> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.daydream.live/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using NDI

> Send and receive real-time video over the network with NDI

# Sending and receiving video over the network with NDI

Scope supports real-time, low-latency video over IP via [NDI (Network Device Interface)](https://ndi.video/). Unlike [Spout](/scope/guides/spout) which is limited to sharing between applications on the same machine, NDI works across the local network — you can send and receive video between different computers.

<Warning>
  The [NDI SDK / NDI Tools](https://ndi.video/tools/) must be installed on the machine running Scope. NDI works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
</Warning>

***

## NDI Receiver

Scope can receive video from any NDI source on the network.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set input mode to Video">
    Under **Input & Controls**, set **Input Mode** to **Video**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select NDI as source">
    Set **Video Source** to **NDI**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose an NDI source">
    Available NDI sources on the network will appear in the dropdown. Select the one you want to receive from. A small preview thumbnail will show the current frame from the selected source.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  When selecting an NDI source, Scope automatically probes the source's native resolution and adjusts the pipeline dimensions to match. This avoids stretching or compression artifacts.
</Note>

***

## NDI Sender

Configure Scope to send its processed output to other applications via NDI. This is useful for routing AI-generated video to OBS for recording, TouchDesigner for post-processing, or Resolume for live VJ sets, all over the network.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Outputs panel">
    In the Scope interface, find the **Outputs** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable NDI Output">
    Toggle **NDI Output** to **On**. Scope begins broadcasting video as an NDI source on the network.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure sender name (optional)">
    The default sender name is `Scope`. You can change this if you need to identify multiple Scope instances on the network. The name you set here is what appears in other applications when they scan for NDI sources.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  In the receiving application, look for an NDI source named `Scope` (or whatever you set the sender name to). It may take a few seconds to appear after enabling.
</Tip>

***

## Installing NDI Tools

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the installer">
    Go to [ndi.video/tools](https://ndi.video/tools/) and download the installer for your platform:

    | Platform    | What to install                                     |
    | ----------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Windows** | NDI Tools (includes the runtime DLL)                |
    | **macOS**   | NDI SDK for Apple (provides `libndi.dylib`)         |
    | **Linux**   | NDI SDK — ensure `libndi.so` is on the library path |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart Scope">
    Restart Scope after installation. The NDI option will appear automatically once the SDK is detected.

    <Tip>
      If NDI doesn't appear after restarting Scope, try restarting again. On Windows, if environment variables aren't being picked up, you may need to restart your machine.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Compatible Applications

Scope should be able to share real-time video with any application that supports NDI. The following applications have been tested:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Resolume Arena / Avenue" icon="display" href="https://resolume.com/">
    Built-in NDI input/output
  </Card>

  <Card title="OBS Studio" icon="video" href="https://obsproject.com/">
    With the [DistroAV plugin](https://github.com/DistroAV/DistroAV)
  </Card>

  <Card title="TouchDesigner" icon="bezier-curve" href="https://derivative.ca/">
    With [NDI In](https://docs.derivative.ca/NDI_In_TOP) and [NDI Out](https://docs.derivative.ca/NDI_Out_TOP) TOPs
  </Card>

  <Card title="vMix" icon="tv" href="https://www.vmix.com/">
    Built-in NDI support
  </Card>

  <Card title="VirtualDJ" icon="music" href="https://ndi.video/tools/">
    With Send-NDI plugin
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  Any application that supports NDI should work with Scope. Check your application's documentation for NDI integration instructions.
</Tip>

***

## See Also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Using Spout" icon="share-nodes" href="/scope/guides/spout">
    Share real-time video between applications on the same Windows machine
  </Card>

  <Card title="Using Syphon" icon="share-nodes" href="/scope/guides/syphon">
    Share real-time video between applications on the same Mac
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/scope/getting-started/quickstart">
    Get Scope running if you haven't already
  </Card>
</CardGroup>