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

# Open Recorder frequently asked questions and answers

> Answers to common questions about Open Recorder: supported macOS versions, export formats, storage locations, system audio, open-source licensing, and more.

Find quick answers about Open Recorder below. If your question isn't covered here, check the [Troubleshooting](/reference/permissions-troubleshooting) page or open an issue on the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/imbhargav5/open-recorder).

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What macOS versions does Open Recorder support?">
    Open Recorder is a native Swift app built with Swift 6.2 and uses ScreenCaptureKit APIs that require a recent version of macOS. macOS Ventura (13) or later is recommended for the best experience.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What file formats does Open Recorder export?">
    Open Recorder exports recordings as MOV (QuickTime) files. The export dialog lets you choose a resolution (480p, 720p, 1080p, or 4K) and a frame rate (15, 24, 30, or 60 FPS). MP4 and GIF export are not currently available.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where are my recordings stored?">
    | Content       | Location                                               |
    | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
    | Recordings    | `~/Movies/Open Recorder`                               |
    | Screenshots   | `~/Pictures/Open Recorder`                             |
    | Project files | `~/Library/Application Support/Open Recorder/Projects` |

    Nothing is uploaded to any server. Open Recorder is entirely local-first — all captures, project metadata, and exports stay on your Mac.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I record multiple monitors?">
    Yes. When you select **Display** as the capture source, all connected displays appear in the source list. Select the display you want to record. To record a different display, switch your source selection before starting the next recording.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I record system audio?">
    Yes. Open Recorder supports system audio capture via ScreenCaptureKit. A system audio toggle is available in the recording HUD. When system audio is on, the audio from your Mac's output is mixed into the recording alongside any microphone audio you have enabled.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does Open Recorder upload my recordings anywhere?">
    No. Open Recorder has no account system, login, or cloud service. All recordings, screenshots, project metadata, and exports remain on your Mac. The Rust service that runs alongside the app communicates only over a local pipe — no network traffic is involved.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is Open Recorder free to use?">
    Yes. Open Recorder is free and open source, published under the Apache License 2.0. You can use, modify, and redistribute it under the terms of that license.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is the Rust service and do I need to manage it?">
    Open Recorder includes a lightweight background service that handles project metadata, file path bookkeeping, and export coordination. It starts automatically when Open Recorder launches.

    You do not need to manage it. If you want to confirm it is running, open Settings and check the **Service** section — it shows the service name, version, and a **Check Service** button you can use to ping it on demand.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does a recording show a 'missing' indicator in the library?">
    Open Recorder stores the file path to each recording in its project metadata. If you move or delete the recording file outside of Open Recorder (for example, in Finder), the project document still exists but the path it references no longer points to a file, so the library marks it as missing.

    To resolve this, move the file back to `~/Movies/Open Recorder` with its original name, or remove the project from the library and re-open the file from its new location using **Open Project…** (`⌘ O`).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I contribute to Open Recorder?">
    Open Recorder is open source on GitHub at `github.com/imbhargav5/open-recorder` under the Apache 2.0 license. See the `CONTRIBUTING.md` file in the repository for contribution guidelines, including how to build the project locally and submit pull requests.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>