ScribeShot
Product documentation
Getting started with ScribeShot
ScribeShot is a local-first macOS workspace for learning from YouTube. You give it a video, it creates a folder on your Mac, downloads the transcript, and turns the lesson into structured notes that can include chapters, screenshots, a mind map, chat history, and a concise summary.
Updated
Quick workflow
- 1
Install and open ScribeShot on macOS 13 or later.
- 2
Choose the folder where you want your video-note library to live.
- 3
Use the built-in local Gemma model, or connect your own OpenAI API key.
- 4
Add a YouTube video and let ScribeShot download its transcript.
- 5
Generate notes, then capture the visual moments worth keeping as you watch.
1. Choose where your notes will live
On first run, choose a directory you control. ScribeShot creates one subfolder per saved video inside that location. Human-readable files such as notes.md, summary.md, mindmap.md, source.md, and captured screenshots stay as ordinary files on disk.
If you already keep a knowledge base in Finder, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or an Obsidian vault, pick a location that fits that workflow from the beginning.
2. Pick an AI provider
You can start with ScribeShot's local Gemma 4 models. They run on your Mac, require no AI account or API key, and can generate notes, chapters, mind maps, chat responses, and screenshot analysis. Gemma 4 E4B is the default; Gemma 4 E2B is the lighter option.
If you prefer cloud inference, add your own OpenAI API key in Settings. ScribeShot sends requests directly to OpenAI using that key; ScribeShot does not operate an intermediary AI server.
3. Add your first YouTube video
Paste a YouTube URL into ScribeShot. The app reads the video metadata, creates the note folder, and downloads the available transcript. ScribeShot depends on a transcript, so a video without usable captions cannot go through the notes pipeline.
Continue with Create notes from a YouTube video for the full workflow.
What to try during the free evaluation
The evaluation mode gives you three videos with up to three screenshots per video. Test the whole loop rather than only the summary: generate chapters, capture a slide or code frame, inspect the resulting AI notes, and see whether the local files fit the way you already study.
Common questions
Do I need a ScribeShot account?
No. ScribeShot does not require an account or email sign-up to use the app.
Do I need an OpenAI API key?
No. You can use the built-in local Gemma 4 models instead. OpenAI is optional.
Try the workflow
Use it on a real YouTube video
Try three videos free, with three screenshots per video. No account or credit card is required.