OpenScreen

At a glance

OpenScreen records a desktop walkthrough and adds presentation controls such as zooms, trimming, backgrounds and captions. The repository linked by this listing is archived and points to a community continuation at getopenscreen/openscreen. For a new recording setup, evaluate that continuation rather than starting with the unmaintained original.

Good fit

Builders making a short product demonstration who want to edit the recording rather than assemble a general video-production workflow. Cursor-following zooms can draw attention to a control, while trim regions remove unwanted sections. These are documented capabilities, not a hands-on judgment of recording quality or editing speed.

Consider something else when

You need a supported production dependency with stable project compatibility. The continuation warns of rough edges and breaking changes to its project format and CLI. Export a finished video and retain source footage before relying on editable projects across upgrades; the original repository will not receive ongoing maintenance.

Start here

Start at the continuation’s installation guide and choose the build for your platform. Its documented first loop is to choose a screen or window, record a harmless short walkthrough, stop, open Studio, trim and Export. Show in folder locates the output. Save an editable .openscreen project as well as the exported video.

Cost and requirements

Both repositories carry MIT licences; the continuation documents free recording, editing and export without an account. Optional AI editing uses your own provider key and can incur provider charges. Current installation docs specify macOS 13+, Windows 10 version 1903+ and 8 GB RAM minimum. Capture, microphone and cursor capabilities have additional OS and permission conditions, so check the platform table before installing.

Limits to know

The continuation’s privacy policy says recordings stay on the computer, but lists update and model downloads plus an optional daily usage count. AI editing can send chat and project data, including transcripts, to your chosen provider; it is off until connected. The usage count can be disabled. This source-only review did not assess permissions, capture reliability, audio sync, export speed or whether older projects reopen correctly.

Still unclear

• Will your existing projects and required capture features work with the continuation build you plan to use?