Script and storyboard generation
Claude Code turns an idea into a script and storyboard, splitting the video into shots with guidance for filming each one.
Takes
Takes is a free, open-source Mac app for scripting, storyboarding, recording, editing, and preparing social posts from video takes. It is aimed at creators making talking-head videos, tutorials, product demos, and short-form content with Claude Code-assisted workflows.
Overview
Takes is a free, open-source Mac app for turning spoken video ideas into recorded takes, edited clips, and social post drafts. Its workflow combines a script and shot storyboard, a teleprompter, camera recording, Claude Code-assisted editing, and platform-oriented post previews.
The app stores projects locally in plain folders under ~/Movies/Takes. A creator can write or generate a script, record several versions, choose a keeper, ask Claude Code or another supported agent to make edits, and review draft posts for LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Takes requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 15 or later; AI features require a paid Claude plan through Claude Code.
Features
Voice-following teleprompter
A teleprompter can follow your voice or scroll at a selected speed. It sits under the camera or in the Mac notch, and supports opening-line variations.
Camera and screen recording
Record repeated takes, mark the strongest version, and optionally capture the camera and screen as synchronized files. Built-in, iPhone, and USB cameras are supported.
AI-assisted video editing
Claude Code can cut the selected take into edits such as vertical clips, remove silences and false starts, and apply caption or style instructions.
Platform post drafts and previews
The Post tab previews platform-specific layouts and drafts content for LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.
Frame-based feedback and style memory
Point to a frame, mark an area, and leave an editing note. Takes creates a new version and can save recurring preferences as style rules.
Use cases
Talking-head videos
Generate a script and shot list, read it from the teleprompter, record several openings, and keep the strongest take before moving to the edit.
Product demos and tutorials
Capture the camera and screen together, then use the synchronized files to switch between a presenter view and a full-screen demonstration.
Short-form social publishing
Ask Claude Code to create a short vertical cut, remove pauses or false starts, and prepare platform-specific captions and posts from the selected take.
Iterative editing with an AI agent
Use frame annotations and saved style rules to give precise visual feedback across successive edits, reducing the need to restate recurring preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines scripting, storyboarding, teleprompting, recording, editing, and post drafting in one local Mac workflow.
- Supports voice-following or manually controlled teleprompter scrolling, multiple takes, and camera-plus-screen capture.
- Keeps scripts, recordings, and edit versions in accessible local folders rather than requiring a cloud-only library.
- Works with several external agent tools through MCP, including Codex and Cursor, as well as Claude Code.
Cons
- Requires an Apple silicon Mac and macOS 15 or later; Windows and Intel Mac are not supported.
- The AI workflow depends on a paid Claude Pro or Max plan, even though the Takes app itself is free.
- The downloaded DMG is not notarized, so macOS requires an additional Privacy & Security confirmation the first time it opens.
FAQ
What devices and operating systems does Takes support?
Takes runs on Apple silicon Macs with macOS 15 or later. It can use the built-in camera, an iPhone through Continuity Camera, or a USB camera.
How much does Takes cost, and do I need Claude?
Takes is free and open source. Its AI workflows use Claude Code, which requires a paid Claude plan such as Pro or Max; Takes does not add a separate AI charge according to the site.
How do I install Takes?
You can paste the installation command into Terminal, or download the DMG, drag Takes to Applications, open it, and complete setup in the sidebar. The Terminal installer also installs ffmpeg and Claude Code when needed.
Where are my recordings and project files stored?
Takes saves projects locally in ~/Movies/Takes as plain folders. Scripts are stored as Markdown, recordings as MOV files, and edits in an edits folder.
Can I use an AI agent other than the built-in Claude Code workflow?
Yes. On first launch, Takes can add its MCP server to supported agents it finds, including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Antigravity, opencode, pi, and Claude Desktop. The site also describes a built-in Claude Code chat panel.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Video creation and editing
- Platform
- macOS 15 or later on Apple silicon
- Storage
- Local project folders in ~/Movies/Takes
- Cameras
- Built-in Mac, iPhone through Continuity Camera, or USB camera
- AI workflow
- Claude Code; MCP support for several other agents
- License and app cost
- Free and open source; site states the teleprompter is MIT licensed
Alternative a Takes
Zella
Zella is a screen recorder and on-device AI video editor for Mac and iPhone. It helps creators record screens or cameras, automatically clean up footage, add captions, reframe clips, and export videos without uploading the core project to the cloud.
Jupitrr Cut
Jupitrr Cut is a free iOS and Android teleprompter and recording app for scripted talking-head videos. It records scenes separately, lets users retake individual lines, trims pauses, and stitches the takes into a jump-cut video.
Tavus
Tavus is an AI video platform for building real-time, face-to-face agents, digital twins, and AI companions. It combines APIs, custom replicas, and multilingual conversational workflows for developers and teams.
HiringPartner.ai
HiringPartner.ai is an autonomous AI recruiting platform for sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates 24/7. It supports ATS-connected workflows, bulk resume uploads, and reviewable interview outputs for hiring teams.
CAKIE
CAKIE is a Mac app for recording your screen and voice for an AI agent. It adds a transcript and screenshot highlights, then lets you copy a prompt and paste or attach the context in another AI app.
Video Effects SDK
Video Effects SDK adds real-time webcam effects such as background blur, background replacement or removal, denoising, framing, beautification, and color grading. It is built for teams shipping live video experiences on web, desktop, and mobile platforms.