiple audio devices with identical names, use the Device ID instead.
        }
        @attention{If you want to mute the host speakers, use
        [virtual_sink](#virtual_sink) instead.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | Sunshine will select the default audio device. |
| Example (Linux) | @code{}
audio_sink = alsa_output.pci-0000_09_00.3.analog-stereo
@endcode |
| Example (macOS) | @code{}
audio_sink = BlackHole 2ch
@endcode |
| Example (Windows) | @code{}
audio_sink = Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
@endcode |

virtual_sink Copy Section

| Description | The audio device that's virtual, like Steam Streaming Speakers. This allows Sunshine to stream audio,
while muting the speakers.
@tip{See audio_sink!}
@tip{These are some options for virtual sound devices.
* Stream Streaming Speakers (Linux, macOS, Windows)
* Steam must be installed.
* Enable install_steam_audio_drivers
or use Steam Remote Play at least once to install the drivers.
* Virtual Audio Cable (macOS, Windows)
} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | n/a |
| Example | @code{}
virtual_sink = Steam Streaming Speakers
@endcode |

stream_audio Copy Section

enabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
stream_audio = disabled
@endcode |

install_steam_audio_drivers Copy Section

| Description | Installs the Steam Streaming Speakers driver (if Steam is installed) to support surround sound and muting
host audio.
@note{This option is only supported on Windows.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
install_steam_audio_drivers = enabled
@endcode |

adapter_name Copy Section

| Description | Select the video card you want to stream.
@tip{To find the appropriate values follow these instructions.

**Linux + VA-API:**
        
        Unlike with *amdvce* and *nvenc*, it doesn't matter if video encoding is done on a different GPU.
        @code{}
        ls /dev/dri/renderD*  # to find all devices capable of VAAPI
        # replace ``renderD129`` with the device from above to list the name and capabilities of the device
        vainfo --display drm --device /dev/dri/renderD129   \
          grep -E "((VAProfileH264High VAProfileHEVCMain VAProfileHEVCMain10).*VAEntrypointEncSlice) Driver version"
        @endcode
        To be supported by Sunshine, it needs to have at the very minimum:
        `VAProfileH264High   : VAEntrypointEncSlice`
        
        
        **Windows:**
        
        Enter the following command in command prompt or PowerShell.
        @code{}
        %ProgramFiles%\Sunshine\tools\dxgi-info.exe
        @endcode
        For hybrid graphics systems, DXGI reports the outputs are connected to whichever graphics
        adapter that the application is configured to use, so it's not a reliable indicator of how the
        display is physically connected.
        } |

| --- | --- |
| Default | Sunshine will select the default video card. |
| Example (Linux) | @code{}
adapter_name = /dev/dri/renderD128
@endcode |
| Example (Windows) | @code{}
adapter_name = Radeon RX 580 Series
@endcode |

output_name Copy Section

| Description | Select the display number you want to stream.
@tip{To find the appropriate values follow these instructions.

**Linux:**
        
        During Sunshine startup, you should see the list of detected displays:
        @code{}
        Info: Detecting displays
        Info: Detected display: DVI-D-0 (id: 0) connected: false
        Info: Detected display: HDMI-0 (id: 1) connected: true
        Info: Detected display: DP-0 (id: 2) connected: true
        Info: Detected display: DP-1 (id: 3) connected: false
        Info: Detected display: DVI-D-1 (id: 4) connected: false
        @endcode
        You need to use the id value inside the parenthesis, e.g. `1`.
        
        
        **macOS:**
        
        During Sunshine startup, you should see the list of detected displays:
        @code{}
        Info: Detecting displays
        Info: Detected display: Monitor-0 (id: 3) connected: true
        Info: Detected display: Monitor-1 (id: 2) connected: true
        @endcode
        You need to use the id value inside the parenthesis, e.g. `3`.
        
        
        **Windows:**
        
        During Sunshine startup, you should see the list of detected displays:
        @code{}
        Info: Currently available display devices:
        [
          {
            "device_id": "{64243705-4020-5895-b923-adc862c3457e}",
            "display_name": "",
            "friendly_name": "IDD HDR",
            "info": null
          },
          {
            "device_id": "{77f67f3e-754f-5d31-af64-ee037e18100a}",
            "display_name": "",
            "friendly_name": "SunshineHDR",
            "info": null
          },
          {
            "device_id": "{daeac860-f4db-5208-b1f5-cf59444fb768}",
            "display_name": "\\\\.\\DISPLAY1",
            "friendly_name": "ROG PG279Q",
            "info": {
              "hdr_state": null,
              "origin_point": {
                "x": 0,
                "y": 0
              },
              "primary": true,
              "refresh_rate": {
                "type": "rational",
                "value": {
                  "denominator": 1000,
                  "numerator": 119998
                }
              },
              "resolution": {
                "height": 1440,
                "width": 2560
              },
              "resolution_scale": {
                "type": "rational",
                "value": {
                  "denominator": 100,
                  "numerator": 100
                }
              }
            }
          }
        ]
        @endcode
        You need to use the `device_id` value.
        } |

| --- | --- |
| Default | Sunshine will select the default display. |
| Example (Linux) | @code{}
output_name = 0
@endcode |
| Example (macOS) | @code{}
output_name = 3
@endcode |
| Example (Windows) | @code{}
output_name = {daeac860-f4db-5208-b1f5-cf59444fb768}
@endcode |

isolated_virtual_display_option Copy Section

| Description | Isolates the virtual display.
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}disabled@endcode |
| enabled | Change the position of the virtual display (and other displays if there is a hole) |

dd_configuration_option Copy Section

| Description | Perform mandatory verification and additional configuration for the display device.
@note{Applies to Windows only.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
dd_configuration_option = ensure_only_display
@endcode | |
| Choices | disabled | Perform no additional configuration (disables all dd_ configuration options). |
| verify_only | Verify that display is active only (this is a mandatory step without any extra steps to verify display state). | |
| ensure_active | Activate the display if it's currently inactive. | |
| ensure_primary | Activate the display if it's currently inactive and make it primary. | |
| ensure_only_display | Activate the display if it's currently inactive and disable all others. | |

dd_resolution_option Copy Section

| Description | Perform additional resolution configuration for the display device.
@note{"Optimize game settings" must be enabled in Moonlight for this option to work.}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}auto@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
dd_resolution_option = manual
@endcode | |
| Choices | disabled | Perform no additional configuration. |
| auto | Change resolution to the requested resolution from the client. | |
| manual | Change resolution to the user specified one (set via dd_manual_resolution). | |

dd_manual_resolution Copy Section

| Description | Specify manual resolution to be used.
@note{dd_resolution_option must be set to manual}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | n/a |
| Example | @code{}
dd_manual_resolution = 1920x1080
@endcode |

dd_refresh_rate_option Copy Section

| Description | Perform additional refresh rate configuration for the display device.
@note{Applies to Windows only.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}auto@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
dd_refresh_rate_option = manual
@endcode | |
| Choices | disabled | Perform no additional configuration. |
| auto | Change refresh rate to the requested FPS value from the client. | |
| manual | Change refresh rate to the user specified one (set via dd_manual_refresh_rate). | |

dd_manual_refresh_rate Copy Section

| Description | Specify manual refresh rate to be used.
@note{dd_refresh_rate_option must be set to manual}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | n/a |
| Example | @code{}
dd_manual_resolution = 120
dd_manual_resolution = 59.95
@endcode |

dd_hdr_option Copy Section

| Description | Perform additional HDR configuration for the display device.
@note{Applies to Windows only.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}auto@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
dd_hdr_option = disabled
@endcode | |
| Choices | disabled | Perform no additional configuration. |
| auto | Change HDR to the requested state from the client if the display supports it. | |

dd_wa_hdr_toggle_delay Copy Section

| Description | When using virtual display device (VDD) for streaming, it might incorrectly display HDR color. Sunshine can try to mitigate this issue, by turning HDR off and then on again.
If the value is set to 0, the workaround is disabled (default). If the value is between 0 and 3000 milliseconds, Sunshine will turn off HDR, wait for the specified amount of time and then turn HDR on again. The recommended delay time is around 500 milliseconds in most cases.
DO NOT use this workaround unless you actually have issues with HDR as it directly impacts stream start time!
@note{This option works independently of dd_hdr_option}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
0
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
dd_wa_hdr_toggle_delay = 500
@endcode |

dd_config_revert_delay Copy Section

| Description | Additional delay in milliseconds to wait before reverting configuration when the app has been closed or the last session terminated.
Main purpose is to provide a smoother transition when quickly switching between apps.
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}3000@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
dd_config_revert_delay = 1500
@endcode |

dd_config_revert_on_disconnect Copy Section

| Description | When enabled, display configuration is reverted upon disconnect of all clients instead of app close or last session termination.
This can be useful for returning to physical usage of the host machine without closing the active app.
@warning{Some applications may not function properly when display configuration is changed while active.}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}disabled@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
dd_config_revert_on_disconnect = enabled
@endcode |

dd_mode_remapping Copy Section

| Description | Remap the requested resolution and FPS to another display mode.
Depending on the dd_resolution_option and
dd_refresh_rate_option values, the following mapping
groups are available:

`mixed` - both options are set to `auto`.
            
              `resolution_only` - only [dd_resolution_option](#dd_resolution_option) is set to `auto`.
            
            
              `refresh_rate_only` - only [dd_refresh_rate_option](#dd_refresh_rate_option) is set to `auto`.
            
        
        For each of those groups, a list of fields can be configured to perform remapping:
        
            
              `requested_resolution` - resolution that needs to be matched in order to use this remapping entry.
            
            `requested_fps` - FPS that needs to be matched in order to use this remapping entry.
            `final_resolution` - resolution value to be used if the entry was matched.
            `final_refresh_rate` - refresh rate value to be used if the entry was matched.
        
        If `requested_*` field is left empty, it will match **everything**.
        If `final_*` field is left empty, the original value will not be remapped and either a requested, manual
        or current value is used. However, at least one `final_*` must be set, otherwise the entry is considered
        invalid.
        @note{"Optimize game settings" must be enabled on client side for ANY entry with `resolution`
        field to be considered.}
        @note{First entry to be matched in the list is the one that will be used.}
        @tip{`requested_resolution` and `final_resolution` can be omitted for `refresh_rate_only` group.}
        @tip{`requested_fps` and `final_refresh_rate` can be omitted for `resolution_only` group.}
        @note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
dd_mode_remapping = {
"mixed": [],
"resolution_only": [],
"refresh_rate_only": []
}
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
dd_mode_remapping = {
"mixed": [
{
"requested_fps": "60",
"final_refresh_rate": "119.95",
"requested_resolution": "1920x1080",
"final_resolution": "2560x1440"
},
{
"requested_fps": "60",
"final_refresh_rate": "120",
"requested_resolution": "",
"final_resolution": ""
}
],
"resolution_only": [
{
"requested_resolution": "1920x1080",
"final_resolution": "2560x1440"
}
],
"refresh_rate_only": [
{
"requested_fps": "60",
"final_refresh_rate": "119.95"
}
]
}@endcode |

max_bitrate Copy Section

0
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
max_bitrate = 5000
@endcode |

minimum_fps_target Copy Section

0
        @endcode |  |

| Choices | 0 | Use half the stream's FPS as the minimum target. |
| 1-1000 | Specify your own value. The real minimum may differ from this value. | |

Network Copy Chapter

upnp Copy Section

disabled
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
upnp = enabled
@endcode |

address_family Copy Section

ipv4
        @endcode |  |

| Example | @code{}
address_family = both
@endcode | |
| Choices | ipv4 | IPv4 only |
| both | IPv4+IPv6 | |

port Copy Section

| Description | Set the family of ports used by Sunshine.
Changing this value will offset other ports as shown in config UI. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
47989
@endcode |
| Range | 1029-65514 |
| Example | @code{}
port = 47989
@endcode |

origin_web_ui_allowed Copy Section

lan
        @endcode |  |

| Example | @code{}
origin_web_ui_allowed = lan
@endcode | |
| Choices | pc | Only localhost may access the web ui |
| lan | Only LAN devices may access the web ui | |
| wan | Anyone may access the web ui | |

external_ip Copy Section

external_ip = 123.456.789.12
        @endcode |

lan_encryption_mode Copy Section

| Description | This determines when encryption will be used when streaming over your local network.
@warning{Encryption can reduce streaming performance, particularly on less powerful hosts and clients.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
0
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
lan_encryption_mode = 0
@endcode | |
| Choices | 0 | encryption will not be used |
| 1 | encryption will be used if the client supports it | |
| 2 | encryption is mandatory and unencrypted connections are rejected | |

wan_encryption_mode Copy Section

| Description | This determines when encryption will be used when streaming over the Internet.
@warning{Encryption can reduce streaming performance, particularly on less powerful hosts and clients.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
1
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
wan_encryption_mode = 1
@endcode | |
| Choices | 0 | encryption will not be used |
| 1 | encryption will be used if the client supports it | |
| 2 | encryption is mandatory and unencrypted connections are rejected | |

ping_timeout Copy Section

10000
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
ping_timeout = 10000
@endcode |

Config Files Copy Chapter

file_apps Copy Section

| Description | The application configuration file path. The file contains a JSON formatted list of applications that
can be started by Moonlight. |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
apps.json
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
file_apps = apps.json
@endcode |

credentials_file Copy Section

sunshine_state.json
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
credentials_file = sunshine_state.json
@endcode |

log_path Copy Section

sunshine.log
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
log_path = sunshine.log
@endcode |

pkey Copy Section

| Description | The private key used for the web UI and Moonlight client pairing. For best compatibility,
this should be an RSA-2048 private key.
@warning{Not all Moonlight clients support ECDSA keys or RSA key lengths other than 2048 bits.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
credentials/cakey.pem
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
pkey = /dir/pkey.pem
@endcode |

cert Copy Section

| Description | The certificate used for the web UI and Moonlight client pairing. For best compatibility,
this should have an RSA-2048 public key.
@warning{Not all Moonlight clients support ECDSA keys or RSA key lengths other than 2048 bits.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
credentials/cacert.pem
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
cert = /dir/cert.pem
@endcode |

file_state Copy Section

sunshine_state.json
        @endcode |

| Example | @code{}
file_state = sunshine_state.json
@endcode |

Advanced Copy Chapter

fec_percentage Copy Section

| Description | Percentage of error correcting packets per data packet in each video frame.
@warning{Higher values can correct for more network packet loss,
but at the cost of increasing bandwidth usage.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
20
@endcode |
| Range | 1-255 |
| Example | @code{}
fec_percentage = 20
@endcode |

qp Copy Section

| Description | Quantization Parameter. Some devices don't support Constant Bit Rate. For those devices, QP is used instead.
@warning{Higher value means more compression, but less quality.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
28
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
qp = 28
@endcode |

min_threads Copy Section

| Description | Minimum number of CPU threads used for encoding.
@note{Increasing the value slightly reduces encoding efficiency, but the tradeoff is usually worth it to
gain the use of more CPU cores for encoding. The ideal value is the lowest value that can reliably encode
at your desired streaming settings on your hardware.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
2
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
min_threads = 2
@endcode |

hevc_mode Copy Section

| Description | Allows the client to request HEVC Main or HEVC Main10 video streams.
@warning{HEVC is more CPU-intensive to encode, so enabling this may reduce performance when using software
encoding.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
0
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
hevc_mode = 2
@endcode | |
| Choices | 0 | advertise support for HEVC based on encoder capabilities (recommended) |
| 1 | do not advertise support for HEVC | |
| 2 | advertise support for HEVC Main profile | |
| 3 | advertise support for HEVC Main and Main10 (HDR) profiles | |

av1_mode Copy Section

| Description | Allows the client to request AV1 Main 8-bit or 10-bit video streams.
@warning{AV1 is more CPU-intensive to encode, so enabling this may reduce performance when using software
encoding.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
0
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
av1_mode = 2
@endcode | |
| Choices | 0 | advertise support for AV1 based on encoder capabilities (recommended) |
| 1 | do not advertise support for AV1 | |
| 2 | advertise support for AV1 Main 8-bit profile | |
| 3 | advertise support for AV1 Main 8-bit and 10-bit (HDR) profiles | |

capture Copy Section

Sunshine will use the first capture method available in the order of the table above. |  |

| Example | @code{}
capture = kms
@endcode | |
| Choices | nvfbc | Use NVIDIA Frame Buffer Capture to capture direct to GPU memory. This is usually the fastest method for
NVIDIA cards. NvFBC does not have native Wayland support and does not work with XWayland.
@note{Applies to Linux only.} |
| wlr | Capture for wlroots based Wayland compositors via wlr-screencopy-unstable-v1. It is possible to capture
virtual displays in e.g. Hyprland using this method.
@note{Applies to Linux only.} | |
| kms | DRM/KMS screen capture from the kernel. This requires that Sunshine has cap_sys_admin capability.
@note{Applies to Linux only.} | |
| x11 | Uses XCB. This is the slowest and most CPU intensive so should be avoided if possible.
@note{Applies to Linux only.} | |
| ddx | Use DirectX Desktop Duplication API to capture the display. This is well-supported on Windows machines.
@note{Applies to Windows only.} | |
| wgc | (beta feature) Use Windows.Graphics.Capture to capture the display.
@note{Applies to Windows only.}
@attention{This capture method is not compatible with the Sunshine service.} | |

encoder Copy Section

encoder = nvenc
        @endcode |  |

| Choices | nvenc | For NVIDIA graphics cards |
| quicksync | For Intel graphics cards | |
| amdvce | For AMD graphics cards | |
| vaapi | Use Linux VA-API (AMD, Intel) | |
| software | Encoding occurs on the CPU | |

NVIDIA NVENC Encoder Copy Chapter

nvenc_preset Copy Section

| Description | NVENC encoder performance preset.
Higher numbers improve compression (quality at given bitrate) at the cost of increased encoding latency.
Recommended to change only when limited by network or decoder, otherwise similar effect can be accomplished
by increasing bitrate.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
1
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_preset = 1
@endcode | |
| Choices | 1 | P1 (fastest) |
| 2 | P2 | |
| 3 | P3 | |
| 4 | P4 | |
| 5 | P5 | |
| 6 | P6 | |
| 7 | P7 (slowest) | |

nvenc_twopass Copy Section

| Description | Enable two-pass mode in NVENC encoder.
This allows to detect more motion vectors, better distribute bitrate across the frame and more strictly
adhere to bitrate limits. Disabling it is not recommended since this can lead to occasional bitrate
overshoot and subsequent packet loss.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
quarter_res
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_twopass = quarter_res
@endcode | |
| Choices | disabled | One pass (fastest) |
| quarter_res | Two passes, first pass at quarter resolution (faster) | |
| full_res | Two passes, first pass at full resolution (slower) | |

nvenc_spatial_aq Copy Section

| Description | Assign higher QP values to flat regions of the video.
Recommended to enable when streaming at lower bitrates.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.}
@warning{Enabling this option may reduce performance.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_spatial_aq = disabled
@endcode |

nvenc_vbv_increase Copy Section

| Description | Single-frame VBV/HRD percentage increase.
By default Sunshine uses single-frame VBV/HRD, which means any encoded video frame size is not expected to
exceed requested bitrate divided by requested frame rate. Relaxing this restriction can be beneficial and
act as low-latency variable bitrate, but may also lead to packet loss if the network doesn't have buffer
headroom to handle bitrate spikes. Maximum accepted value is 400, which corresponds to 5x increased
encoded video frame upper size limit.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.}
@warning{Can lead to network packet loss.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
0
@endcode |
| Range | 0-400 |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_vbv_increase = 0
@endcode |

nvenc_realtime_hags Copy Section

| Description | Use realtime gpu scheduling priority in NVENC when hardware accelerated gpu scheduling (HAGS) is enabled
in Windows. Currently, NVIDIA drivers may freeze in encoder when HAGS is enabled, realtime priority is used
and VRAM utilization is close to maximum. Disabling this option lowers the priority to high, sidestepping
the freeze at the cost of reduced capture performance when the GPU is heavily loaded.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_realtime_hags = enabled
@endcode |

nvenc_latency_over_power Copy Section

| Description | Adaptive P-State algorithm which NVIDIA drivers employ doesn't work well with low latency streaming,
so Sunshine requests high power mode explicitly.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.}
@warning{Disabling this is not recommended since this can lead to significantly increased encoding latency.}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_latency_over_power = enabled
@endcode |

nvenc_opengl_vulkan_on_dxgi Copy Section

| Description | Sunshine can't capture fullscreen OpenGL and Vulkan programs at full frame rate unless they present on
top of DXGI. With this option enabled Sunshine changes global Vulkan/OpenGL present method to
"Prefer layered on DXGI Swapchain". This is system-wide setting that is reverted on Sunshine program exit.
@note{This option only applies when using NVENC encoder.}
@note{Applies to Windows only.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_opengl_vulkan_on_dxgi = enabled
@endcode |

nvenc_h264_cavlc Copy Section

| Description | Prefer CAVLC entropy coding over CABAC in H.264 when using NVENC.
CAVLC is outdated and needs around 10% more bitrate for same quality, but provides slightly faster
decoding when using software decoder.
@note{This option only applies when using H.264 format with the
NVENC encoder.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
nvenc_h264_cavlc = disabled
@endcode |

Intel QuickSync Encoder Copy Chapter

qsv_preset Copy Section

| Description | The encoder preset to use.
@note{This option only applies when using quicksync encoder.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
medium
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
qsv_preset = medium
@endcode | |
| Choices | veryfast | fastest (lowest quality) |
| faster | faster (lower quality) | |
| fast | fast (low quality) | |
| medium | medium (default) | |
| slow | slow (good quality) | |
| slower | slower (better quality) | |
| veryslow | slowest (best quality) | |

qsv_coder Copy Section

| Description | The entropy encoding to use.
@note{This option only applies when using H.264 with the quicksync
encoder.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
auto
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
qsv_coder = auto
@endcode | |
| Choices | auto | let ffmpeg decide |
| cabac | context adaptive binary arithmetic coding - higher quality | |
| cavlc | context adaptive variable-length coding - faster decode | |

qsv_slow_hevc Copy Section

| Description | This options enables use of HEVC on older Intel GPUs that only support low power encoding for H.264.
@note{This option only applies when using quicksync encoder.}
@caution{Streaming performance may be significantly reduced when this option is enabled.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
qsv_slow_hevc = disabled
@endcode |

AMD AMF Encoder Copy Chapter

amd_usage Copy Section

| Description | The encoder usage profile is used to set the base set of encoding parameters.
@note{This option only applies when using amdvce encoder.}
@note{The other AMF options that follow will override a subset of the settings applied by your usage
profile, but there are hidden parameters set in usage profiles that cannot be overridden elsewhere.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
ultralowlatency
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
amd_usage = ultralowlatency
@endcode | |
| Choices | transcoding | transcoding (slowest) |
| webcam | webcam (slow) | |
| lowlatency_high_quality | low latency, high quality (fast) | |
| lowlatency | low latency (faster) | |
| ultralowlatency | ultra low latency (fastest) | |

amd_rc Copy Section

| Description | The encoder rate control.
@note{This option only applies when using amdvce encoder.}
@warning{The vbr_latency option generally works best, but some bitrate overshoots may still occur.
Enabling HRD allows all bitrate based rate controls to better constrain peak bitrate, but may result in
encoding artifacts depending on your card.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
vbr_latency
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
amd_rc = vbr_latency
@endcode | |
| Choices | cqp | constant qp mode |
| cbr | constant bitrate | |
| vbr_latency | variable bitrate, latency constrained | |
| vbr_peak | variable bitrate, peak constrained | |

amd_enforce_hrd Copy Section

| Description | Enable Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) enforcement to help constrain the target bitrate.
@note{This option only applies when using amdvce encoder.}
@warning{HRD is known to cause encoding artifacts or negatively affect encoding quality on certain cards.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
amd_enforce_hrd = disabled
@endcode |

amd_quality Copy Section

| Description | The quality profile controls the tradeoff between speed and quality of encoding.
@note{This option only applies when using amdvce encoder.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
balanced
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
amd_quality = balanced
@endcode | |
| Choices | speed | prefer speed |
| balanced | balanced | |
| quality | prefer quality | |

amd_preanalysis Copy Section

| Description | Preanalysis can increase encoding quality at the cost of latency.
@note{This option only applies when using amdvce encoder.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
amd_preanalysis = disabled
@endcode |

amd_vbaq Copy Section

| Description | Variance Based Adaptive Quantization (VBAQ) can increase subjective visual quality by prioritizing
allocation of more bits to smooth areas compared to more textured areas.
@note{This option only applies when using amdvce encoder.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
amd_vbaq = enabled
@endcode |

amd_coder Copy Section

| Description | The entropy encoding to use.
@note{This option only applies when using H.264 with the amdvce
encoder.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
auto
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
amd_coder = auto
@endcode | |
| Choices | auto | let ffmpeg decide |
| cabac | context adaptive binary arithmetic coding - faster decode | |
| cavlc | context adaptive variable-length coding - higher quality | |

VideoToolbox Encoder Copy Chapter

vt_coder Copy Section

| Description | The entropy encoding to use.
@note{This option only applies when using macOS.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
auto
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
vt_coder = auto
@endcode | |
| Choices | auto | let ffmpeg decide |
| cabac | context adaptive binary arithmetic coding - faster decode | |
| cavlc | context adaptive variable-length coding - higher quality | |

vt_software Copy Section

| Description | Force Video Toolbox to use software encoding.
@note{This option only applies when using macOS.} | |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
auto
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
vt_software = auto
@endcode | |
| Choices | auto | let ffmpeg decide |
| disabled | disable software encoding | |
| allowed | allow software encoding | |
| forced | force software encoding | |

vt_realtime Copy Section

| Description | Realtime encoding.
@note{This option only applies when using macOS.}
@warning{Disabling realtime encoding might result in a delayed frame encoding or frame drop.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
enabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
vt_realtime = enabled
@endcode |

VA-API Encoder Copy Chapter

vaapi_strict_rc_buffer Copy Section

| Description | Enabling this option can avoid dropped frames over the network during scene changes, but video quality may
be reduced during motion.
@note{This option only applies for H.264 and HEVC when using VA-API encoder on AMD GPUs.} |

| --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
disabled
@endcode |
| Example | @code{}
vaapi_strict_rc_buffer = enabled
@endcode |

Software Encoder Copy Chapter

sw_preset Copy Section

| Description | The encoder preset to use.
@note{This option only applies when using software encoder.}
@note{From FFmpeg.

A preset is a collection of options that will provide a certain encoding speed to compression ratio. A slower
        preset will provide better compression (compression is quality per filesize). This means that, for example, if
        you target a certain file size or constant bit rate, you will achieve better quality with a slower preset.
        Similarly, for constant quality encoding, you will simply save bitrate by choosing a slower preset.
        
        
        Use the slowest preset that you have patience for.} |  |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
superfast
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
sw_preset = superfast
@endcode | |
| Choices | ultrafast | fastest |
| superfast | | |
| veryfast | | |
| faster | | |
| fast | | |
| medium | | |
| slow | | |
| slower | | |
| veryslow | slowest | |

sw_tune Copy Section

| Description | The tuning preset to use.
@note{This option only applies when using software encoder.}
@note{From FFmpeg.

You can optionally use -tune to change settings based upon the specifics of your input.
        } |  |

| --- | --- | --- |
| Default | @code{}
zerolatency
@endcode | |
| Example | @code{}
sw_tune = zerolatency
@endcode | |
| Choices | film | use for high quality movie content; lowers deblocking |
| animation | good for cartoons; uses higher deblocking and more reference frames | |
| grain | preserves the grain structure in old, grainy film material | |
| stillimage | good for slideshow-like content | |
| fastdecode | allows faster decoding by disabling certain filters | |
| zerolatency | good for fast encoding and low-latency streaming | |

[TOC]

File: docs/contributing.md Copy Chapter

Contributing

Read our contribution guide in our organization level
docs.

Recommended Tools Copy Chapter

Project Patterns Copy Chapter

Web UI Copy Section

• The Web UI uses Vite as its build system.
• The HTML pages used by the Web UI are found in ./src_assets/common/assets/web.
• EJS is used as a templating system for the pages
  (check template_header.html and template_header_main.html).
• The Style System is provided by Bootstrap.
• The JS framework used by the more interactive pages is Vue.js.

Building

@tabs{
@tab{CMake | bash cmake -B build -G Ninja -S . --target web-ui ninja -C build web-ui }
@tab{Manual | bash npm run dev }
}

Localization Copy Section

Sunshine and related LizardByte projects are being localized into various languages.
The default language is en (English).

@admonition{Community | We are looking for language coordinators to help approve translations.
The goal is to have the bars above filled with green!
If you are interesting, please reach out to us on our Discord server.}

CrowdIn

The translations occur on CrowdIn.
Anyone is free to contribute to the localization there.

Translation Basics

• The brand names LizardByte and Sunshine should never be translated.
• Other brand names should never be translated. Examples include AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA.

CrowdIn Integration

How does it work?

When a change is made to Sunshine source code, a workflow generates new translation templates
that get pushed to CrowdIn automatically.

When translations are updated on CrowdIn, a push gets made to the l10n_master branch and a PR is made against the
master branch. Once the PR is merged, all updated translations are part of the project and will be included in the
next release.

Extraction

Web UI

Sunshine uses Vue I18n for localizing the UI.
The following is a simple example of how to use it.

• Add the string to the ./src_assets/common/assets/web/public/assets/locale/en.json file, in English.

  json Copy

  {
   "index": {
     "welcome": "Hello, Sunshine!"
   }
  }

  [!NOTE]
  The JSON keys should be sorted alphabetically. You can use jsonabc
  to sort the keys.

  [!IMPORTANT]
  Due to the integration with Crowdin, it is important to only add strings to the en.json file,
  and to not modify any other language files. After the PR is merged, the translations can take place
  on CrowdIn. Once the translations are complete, a PR will be made
  to merge the translations into Sunshine.

• Use the string in the Vue component.

  html Copy

  <template>
    
      {{ $t('index.welcome') }}
    
  </template>

  [!TIP]
  More formatting examples can be found in the
  Vue I18n guide.

C++

There should be minimal cases where strings need to be extracted from C++ source code; however it may be necessary in
some situations. For example the system tray icon could be localized as it is user interfacing.

• Wrap the string to be extracted in a function as shown.
  cpp Copy

  #include 
  #include <string>
  
  std::string msg = boost::locale::translate("Hello world!");

[!TIP]
More examples can be found in the documentation for
boost locale.

[!WARNING]
The below is for information only. Contributors should never include manually updated template files, or
manually compiled language files in Pull Requests.

Strings are automatically extracted from the code to the locale/sunshine.po template file. The generated file is
used by CrowdIn to generate language specific template files. The file is generated using the
.github/workflows/localize.yml workflow and is run on any push event into the master branch. Jobs are only run if
any of the following paths are modified.

- 'src/**'

When testing locally it may be desirable to manually extract, initialize, update, and compile strings. Python is
required for this, along with the python dependencies in the ./scripts/requirements.txt file. Additionally,
xgettext must be installed.

• Extract, initialize, and update

  bash Copy

  python ./scripts/_locale.py --extract --init --update

• Compile

  bash Copy

  python ./scripts/_locale.py --compile

[!IMPORTANT]
Due to the integration with CrowdIn, it is important to not include any extracted or compiled files in
Pull Requests. The files are automatically generated and updated by the workflow. Once the PR is merged, the
translations can take place on CrowdIn. Once the translations are
complete, a PR will be made to merge the translations into Sunshine.

Testing Copy Section

Clang Format

Source code is tested against the .clang-format file for linting errors. The workflow file responsible for clang
format testing is .github/workflows/cpp-clang-format-lint.yml.

Option 1:

find ./ -iname *.cpp -o -iname *.h -iname *.m -iname *.mm | xargs clang-format -i

Option 2 (will modify files):

python ./scripts/update_clang_format.py

Unit Testing

Sunshine uses Google Test for unit testing. Google Test is included in the
repo as a submodule. The test sources are located in the ./tests directory.

The tests need to be compiled into an executable, and then run. The tests are built using the normal build process, but
can be disabled by setting the BUILD_TESTS CMake option to OFF.

To run the tests, execute the following command.

./build/tests/test_sunshine

To see all available options, run the tests with the --help flag.

./build/tests/test_sunshine --help

[!TIP]
See the googletest FAQ for more information on how to use Google Test.

We use gcovr to generate code coverage reports,
and Codecov to analyze the reports for all PRs and commits.

Codecov will fail a PR if the total coverage is reduced too much, or if not enough of the diff is covered by tests.
In some cases, the code cannot be covered when running the tests inside of GitHub runners. For example, any test that
needs access to the GPU will not be able to run. In these cases, the coverage can be omitted by adding comments to the
code. See the gcovr documentation for
more information.

Even if your changes cannot be covered in the CI, we still encourage you to write the tests for them. This will allow
maintainers to run the tests locally.

[TOC]

File: docs/gamestream_migration.md Copy Chapter

GameStream Migration

Nvidia announced that their GameStream service for Nvidia Games clients will be discontinued in February 2023.
Luckily, Sunshine performance is now equal to or better than Nvidia GameStream.

Migration Copy Chapter

We have developed a simple migration tool to help you migrate your GameStream games and apps to Sunshine automatically.
Please check out our GSMS project if you're interested in an automated
migration option. GSMS offers the ability to migrate your custom and auto-detected games and apps. The
working directory, command, and image are all set in Sunshine's apps.json file. The box-art image is also copied
to a specified directory.

Internet Streaming Copy Chapter

If you are using the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool, you can remove it from your system when you migrate to Sunshine.
To stream over the Internet with Sunshine and a UPnP-capable router, enable the UPnP option in the Sunshine Web UI.

[!NOTE]
Running Sunshine together with versions of the Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool prior to v5.6 will cause UPnP
port forwarding to become unreliable. Either uninstall the tool entirely or update it to v5.6 or later.

Limitations Copy Chapter

Sunshine does have some limitations, as compared to Nvidia GameStream.

• Automatic game/application list.
• Changing game settings automatically to optimize streaming.

[TOC]

File: docs/guides.md Copy Chapter

Guides

@admonition{Community | A collection of guides written by the community is available on our
blog.
Feel free to contribute your own tips and trips by making a PR to
LizardByte.github.io.}

[TOC]