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Open Recorder registers global capture shortcuts that work from any application while the app is running. It also provides standard in-app shortcuts for the editor and project library.

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Global capture shortcuts

These shortcuts trigger captures without switching to the Open Recorder window. Pressing ⌥ ⇧ 5 or ⌥ ⇧ 6 while a recording is in progress stops that recording instead of starting a new capture.

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Pre-recording HUD

The Device Screen Record shortcut no longer starts an instant recording. It opens the capture HUD in pre-recording mode so you can review the setup before capture begins. From the HUD you can:
  • Change the capture source (display, window, or area).
  • Toggle system audio on or off.
  • Toggle the microphone on or off and pick a microphone device.
  • Toggle the camera on or off for a facecam track.
Click Record in the HUD, or press ⌥ ⇧ R, to start the recording with the options you selected. Press Esc during the recording countdown to cancel before capture begins. The HUD returns to its ready state without starting a recording. Esc also cancels an in-progress area selection.

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Customizing global shortcuts

Change any global shortcut in Settings on the Shortcuts tab, under Global Shortcuts. Open Settings from the menu bar dropdown with Settings… or press ⌘ , while an Open Recorder window is focused. To record a new shortcut:
  1. Click the shortcut field next to an action. The field shows Press shortcut… and previews modifiers as you hold them.
  2. Press the key combination you want. Open Recorder saves it as soon as you release the keys.
  3. Press Esc to cancel recording and keep the current shortcut.
You can record any key combination instead of picking from presets. Open Recorder validates the combination and shows an error under the field if it rejects it:
  • The combination must include ⌘, ⌃, or ⌥. Function keys (F1–F20) can be used on their own.
  • The combination cannot already be assigned to another Open Recorder action.
  • The combination cannot match an Open Recorder menu command, such as ⌘ N.
  • The combination cannot be reserved by macOS or registered by another application.
Restore Default Shortcuts resets all five actions to the defaults listed above.

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In-app shortcuts

These shortcuts work while an Open Recorder window is focused. The menu bar dropdown also includes a Settings… item that opens the Settings window. Settings is organized into three tabs: General for recording and folder options, Shortcuts for the global capture shortcuts, and System for macOS permissions. While a recording is active, the menu bar item also exposes Stop Recording with ⌘ R.