> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-atem.md).

# Use Captivate with ATEM

A Blackmagic ATEM can work with Captivate in two directions: Captivate can feed the ATEM keyable graphics, or the ATEM’s program can come into Captivate for final compositing. Decide which direction your show runs before you wire it, because it sets your **Alpha Key** and output.

## Captivate into ATEM

Captivate sends keyable graphics; the ATEM composites them over its program. This is the contributor role — turn **Alpha Key** on.

* **ATEM models with an HDMI chroma keyer** (such as the ATEM Mini line): send the **Display output** over a chroma or luma key background and key it on the ATEM. See [Use Captivate with an HDMI switcher](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-an-hdmi-switcher.md).
* **ATEM models with SDI fill + key inputs**: send **SDI key + fill** into the ATEM’s upstream or downstream keyer. See [Use Captivate with an SDI broadcast switcher](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-an-sdi-broadcast-switcher.md).

## ATEM into Captivate

The ATEM produces the program and sends it into Captivate, which adds graphics on top and sends the finished frame onward. This is the finisher role — turn **Alpha Key** off.

* Bring the ATEM’s program in as a live source. On the ATEM Mini, the USB-C program output appears as a webcam capture source; on larger models, use an SDI or HDMI capture card. See [Live video inputs](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-2.md).
* Overlay your graphics, then send the finished result to a display, a stream, or back into the ATEM on a separate input. See [Set up graphics output](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index.md) or [Streaming & delivery](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-6.md).

## Alpha Key

* **Captivate into ATEM** — Alpha Key on. Captivate produces keyable graphics; the ATEM composites them.
* **ATEM into Captivate** — Alpha Key off. Captivate produces the finished frame.

## Set up overview

1. Decide the direction: is Captivate contributing graphics to the ATEM, or finishing the ATEM’s program?
2. Set the project’s video format and **Alpha Key** to match — see [Set the project format](/set-up-your-production/set-up-your-project.md).
3. Configure the output (Display or SDI) or the live input (capture/USB-C) for that direction.
4. Set the ATEM’s keyer or input routing to match.

## Related

* [Preparing your Blackmagic ATEM switcher to communicate with Captivate](/solution-recipes/chapter-index/atem-integration.md) — the end-to-end recipe.
* [Use Captivate with an HDMI switcher](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-an-hdmi-switcher.md)
* [Live video inputs](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-2.md)
* [Choose how Captivate fits your production](/set-up-your-production/how-it-fits-your-production.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-7/use-with-atem.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.