Support

QuickTakes Support

QuickTakes is a free macOS screen recorder that lets you mark good and bad takes while you record, then export just the keepers — no round-trip through another editor. Below are the essentials for getting started, the takes workflow, and fixes for common snags.

Need a hand? hello@stingray-digital.com — we usually reply within 1–2 business days.

Getting started

  1. 1

    Grant Screen Recording. On first launch, QuickTakes asks for Screen Recording in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording. Toggle QuickTakes on.

  2. 2

    Pick a source. Click the Source pill → Display, Window, or Region.

  3. 3

    Record. Hit the red record circle (or ⌥⌘R).

  4. 4

    Mark takes as you go. Start a take with ⌥S, then ⌥G for a good take, ⌥B for a bad one. A toast confirms each mark.

  5. 5

    Stop, then edit. Open the editor — bad takes are flagged for removal. Click a take to play it, All for the full recording, then Export the good takes.

The takes workflow

  • Start take ⌥S · Good take ⌥G · Bad take ⌥B (reassignable in Settings → Shortcuts).

  • Shortcuts work even when QuickTakes is in the background — no Accessibility permission needed.

  • Editing is non-destructive: your original recording is never changed. Only Export re-encodes, outputting just the good takes.

Frequently asked

Is QuickTakes really free?

Yes — every feature, for everyone: unlimited takes, 4K/60 fps, ProRes/HEVC, webcam, OBS streaming, the editor. The only purchase is an optional “Support the developer” donation (one-off or monthly). It unlocks nothing; it only hides the in-app support message. Donations fund development and other free apps for people with disabilities.

Do I need to edit in another app?

No. Marking takes good/bad while you record is the edit. Export gives you clean, cut clips.

Is my footage safe if I change my mind?

Yes. The raw recording is untouched. Re-open the project and re-cut anytime.

Where are my recordings?

In the output folder you chose (menu bar → “Reveal Last Recording”, or the folder shown under Output).

How do I restore a past donation?

Open the support sheet (♥ button) or Settings → General → Restore Purchases.

Why is the webcam a separate file?

So you can composite it freely in your editor — it is not burned into the screen recording.

Streaming to OBS has a delay / can't connect.

The local stream serves on your machine/LAN. Point OBS at the URL QuickTakes shows; a few seconds of HLS buffering is normal.

Troubleshooting

  • No video after recording: Ensure the output folder is writable and Screen Recording is granted. Update to the latest version.

  • Shortcuts not firing: Check Settings → Shortcuts for conflicts; reassign if another app owns the combo.

  • Region record button disabled: Define an active region first (drag the overlay), then record.

Feature requests & bugs

Email hello@stingray-digital.com with your macOS version and, for bugs, what you did and what happened. Screenshots help.

See also the QuickTakes privacy policy.