Migration Protocol. If you've decided to switch streaming software, the structured migration to minimize downtime and lost work.

Pre-migration (days 1-7):

• Document your current setup in writing (scenes, sources, settings, hotkeys)
• Take screenshots of every scene at production quality
• Export current scene collection as JSON backup
• Export OBS settings (Output, Audio, Video, etc.) as documentation
• List every plugin you currently use and confirm equivalents exist in target software

Setup new software (days 8-10):

• Install new streaming software fresh
• Configure base settings (encoder, bitrate, resolution, framerate)
• Import or re-create your primary scene first (the one you use most)
• Add core sources (webcam, microphone, game capture)
• Test record

Iteration (days 11-13):

• Add additional scenes (Starting Soon, BRB, Ending)
• Configure alert browser sources
• Set up overlay branding elements
• Configure scene transitions
• Set up hotkeys to match your old setup (muscle memory matters)
• Test record again

Validation (day 14):

• Run a full-length test stream (not live — just record everything as if live)
• Check audio levels, video quality, scene transitions, alerts, chat overlay
• Compare to your old setup's recording for parity
• Fix any gaps

Go-live (day 15+):

• First live stream on new software during a low-stakes time slot
• Have a backup plan to revert to old software if issues arise mid-stream
• Communicate to audience: "first stream on new setup, expect some bumps"

2 weeks for a clean migration. Don't rush it.